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Easy Toddler Meals

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Feeding toddlers can feel like a full-time job—some days they’ll eat anything, other days even toast gets the side-eye. That’s why I’ve rounded up my favourite easy toddler meals that work for busy families, picky eaters, and little ones learning to feed themselves.

From toddler friendly dinners and daycare lunches to baby breakfast ideas, these recipes are all simple, nourishing, and realistic. You’ll find options for every stage of toddler eating—from soft and scoopable to grab-and-go finger foods.

If you’re after easy toddler snacks too, you can check out my Snacks for Toddlers
post for more quick, healthy ideas that keep little tummies happy between meals.

Whether you’re looking for fuss-free toddler meals for picky eaters or just want more healthy baby & toddler meals that the whole family will enjoy, this list is packed with practical, parent-tested recipes to make mealtimes easier.

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Toddler Dinners

Dinner time with toddlers can feel like a juggling act—something soft enough for little mouths, mild enough for picky eaters, but still satisfying for the rest of the family. This collection of easy toddler dinners is designed to make that balance simple. From gentle curries to veggie-loaded comfort meals, these are healthy baby and toddler meals that work whether you’re feeding a first-time eater or a tired parent in need of a fuss-free win.

Toddler Veggie Pasta
A simple, comforting meal for early eaters. This soft pasta is tossed in a smooth, veggie-rich sauce—perfect for babies learning to self-feed or toddlers needing a gentle, familiar dinner.
Check out this recipe
Baby pasta portioned into a blue silicone freezing container ready to freeze.
Peanut Butter Noodles
These quick noodles are creamy, nutty, and lightly tangy, making them an instant hit with toddlers. The mild sauce and soft noodles make this an easy toddler meal idea that’s big on flavour and short on prep.
Check out this recipe
Dinner bowl on benchtop with rice noodles with peanut butter mixture added throughout, broccoli and snow heads inside and garnished with slice of lemon.
Easy Cheesy Rice
Soft, creamy, and endlessly adaptable, this one-pot toddler friendly dinner is ready in under 20 minutes. Stir through veggies or soft protein for a complete, comforting bowl that even picky toddlers love.
Check out this recipe
Blue silicone baby bowl with cheesy rice inside, toddler fork with pink silicone handle, pink silicone babu cup on benchtop.
Baked Pumpkin Risotto
A hands-off, oven-baked risotto that’s velvety and subtly sweet. It’s a great way to introduce veggies in a texture toddlers enjoy—and a nourishing toddler meal for picky eaters the whole family can share.
Check out this recipe
Baby silicone bowl with baked pumpkin risotto inside.
Chicken Cauliflower Curry For Kids - Veggie Loaded
This mild coconut curry blends cauliflower, pumpkin, and spinach into a creamy sauce that’s gentle on little taste buds. A perfect first curry for healthy baby and toddler meals with a boost of hidden veggies.
Check out this recipe
Hand holding toddler silicone plate with baby fork, rice and chicken curry inside. Sides blurred in background on benchtop.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
A comfort classic with a veggie twist. The butternut squash adds natural sweetness and a silky texture that makes this toddler dinner both nutritious and irresistibly creamy.
Check out this recipe
A scoop of butternut macaroni and cheese on wooden spoon held up above sauce pan of butternut macaroni and cheese, half a butternut and measuring cup with chopped butternut inside.
Vegetable Slice
This make-ahead veggie slice is ideal for daycare meals or busy weeknights. Packed with soft vegetables and cheese, it’s easy to cut into finger-sized portions for toddlers still mastering self-feeding.
Check out this recipe
Four pieces of vegetable slice staked in a tower on top of crumpled brown parchment paper.
Mango Curry
Creamy, mild, and slightly sweet, this curry is a gentle way to introduce new flavours. A fun, flavourful option when you’re looking to expand your list of toddler meals for picky eaters.
Check out this recipe
baby plate with mango chicken curry, rice, and bananas.

