As parents, there’s nothing more important than ensuring our little ones are getting the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. One simple way to do this is by incorporating homemade baby cereal into their diet. Not only can you control the ingredients that go into your child’s food, but you’ll also save money and reduce waste by making your own cereals at home.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and healthy baby cereal recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From classic combinations like banana and oatmeal to more adventurous pairings like sweet potato and quinoa, we’ve got you covered with a variety of options to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for a simple and quick breakfast solution or a snack to keep your little one satisfied between meals, these recipes are sure to become a staple in your household.
Homemade Rice Cereal with Banana Mash
A simple and healthy breakfast or snack option for kids and adults alike, this homemade rice cereal is a great alternative to store-bought cereals. With the added sweetness of banana mash, it’s a treat that’s hard to resist!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 ripe banana
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mash the banana with a fork until smooth.
2. Add the honey and salt to the mashed banana and mix until well combined.
3. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Allow it to cool completely.
4. Once the rice is cooled, add the melted butter and stir until well incorporated.
5. Gradually add the banana mash mixture to the cooked rice, stirring until a cereal-like consistency forms.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including cooking time for rice)
Tips:
– You can adjust the amount of honey to your taste.
– This recipe makes about 2 cups of homemade rice cereal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Feel free to customize with nuts, seeds, or other fruits to suit your preferences!
Oatmeal Cereal with Pureed Apples
Start your day off right with this deliciously easy breakfast recipe that combines the comforting warmth of oatmeal with the sweetness of pureed apples.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk
– 1/4 cup pureed apples (see note)
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: honey, brown sugar, or raisins for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the rolled oats and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and the mixture has reached your desired consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in the pureed apples and salt until well combined.
4. Serve the oatmeal hot, topped with any desired sweetener or raisins.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Multi-Grain Baby Cereal with Blueberries
Start your little one’s day off right with a nutritious and tasty breakfast that combines the wholesomeness of multi-grain cereal with the sweetness of fresh blueberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown rice flour
– 1/4 cup puffed rice cereal
– 1/4 cup dried blueberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, rolled oats, brown rice flour, and puffed rice cereal.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together honey and dried blueberries until well combined.
4. Add the blueberry mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a uniform mixture is formed.
5. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted.
7. Allow the cereal to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: Makes approximately 2 cups of baby cereal
Quinoa Cereal with Sweet Potato Puree
A nutritious breakfast option that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or seeds for topping
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or milk to a simmer.
2. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 5-7 minutes or until the quinoa is creamy and tender.
3. Meanwhile, mix the mashed sweet potato with a pinch of salt.
4. Serve the cooked quinoa in bowls and top with the sweet potato puree.
5. Optional: add chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Barley Cereal with Pear Sauce
A warm and comforting breakfast blend of nutty barley cereal with a sweet and tangy pear sauce, perfect for a cozy morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup pearled barley
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine barley, oats, honey, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is lightly toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
3. In a separate pan, cook pears and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
4. Add apple cider vinegar to the pear mixture and stir to combine.
5. Serve the barley cereal with the warm pear sauce spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brown Rice Cereal with Avocado
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of brown rice cereal with the creamy richness of avocado, creating a nutritious and filling breakfast option. Perfect for a busy morning, this dish can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice cereal
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for added sweetness)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the cooked brown rice cereal and mashed avocado.
2. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
3. If desired, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Buckwheat Cereal with Mango Puree
Start your day with a flavorful and nutritious breakfast by combining the nutty goodness of buckwheat cereal with the sweetness of fresh mango puree.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup buckwheat cereal
– 1/2 cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– Optional: honey or maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the buckwheat cereal and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cereal is rehydrated and slightly creamy.
3. Mash the diced mango with a fork until smooth.
4. Combine the cooked cereal and mango puree in a bowl.
5. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rice Cereal with Spinach and Peas
Start your day with a bowl of wholesome goodness, packed with protein-rich rice cereal, spinach, and peas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice cereal
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup frozen peas
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cooked rice cereal, chopped spinach, and frozen peas.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
3. Mix well to distribute ingredients evenly.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy, ready in just 5 minutes!
Oatmeal Cereal with Carrot Puree
A nutritious and delicious breakfast option that’s perfect for kids and adults alike! This recipe combines the comforting warmth of oatmeal cereal with the sweet and subtle flavor of carrot puree.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 2 cups water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1/4 cup grated carrots
– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the oats and cook according to package instructions until creamy.
