These 10 Easy Toddler Friendly Make Ahead Recipes are great to prepare early in the week and will help make meal and snack time less stressful!
Prepping foods ahead of time can make meal and snack time stress free and much less time consuming. As my toddler has gotten older he has been eating more and more of the same foods that we do but there are definitely times when ingredients need to be adjusted a bit or I need quick easy snacks or additions to his meals. So I’ve rounded up a few recipes off my blog and from other family/kid friendly blogs that you can make ahead of time and have ready for your kids(or anyone in your family)!
These muffins from the Foodie Physicians’ Natural Baby Food book are made with all natural ingredients and are great to add to breakfast or snacks. I often make a batch to enjoy with the little guy or freeze some for later.
Quinoa Egg Cups by Aggie’s Kitchen
These egg cups are great to make ahead to have with breakfast, lunch or dinner. My little guy is a big fan of eggs so I find this to be an easy go-to meal idea which saves me time from having to make an egg from scratch. I’ll make a batch at the beginning of the week and then freeze some for later. When ready to serve I will pop one out the the freezer and microwave it for 30-50 seconds, then serve along with some fruit and toast!
Overnight Oats by Yummy Toddler Food
Overnight oats are a go-to in my house for breakfast. I’ll make a big batch for my son using whole milk and whole milk yogurt and some for myself with low fat milk. Let it sit overnight and then nut butter and fresh fruit in the morning. Breakfast done in 2 minutes!
Fruit and Veggie Sheet Pan Pancakes by Super Healthy Kids
My little guy loves pancakes for breakfast, but there is no way I’m making a batch every morning. These sheet pan pancakes are a great idea for an easy make ahead breakfast. I just love that they have both fruits and vegetables added to them. When ready to serve I pop one into the microwave for 15-20 seconds then top with yogurt and/or nut butter and serve!
Nut Free Toddler Trail Mix by Lean Green Bean
Trail mix is a great snack idea for toddlers but given the risk of chocking with nuts, seeds are a great alternative to add to trail mix instead!
Parmesan Zucchini Sticks by Mom to Mom Nutrition
These parmesan zucchini sticks are a great make ahead snack or meal addition to give your little one an extra boost of veggies at meals. Especially if they are a bit pickier when it comes to eating vegetables, I mean parmesan cheese makes everything taste better!
Slow Cooker Meatballs and Sauce
This slow cooker meatball dish is a great go to make ahead meal that the whole family can enjoy. Serve up on their own or with some cooked pasta or zucchini noodles! Have left overs? Freeze in serving size zip lock bags and pull out when you need them.
Roasted Root Vegetables by Super Healthy Kids
My little guy loves roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, beets you name it. I’ll roast a sheet pan full of veggies at the beginning of the week and add it to his meals (and my meals) throughout the week.
Cut Fruit: cut fruit into bite sized pieces, make sure to cut grapes into quarters lengthwise.
Roasted/Steamed/Sauteed Vegetables: certain vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and carrots are much easier to chew and swallowing when cooked. Cook up some veggies either by roasting, steaming or sauteing ahead of time then serve cold or warm up just before serving. Also try switching up how you cook a vegetable. For example your little one might not like steamed broccoli but may like it roasted.