15 Delicious Broccoli Recipes for Toddlers & Kids

Introducing toddlers and kids to healthy eating habits can be a delightful adventure, especially when it involves the vibrant and nutritious broccoli. Known for its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, broccoli is a powerhouse of health benefits that can be seamlessly incorporated into your child’s diet. Here, we’ll explore a variety of delicious kid-friendly broccoli recipes tailored to please the taste buds of young ones while ensuring they receive the essential nutrients for their growth and development. So, if you want to know how to cook broccoli for kids, keep reading.

How Beneficial Is Broccoli for Children?

Broccoli contains beta-carotene, vitamin A, phosphorous, and other vitamins like vitamin B complex and C and K (2). It is known to be helpful in the reduction of allergic reactions and inflammation, bone and heart health, and it is a great detoxifier (1). It also helps the skin and eyes and is a potent antioxidant (3). Therefore, it is beneficial to cook broccoli for kids.

How to Make Your Child Eat Broccoli?

Introducing broccoli to your child’s diet can be challenging, but you can make this nutritious vegetable a favourite with the right strategies. Here are some effective tips to encourage your child to enjoy broccoli:

1. Make it Fun and Engaging

Children are more likely to eat food that looks appealing and fun. Try creating playful shapes with broccoli or arranging them in colourful patterns on the plate. You can even involve your child in the cooking process, letting them help wash and prepare the broccoli, which will make them more interested in trying their creation.

2. Incorporate it Into Their Favourite Dishes

Blend broccoli into foods your child loves, such as mac and cheese, pasta, or pizza. Finely chop the broccoli and mix it into the sauce or cheese so it blends in seamlessly. This way, your child gets the nutritional benefits without the strong taste.

3. Use Dips and Sauces

Pair broccoli with tasty dips and sauces to make it more palatable. Offer options like cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or hummus. The added flavour can make broccoli more appealing and enjoyable for your child.

4. Be a Role Model

Children often mimic the eating habits of their parents. Make sure to eat broccoli and show enthusiasm for it during meals. When your child sees you enjoying broccoli, they are likelier to follow suit and develop a positive attitude towards this healthy vegetable.

Tasty Broccoli Recipes for Toddlers and Kids

Here are some tasty kid-friendly broccoli recipes that you can try:

1. Broccoli Soup

Here is a broccoli soup for toddlers.

Ingredients

• 10 Florets of Broccoli
• One medium potato peeled and cubed
• One small onion finely chopped
• Four cloves garlic finely chopped
• A pinch of salt
• One teaspoon ghee
• Quarter teaspoon pepper powder
• Quarter cup milk
• One teaspoon fresh cream

Directions

1. Use a pressure cooker to heat some ghee. Add the garlic and saute into the mix.
2. Add the onions and fry until golden brown.
3. Stir in the broccoli and potatoes.
4. Add a cup of water and then pressure cook everything for three whistles.
5. Once the pressure has been released, remove everything from the pressure cooker and wait for it to cool. Then blend it into a smooth paste.
6. Heat the soup and add the milk, salt, pepper and the fresh cream.

2. Broccoli Khichdi

A nutritious meal made with softened rice for your toddler.

Ingredients

• Half a cup rice
• Half a cup moong daal
• One medium onion
• One medium tomato
• Four cloves garlic
• One cup broccoli floret
• One teaspoon turmeric powder
• One medium potato
• 3 ½ cups of water
• Salt to taste
• Ghee
• Cumin seeds
• Asafoetida

Directions

1. Wash the rice and daal and leave to soak for about ten minutes.
2. Drain the water and add potatoes, turmeric, salt and water to the rice and daal in a pressure cooker and let it cook for four whistles.
3. Heat some ghee and temper the cumin seeds and asafoetida.
4. Add the garlic and the onions and fry until golden brown.
5. Add the tomatoes and cook them until they are soft.
6. Blend the broccoli, but do not grind it into a smooth paste.
7. Add the broccoli to the onion-tomato mix and add some salt. Mix everything well and once cooked, add it to the rice and daal.

3. Broccoli Mac N Cheese

Your toddler absolutely love these flavours. Mac n cheese can never go wrong!

