18 Hidden Veggie Recipes For Toddlers
on Jul 21, 2025
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Getting toddlers to eat their veggies can feel like a never-ending battle—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re dealing with a picky eater or just looking for more nutritious options, these 18 hidden veggie recipes sneak in extra goodness without your little one ever noticing. From creamy pasta dishes and savory snacks to sweet breakfasts and even milkshakes, each recipe is designed to be both toddler-approved and parent-approved.
These aren’t just creative—they’re practical, simple to make, and packed with real ingredients that fuel growing bodies and curious minds.
Jump To a Hidden Veggie Recipe
Why These Hidden Veggie Recipes are Perfect for Toddlers
Toddlers are known for their strong opinions, especially when it comes to food. Hidden veggie recipes take the pressure off mealtime by blending vegetables into meals your child already loves. This approach helps:
- Boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor
- Support healthy habits early with exposure to a variety of vegetables
- Ease mealtime struggles by offering familiar textures and tastes
- Encourage independent eating with finger-friendly options and fun shapes
Whether your toddler flat-out refuses vegetables or just gets bored easily, these recipes are a great way to add balance to their day—without forcing a single bite of plain broccoli.
Veggie Orzo – Cheesy, Colorful Toddler Pasta
This soft, cheesy orzo is an easy way to pack in veggies without a fuss. Made with a mix of finely chopped vegetables and melty cheese, it’s comforting and quick to prep. The small pasta shape is great for toddlers learning to self-feed. Serve warm for lunch or dinner with a side of fruit.
Try this cheesy, toddler-friendly Veggie Orzo – a fun way to serve hidden veggies!
Roasted Hidden Veggie Pasta – Saucy Pasta with Blended Veggies
This roasted veggie pasta sauce blends up smooth and flavorful, making it perfect for picky eaters. It’s packed with hidden vegetables like zucchini, carrots, onions, and bell peppers that get caramelized in the oven for extra flavor. Tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy.
Serve up a bowl of this Roasted Hidden Veggie Pasta – a kid-friendly dinner packed with goodness.
Banana Avocado Pancakes – Soft and Naturally Sweet
These fluffy pancakes are naturally sweetened with ripe banana and boosted with healthy fats from avocado. They cook up soft and moist, perfect for little hands. With no added sugar and a short ingredient list, they make an ideal breakfast or snack for toddlers.
Try these soft Banana Avocado Pancakes – a wholesome, toddler-approved favorite.
Veggie Fruit Snacks – Fun, Gummy-Style Treats
These homemade gummy snacks are made with pureed fruit and hidden veggies like carrots or spinach. They’re colorful, squishy, and naturally sweetened, with no artificial dyes or preservatives. A fun and healthy option for snack time or lunchboxes.
Make a batch of these homemade Veggie Fruit Snacks – a fun, sneaky way to get in more produce.
Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels – Savory, Swirly Toddler Lunch
These crescent dough pinwheels are stuffed with melted cheese and finely chopped broccoli for a fun, easy-to-hold lunch. Golden and crisp on the outside with a soft, cheesy center, they’re a great way to serve veggies in a form toddlers love.
Try these Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels – a toddler-friendly lunch that hides veggies in plain sight.
Spinach Muffins – Bright Green, Naturally Sweetened Snack
These vibrant green muffins are packed with spinach, but you’d never guess it from the taste. Lightly sweetened with banana and just the right texture for toddlers, they make a great on-the-go breakfast or snack. Perfect for introducing greens in a fun way.
Bake a batch of Spinach Muffins – a colorful snack with hidden veggie power.
Broccoli Rice Balls – Handheld, Cheesy Toddler Bites
These baked rice balls combine cooked rice, cheese, and finely chopped broccoli into perfectly portioned bites. They’re soft inside with a light crisp on the outside, easy for toddlers to hold and chew. Great for mealtime or packed lunches.
Make these Broccoli Rice Balls – a delicious, veggie-packed finger food.
Broccoli Cheese Waffles – Crispy Outside, Veggie-Filled Inside
Savory waffles with grated broccoli and gooey cheese make a fun and nutritious breakfast or lunch. They’re crispy on the edges and tender in the middle, with a flavor toddlers love. Serve with dip or fruit on the side.
Serve Broccoli Cheese Waffles – a creative way to add veggies to mealtime.
