Broccoli baby food 6 months

The Best Broccoli Baby Food Puree (Stage One)

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This Broccoli Baby Food recipe is a great way to introduce healthy green vegetables into your baby’s diet. A delicious puree that is full of essential vitamins and healthy fats for a growing baby. If you’re looking for an easy green starter puree for your baby, this is it! Great baby food for 4-6 months and older – stage 1 baby food!

Medically reviewed and co-written by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).

Broccoli Baby Food

Do you want your child to grow up loving broccoli? Then this puree is a good place to start! 🥦

We start with the main star of the show – broccoli! By gently steaming the broccoli, we are able to preserve its fresh taste and bright green color without getting a too intense broccoli flavor or drab color. I’m also inviting you to try adding in a small amount of peeled apple, pear or white potato. This addition helps give the puree just enough starch and fiber to make a truly creamy and smooth puree that helps balance out the, sometimes, intense broccoli flavor. And for a boost of healthy fats, we are going to drizzle in a little bit of high-quality olive oil.

What this simple recipe gives us is a truly delicious puree that baby is going to dive right into!

First time making homemade baby food? Then, I would suggest that you start by reading my very in-depth Guide on how to Make Homemade Baby Food – which goes over all the important information such as the best cooking tools to have on hand, safe storage, how to know when baby is ready for solids, how to introduce purees, the best first foods for baby, and more! You can also check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes!

Broccoli Puree Video

Watch this video to see how easy it is to make this Broccoli Puree!

Reasons to Love this Broccoli Baby Food

nutrient-dense – contains fiber, iron, calcium, antioxidants, folate, potassium, vitamins A, C and K
creamy green puree baby will love
filled with healthy fats for baby’s growing brain and bones
4-6+ months and older
freezer-friendly
stage 1 baby food puree
homemade

Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli has a whole host of health benefits!

The fiber found in broccoli promotes gut health and heart health.
It helps support your immune system with the help of vitamin C.
Broccoli is high in vitamin K, which is important in blood clotting.
The antioxidants found in broccoli may help protect against certain types of cancers.
Vitamin A and antioxidants found in broccoli promote eye health.

Ingredients

Make sure to read the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions!

Broccoli: Being the start of the show, we need to use fresh broccoli that is bright and green with no mushy parts. You can cut up a head of broccoli or get pre-cut florets. You can also use frozen broccoli in this recipe, but the taste will be slightly more intense.
Apple: We are going to use one small peeled apple in this recipe to give the puree a smooth consistency. You can also use a small white potato or pear, if you prefer. If you want to keep the puree a single ingredient puree, then just leave the apple (potato or pear) out, the puree will be slightly different but still amazing.
Olive Oil: For an added boost of healthy fats, we are adding in a little drizzle of a high-quality olive oil. You can omit this if you prefer.

Shopping & Storing Tip: When purchasing broccoli, look for a firm head with dark-green crowns and tightly-closed buds. Broccoli is a hardy, cool-weather vegetable, so it loves your cold refrigerator. Wrap the broccoli in a few dry paper towels, to help wick away any excess moisture, and store in an unsealed plastic bag.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Broccoli: roughly chop a bunch of broccoli and peel and chop one small apple or white potato.
Steam: place the broccoli and apple/potato into a steamer basket and steam until tender.
Puree: transfer cooked produce into a blender or food processor and add a drizzle of olive oil. Puree until smooth.
Serve or freeze.

Tools Needed

These tools will make it a lot easier for you to make this healthy Broccoli Puree. For more of my favorite kitchen tools make sure to check out my shop.

Steamer Basket
Medium Saucepan
Blender or Food Processor
Freezer Tray
Storage Containers for Fridge
highchair
suction bowl or baby bowl
baby spoon
open lid cup
bib with catch pocket

Other Cooking Methods

While I love the clean flavor of steamed broccoli, there are several different ways you can cook broccoli for baby food.

Roasting

Place broccoli and small chunks of potato onto a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 425 degrees F, for 20-25 minutes or tender when pricked with a fork. Puree in a blender as directed below.

Blanching

Bring a medium saucepan filled with water to a boil, add in the potato and cook for 6 minutes, then add in the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes or when tender with pricked with a fork. Drain the water, let cool slightly. Puree in a blender as directed below.

