In this blog we bring together all of our favourite child-friendly recipes and cooking activities and put them into free handy activity cards/ recipe videos. Each recipe outlines the ingredients that you’ll need and a detailed step-by-step guide on how to create it.
Most of our recipes use simple ingredients and only require basic kitchen equipment. Almost all recipes take less than 30 minutes and there’s plenty of ways that little ones can get involved and help to prepare them. So if you’re looking for fun, child-friendly recipes, then look no further 🙂
Use the headings below to find the type of recipe you’re looking for, including: breakfast, lunch/ tea, puddings, snacks, and some special seasonal recipes!
Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast Couscous– When you think of breakfast foods, couscous probably isn’t what immediately jumps to mind. But, it’s a really delicious way to start the day! Click here to download the Breakfast Couscous recipe card (PDF, 2MB)
Date, Greek Yogurt and Orange Porridge– a tasty recipe that can be made using a hob or microwave. Click here to download the Porridge recipe card (PDF, 888KB)
Eggy Bread with Avocado Fingers– a simple and delicious breakfast idea. Click here to watch the Eggy Bread YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
French Toast with Strawberries– a breakfast favourite! Click here to watch the French Toast YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Overnight oats– simple to prepare and a fantastic time saver in the morning. We’ve created a range of variations, including: Apple and Peanut Butter, Banana and Almond, Carrot ‘Cake’, Mixed Berries, and ‘Strawberries and Cream’. Click here to explore out tasty overnight oats recipes (Opens in new tab)
Pancakes– here at Early Start Nutrition we LOVE pancakes! We have created tonnes of pancakes recipes. For example: Fruity Bunny Pancakes, Carrot and Sultana Pancakes, and Cheesy Courgette and Sweetcorn Pancakes. Plus we have a simple pancake recipe and lots of delicious topping suggestions! Click here to explore out tasty pancakes recipes (opens in new tab)
Vegan Breakfast Muffins– a great recipe to help add more variety at breakfast times. Click here to watch the Vegan Breakfast Muffin YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Lunch and Tea Recipes
Avocado and Tuna Quesadilla– a recipe bound to be popular with little ones. Click here to download the Avocado and Tuna Quesadilla recipe card (PDF, 664KB)
Bean Chilli Jacket Potatoes (weaning suitable)– a great recipe to make and freeze in batches. Click here to watch the Bean Chilli YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Bean Mac and Cheese– a children’s favourite with butter beans! Click here to download the Bean Mac and Cheese recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
Bolognese Bake– a nice twist on the classic spaghetti Bolognese. Click here to download the Bolognese Bake recipe card (PDF, 407KB).
Cheese, Spinach and Edamame Bean Quiche– a tasty recipe which can be served hot or cold. Click here to download the Quiche recipe card (PDF, 2MB)
Cheesy Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas– this is Georgia’s favourite Early Start Nutrition recipe, yum! Click here to download the Quesadilla recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
Cheesy Mushroom and Parsley Omelette– a quick recipe with one a few ingredients. Click here to download the Cheesy Mushroom Omelette recipe card (PDF, 857KB)
Chicken, Pepper and Avocado Wraps– an Early Start Nutrition Team favourite! Click here to download the Chicken Wrap recipe card (PDF, 1023KB).
Coronation Chicken Sandwiches– a great recipe to make sandwiches a little more exciting. Swap chicken for chickpeas to make the recipe vegetarian. Click here to download the Coronation Chicken Sandwich recipe card (PDF, 2MB)
Easy Homemade Pizza– a fun recipe to make with children, and easily adapted to include different toppings! Click here to watch the Easy Homemade Pizza YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Falafel, with Tzatziki and Pitta Bread– a tasty recipe that will encourage little ones to feed themselves. Click here to watch the Falafel YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Fish Fingers, Potatoes Wedges and Peas– a homemade version of a children’s classic dish. Click here to watch the Fish Fingers YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Lentil, Coconut and Butternut Squash Curry– a great vegetarian recipe as it’s tasty and budget-friendly. Click here to watch the Lentil, Coconut and Butternut Squash Curry YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Masala Frittata with Avocado Salsa– a truly delicious recipe that can be served hot or cold. Click here to watch the Masala Frittata YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Salmon and Pea Pasta– quick to make, delicious and budget-friendly. Click here to watch the Salmon and Pea Pasta YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Salmon Fishcakes– a great recipe to help children enjoy a portion of oily fish. Click here to watch the Salmon Fishcakes YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Spice Carrot and Lentil Soup– a tasty and warming recipe, perfect for the autumn and winter months! Click Here to Download the Coronation Chicken Recipe Card (PDF, 2MB)
Spiced Lamb Koftas with Chickpeas– a simple and nutritious recipe. Click here to download the Kofta recipe card (PDF, 179KB)
Spring Vegetable and Chickpea Couscous– a refreshing and delicious spring recipe. Click here to watch the Spring Coucous YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Patties– super tasty, and a great recipe for babies over 6 months too. Click here to watch the Sweet Potato and Chickpea Patties YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Sweet and Sour Chicken– a tasty and nutritious recipe which can be easily adapted for weaning babies. Click here to watch the Sweet and Sour Chicken YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Tuna and Pea Pasta Salad– a nice recipe to serve hot or cold. Click here to download the Tuna Pasta recipe card (PDF, 459KB)
Vegetarian Meatballs with Pasta and Broccoli– a great ‘from-scratch’ recipe, which can be easily adapted for babies stage of weaning. Click here to watch the Vegetarian Meatballs YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Vegetable Pastry Roll– delicious and comforting! Click here to download the Vegetable Pastry recipe card (PDF, 84KB).
