If your child is just starting solids, save yourself a small fortune by making baby food yourself.
How to Make Baby Food (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
When it comes to feeding their littlest ones, all parents know that mealtimes are a balancing act. Between convenience, nutrition, taste and affordability, parents face quite the task.
Here are the first foods you should and shouldn’t start your baby on.
But as a parent, you always ask yourself how you can provide your little ones with healthy, affordable meals that also won’t get spit back in your face or dribbled all over the high chair.
Well, I have a few tips for making baby food that won’t break the bank.
Check out a few of my favorite baby food recipes—all approved by my daughter.
4 Ways to Make Your Own Baby Food
Brown Rice Cereal for Babies
When you want to make your own baby food, rice is perhaps the most versatile ingredient to use. It’s inexpensive and can be made in large batches.
It’s also healthy, containing phosphorus, selenium, magnesium, vitamin B6, niacin and thiamin, just to name a few benefits (no wonder it’s a great foundation for our favorite healthy meals in a bowl!).
Rice can also be mixed with other mushy baby food to add heft to meals without sacrificing flavor. Pack in the nutrients with the best iron-rich baby foods.
Step 1: Mill
Break the rice down into a coarse powder with a food processor (here’s the best food processor according to our Test Kitchen). A blender with a milling blade will work, too.
Step 2: Cook
Cook the rice over the stove using 4 cups of water for every 1/2 cup of rice. Bring the water up to boiling, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Serve or store
Once cooked, your brown rice will keep in the fridge up to three days or can be frozen up to a month. This is a great basic recipe and it can be easily mixed into any of the following baby-inspired dishes.
Pureed Produce for Babies
The crossroads of healthiness and low cost intersect at a catch-all baby food recipe technique for produce.
To puree food, you’ll need a food processor, blender or immersion blender. Any of these is a great investment if you plan to make baby food regularly.
By using these machines, you can quickly puree most veggies and fruits, and when you’re done making baby food, put it to use making pumpkin puree or gazpacho! Or you can make your baby leftovers with these adorable and resuable baby food pouches.
If you’re wondering what you can puree for baby, the answer is: almost anything.
Fruits like apples, pears and peaches can be added to the puree without cooking and require little or no water to thin out for the right baby food consistency.
Cooked vegetables—sweet potatoes, carrots, you name it—all work well once they’re steamed.
But let’s break this down into steps.
Step 1: Cook (if necessary)
Like I said, most fruits will not need to be cooked ahead of time, but tougher veggies should be cooked.
I think steaming is the best method because it helps the produce hold onto the most nutrients, but baking and boiling both get the job done.
I avoid the microwave since it can aggressively break down the produce, but it works if you’re in a pinch.
Step 2: Puree
Move the cooked vegetable into the blender and puree. Easy.
Step 3: Thin it out
This is not always necessary, but thinning vegetable mash makes it easier for babies, especially those around the six-month mark, when they first begin solids.
As you puree, add water slowly to create a smoother, more easily digested consistency. (You can even use the water your veggies steamed in.) Feel free to mix so it’s thicker than store-bought baby food, but don’t let it get thinner.
If the food is too watery, it can taste slimy and won’t keep as well in the fridge.
Some tips: A pinch of salt or dab of butter is useful for making green vegetables like spinach or peas more palatable. Do not use butter before your child starts dairy. Breastmilk or formula can also be added during the thinning process—the familiar taste is comforting.
You need to know these important baby food stages.
Soup for Babies
Soup is a great baby food option because it gives parents the freedom to add a variety of vegetables. I recommend using veggies that soften easily, like celery, for kids who are just starting solid foods.
Step 1: Cook
Add 2 tablespoons of uncooked pastina to 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil and stir while cooking for 8 minutes.
Step 2: Add veggies
Celery can be added directly to the broth. Or feel free to soften carrots or small chicken squares by cooking them separately and adding after the broth boils.
Step 3: Serve or store
Serve the soup while warm. The broth and noodle mixture keeps in the fridge for three days or in the freezer up to a month.
Here’s when to give your child baby food.
Squash and Potatoes for Babies
Squash and potatoes are a fantastic flavor-packed, vitamin A-filled option for even your fussiest tyke. These ingredients create a safe go-to recipe, especially for filling hungry bellies before nap time.
This recipe works for children comfortable with chewy, solid foods and it serves as a great snack until—well, my daughter is in first grade and she still loves ’em! Here’s some of the best organic baby food to give your kiddo.
If your baby is just starting solids, you can puree the mix. And if your pantry looks a little bare, this recipe also works with just potatoes or squash. This is how to introduce your infant to baby food.
Step 1: Prep the potatoes
Cut your squash and potatoes into small cubes. Season with cinnamon and a dash of rosemary.
Step 2: Roast
Drizzle the cubes with olive oil and roast at 400 degrees for 25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
Step 3: Snacktime
Once cooled down, these are great snacks for kids who are just starting slightly more solid foods. If you’re child is still in the soft-foods-only stage, pop this recipe in the blender to smooth it out. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. Need more ideas? Try all of these 6-month baby foods.
With a little extra prep and a smidge of time (during a nap?), you can have nutritious, homemade baby food that is perfect for your tiniest tots.
Be Prepared with These Recipes for Toddlers
Beef ‘n’ Rice Enchiladas
With a toddler in the house, I look for foods that are a snap to make. Loaded with beef, cheese and a flavorful rice mix, these enchiladas come together without a fuss. But they’re so good that guests think I spent hours in the kitchen. —Jennifer Smith, Colona, Illinois
Veggie Mac and CheeseTake a decadent family fave, add in a variety of vegetables, and you've got a dinner worth being excited about: veggie mac and cheese.