3. While the oatmeal is cooking, steam the grated carrots in a separate pot with 2 tablespoons of water until tender.
4. Blend the cooked carrots with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
5. Combine the cooked oatmeal and carrot puree. Add honey or maple syrup if desired for extra sweetness.
6. Serve warm, topped with your choice of nuts, seeds, or fruit.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mixed Grain Cereal with Pumpkin
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of homemade cereal, infused with the flavors of autumn.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup mixed grain cereal (such as Kamut, spelt, and rye)
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine oats, mixed grain cereal, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Add in the honey and stir until well combined.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the cereal reaches your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat and stir in chopped walnuts (if using).
6. Serve warm, topped with milk or yogurt of your choice.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rice Cereal with Prune Puree
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this unique and satisfying snack! This recipe combines the comforting warmth of rice cereal with the sweet, velvety texture of prune puree.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice cereal
– 1/2 cup prune puree (see note)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the rice cereal and prune puree. Mix until the cereal is evenly coated.
2. If desired, drizzle with honey to add an extra touch of sweetness.
3. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (preparation only)
Note: To make prune puree, simply blend 1/4 cup prunes with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. You can also use store-bought prune puree or jam as a substitute.
Oatmeal Cereal with Cinnamon and Apple
Start your day with a comforting bowl of oatmeal infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apple.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup water or milk (or a combination of both)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
– 1/2 diced apple (about 1-inch pieces)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar (if using). Whisk until well combined.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and reached your desired consistency.
4. Stir in the diced apple and cook for an additional minute.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Quinoa Cereal with Butternut Squash
Start your day off right with this nutritious and delicious quinoa cereal, infused with the comforting flavors of roasted butternut squash.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup diced butternut squash (roasted)
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, roasted butternut squash, oats, honey, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is creamy and heated through.
3. Serve hot, garnished with additional roasted butternut squash if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Barley Cereal with Peach Puree
Start your day with a nutritious breakfast that combines the wholesome goodness of barley cereal with the natural sweetness of peach puree.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked barley cereal
– 1/2 cup peach puree
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine cooked barley cereal and peach puree.
2. Add honey to taste, if desired, and mix well.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top for added depth of flavor.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None – simply combine ingredients!
Enjoy your sweet and savory breakfast delight that’s perfect for a quick morning pick-me-up or a satisfying weekend treat.
Brown Rice Cereal with Zucchini
Start your day off right with this nutritious breakfast recipe that combines the wholesome goodness of brown rice cereal with the subtle flavor and added nutrition of zucchini.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice cereal
– 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the brown rice cereal according to package instructions.
2. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
4. Combine the cooked brown rice cereal with the zucchini mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
This recipe is a quick and easy way to add some extra nutrition to your morning routine. The brown rice cereal provides sustained energy, while the zucchini adds fiber and vitamins. Enjoy!
Buckwheat Cereal with Pear and Cinnamon
Start your day off right with this nutritious and delicious breakfast recipe that combines the nutty flavor of buckwheat cereal with sweet pears and a hint of cinnamon. This cozy bowl is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup buckwheat cereal
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and honey. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the diced pear to the milk mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
3. Stir in the cinnamon and salt.
4. Add the buckwheat cereal to the saucepan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cereal is coated with the milk mixture.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rice Cereal with Sweet Corn Puree
This recipe combines the simplicity of rice cereal with the sweetness of pureed corn, creating a delightful breakfast or snack option for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice (cooled)
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 cup sweet corn puree (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooled rice and whole milk. Mix until the rice is fully coated with milk.
2. Add the sweet corn puree to the rice mixture and stir until well combined.
3. If desired, add the honey and mix until dissolved.
4. Serve the Sweet Corn Rice Cereal immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is a simple assembly of ingredients.
Oatmeal Cereal with Mixed Berries
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious bowl of oatmeal cereal, packed with sweet and tangy mixed berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the oats and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and have a creamy consistency.
3. Remove from heat and stir in honey (if using).
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the mixed berries and a pinch of salt.
5. Spoon the cooked oatmeal into a bowl and top with the berry mixture.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Discover the world of healthy and delicious baby cereal recipes! This article presents 18 easy-to-make and nutritious recipes for your infant. From classic rice cereal with banana mash to quinoa cereal with sweet potato puree, oatmeal cereal with mixed berries, and many more – there’s something for every little one. These homemade cereals are free from preservatives and artificial additives, making them a great choice for parents looking to provide the best for their babies. Get creative in the kitchen and give your little one a nutritious start!
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