Pudding Recipes
Cooked/ baked desserts, such as cakes, flapjacks and crumbles
Apple and Raspberry Stew– a tasty and simple recipe. Click here to watch the Apple and Raspberry Stew YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Banana Bread– a great way of using up the ripest of bananas. Click here to download the Banana Bread recipe card (PDF, 948KB)
Banana Cupcakes– simple banana cupcakes with cream cheese and/or peanut butter topping. Click here to download your Banana Cupcakes Recipe Card (PDF, 919KB)
Fruit Scones– a great recipe to make with your little ones. Instead of traditional jam and cream, try using fresh strawberries and cream cheese for a healthy alternative topping. Click here to watch the Fruit Scones YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Fruity Flag Traybake– an eye-catching cake with berries. Click here to download your Fruity Flag Traybake recipe card (PDF, 3MB)
Gruffalo Crumble– a delicious fruity crumble recipe featuring this much loved children’s book character. Click here to download the Gruffalo Crumble recipe card (PDF, 528KB)
Hot Cross Buns– delicious hot cross buns which take a little while to make. Click here to watch the Hot Cross Bun Youtube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Pear and Rhubarb Crumble– tasty crumble with no added sugar. Click here to watch the Pear and Rhubarb Crumble YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Peanut Butter Banana Bread– totally scrumptious, but quick and easy to make! Click here to watch the Peanut Butter Banana Bread YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Rainbow Flapjack– this cereal based Rainbow Flapjack is a colourful, eye-catching pudding. Click here to download your Rainbow Flapjack recipe card (PDF, 834KB).
Non-cook puddings
Avocado Ice Lollies– a tasty twist on traditional fruity ice cream. Click here to download the Avocado Ice Lollies recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
Fruit Frozen Yoghurt– simple recipe of natural yoghurt and your chosen fruit! Click here to download the Fruity Frozen Yoghurt recipe card (PDF, 178KB)
Frozen Fruit Lollies– adapt the recipe to include your favourite fruit. Click here to download the Fruit Lollies recipe card (PDF, 185KB)
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites– super tasty and easy to make! Click here to download the Strawberry Cheesecake Bites recipe card (PDF, 338KB)
Watermelon Pizza– a fun and easy no-cook pudding recipe (also makes a great snack!). Click here to download the Watermelon Pizza recipe card (PDF, 273KB)
Snack Recipes
Apple Thins– an alternative way to offer apple at snack time. Click here to download the Apple Thins recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
BFG Snozzcumber Sandwiches– a great snack recipe if reading the BFG. Click here to watch the BFG Snozzcumber Sandwiches YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Cheese and Crackers– a super quick and easy snack. Click here to download the Cheese and Crackers recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
Easy Pepper Omelette– a super quick and easy breakfast recipe. Click here to download the Easy Pepper Omelette recipe card (PDF, 2MB).
Fruity Hooty Owls– children will love making this fun snack recipe. Click here to download the Fruity Hooty Owls recipe card (PDF, 142KB)
Hummus and Pitta Shapes- use different cookie cutters to create different shapes with your pitta. Click here to download the Hummus and Pitta Shapes recipe card (PDF, 152KB)
Pepper Sticks and Hummus Lion– a really fun snack that little ones will love! Click here to download the Pepper Sticks and Hummus Lion recipe card (PDF, 802KB)
Rice Cakes with Nut Butter and Strawberries– a super quick snack idea. Click here to download the Rice Cakes and Nut Butter recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
Smashed Avocado and Egg Fingers– a simple and delicious protein snack for children. Click here to download the Smashed Avocado and Egg Fingers recipe card (PDF, 799KB)
Veggie Pitta Pizzas– just add your chosen toppings! Click here to download the Veggie Pizza recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sandwich– bring the story to life with this adorable sandwich caterpillar. Click here to download the Very Hungry Caterpillar Sandwich recipe card (PDF, 2MB).
Seasonal Recipes
Christmas and Winter– fun and festive recipes, including: a Kiwi Christmas Tree, Chees Triangle Reindeer, and Vegetable Baubles. Check out our Christmas recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Easter– cute recipes, including: Babybel Bunnies, Hot Cross Muffins, and Bunny Bread. Check out our Easter recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Halloween– spooktacular recipes, including: Haunted Hummus, Freaky Frankenstein Wraps, and Quivering Quesadillas. Check out our Halloween recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Pancake Day– flipping good pancakes recipes, including: Carrot and Sultana Spiced Pancakes, Cheesy Courgette and Sweetcorn Pancakes, and a huge choice of tasty topping ideas! Check out our Pancake recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Ramadan and Eid– tasty recipe ideas, along with tips on how to have a happy and healthy Ramadan. Check out the recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Valentine’s Day– tasty recipes, including: Oatmeal Cookies, Frozen Yoghurt Hearts, and Tomato Tulips. Check out our Valentine’s Day recipes here (Opens in new tab).