Weeknight Skillet Spinach PieI love sneaking extra veggies into my kids’ dinners, especially with this skillet spinach pie recipe. Because of this pie's flaky crust and extra cheese, the kids never know they’re eating a vitamin-rich dish. Plus, I’m not hovering over an oven for hours. Put the spinach and phyllo sheets in the refrigerator the night before or early in the morning for thawing. —Kristyne McDougle, Lorain, Ohio
The Ultimate Grilled CheeseThis grilled cheese with cream cheese makes for a simple, satisfying twist on the traditional recipe.
Copycat Panera Mac and CheeseThis copycat Panera mac and cheese recipe comes pretty close to the real deal. Serve it in a bread bowl to get the full cafe experience!
Scalloped Potatoes and HamScalloped potatoes and ham is a filling meat-and-potato casserole everyone will love. It’s quite possibly the perfect way to use up leftover ham.
Mini BagelizzasGarlic powder gives these speedy mini pizzas extra pizzazz. Not only are they a snap to put together, but best of all, the ingredient list is easy on your pocketbook. My husband loves them. And my toddler will soon enjoy them as an after-school treat. -Stephanie Klos-Kohr, Moline, Illinois
Swedish MeatballsWhip up a batch of these easy Swedish meatballs for a meal that's all comfort and no fuss!
Cauliflower GratinThis is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Sloppy Joe PastaOur sloppy joe pasta combines two things families love: sloppy joe flavor and pasta. This dish is loaded with savory goodness and hearty enough to be a full meal, as it's packed with protein, thanks to the ground beef and cottage cheese. Dig in!
Pumpkin Alfredo with ChickenI love pumpkin and my kids love pasta, so this pumpkin Alfredo recipe is a match made in heaven for us. Plus, it's an extra way to get some veggies into their diet. Use dairy-free or gluten-free ingredients if needed. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Sausage MuffinsThese savory sausage muffins are a perfect grab-and-go breakfast option. Packed with sausage, eggs and cheese, they're precisely what you want for an easy breakfast when there's little time to make one.
Over-the-Top Baked ZitiI adapted a ziti recipe to remove ingredients my kids did not like, such as ground beef. The revised recipe was a success not only with my family but at potlucks too. It's so versatile: You can use jarred sauce, double or triple the recipe, and even freeze it. —Kimberley Pitman, Smyrna, Delaware Field Editor
Chili Cheese Dog CasseroleGet ready to dig into a nostalgic favorite with our chili cheese dog casserole. With a golden cornbread crust and filling loaded with chili, hot dogs and cheese, it doesn't get much better than this.
Chocolate Chip Elvis PancakesI'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Black Bean SoupThis chunky black bean soup is packed with canned black beans, celery, onion, peppers and tomatoes. With protein, fiber and tons of flavor, it's as easy as it is filling and nutritious.
Sloppy Joe RecipeWho doesn't love a classic sloppy joe recipe? Customize your homemade sloppy joes by mixing in veggies or melting cheese on top.
Crispy Sage Chicken TendersOne of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Ranch ChickenSlow-cooker ranch chicken is perfect for busy weeknights! Tender chicken coated in a velvety sauce is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when it's topped with the decadent combo of bacon and cheddar cheese.
French Toast FingersKids love anything on a stick. Bite-sized French toast skewers make a fun breakfast for them to munch before heading out the door. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa
Mac and Cheese BitesOur mac and cheese bites are everything you love about your favorite mac and cheese recipe in a hand-held, bite-sized appetizer.
Crescent Roll Hot DogsOur crescent roll hot dogs recipe is just the kind of thing kids like to eat, and they can make them, too! With full-sized hot dogs, cheddar cheese and bits of bacon inside of crescent-roll blankets, they're super easy and pleasing.
Corned Beef Hash and EggsThis corned beef hash and eggs recipe makes a hearty dish that's perfect for a St. Patrick's Day breakfast.
Lunch Box PizzasWhen you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Chicken Bacon Ranch CasseroleChicken bacon ranch casserole, made with comforting ingredients like creamy pasta, savory bacon and ranch seasoning, is a slam dunk for your next dinner.
Cheesy QuesadillasWe serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Cowboy StewI made up this dish back in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Since it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey
Roasted Winter VegetablesA few simple touches and a blast of heat enhance the natural sweetness of fresh veggies. —Donna Lamano, Olathe, Kansas
Ravioli CasseroleLove lasagna but want something simpler to make? Try our ravioli casserole—all the cheese and sauce, and it's ready in no time.
Arroz con PolloLearn how to make arroz con pollo, a traditional Latin American dish that's bursting with flavor.
Parmesan Fish SticksI wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Peanut Butter Granola PinwheelsI came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Garlic-Cheese FlatbreadUnless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flatbread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Apple and Peanut Butter StackersThe best way to get kids interested in cooking and eating right is to let them help. These apple and peanut butter "sandwiches" are one fun way to pique their interest and kitchen creativity. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Pigs in a PoolMy kids love sausages and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternative. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina
Mexican-Inspired Chicken SoupThis zesty chicken taco soup is loaded with corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I'm always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taste of this easy soup. —Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, Michigan
Ham Noodle DinnerWhether I'm cooking for company or my own brood of five children, this delicious casserole is always well-received. —Eileen Nilsson, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Hot Dog CasseroleThis hearty and satisfying hot dog casserole—layers of red potatoes, hot dogs and cheese, covered with a creamy white bechamel sauce—is just right for a casual side.
