When it comes to feeding our little ones, we want to provide them with the best possible start in life. At six months old, babies are starting to transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods, and it’s essential to introduce nutritious and tasty meals that will support their growth and development. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious and easy-to-make baby food recipes that you can try at home.
From classic combinations like sweet potato and cinnamon to more adventurous pairings like pumpkin and lentil, these recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palate (and provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals for your growing baby). Whether you’re looking for inspiration for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we’ve got you covered with these healthy and nutritious ideas.
Sweet Potato Puree with Cinnamon
Sweet Potato Puree with Cinnamon Recipe
This sweet potato puree recipe is a delicious and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of cinnamon gives it a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced.
3. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. Scoop the flesh out of the sweet potatoes and place it in a blender or food processor.
5. Add the butter, cinnamon, and salt to the blender.
6. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
7. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Avocado Banana Mash
A deliciously healthy twist on traditional banana mash, this recipe combines the creaminess of avocados with the natural sweetness of bananas.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and slice them into a medium-sized bowl.
2. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into the bowl with the bananas.
3. Use a fork to mash the banana-avocado mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Add honey to taste, if desired, and sprinkle with salt.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy, requiring no cooking at all.
Carrot and Apple Puree
This puree is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional baby food or a tasty snack for the whole family. The combination of sweet apples and carrots creates a perfect blend of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped (any variety)
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the chopped carrots and apples.
2. Add enough water to cover the mixture and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the mixture to a blender in batches) to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. If desired, add breast milk or formula to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pea and Spinach Blend
This recipe combines the sweetness of peas with the earthiness of spinach, perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite recipes. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a nutritious and flavorful blend in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the spinach leaves and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
4. Add the spinach leaves and stir well to combine.
5. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Butternut Squash Puree
Transform a humble butternut squash into a silky-smooth puree, perfect for accompanying roasted meats or as a side dish. This recipe showcases the natural sweetness of the squash, balanced by a hint of earthy flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, nutmeg, or other spices of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and pulp.
3. Place the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cut side up.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the squash, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
7. Scoop out flesh and transfer to a blender or food processor.
8. Blend until smooth, adding garlic powder or other spices if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pear and Oatmeal Porridge
This comforting breakfast recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for a chilly morning or a quick snack, this porridge is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup water or milk (or a combination of both)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the porridge has thickened slightly.
3. Add the diced pear and honey (if using) to the porridge. Stir gently to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Season with a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Zucchini and Potato Mash
A delicious twist on traditional mashed potatoes, this recipe combines the sweetness of zucchini with the comfort of potatoes for a healthy and satisfying side dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or chives for extra flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the zucchinis on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little water, and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. Boil the potatoes in salted water until they’re easily pierced with a fork. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Once the zucchinis are done, let them cool slightly then mash with the potatoes, mixing well to combine.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Blueberry and Yogurt Smoothie
This sweet and tangy smoothie is perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. With the natural sweetness of blueberries and the creaminess of yogurt, you’ll be starting your day off right.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt (low-fat or nonfat)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup ice cubes
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine blueberries, yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Add ice cubes and blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as needed.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy blend.
Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Yogurt Smoothie!
Pumpkin and Lentil Puree
This comforting puree combines the natural sweetness of roasted pumpkin with the earthy flavor of cooked lentils, making it a perfect side dish or baby food. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this nutritious treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss pumpkin cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until softened.
4. Add lentils to the pot, along with roasted pumpkin, and stir to combine.
5. Cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
6. Blend puree until smooth, adding water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
Cooking Time: approximately 55-65 minutes
Broccoli and Cauliflower Blend
This recipe brings together the flavors of broccoli and cauliflower in a simple yet satisfying side dish. With a few minutes of prep time, you can enjoy this healthy blend as a complement to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of broccoli, broken into florets
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss broccoli and cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. If using garlic, add it to the bowl and mix well.
4. Spread the vegetable mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mango and Coconut Puree
Transform fresh mangoes and coconut into a luscious puree, perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a dip. This recipe is quick, easy, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon lime juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine mango, shredded coconut, honey, and lime juice.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. With the blender running, slowly pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk).
4. Continue blending until the puree is creamy and well combined.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Quinoa and Banana Mash
A nutritious and delicious breakfast or snack option that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the natural sweetness of bananas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooled quinoa and mashed bananas.
2. Add the honey, cinnamon powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as needed.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes ( preparation time only)
Tips:
– Use leftover cooked quinoa for this recipe.
– Adjust the amount of honey and cinnamon according to your personal preference.
– This mash makes a great snack or breakfast option, served in a bowl or wrapped in a tortilla.
Beetroot and Apple Puree
This vibrant puree combines the natural sweetness of apples with the earthy flavor of beetroot, creating a deliciously unique side dish or baby food. Perfect for snacking, serving as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or using as a creative twist on traditional sauces.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beetroot, peeled and chopped
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the chopped beetroot in a baking dish for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted beetroot, chopped apple, honey, lemon juice, and water.
4. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spinach and Pear Blend
Discover a refreshing twist on traditional greens with this sweet and savory spinach and pear blend recipe. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of fresh spinach, washed and drained
– 1 ripe pear (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and diced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced pear and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and honey to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of red onion or chopped nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chickpea and Sweet Potato Mash
A deliciously comforting and nutritious twist on traditional mashed potatoes! This recipe combines the creaminess of chickpeas with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes for a flavorful and filling side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other spices of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Roast sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Drain and rinse chickpeas; mash with butter using a fork or potato masher.
5. Once sweet potatoes are cooked, let them cool slightly before mashing with chickpeas and adding salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Peach and Rice Cereal
Transform a simple bowl of cereal into a delightful breakfast or snack with the sweet and savory flavors of peaches. This recipe combines crunchy rice cereal, juicy peaches, and a hint of spice to create a unique treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice cereal
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the rice cereal and diced peaches.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until smooth and syrupy.
3. Pour the warm honey mixture over the peach-cereal mixture and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon and salt (if using) to taste.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Green Bean and Pea Puree
This vibrant puree is a perfect side dish for any meal, bursting with the sweet flavors of green beans and peas. Quick to prepare and easy to make, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the green beans and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Drain the beans and add them to a blender or food processor with the peas, butter, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
4. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Prune and Oatmeal Mix
This homemade mix combines the natural sweetness of prunes with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious treat that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup dried prunes, chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the oats, prunes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.
2. Store the mix in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None! Simply scoop out a portion of the mix and enjoy as is or add your favorite toppings such as milk, honey, or chopped nuts.
Cauliflower and Cheese Puree
A comforting and creamy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This cauliflower and cheese puree is a game-changer, with a velvety texture and a flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
3. Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet, drizzle with butter, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted cauliflower, cheddar cheese, heavy cream or whole milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal
Start your day with a comforting bowl of oatmeal infused with the sweetness of apples and warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium apple, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the oats, butter, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and have a creamy consistency.
3. Add the diced apple and ground cinnamon to the oatmeal. Stir until the apple is evenly distributed.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 nutritious baby food recipes suitable for 6-month-old babies, designed to support healthy growth. From sweet potato purees with cinnamon to blueberry and yogurt smoothies, these recipes are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Try making carrot and apple puree, pea and spinach blend, or pumpkin and lentil puree for a tasty and nutritious meal for your little one. These easy-to-make recipes use wholesome ingredients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to provide the perfect start for your baby’s journey towards a healthy and happy life.