Toddler Pasta Meals

Pasta is always a winner when it comes to toddler friendly dinners. It’s soft, easy to chew, and perfect for catching smooth sauces and hidden veggies. These pasta recipes are packed with gentle flavours and familiar textures—ideal for picky toddler meals or days when you need a quick, nourishing dinner everyone will eat.

Healthy Mac and Cheese with Veggies
A lighter take on a family favourite. This creamy mac and cheese hides cauliflower and zucchini in the sauce, creating a silky texture and mild flavour that even veggie-sceptical toddlers enjoy.
Check out this recipe
Spoon scooping out a serve of mac and cheese.
Creamy Tomato Pasta
Simple ingredients, quick prep, and a smooth sauce that’s big on comfort but gentle on spice. This easy toddler meal idea is ready in minutes and perfect for nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Check out this recipe
Portion of creamy tomato pasta served on plate garnished with fresh basil, a small serving on a silicone child plate and fork with skillet of remaining pasta, cherry tomatoes and small ramekin of basil in the background.
Sausage Pasta
This hearty one-pan pasta combines the familiar taste of sausage with the goodness of lentils and veggies. It’s a toddler friendly dinner that’s filling, flavourful, and great for stretching both your ingredients and your wins.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of served up sausage pasta with remainder of pasta in cast iron pan blurred in the background.
Pesto Pasta
A bright, herby dish that sneaks in greens without the battle. This spinach-and-basil pesto is mild and creamy—perfect for adventurous toddlers or those learning to love new flavours.
Check out this recipe
A plate full of pesto pasta with a hand holding a forkful of the pasta above it.
Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce
Smooth, garlicky, and packed with hidden veggies, this clever Alfredo sauce feels indulgent while keeping things light. A brilliant choice for healthy baby and toddler meals that feel like comfort food.
Check out this recipe
Cauliflower alfredo sauce mixed through cooked pasta topped with chopped parsley in a ceramic dutch oven pan on benchtop.
Pasta Marinara
Naturally sweet and full of grated carrots and tomatoes, this sauce can be blended smooth for texture-sensitive eaters. A true staple that works beautifully with pasta, as a pizza base, or as a dip for finger foods.
Check out this recipe
A plate of pasta with tomato sauce and basil leaves.
Spag Bol - Veggie Loaded Bolognese
This toddler meal for picky eaters sneaks in blended veggies for extra nutrition, while still tasting like the classic spaghetti Bolognese kids already love. Great for freezing and batch cooking too!
Check out this recipe
Spaghetti with bolognese sauce in an orange ceramic bowl.
Buttered Noodles
Simple, satisfying, and always a hit. With just pasta, butter, and a sprinkle of parmesan, these noodles make an easy backup plan for nights when mealtime needs to be low-stress and fast.
Check out this recipe
Buttery noodles in a large ceramic pan.

Finger Foods For Toddlers

Finger foods make mealtimes fun for toddlers—and often a little easier for parents too. These easy, hand-held toddler meal ideas are great for lunchboxes, snack plates, or no-fuss dinners at home. With familiar flavours, soft textures, and sneaky veggie boosts, each recipe is perfect for picky toddler meals and healthy baby & toddler meals that actually get eaten.

