6 Simple + Nutritious Baby Food Recipes for Sneaking in Those Greens

As parents, we want to make sure that our little ones are getting all the essential nutrients they need to develop and grow, and that often means sneaking in those healthy veggies. But getting babies to eat their greens can be tricky. That's why we've put together a list of 5 simple and nutritious homemade baby food recipes that will help you hide those greens and make sure your little one is getting all the essential nutrients they need. Read on to find out more!

Why Babies Need to Eat Vegetables

As adults, we understand the importance of a balanced and healthy diet. But did you know that establishing healthy eating habits early in life can have a significant impact on a child's long-term health? Let's focus on the importance of incorporating nutritious veggies into your baby's diet. Vegetables provide essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help with healthy growth and development. As a parent, it's important to introduce a variety of vegetables early on to establish healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. Plus, when veggies are introduced early, babies are more likely to continue to enjoy them as they grow older.

Tips for Sneaking Greens into Baby Food

Introducing your little one to new and healthy foods can be a challenge. It’s no secret that some babies don't always love their greens, which can make it tough to ensure they get the nutrients they need. But don't worry, we’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks for sneaking those greens into your baby’s food.

1. Start small: Begin with just a small amount of greens mixed into your baby’s favorite foods. Gradually increase the amount over time.
2. Be consistent: Introduce new green veggies regularly. It takes time for your baby’s taste buds to adjust, so keep trying and be patient.
3. Get creative with purees: Add some spinach or kale to your baby’s fruit puree. The sweetness from the fruit will help to mask the greens.
4. Mix it up: Blend a combination of vegetables, such as sweet potato and broccoli, for a tasty and nutritious meal.
5. Offer finger foods: Babies love to explore with their hands, so offer finger foods like green bean sticks or broccoli florets for them to try.
6. Sneak them into sauces: Add pureed greens to pasta sauce, hummus, or mashed avocado for added nutrients.

By incorporating these tips, you’ll be able to sneak in those healthy greens without a fuss from your little one. Give these five simple and nutritious recipes a try and watch your baby gobble them up in no time! We reco 10+ months. 

IMPORTANT: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, chunks of raw vegetables remain a choking hazard until children reach the age of 4 years.

 #1 Spinach and Banana Puree

With this recipe, baby will be getting a healthy dose of iron-rich spinach without even realizing it. Plus, the addition of sweet banana will help balance out the taste and make it more palatable for little taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves

Instructions:

1. Start by washing the spinach leaves and removing any stems.
2. Cut the banana into small pieces.
3. Add all ingredients to the Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker.
4. Press "Blend" until the mixture is smooth and free of any lumps or chunks.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- If your baby is still adjusting to the taste of greens, try gradually increasing the amount of spinach in this recipe over time.

- You can also try adding a little bit of breast milk or formula to the puree to help with consistency and make it easier for baby to swallow.

Experiment with different greens like kale or collard greens to add variety to your baby's diet.

#2 Avocado and Kale Mash

Kale is known to be one of the most nutritious vegetables out there, but it's also notoriously difficult to get babies to eat it. That's where this avocado and kale mash comes in - not only does it add some greens to your baby's diet, but the creaminess of the avocado will make it much more appealing to their taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 1 handful of kale, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup of water, formula or breastmilk

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker.
2. Press "Blend" until the mixture is smooth.
   If the mixture is too thick, add more water in small amounts until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Serve to your baby right away or mixed in some pureed fruits.

This mash is a great way to get some healthy fats and nutrients into your baby's diet, and it can also be easily customized to suit your baby's preferences. If they're not a fan of avocado, try swapping it out for some steamed sweet potato or butternut squash. And if kale is just too bitter for them, try using spinach or collard greens instead.

 #3 Sweet Potato and Broccoli Bites

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, while broccoli is loaded with vitamin C and other essential nutrients. This recipe combines the goodness of these two veggies in one delicious and nutritious bite-sized meal.

 Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil

Baking Utensils:

• 1 mini muffin tin

Instructions::

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Add sweet potato and broccoli to the Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker.
3. Press "Steam + Blend" for 20 minutes.
4. Let cool.
5. Add the Greek yogurt and press "Blend" for 5 minutes or until well combined.
6. Grease a mini muffin tin with a little bit of olive oil.
7. Using a tablespoon, spoon the sweet potato and broccoli mixture into the muffin cups, pressing it down slightly.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let the sweet potato and broccoli bites cool down before serving them to your baby.

This recipe is perfect for babies who are just starting on solid foods. You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. These bites are great for meal times, snack times, or even as a finger food. So, why not give this recipe a try and sneak in some healthy greens into your baby's diet?

#4 Green Beans and Strawberries

Green beans are packed with vitamins and minerals, while strawberries are loaded with antioxidants. Together, they make a delicious and nutritious combination that your baby is sure to love.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup water, formula or breastmilk

Instructions:

1. Add green beans to the Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker and press "Steam Only" for 10 minutes.
2. Add strawberries, and water to the Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker and press "Blend" for 10 minutes or until smooth. 
   Add more water if necessary to reach desired consistency and blend again.
3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

- Substitute raspberries or blueberries for the strawberries.

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It's a great way to introduce your baby to new flavors and textures while giving them the vitamins and minerals they need to grow and thrive.

#5 Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, and Apples

Brussels sprouts may not be your baby's first choice, but with this delicious recipe, they will hardly know it's there. The carrots and apples help sweeten it up, creating a savory and sweet blend that's perfect for baby's taste buds.

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped Brussels sprouts
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped apples, peeled
• 1/4 cup water, formula or breastmilk

 Instructions:

1. Add Brussels sprouts and carrots to the Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker and press "Steam Only" for 15 minutes.
2. Add in apples and water.
3. Press "Blend" for 10 minutes or until smooth. 
   Add more water if necessary to reach desired consistency and press "Blend" again.
4. Let cool.
5. Serve and enjoy!

This recipe is great because you can also freeze it in an ice cube tray and then store the cubes in a freezer-safe container for quick meals on the go. Simply thaw out the cubes in the fridge and serve to your little one. It's an excellent way to save time while ensuring your baby is getting a well-rounded meal.

#6 🍀Green Shamrock Pancakes