Adding Spices

In this recipe, we are adding a small drizzle of high-quality olive oil into the puree, but feel free to use the following spices instead – chopped chives, mint leaves, chopped cilantro, cumin, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tip on Spices: I always recommend adding spices to any baby food puree, but you can add or leave out spices in all of your baby food. You do you! Either way, this puree will taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can baby eat broccoli?

Baby can have broccoli as one of their first foods. When a baby can start on solids is determined by their own rate of development, which generally comes between 4-6 months of age. Some of the developmental milestones babies need to reach in order to start solids include: if your baby has solid control of their head and neck, if your baby has doubled in weight, and if your baby is reaching for or opening their mouth when you eat (see my guide here). Before you start your baby on purees, you should consult with your pediatrician to make sure your child is developmentally ready.

Can broccoli be baby’s first food?

Broccoli can 100% be your baby’s first food if you want it to be. It is recommended to wait to introduce the top eight allergen foods to your baby once a few other well-tolerated foods have been introduced, but otherwise, foods can be introduced in any order so choose whatever you are most excited for your baby to have.

Is broccoli a common allergen for baby?

No, broccoli is not a common allergen, however, as with any food, start with a small portion and be aware of any signs that might be an allergic reaction after introducing it.

Does broccoli cause constipation for babies?

Broccoli does not usually cause constipation in babies, and it can actually help alleviate constipation due to its high fiber content.

How to Store Broccoli Baby Food

Refrigerator

You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer

This puree can be frozen for up to 4 months.

Spoon puree into a freezer storage container – do not overfill.
Place the lid on the storage container or cover with a piece of saran wrap and label with date and recipe name.
Place the tray into the freezer and let freeze completely – preferably overnight.
Pop out the baby food cubes and place in a zip-lock baggie or stasher bag – don’t forget to re-label the baggie or stasher bag for future reference.

Need more information on how to store your baby foods – head over to my Best Baby Food Storage Containers – Plus 6 Tips on Freezing and Thawing post!

Label Tip: Don’t forget to label your purees before you place them in the fridge or freezer with the name of the puree and the date you made it. Take it from me, you will completely forget when and what is in your freezer by the end of the week.

Great Broccoli Combination Purees

While Broccoli Baby Food is great by itself, it’s also super easy to mix and match with other nutrient-dense baby food purees. Give these fun flavor combos a try!

Apples
Asparagus
Quinoa Baby Cereal
Chicken
White Beans
Softened Tofu
Spinach
Green Beans
Yogurt
Mango

Broccoli for Baby-Led Weaning: Carrots are also a great food to serve to your baby whole for baby-led weaning (6+ months) or as a finger food (9+ months). You can always serve baby a combination of purees and finger foods right from the start.

Feeding Tips

Make sure baby is showing readiness signs for eating – good control of their head and trunk, sitting with minimal assistance, bringing hands or toys to their mouth, and appearing interested in your food when you’re eating.
Try adding a little seasoning or spice to purees – babies like flavor! Or consider changing the temperature of purees from time to time, to slightly warmed or slightly chilled. Varying these aspects adds to the sensory experience!
Place a small amount of puree on the tray during spoon feeding, so that your baby can dip their fingers or hands in the puree. Allowing baby to explore foods in this way helps them learn to self-feed and can help them be more willing to try new textures and foods in the future.
Throwing spoons is a common phase that all babies go through at one point or another. One of the best ways to handle spoon throwing is to ignore it and keep feeding baby as usual (with an extra spoon you already have at the table). If baby ends up also throwing back up spoons #2 AND #3, simply encourage your baby to eat with their hands until they appear to be finished with the meal.

Or watch a shortened version of this video here.

2 cups broccoli, chopped into small florets
1/2 apple, pear or small white potato peeled and chopped (optional)
1 tbsp good quality olive oil (optional)

Prep: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 inches of water to a boil over medium heat.
Steam: Place the broccoli and apple/potato/pear into a steamer basket and place over boiling water, cover and steam for 8-10 minutes or until the broccoli and apple are tender. Reserve the water from the steamer. Let cool slightly.
Transfer: Add the broccoli and apple to a blender or food processor.
Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil into the blender or food processor.
Blend: Puree on high for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, adding in additional liquid (reserved water, fresh breast milk or formula) in 1/4 cup increments if needed. I had to add in 1/4 cup of water to the puree pictured.
Eat: Serve to your baby or freeze for a later meal.