Chicken Patties
Soft, juicy, and packed with hidden veggies, these chicken patties are a go-to for busy nights. Serve them as finger food, in a wrap, or with simple toddler dinner sides for a balanced meal that’s both easy and familiar.
Check out this recipe
Three chicken patties, a fresh salad and small portion of rice on a dinner plate being held up to camera, Bowl of salad and tray of chicken patties in background on benchtop.
Baked Beef & Vege Rissoles
These oven-baked rissoles are full of flavour but gentle enough for little ones. Ideal for toddler friendly dinners or lunchboxes, they reheat beautifully and freeze well for quick, no-fuss meals.
Check out this recipe
A large bowl of rissoles sitting on a wooden floor, a baby's hand reaching for one.
Tortilla Pizza
A lighter twist on pizza night! Made with a soft tortilla base, this easy toddler snack lets kids pick their own toppings while sneaking in extra veggies through the sauce. Great for quick lunches or daycare meals.
Check out this recipe
A piece of pizza being held above a stainless steel lunchbox
Chicken Meatballs
Tender and mild, these chicken meatballs are perfect for self-feeding toddlers. Serve with pasta, rice, or as bite-sized snacks—they’re freezer-friendly and a great staple for healthy baby & toddler meals.
Check out this recipe
Toddlers hand holding up a chicken meatball bowl in background with baking paper with chicken meatballs inside, green checkered tea towel on benchtop. Sweet chilli sauce in a ramekin.
Homemade Burgers (No Egg and No Breadcrumbs)
These simple, allergy-friendly burgers use chia seeds to hold everything together. They’re juicy, full of flavour, and perfect for families looking for picky toddler meals that cater to dietary needs.
Check out this recipe
A small and large hamburger sitting on a square bamboo plate.
Veggie Nuggets
Crispy outside, soft inside, and packed with carrot, zucchini, and sweet potato. These veggie nuggets make brilliant daycare meals or after-school snacks—and they freeze like a dream.
Check out this recipe
Dinner plate with a stack of crispy brown nuggets, sauce in small ramekin in background and colourful blue and green pastel cups.
Salmon Patties
These soft, golden salmon patties are a great way to introduce seafood in a friendly, familiar way. They’re full of protein and omega-3s, making them a wholesome option for healthy baby & toddler meals.
Check out this recipe
A marble coloured silicone baby plate with half a corn cob (corn handles inserted each end and 3 small fish cakes.
Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets
Crispy, oven-baked, and free from gluten, these nuggets deliver the crunch kids love with a cleaner ingredient list. A toddler friendly dinner that’s as easy as it is reliable.
Check out this recipe
Crumbed chicken nuggets in a green bowl with a small bowl of tomato sauce.
Broccoli Bites
These little bites are cheesy, crisp on the edges, and a great way to turn broccoli into something even cautious eaters enjoy. Perfect for toddler lunches or easy toddler snacks.
Check out this recipe
Three broccoli tots on a baby silicone plate.
Zucchini Tots
Soft, savoury, and baked until golden, these zucchini tots are a fun alternative to traditional fries. They’re an easy way to add extra veggies to toddler lunches or daycare meals.
Check out this recipe
Three zucchini tots on a silicone feeding mat with a red dipping sauce, next to a glass container filled with zucchini tots.
Gluten-Free Oven Baked Salmon Nuggets
These bite-sized salmon nuggets are rich in flavour but mild enough for little ones. A smart way to get more seafood into healthy baby & toddler meals without any fuss.
Check out this recipe
A blue bowl filled with salmon nuggets, cucumber and carrot sticks in the background.
Homemade Ketchup
Kids love to dip—and this homemade ketchup is a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Serve it with nuggets, fries, or meatballs for healthy toddler snacks that feel just as fun as takeout.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of fries with homemade ketchup in small ramekin inside bowl on benchtop with folded red and white stripped table cloth.
Baked Mango Chicken Meatballs
Sweet, juicy, and oven-baked to perfection, these meatballs are a favourite for picky toddler meals. The subtle mango adds a touch of natural sweetness toddlers adore.
Check out this recipe
A Childs hand holding a meatball above a baby plate of fruit and vegetables.
Pizza Toast
Quick, cheesy, and endlessly customisable, this easy toddler snack doubles as a simple lunch or dinner. Use up leftovers for toppings, and enjoy a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s fast to make and fun to eat.
Check out this recipe
A slice of pizza toast topped with golden cheese, tomato slices and shredded spinach being held above a tray of more cooked pizzas.

Family Classics

Family classics are the ultimate comfort zone—meals that bring everyone to the table and (mostly) keep the peace. These toddler friendly dinners take familiar favourites like stir-fries, curries, and meatloaf, and give them a gentle, veggie-loaded twist. With soft textures, mild sauces, and adaptable flavours, they’re perfect toddler meals for picky eaters that still satisfy the grown-ups too.

Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry
A colourful, naturally sweet stir fry that blends juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and soft veggies. The familiar flavours and gentle sweetness make this a great toddler dinner that feels fun and familiar.
Check out this recipe
A small black rimmed white bowl filled with a colourful chicken vegetable stir fry, pieces of pineapple and cashew nuts also visible.
Butter Chicken
This mild, veggie-boosted curry is rich and creamy without being spicy, making it perfect for healthy baby & toddler meals. Add rice or naan on the side for an easy family-style dinner everyone can share.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of butter chicken being held above poppadoms, rice and yogurt.
​Apricot Chicken
Soft chicken simmered in a golden, fruity sauce that’s sweet enough to win over hesitant eaters. A true toddler friendly dinner that brings back comforting retro vibes—with less fuss and more goodness.
Check out this recipe
A large skillet of apricot chicken on a table sop with a serving on a plate, halved apricots and a large bowl of rice.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Quick, sticky, and full of flavour, this toddler meal idea is ready in just 15 minutes. The tender chicken and mild honey garlic sauce make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of saucy chicken, and green steamed vegetables on a marble bench top.
Honey Soy Chicken And Veggies Sheet Pan
A one-pan wonder that keeps things simple. Sweet, savoury, and veggie-packed, this recipe is ideal for nights when you want a healthy baby & toddler meal that’s all done in one tray.
Check out this recipe
Roasted chicken glazed in honey soy sauce roasted zucchini, carrots and potatoes on a baking tray.
Mini Meatloaf Recipe (Sheet Pan Dinner with Veggies)
Mini portions, maximum fun! These little meatloaves bake alongside potatoes and carrots for a complete toddler dinner that’s soft, balanced, and family-friendly.
Check out this recipe
Hand holding a dinner plate with roast carrot, broccoli and potato and a small meatloaf above a lined baking tray of roast vegetables and other mini meatloaf's.
Creamy Coconut Beef Mince Curry (Ground Beef Curry)
A gentle curry that’s big on comfort but light on spice. Blended veggies melt into the creamy sauce, creating a toddler friendly dinner that’s great for scooping, dipping, or mixing with rice.
Check out this recipe
Pan of mince curry on benchtop.

Toddler Brekafast Ideas

Mornings can be chaotic, but breakfast doesn’t have to be. These toddler breakfast ideas are quick, nutritious, and easy to adapt for babies and older kids alike. Whether you’re packing daycare meals, serving up a slow weekend breakfast, or trying to tempt a picky toddler, these recipes are full of soft textures, gentle flavours, and goodness that keeps everyone going.

