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Broccoli recipe for baby food


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
  1. Prep Broccoli: roughly chop a bunch of broccoli and peel and chop one small apple or white potato.
  2. Steam: place the broccoli and apple/potato into a steamer basket and steam until tender.
  3. Puree: transfer cooked produce into a blender or food processor and add a drizzle of olive oil. Puree until smooth.
  4. 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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How to Cook Broccoli for Baby Led Weaning (with recipes)

Jump to Recipe

Broccoli is the perfect first food for babies! There are so many ways to prepare it for baby led weaning. Let me show you how! 

Jump to:
  • When can babies eat broccoli?
  • Health benefits
  • Does broccoli make baby gassy?
  • Cooking Methods
  • How to cut for baby led weaning
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Baby-Friendly Broccoli Recipes to try
  • Broccoli for baby led weaning

When can babies eat broccoli?

This nutritious green vegetable can be offered to babies as soon as they’re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It’s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.

If you’re unsure, be sure to grab my FREE handout!

Health benefits

Broccoli is bursting with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, K, A, as well as folate and potassium. It's also rich in fiber and various antioxidants.

It even contains a small amount of iron and zinc, top priority nutrients for babies.

Related post: Best iron-rich foods for babies and toddlers

I highly encourage you to introduce bitter flavored foods, early and often. Babies are born with an innate preference for sweet and salty flavors while disliking bitter and sour flavors.

Research also shows that there is this a narrow “window of opportunity” when babies are most willing to accept new foods. Once your child enters toddlerhood and food neophobia enters the picture, they will only want to eat things that are familiar and safe to them.

All this to say, bring on the broccoli (and kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, cabbage....)

Does broccoli make baby gassy?

Foods that are rich in fiber tend to cause gas. This list includes beans, cruciferous vegetables, oatmeal, prunes, peaches, and pears.

Does this mean you should eliminate them completely? Absolutely not! These foods offer so many beneficial nutrients, necessary for your baby’s growth and development.

And as mentioned above, early introduction to a wide variety of flavors and textures is key in minimizing picky eating down the road.

If your baby is gassy but doesn't seem to be in discomfort, there's no reason to worry. If your baby is extra gassy after eating certain foods, just don't overload them with those foods.

Cooking Methods

Here are the two best cooking methods for babies. It's VERY important that the vegetable is cooked until soft enough to be easily smooshed between thumb and forefinger.

You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli.

I personally don't recommend roasting for this age as the exterior of the vegetable can get too crispy or even burnt before it softens. You can boil, but I don't recommend it as most of the nutrients will leach into the water.

Steam

Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Add broccoli, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5-6 minutes. It should be easily pierce-able with a fork.

Be careful not to overcook or you will end up with a not so appetizing greenish-yellow mush.

Steam Roast

This method is my personal favorite! If you are new to this cooking method, be prepared to fall in love HARD! So much more flavorful than plain steaming.

How it works: The hot oven and moisture from the veggies create steam (once covered) making them soft, but because they’re roasted, the flavors become more concentrated.

Simply add broccoli to a baking pan, toss with oil and seasoning(s) of choice, COVER, and roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes! Perfectly soft and flavorful!

Learn more about steam roasting as well as cooking times for ALL other vegetables

How to cut for baby led weaning

Related Post: how to serve the right food size and texture

For 6-8 months old:

Bigger is better and safer at this age so they can easily grab the food with their palm and bring to mouth. So welcome those giant florets ;).

Try to leave as much of the floret stem as possible to make it easier for your baby.

9+ months old:

As your baby develops their pincer grasp and is able to pick up small pieces of food using their thumb and finger, you can cut into small, bite-sized pieces. I still suggest continuing to offer larger pieces so they can practice taking bites.

This is a good time to introduce utensils. Your baby will most likely just play around or toss it. But it's still great for exposure! Continue role modeling too.

12+ Months old:

Depending on your child's chewing skills and your comfort level, you can start to offer slightly firmer, but still soft-textured foods. Try shortening the cooking time by several minutes and see how your baby does.

Continue offering utensils and your child will likely surprise you one day!

Also try adding raw broccoli "sprinkles!" Simply shave off the tips of the top with a knife or kitchen shears.

Alternatively, you can pulse the raw florets in a food processor (I love using my manual mini food chopper) until finely chopped. Now add to oatmeal, yogurt, toast, etc!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is broccoli safe for babies?

As long as it's offered in appropriate size and texture, it is totally safe. Broccoli allergy is very rare as well.

How should I store leftovers?

Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since they're very soft in texture, I don't recommend freezing them. If you have a lot of leftovers and want to invite more variety, add them to the recipes I suggest below!

How should I reheat leftovers?

Again, because the florets are so soft, reheating will only make them mushier. Serve straight from the fridge or allow to come to room temperature.

Baby-Friendly Broccoli Recipes to try

I cook with this "mini tree," as my son likes to call it, A LOT. It's so affordable, nutritious, and versatile. It's actually one vegetable that my firstborn had a really difficult time learning to enjoy so I came up with all kinds of ways to make it fun and appealing for him.

Hope these recipes will be a hit with your child as well!