Age: 4-6 months and up

Yield: roughly 12 ounces

Adding In Spices: Feel free to add in 1 tsp of chopped chives, 2-3 mint leaves, 1 tsp of chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp cumin or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Blender

Freezer Tray

Tripp Trapp High Chair

Glass Baby Food Jars

Silicone Baby Bibs

Calories: 25kcal, Carbohydrates: 3. 2g, Protein: 0.7g, Fat: 1.2g, Saturated Fat: 0.2g, Sodium: 6mg, Potassium: 106mg, Fiber: 0.7g, Sugar: 0.4g, Calcium: 8mg

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Best Broccoli for Baby (Puree and BLW-Style)

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse that is easy to prepare for babies. Learn how to make broccoli puree, BLW-style broccoli, and broccoli finger foods.

Broccoli for Baby

I love a veggie that’s easy to prepare and broccoli is so versatile, no matter how you start feeding your baby. I’m going to share a super simple method for making broccoli puree, steaming broccoli for baby led weaning, and tips for serving broccoli as a finger food to little kids of all ages. This is meant to give you easy ideas for how to serve broccoli to kids starting at age 6 months and on up into the toddler years.

TIP: If you’re just starting to explore baby led weaning, or BLW, check out this full guide.

Benefits to Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in potassium, Vitamin C, and fiber. Plus, it’s super versatile and has an interesting texture that can be great for babies to explore. You can buy it fresh or frozen, in a whole head or as florets.

TIP: If you buy precut florets, which can be a nice time saver, you may want to trim off the stems as they can turn a little brown while in the bag at the store.

Ingredients You Need

To make this recipe, you just need broccoli (fresh or frozen) and olive oil. You also need a liquid, but you can use the cooking liquid or no-added-salt chicken or vegetable broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This is a super simple method to steam broccoli for baby, then puree it with added healthy fats. Here’s a look at the basic process. Scroll down to the bottom of the recipe for the full info.

Wash your broccoli.
Steam!
Add to a blender with liquid of choice.
Blend smooth.

TIP: This turns into a fluffy puree that can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for future use. Or you can stop before the final step and offer the steamed florets to baby to eat BLW-style.

Optional Flavor Additions

You can add in another food to make a broccoli baby food combination that has additional flavor and nutrients if you’d like. This is a great option for baby on Stage 2 or 3 purees. I like to add these to this recipe:

Apple Puree
Pear Puree
Sweet Potato Puree
Avocado
Peas

TIP: You can also add a little of the puree to a Green Smoothie.

How to Store Broccoli Puree

This puree stores really well and has no noticeable separation or discoloring, which is great! You can store it in the fridge for 3-5 days or you can freeze it for future weeks. I like to freeze baby food in an ice cube tray, then once the cubes are frozen, pop them out and store for up to 3 months in a zip top freezer bag.

TIP: Find my full guide to Baby Food Storage here.

Can I puree frozen broccoli for baby?

You can puree frozen broccoli for baby using this same steaming method. It works well with either fresh or frozen florets.

When can I give baby broccoli?

You can give baby broccoli after they are 6 months, which is the age that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends we start solids.

Can I give broccoli to my 4 month old? Can I give it to my 5 month old?

Many pediatricians still recommend starting solids at 4 months, though the official guidance from the AAP recommends that we wait until 6 months or when baby meets certain developmental milestones including sitting up independently and solid head control.

Broccoli Finger Food

Broccoli, when cooked until soft, is a great finger food. You can see above some sample sizes for how to serve broccoli as baby grows. At 6 months, baby can have BLW-style larger pieces (outlined below) or can be offered Broccoli Puree (scroll down for the recipe) or Mashed Potatoes with Broccoli.

Then, at close to 9 months, when baby has developed the pincer grasp and the ability to pick up small pieces of food between his fingers, they can have small pieces of soft-cooked broccoli.

You can start to gradually increase the size of the pieces, aiming for normal sizes by about 18 months, which is usually about the time that kids can take bites. You can of course adjust this as is needed for your own unique child.

TIP: Find my guide to Early Finger Foods for Baby here.

