First things first: This is not a thinly veiled baby food diet plan. Phew, glad we got that out of the way. Instead, it’s all about 12 delicious and nutritious ways for baby and the whole family to sit down together and eat the same foods. With options from breakfast to dessert, everyone will enjoy these homemade baby food recipes. As a nice bonus, the only specialty equipment you need is a blender or food processor; a tool that will come in handy for years to come!
1. Beef Tagine With Sweet Potato: This tagine is a fun way to introduce new tastes to your kiddo. Simply set aside a few scoops before blending the rest into baby food. Serve the former alongside fluffy couscous for a filling, healthy meal. (via Annabel Karmel)
2. Red Lentil Puree (Vegetarian): Transform a portion of this tasty lentil stew into a puree, while leaving the rest for the adults and older tots to enjoy. Serve the soup with a drizzle of oil, grated Parm and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. (via Buona Pappa)
3. Salmon, Quinoa and Vegetable Balls: Packed with whole grains, veggies and omega-rich salmon, these balls make terrific finger food for kiddos and adults alike. Plus, they can be easily made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for quick snackin’ or a light meal. (via The Nutrition Mama)
4. Slow Cooker Applesauce: Making applesauce at home couldn’t be easier when you put your slow cooker to use. Adjust the sugar and spice levels as you see fit. You can even use it in host of different recipes. While baby spoons it up plain and cooled, you can indulge in a piping hot bowlful topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — it’s like a crustless apple pie, mmmm. (via A Zesty Bite)
5. Apricot Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze: We don’t really recommend serving a slice of this cake made with store-bought baby food to your mini, but if you pick up an extra jar of the strained apricots for them to eat, you’ll all be on the same page flavor-wise. (via The Right Recipe)
6. Beef Stew for Baby: With three different stages to choose from — all made without added sugars or salt — this beef stew recipe really grows with your baby. Stage one may be a little plain for grown-up palates, but the final version is packed with seasonings that everyone is sure to love. (via Smart Nutrition)
7. Vanilla and Peach Quinoa: This fruit-sweetened, vanilla-scented oatmeal swap will go over well with your wee one. Add a splash of milk and squeeze of honey to make it worthy of a morning meal or an afternoon snack for everyone else. (via Teach. Eat. Love.)
8. Saffron Risotto for Tiny Tots: Beware — give your kids a taste of the most expensive spice (saffron) and soon they’ll be clamoring for caviar and gold-leaf-adorned cakes. Alright, that might be a stretch, but if you’re not ready to introduce them to wine-enhanced eats, swap it out with additional broth or water — it’ll still be delish for all. (via From My Dining Table)
9. Chinese Steamed Egg Custard: Kids and adults alike will delight in the velvety texture of this creamy, slightly savory custard. (via Light Orange Bean)
10. Butterscotch Butternut Blondies: Baby gets to gobble up the leftover cinnamon- and ginger-dusted roasted butternut squash used in these brown butter blondies; not a bad trade-off, if you ask us. (via Delicious by Dre)
11. Chicken Stew: This stew comes together even more quickly if you have leftover (plain) rotisserie chicken around. Talk about a perfect weeknight meal for the whole fam. (via Love and Duck Fat)
12. Simple Bolognese: Serve this fine bolognese over teeny tiny pasta shapes for the kiddos, and a twirl of spaghetti for those with more refined motor skills. (via Food52)
What are some of your favorite baby food recipes that please both pint-sized and grown-up tastes? Share yours with us below!
Heather Sage
Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.