Ingredients

• 250 g macaroni
• 300 g broccoli
• Two tablespoons butter
• One egg yolk
• One cup milk
• 250 g shredded cheese
• Two teaspoons mustard
• Salt and pepper

Directions 

1. Add salt to the water (which is to be boiled in a large pot).
2. Cook the pasta until soft.
3. Steam the broccoli until soft and fine chop.
4. Once cooked, drain and mix the pasta with the egg yolk and butter and stir well.
5. Add the milk, cheese and mustard. Stir until the cream melts.
6. Add the broccoli, salt and pepper and mix well.

4. Cheesy Broccoli Bites

It is an easy to make and delicious broccoli recipe for kids.

Ingredients

• Two cups broccoli florets
• Two large eggs
• Half a teaspoon salt
• Half a cup breadcrumbs
• Two-ounces grated cheese
• Two tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Steam the broccoli until tender.
2. Add the broccoli, egg, bread crumbs, salt and cheese to a mixer and blend until finely minced.
3. Use a tablespoon to make small balls out of the mixture.
4. Fry the balls until they are crispy and serve hot.

5. Broccoli Burji

An easy and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• One finely chopped broccoli
• Three beaten eggs
• One chopped onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Two tablespoons oil
• One teaspoon of mustard seeds, urad daal and cumin seeds each
• One sprig curry leaves

Directions

1. Heat oil in a dish and temper the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad daal and curry leaves.
2. Saute the onions until golden brown.
3. Add broccoli and salt and let it cook for a few minutes.
4. Beat some eggs and then add it to the broccoli along with some pepper.
5. Let it sit for a while and then start tossing the mix until the egg is cooked.

6. Broccoli Pizza

A simple and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• One cup broccoli, cherry tomatoes and broccoli each
• Pita Bread
• Pizza Sauce
• 180 g mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 204 degrees Celsius.
2. Once you arrange the pizzas, place them on a baking tray and bake for ten minutes.

7. Broccoli and Cheese Quiche

Cheesy goodness in small bites.

Ingredients

• Two cups of broccoli florets
• One cup of milk
• One cup of heavy cream
• Two large eggs
• Two large egg yolks
• One cup grated cheese
• Half teaspoon salt and pepper each
• Quarter teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius.
2. Grease eight muffin cups and set aside.
3. Steam the broccoli and then fine chop.
4. Whisk the eggs and the extra yolks together and then add the cheese, milk and cream.
5. Add the spices and cheese and then mix in the broccoli.
6. Ladle the mixture into the muffin cups and bake for about 25 minutes.
7. Let cool before removing and serving.

8. Broccoli Bread

This savoury bread offers a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• Four eggs
• ¾ cup paneer
• ½ cup sour cream
• Two tablespoons of melted butter
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups finely chopped onions
• 285 g chopped broccoli
• 230 g corn muffin mix
• Cooking spray

Directions

1. Coat a baking tray that is 13X9 inches with the cooking spray.
2. Combine the eggs, paneer, sour cream, melted butter and salt.
3. Stir in the broccoli, corn mix and onions.
4. Bake at 205 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes or until set.

9. Broccoli Dosa

Your kids will enjoy this delightful green dosa.

Ingredients

• Dosa Batter
• One broccoli finely chopped
• Quarter teaspoon turmeric powder, garam masala each
• One pinch Asafoetida
• Half tablespoon chilli powder
• Half tablespoon lemon juice
• One tablespoon curd
• One tablespoon ginger garlic paste

Directions

1. Marinate the broccoli in the spices for ten minutes.
2. Blend it with the dosa batter to get a green batter.
3. Fry the dosa with some ghee or oil and serve with curd.

10. Broccoli and Cauliflower Saute

A flavourful dish for the family.

Ingredients

• One cup each of broccoli floret and cauliflower floret
• One glove thinly sliced garlic
• Quarter cup chicken/vegetable broth
• Three tablespoons water
• 1/3 teaspoon ground pepper

Directions

1. Heat some oil in medium flame and add the garlic and stir for a few seconds.
2. Add the Broccoli and cauliflower and cook for two minutes, occasionally stirring the mix.
3. Add the water, broth, salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low heat until the vegetables are tender.