Dips/Baked Goods

  • Broccoli White Bean Pesto
  • Broccoli hummus
  • Vegan Vegetable Quinoa Muffins
  • Baked Chickpea Veggie Cakes
  • Salmon Quiche

Breakfast

  • Vegetable Baby French Toast
  • Vegetable Baby Oatmeal
  • Overnight Oats (or quinoa)
  • Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Lentils for Babies
  • Savory Baked Oatmeal with Vegetables
  • Tofu Veggie Scramble

Lunch/Dinner

  • One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta
  • Instant Pot Peanut Chicken and Broccoli
  • Mini Baked Canned Salmon Patties (egg-free)
  • Pizza Quesadilla
  • Healthy Korean Beef and Broccoli Quinoa
  • English Muffin Baby Pizza
  • Low-sodium Moo Goo Gai Pan

Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

Broccoli for baby led weaning

Broccoli is the perfect first food for babies! There are so many ways to prepare it for baby led weaning. Let me show you how! 

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

  • ▢

    Steamer

  • ▢

    Baking Mat

  • ▢ 1 pound broccoli, chopped into florets
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for steam roast)
  • ▢ herbs/seasonings of choice (optional but highly recommended)
Steam

  • Cut broccoli into large florets.

  • Add water to a pot and insert the steamer basket. The surface of the water should be under the basket. Pour some out if need be.

  • Bring the water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until easily pierce-able with a fork. Don't overcook or you will end up with super mushy and greenish-yellow color.

Steam roast

  • Preheat oven to 425° Fahrenheit. Cut broccoli into large florets and place on a baking pan.

  • Toss the vegetables with oil and herbs/seasonings of choice. It's ok if they overlap. It will create more steam, resulting in softer texture.

  • Cover with foil or silicone baking mat.

  • Place in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes until soft.

To store:

Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. These won't freeze well. If you have a lot of leftovers and want to invite more variety, add them to the recipes I suggest.

Because the florets are so soft, reheating will only make them mushier. Serve straight from the fridge or allow to come to room temperature.

Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly. Meals today!

5 recipes for broccoli dishes / For small and large children - an article from the "What to feed" section on Food.ru

Broccoli is a type of cauliflower, which is considered the most useful vegetable for baby food. However, due to the specific taste, not every child will agree to eat this cabbage. We talk about the benefits of the product and share recipes on how to cook delicious broccoli for a child.

Broccoli: benefits for children

This cabbage is considered the best product for children, because it combines a huge amount of vitamins and trace elements:

  • Vitamin A is good for skin, hair, vision and bones.

  • Folic acid helps in the formation of bone marrow, muscle tissue and other organs.

  • Vitamin C strengthens children's immunity and reduces the risk of infections.

  • Vitamin K helps blood to clot.

  • Vitamin U prevents the development of ulcers.

  • Fiber aids digestion in developing organisms. nine0003

  • Magnesium, phosphorus and calcium are responsible for the development of the nervous system and bones.

  • Potassium is essential for the functioning of the heart.

  • Iron prevents anemia.

Broccoli is especially recommended for children who do not eat meat well - due to the high protein content, cabbage can make up for the lack of this substance in the body.

According to WHO, broccoli is one of the best foods for first foods: cabbage is easy to boil and can be introduced from five months to bottle-fed babies and from seven months to breastfed babies. This cabbage is hypoallergenic, so it can be cooked and introduced into the child's diet at a very early age without fear of a reaction. The only troubles that threaten the baby are bloating and colic if the serving of cabbage is too large. nine0003

5 broccoli recipes

The simplest dish for babies is mashed potatoes: it is easier to digest, and you can add other products to add flavor to it, it is easy to prepare. For feeding very small ones, only 100 g of mashed potatoes will be enough, so you can cook five to six servings at once. Ready mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day, and it is better to freeze excess portions.

1. Broccoli Soup

A more varied version is a puree soup with potatoes, carrots and onions. And it's also easy to prepare. This is also a hypoallergenic food that can be given to babies from six to eight months. If spices are also added to the recipe, then such a soup can be served not only for children, but also for adults, who will also be delicious. nine0003

2. Baked broccoli with peanuts and butter

An option for older children who are already giving up the tasteless cabbage. Peanuts, as a strong-tasting food, can offset the sour taste of broccoli and add flavor to it. Any child will be happy with such a dish.

3. Broccoli with Cheese and Egg

A hearty and balanced breakfast idea that combines proteins, fats and carbohydrates. This cabbage, like green beans, goes well with eggs. To keep the maximum benefit, it should be cooked for no more than two minutes. The creamy taste of the cheese and spices can also overpower the taste of the vegetable. nine0003

4. Broccoli in a creamy sauce in the oven

Another variation of the combination of cheese, eggs and cabbage, only in this recipe you need to add more cream. Due to them, the dish will be more fatty and rich and perfect for lunch or dinner. And it's easy to cook!

5. Vegan Cream Soup

Delicate cream soup with original ingredients: almond and coconut milk instead of cream, gluten-free instead of wheat flour, and cashew nuts. If the child suffers from lactose intolerance, then such a creamy soup will not harm him. nine0003

What can be done?

Teach your child to eat vegetables with funny cartoons.

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