Broccoli for Baby Led Weaning

Broccoli is a perfect food for Baby Led Weaning since it’s easy to hold and when cooked until tender, the tops of the florets are a perfect texture for new eaters. Typically, baby eats/sucks on the tops of the floret and then will discard the stem. You can trade out pieces for new ones when one has been eaten well or is getting small in size.

You can steam broccoli to be served this way, which is outlined below in the recipe. You can also serve Roasted Broccoli to BLW babies. Just skip adding any salt.

TIP: BLW foods are typically meant to be about the size of your finger, but broccoli florets may not be that long. Simply choose the biggest pieces you have, aiming for pieces that are too big to be put entirely into baby’s mouth at once.

Tips for the Best Broccoli for Babies

Once cooled, store in small airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for future use.
If serving BLW-style, be sure to use florets that are large so they are too big for baby to completely stuff into their mouths. If a piece gets eaten down and is smaller, trade it out for a larger piece.
BLW-style Roasted Broccoli is another great option for babies 6+ months.
Add flavor and nutrients to the puree by adding ¼ cup avocado, ¼ cup peas, ¼ cup Sweet Potato Puree, or ¼ cup Apple Puree or Pear Puree to the blender during Step 6.
Serve broccoli as finger foods to babies 9+ months by dicing into small pieces.
Find my Favorite Broccoli Recipes for Kids for more ideas.

I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please leave a rating and a comment!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Total Time 13 minutes

Author Amy Palanjian

Cuisine American

Course Baby Food

Calories 55kcal

Servings 4

▢ 8 ounces broccoli florets
▢ 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
▢ 1/2-1 cup no-salt-added chicken or vegetable broth or the cooking water

Wash the broccoli.
Get out a steamer basket and a pot that it fits into. Add the broccoli to the basket and set aside. Add 4 inches of water to the pot and set over high heat. Bring to a boil.
When boiling, reduce heat to medium-high and add the steamer basket with the broccoli. Cover.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft when poked with a fork. Remove from heat.
Once cooled, you can brush lightly with olive oil (or leave plain) and serve BLW-style.
To make Broccoli Puree: Transfer the broccoli to a blender with the olive oil. Add ½ cup liquid and blend, starting on low and working up to high. Add additional liquid as needed to make a smooth puree.

Storage Containers
Olive Oil

Once cooled, store in small airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for future use.
If serving BLW-style, be sure to use florets that are large so they are too big for baby to completely stuff into their mouths. If a piece gets eaten down and is smaller, trade it out for a larger piece.
To make with frozen broccoli, reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes in Step 4.
BLW-style Roasted Broccoli is another great option for babies 6+ months.
Add flavor and nutrients to the puree by adding ¼ cup avocado, ¼ cup peas, ¼ cup Sweet Potato Puree, or ¼ cup Apple Puree or Pear Puree to the blender during Step 6.
Serve broccoli as finger foods to babies 9+ months by dicing into small pieces.

Calories: 55kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 28mg, Potassium: 205mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 353IU, Vitamin C: 51mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

Broccoli (Cauliflower) Puree Encyclopedia Baby Food

(4) 6-7 Months Gluten Free Flour Free Meat Free Sugar Free Egg Free Boil Low Calorie Lunch Vegetable First Food Snack Cooked Puree Recipes Dinner

No comments

Broccoli and cauliflower are definitely one of the best foods for a child. Broccoli is a green cruciferous vegetable that is great for lowering cholesterol, aiding in detoxification, restoring vitamin D in the body, and fighting inflammation.

Broccoli is a real super food, it is a great source of vitamin C, and it also contains beta-carotene, folic acid, iron and potassium, etc.

Cauliflower is one of the most nutritious vegetables and, when prepared correctly, will become a child's favorite meal. It contains a lot of vitamin C, fiber, and is a good source of folate and B vitamins. It also contains some calcium, but not as much in cottage cheese.

Broccoli and cauliflower can cause gas (although less than other types of cabbage), so keep an eye on your baby's reaction, follow the "wait 4-7 days" rule.

As soon as zucchini is introduced into the diet and the baby feels great, you can introduce a second vegetable, namely broccoli or cauliflower.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that after the first vegetable complementary food, you can introduce the baby to porridge or fruit puree, here the choice is up to the parent. It is important to consult a pediatrician if in doubt.

Broccoli is suitable for 6-7 months of age. Introduced complementary foods: Broccoli.