Cheesy Carrot Tots – Baked, Bite-Sized Veggie Snack
These homemade tots are made with shredded carrots and cheese, baked until golden and lightly crispy. They’re shaped for toddler hands and ideal for dipping in ketchup or yogurt sauce. A great alternative to store-bought snacks.
Try Cheesy Carrot Tots – toddler-friendly bites with hidden veggies baked in.
Chocolate Spinach Milkshake – Creamy, Sweet, and Veggie-Boosted
This rich chocolate milkshake blends banana, milk, and a handful of spinach for a treat that feels indulgent but sneaks in extra nutrients. It’s naturally sweet and creamy with a mild flavor toddlers love. A great option for a nourishing snack or healthy dessert.
Whip up this Chocolate Spinach Milkshake – a fun, veggie-filled drink toddlers enjoy.
Creamy Carrot Pasta – Bright, Silky Sauce with Hidden Veggies
This smooth carrot-based sauce coats pasta in a creamy, lightly sweet layer that’s hard to resist. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s quick to make and full of vitamin-rich veggies. A great choice for toddlers who love mac and cheese but need a little veggie boost.
Serve Creamy Carrot Pasta – a colorful, comforting meal with built-in veggies.
Sweet Potato Waffles – Naturally Sweet, Nutrient-Rich Breakfast
These soft waffles are made with mashed sweet potato, giving them a lovely texture and natural sweetness. They’re great for freezing and toasting, making busy mornings easier. Add toppings like yogurt or fruit to round out the meal.
Make Sweet Potato Waffles – an easy, freezer-friendly breakfast with hidden veggies.
Avocado Pasta – Creamy Green Sauce Full of Healthy Fats
This quick pasta dish features a smooth avocado sauce with a touch of lemon and garlic, perfect for toddlers and adults. It’s rich, satisfying, and a clever way to get in healthy fats and fiber. Serve warm or chilled for a refreshing summer meal.
Try Avocado Pasta – a silky, green sauce that gets toddlers eating more greens.
Chocolate Veggie Muffins – Rich, Fudgy, and Packed with Spinach
These soft chocolate muffins are sweetened with banana and loaded with spinach—though you’d never know it. They’re perfect for picky eaters who shy away from green foods. A freezer-friendly snack or breakfast with a healthy twist.
Bake these Chocolate Veggie Muffins – a sneaky and satisfying treat for little ones.
Spinach Pesto – Creamy, Kid-Friendly Green Sauce
This pasta dish features a smooth, creamy sauce made from spinach, garlic, lemon, and cheese. It’s mild, flavorful, and a fun way to introduce leafy greens to toddlers. Serve with your toddler’s favorite noodles for an easy win at mealtime.
Serve Spinach Pesto Pasta – a tasty green dinner that gets toddlers excited for veggies.
Feta Orzo Bake – Cheesy, Hidden Veggie Pasta
Loaded with creamy feta, soft orzo, and finely chopped spinach, this easy bake is comforting and nutritious. It’s toddler-friendly in both flavor and texture, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. A great one-dish meal for busy nights.
Try Feta Orzo Bake – a cheesy, family-friendly casserole packed with hidden greens.
Banana Carrot Mini Muffins – Moist, Naturally Sweet Toddler Snack
These mini muffins combine ripe banana and grated carrot for a sweet and wholesome bite. They’re soft, lightly spiced, and easy for toddlers to eat. Great for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.
Bake Banana Carrot Mini Muffins – a soft, no-fuss snack full of fruit and veggie goodness.
Healthy Spaghetti-O’s with Carrot – Homemade Take on a Classic
This from-scratch version of a childhood favorite is made with tiny pasta, tomato sauce, and blended carrots for a veggie boost. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and made with simple ingredients you can feel good about.
Serve Healthy Spaghetti-O’s with Carrot – a better-for-you take on a toddler classic.
Let’s Stay Connected!
Helping toddlers eat more vegetables doesn’t have to mean battles at the table. These 18 hidden veggie recipes are proof that nutritious can also be delicious. From savory snacks to satisfying meals and even sweet treats, every recipe on this list brings vegetables into the mix in a way that fits your child’s tastes and your busy routine. Try a few, find your favorites, and keep them in rotation for easy, stress-free meals your toddler will love!
If your toddlers love any of my favorite hidden veggie recipes I would love to hear about it! Tag me @reallittlemeals so I can hear about all of your delicious creations!
Need some easy breakfast ideas for your kids? Check out this page! How bout quick healthy snacks? This page has a bunch of my favorites! Enjoy!