Healthy Banana French Toast
Soft, lightly sweet, and easy for little hands to hold, this French toast is made with banana and whole eggs for a naturally nourishing start to the day. Perfect for baby breakfast ideas or as part of a relaxed toddler breakfast.
Check out this recipe
Baby hand reaching for a piece of French toast from a pink baby plate.
Porridge Fingers for Baby-Led Weaning (3 Easy Flavours)
Turn classic oats into handy grab-and-go bars! These porridge fingers are a BLW staple—soft, warm, and ideal for baby breakfast ideas that are both filling and mess-friendly.
Check out this recipe
Toddler hand reaching for a porridge finger sliced on wooden chopping board.
Baby Banana Pancakes
Just banana and egg—that’s it. These two-ingredient pancakes are a favourite baby breakfast and a simple, protein-rich option for healthy baby & toddler meals.
Check out this recipe
A baby pancake being held up to the camera on a stainless steel spatula.
Spinach Omelette Fingers
A protein-packed breakfast or lunch that’s easy for self-feeding toddlers. These soft omelette strips sneak in a little green goodness without a fuss—great for daycare meals or toddler lunches.
Check out this recipe
Three spinach omelette fingers on a child's silicone plate with a toddlers hand taking one of the fingers.
Mini Banana Blueberry Muffins for Kids
Naturally sweet and bite-sized, these muffins are perfect for toddler eating on the go. Packed with fruit and freezer-friendly, they’re great for easy toddler snacks or lunchboxes too.
Check out this recipe
A mini muffin topped with a blueberry being held above a tray of cooked muffins.
ABC Baby Muffins with Apple Banana and Carrot
Soft, spiced, and full of hidden veggies, these muffins are a gentle way to introduce new flavours. A great all-rounder for baby lunch, toddler snacks, or even a breakfast-on-the-run.
Check out this recipe
A women's hand holding a mini muffin above a tray of baked mini muffins.
Quick Egg Waffles Recipe
Fluffy and full of protein, these savoury egg waffles make a nice change from sweet breakfasts. Ideal for healthy baby & toddler meals—just add avocado or fruit for an easy balance.
Check out this recipe
a blue silicone divided plate with 2 heart shaped egg waffles, sliced tomatoes and avocado.
Pumpkin Pancakes For Baby
These golden pancakes are naturally sweetened with pumpkin purée, giving them a soft texture that’s perfect for baby breakfast ideas and picky toddler meals alike.
Check out this recipe
A grey silicone baby plate with 3 small pumpkin pancakes on it and a small baby knife.
Baby Pancakes Apple and Oat
Soft, lightly spiced, and full of fibre, these apple oat pancakes are a hearty toddler breakfast option that also doubles as a snack.
Check out this recipe
A stack of five pancakes on a blue platter, a bowl of apples and rolled oats in the background.
Mini egg muffins
Little bites of eggy goodness with hidden veggies and cheese. Great for toddler lunches, daycare meals, or make-ahead baby breakfasts that simplify the morning rush.
Check out this recipe
Mini egg muffin being held up by hand with muffin tray in background.
Baby Oatmeal
Simple, nourishing, and endlessly customisable, this baby breakfast idea is a staple for a reason. Serve it plain, mix in fruit, or swirl through yoghurt for extra creaminess.
Check out this recipe
Silicone baby bowl and placemat on marble bench top with baby oats inside, topped with chopped banana pieces and two slices of canned peaches on the side. Pink baby spoon and jar of ground oats on benchtop.
Peach Smoothie
Sweet, creamy, and full of natural fruit sugars, this peach smoothie is a quick, fuss-free toddler breakfast idea that’s perfect for warm days or on-the-go mornings.
Check out this recipe
Close up of the top of a green toddler cup filled with peach coloured smoothie.
Banana Chia Pudding
Creamy and naturally sweet, this pudding doubles as breakfast or dessert. A simple healthy toddler snack that’s rich in fibre and fun to eat.
Check out this recipe
small glass jar filled with pudding, slices of banana next to the jar.
Apple Smoothie
A refreshing blend of apple, yoghurt, and oats—great for toddler eating or as an after-nap energy boost. It’s smooth, mild, and naturally balanced for little tummies.
Check out this recipe
Two small green toddler cups with pink silicone straws filled with pale brown smoothie, apple pieces in the background.
Fill Them Up Chocolate Milk
A fun, nourishing twist on chocolate milk made with real ingredients. It’s an easy win for picky toddler meals—and a great way to sneak in calcium and protein without any complaints.
Check out this recipe
A small glass bottle of chocolate milk in front of bananas and a rolled oats.

Toddler mealtimes don’t have to be fancy or stressful. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that come together quickly and get eaten (mostly) without a fight! These easy toddler meal ideas are here to make your week a little simpler—nourishing, family-friendly food that works just as well for babies, toddlers, and grown-ups.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, try my Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters
for more toddler friendly dinners that the whole family can enjoy. For an extra nutrition boost, my Iron-Rich Foods for Kids
guide covers simple, everyday foods to help little ones get what they need to grow strong.

Struggling to keep your child at the table? My post on 9 Tricks to Keep Your Preschooler Sitting at the Dinner Table
shares gentle, practical ideas that really work. And if mealtimes have turned into a battle zone, How to End Toddler Mealtime Battles (Introducing New Foods to a Picky Eater)
offers strategies to bring a little more calm—and a lot less stress—to your family table.

Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection around the table.

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Quick Start Guide To BLW

Baby led weaning doesn’t need to be complicated, grab my quick start guide to begin your little ones food journey.

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