It can be challenging to come up with meal ideas for your picky toddler.
You may have tried everything from making your homemade purees to store-bought baby food, but it seems like nothing satisfies their taste buds. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Many moms and dads struggle with picky eaters, but the good news is, there are many foods that your toddler will love.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 35 easy picky toddler meals that will not only keep them happy and satisfied, but also healthy.
35 Easy Picky Toddler Meals Ideas
1. Cheesy Scrambled Eggs with Toast
Who doesn’t love cheesy scrambled eggs? Add some whole-grain toast, and you’ve got a complete meal that is packed with protein and fiber.
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most delicious. Spread some peanut butter and jelly on whole-grain bread, and you’ve got an easy lunch that your toddler will love.
Read Also:
- 35 Easy Toddler Meal Ideas to Keep Your Little One Happy and Healthy
- 42 Easy Breakfast Ideas for Toddlers
3. Sweet Potato Tots
Sweet potato tots are a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots. They’re easy to make, and your toddler will love the sweet taste.
4. Chicken or Turkey Cutlets
Try baking or grilling chicken or turkey cutlets and serve them with a side of veggies. Your toddler will love the flavor and texture.
5. Banana Pancakes
Make pancakes with mashed bananas instead of sugar. Not only are they healthier, but they’re also naturally sweet, which your toddler will love.
6. Meatballs and Pasta
Make your own meatballs with ground turkey or beef and serve them with whole-grain pasta and tomato sauce. Your toddler will love the meatballs, and you’ll love the added nutrition.
7. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
This classic meal is both satisfying and delicious. Use whole-grain bread and low-fat cheese to make it even healthier.
8. Turkey and Cheese Wraps
Roll up turkey, cheese, and a few veggies in a whole-grain wrap for a quick and easy lunch that your toddler will love.
9. Mini Pizzas
Make mini pizzas using whole-grain English muffins, tomato sauce, and low-fat cheese. Your toddler will have fun helping you make them and will love eating them as well.
10. Fruit and Veggie Smoothies
Blend fruits and veggies together to make a nutritious smoothie that your toddler will love.
11. Apple and Cheddar Quesadillas
Add some chopped apples and cheddar cheese to a whole-grain tortilla and cook until it is crispy. Your toddler will love the sweet and savory combination.
12. Crispy Rice Spicy Salmon
Bake salmon and serve it with brown rice and veggies. This meal is packed with healthy fats and is perfect for a picky toddler who loves fish.
13. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Skip the store-bought nuggets and make your own using ground chicken or turkey. Your toddler will love the flavor, and you’ll love the added nutrition.
14. Avocado Toast
Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain toast and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Your toddler will love the creamy texture.
15. Turkey and Veggie Burgers
Make your own burgers using ground turkey and grated veggies like carrots and zucchini. Your toddler will love the taste, and you’ll love the added nutrition.
16. Veggie and Hummus Wrap
Spread hummus on a whole-grain wrap and add some chopped veggies. Roll up and serve. Your toddler will love the crunch.
17. Carrot Fries
Slice carrots into fries and bake in the oven with a little bit of olive oil. Your toddler will love the sweetness, and you’ll love the added nutrition.
18. Mac and Cheese with Peas
Add some cooked peas to your toddler’s favorite mac and cheese recipe. Not only will it add some nutrition, but it will also add some texture and color.
19. Veggie Omelet
Make an omelet with chopped veggies like spinach, tomatoes, and peppers. Your toddler will love the flavor and color.
20. Fruit Salad with Yogurt
Mix chopped fruit with Greek yogurt for a healthy and delicious snack that your toddler will love.
21. Baked Chicken Tenders
Bread chicken tenders with whole-grain breadcrumbs and bake them in the oven. Your toddler will love the taste, and you’ll love the added nutrition.
22. Mini Waffle Sandwiches
Create small waffle sandwiches with peanut butter, banana slices, and a drizzle of honey for a fun and delicious breakfast or snack.
23. Mini Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas
Make small quesadillas with turkey slices and cheese, and cut them into bite-sized pieces for a kid-friendly meal or snack.
24. Chicken and Veggie Rice Bowl
Serve bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken, steamed veggies, and rice in a toddler-friendly bowl with a tasty sauce.
25. Pasta with Pesto
Toss whole-grain pasta with pesto sauce for a flavorful and nutritious meal that toddlers often enjoy.
26. Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins
Bake muffins using applesauce and a hint of cinnamon for a healthier and tasty snack.
27. Cheese and Veggie Omelet
Make a cheesy omelet with your toddler’s favorite veggies for a protein-rich and colorful breakfast.
28. Mini Corn Dogs
Bake mini corn dogs made with whole-grain cornbread and lean hot dogs for a toddler-friendly version of this classic treat.
29. Mini Fruit Popsicles
Blend pureed fruit and yogurt, pour them into small popsicle molds, and freeze for a refreshing and nutritious treat.
30. Pita Bread Pizzas
Top small pita bread rounds with tomato sauce, cheese, and toddler-friendly toppings for a customizable and easy pizza meal.
31. Mini Tuna Sandwiches
Make tiny tuna sandwiches with whole-grain bread and a light mayo-based spread for a simple and nutritious lunch.
32. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Spread cream cheese on whole-grain bread and add cucumber slices for a refreshing and crunchy snack.
33. Blueberry Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt, fresh blueberries, and a touch of granola for a delicious and visually appealing parfait.
34. Banana Slices with Almond Butter
Serve banana slices with a dollop of almond butter for a quick and healthy snack.
35. Strawberry and Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll-Ups
Spread cream cheese on a whole-grain tortilla, add sliced strawberries, and roll it up for a sweet and satisfying snack.
Final Thoughts,
Feeding a picky toddler can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. By incorporating some of these meal ideas into your daily routine, you can not only keep your toddler happy, but also healthy.
From sweet potato tots to fruit and veggie smoothies, there are plenty of easy and delicious options that your toddler will love. So, next time you’re searching for meal ideas, give these a try and see how your picky eater responds.
