Looking for healthy finger food ideas for toddlers? Toddler Recipes Australia has you covered! Our blog has a range of delicious and nutritious recipes that will get your little ones excited about meal times. We cover all the essential ingredients for kids, from fruits and vegetables to delicious proteins and dairy. Plus, each recipe is easy to make and includes plenty of tips to make the whole process quick and stress-free. Visit us today to discover the best finger food ideas your toddler will love!

Tasty Finger Food Ideas for Toddlers

As parents raising a toddler, we know life can be hectic. We’re always trying to ensure our little ones receive a balanced healthy diet while also ensuring they have a fun and varied diet.

Today, I have fifteen recipes specifically geared towards toddlers that allow them to explore a variety of different tastes without them being overly complicated for a young child. The recipes listed below could all be considered “finger foods”, as they are easily eaten with fingers or utensils.

I hope you find them helpful and I wish you luck on your finger food adventures!

Mini Apple Pie Muffins

These sweet little treats are irresistible and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup apple juice
• 1 cup peeled, diced apples
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, and apple juice until blended.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until just blended.
5. Then, lightly fold in the diced apples.
6. Line 12 muffin cups with liners and spoon the batter evenly into each cup.
7. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, vanilla, butter and two tablespoons of flour.
8. Mix until crumbly and spoon over the top of the muffins.
9. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Avocado and Cheese Toast

The perfect snack for a toddler, it’s easy to make and even easier to eat.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated cheese of your choice

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread in a toaster.
2. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
3. Scoop the avocado out of the skin with a spoon.
4. Mash the avocado with a fork.
5. Spread the avocado on the toast.
6. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
7. Sprinkle the cheese on top.

Quinoa Bites

A great alternative to greasy fast food, these bites are super nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• ½ cup grated cheese of your choice
• ½ teaspoon crushed garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. In a large bowl, mix together the quinoa, cheese, garlic, olive oil, parsley, basil, tomatoes, and salt and pepper.
3. Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
4. Scoop the quinoa mixture into the muffin tin and press down firmly.
5. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Cheesy Broccoli Bites

A great way to incorporate some vegetables into your child’s diet without them even realizing it!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup grated cheese of your choice
• ½ teaspoon crushed garlic
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli, cheese, garlic, butter, parsley, basil, egg, and salt and pepper.
3. Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
4. Scoop the mixture into the muffin tin and press down firmly.
5. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Potato Croquettes

These croquettes are a twist on traditional mashed potatoes with a bit of crunch and a cheesy centre.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• ¼ cup grated cheese of your choice
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, cheese, parsley, basil, butter, eggs, and salt and pepper.
3. Using your hands, shape into 12 patties and dredge in the flour.
4. Dip the patties in the beaten eggs and then coat with the Panko breadcrumbs.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Green Pea and Cheese Fritters

These fritters are a great way to get your little one eating their veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
• ¼ cup grated cheese of your choice
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the green peas, cheese, parsley, basil, eggs, and salt and pepper.
2. Using your hands, shape into 12 patties and dredge in the flour.
3. Dip the patties in the beaten eggs and then coat with the Panko breadcrumbs.
4. In a large skillet, heat a couple of inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the patties in batches until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
6. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain before serving.

Sweet Potato Fritters

These sweet treats are an excellent way to get your little one enjoying sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• ¼ cup grated cheese of your choice
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, eggs, and salt and pepper.
2. Using your hands, shape into 12 patties and dredge in the flour.
3. Dip the patties in the beaten eggs and then coat with the Panko breadcrumbs.
4. In a large skillet, heat a couple of inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the patties in batches until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
6. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain before serving.

Baked Mozzarella Bites

These bites are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, eggs, and salt and pepper.
3. Using your hands, shape into 12 patties and dredge in the flour.
4. Dip the patties in the beaten eggs and then coat with the Panko breadcrumbs.
5. Place the patties on a backing tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Zucchini Pizza Bites

These pizza bites are sure to please picky eaters!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• ½ cup grated cheese of your choice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the zucchini, pizza sauce, cheese, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
3. Using your hands, shape into 12 patties and dredge in the flour.
4. Dip the patties in the beaten eggs and then coat with the Panko breadcrumbs.
5. Place the patties on a backing tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Baked Parmesan Fries

These delicious, golden fries are a great way to jazz up the typical french fry.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the potatoes, parsley, basil, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil and salt and pepper.
3. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
4. Spread the potatoes out on the baking tray and lightly spray or drizzle with oil.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

These are just fifteen of the many delicious finger food recipes that can be enjoyed by toddlers. With a bit of creativity and just a few ingredients, there are endless possibilities for creating delicious finger foods that are both nutritious and toddler-friendly. Happy cooking!