11. Broccoli and Cheese Quesadilla

It is a quick and easy meal that combines the goodness of broccoli with melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 4 whole wheat tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and evenly sprinkle half of the cheese over it.
3. Add the chopped broccoli to the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese.
4. Top with the second tortilla.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from the skillet and cut into wedges.
7. Serve warm with your favourite salsa or dip.

12. Broccoli Tater Tots

Introducing a nutritious and enjoyable twist to the classic tater tots, these Broccoli Tater Tots are a wholesome delight, brimming with the goodness of veggies.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• 1 cup shredded potato
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the chopped broccoli, shredded potato, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
3. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
4. Shape the mixture into small tot shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Let cool slightly before serving with your favourite dipping sauce.

13. Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes

A hearty and nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favourite blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pierce the potatoes with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes or until tender.
3. Let the potatoes cool slightly, cut them in half lengthwise, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
4. Mash the potato flesh with the butter and sour cream until smooth.
5. Stir in the chopped broccoli and shredded cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Spoon the mixture into the potato skins and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve warm.

14. Broccoli Pesto Pasta

A fresh and flavourful pasta dish that sneaks in plenty of veggies, offering a delightful balance of nutty, cheesy, and tangy flavours that will surely excite your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (your choice)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Combine the steamed broccoli, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, nuts, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor.
3. Blend until smooth, adding some pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the broccoli pesto until well coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

15. Broccoli and Cheese Egg Muffins

A protein-rich, veggie-packed breakfast or snack that kids will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: diced bell peppers, onions, or ham for extra flavour

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Stir in the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, and any optional ingredients.
4. Pour the mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the egg muffins are set and lightly golden.
6. Let cool slightly before removing from the tin.
7. Serve warm or store in the refrigerator for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my child is allergic to broccoli?

While broccoli allergies are rare, some children can have an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhoea. If you notice these signs after your child consumes broccoli, consult a paediatrician immediately.

2. How can I balance flavours in broccoli dishes to suit a child’s palate?

To balance flavours and suit a child’s palate, combine broccoli with mild or sweet ingredients—for instance, mix broccoli with sweet corn, carrots, or bell peppers. Adding a bit of cheese, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or a touch of honey can make broccoli dishes more appealing. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find combinations your child enjoys.

3. How often should I include broccoli in my child’s diet?

Broccoli, a nutritious vegetable, can be a part of your child’s diet several times a week. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet with a variety of vegetables and other foods. Strive to serve broccoli 2-3 times a week, but don’t forget to alternate with other vegetables. This not only ensures a wide range of nutrients but also keeps your child’s meals interesting.

4. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli in recipes?

Yes, frozen broccoli is a convenient and nutritious alternative to fresh broccoli. It is often flash-frozen at peak ripeness, preserving its nutritional value. When using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it before adding it to recipes to prevent excess water from affecting the dish’s texture.

Incorporating broccoli into your child’s diet can be a rewarding journey towards establishing healthy eating habits early on. By exploring these delicious and nutritious broccoli recipes for toddlers, you’re introducing them to various flavours and textures and ensuring they receive essential vitamins and minerals crucial for their growth and development.

References/Resources:

1. Broccoli and other cruciferous veggies can significantly lower cancer risks; UCLA Health; https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/broccoli-and-other-cruciferous-veggies-can-significantly-lower-cancer-risks

2. Syed. R. U, Moni. S. S, Break. M. K. B, et al.; Broccoli: A Multi-Faceted Vegetable for Health: An In-Depth Review of Its Nutritional Attributes, Antimicrobial Abilities, and Anti-inflammatory Properties; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10376324/

3. Broccoli; Government of Northwest Territories; https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/nutritional-food-fact-sheet-series/broccoli

Also Read:

Easy to Make Potato Recipes for Kids
Egg Recipes for Babies, Toddlers and Kids
Delicious Beetroot Recipes for Toddlers and Kids
Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes for Toddlers and Kids

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