Broccoli Stalks and Cheese For Baby Led Weaning
Table of Contents
Broccoli Cheese Bites
How many of you throw away the stalk of broccoli? If you do this broccoli stalks and cheese for baby led weaning recipe is perfect for you.
We have all done it and one of the main reasons why we do it is because we don’t know if it can be eaten!
I would like to let you know that it can be eaten, and it is so delicious and a great nutritious food for baby and one of the best first vegetables for your baby.
To make the stalks more delicious interesting I have sprinkled with some cheese and popped them under the grill!
You can serve them alongside most dinner options, just like you would with the broccoli florets! A Great recipe for the whole family.
Next time you buy a broccoli, you will have to give these 2 ingredient recipe a go! Great as a snack, side or as part of a quick meal for the entire family and that picky eater.
I hope this helps and I will be sharing with you more tips that could help you and save you money!
Finger Foods For BLW
Broccoli stalks are a great finger food for baby-led weaning from 6-9 months of age as they are easy for little hands to grip and hold. Their firm texture provides a satisfying crunch that can help babies explore different sensory experiences while developing their fine motor skills.
Broccoli stalks are also a nutritious option, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for your little one. By introducing broccoli stalks as a finger food during BLW, babies can learn to self-feed and explore new flavours, setting a foundation for a varied and nutritious diet in the future, hopefully not being a fussy eater.
Benefits Of Broccoli Stalks For Baby
Broccoli, particularly its stalks, offers a wide array of benefits for babies and is a great option for Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) and young babies. The stalks are a great source of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre, which are crucial for a baby's growth and development.
Additionally, the firm texture of broccoli stalks can help babies improve their chewing and swallowing skills. By offering broccoli recipes during BLW, parents can introduce their babies to a variety of tastes and textures, setting a strong foundation for healthy eating habits later in life.
When Can Baby Eat Cheese
Babies can generally start eating cheddar cheese when they are around 6 to 9 months old. It is important to introduce cheese to babies gradually, starting with small amounts to check for any potential allergic reactions.
Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium and protein for babies, but it is advisable to choose low-sodium or unsalted varieties.
Cheese can be a choking hazard, so it is recommended to grate, melt or finely chop the cheese before offering it to babies. As always, it is best to consult with a health visitor before introducing new foods to your baby's diet.
Healthy Snack Recipe
Serving healthy snack recipes to a baby is of utmost importance as it plays a crucial role in their overall growth and development. Introducing nutritious snacks at an early age is a great way to establish healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.
These snacks provide essential nutrients that are vital for a baby's brain development, immune system, and overall health. By offering a variety of healthy options, parents can ensure that their baby receives a well-rounded diet that supports their growth and helps prevent childhood obesity and other health issues.
It is imperative to focus on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to provide the best start for a baby's health and wellbeing.
Ingredient information
Fresh broccoli stalk - The perfect first food. Did you know that there are more nutrients found in the floret stem than the florets. Especially calcium! Another great reason not to throw them away.
Mature cheddar cheese - You can use any type of cheese such as Red Leicester! As they work with any cheese.
Serving suggestion
The little bites can be served with anything you like!
The cheesy broccoli bites make a delicious side to dinner or lunch. For example, they would be delicious alongside a piece of fish or they could be served as part of a sandwich lunch.
Other recipes you may like: Broccoli tots, Cauliflower cheese tots or Potato croquettes.
Storage instructions
The bites can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.
If you wanted to freeze the bites, you will need to make sure that the bites have cooled down before transferring to either a freezer bag or airtight container. Ensure that the bag/airtight container is labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container.
To defrost the bites, leave in the fridge overnight and make sure that they are fully defrosted, before re heating.
To reheat, place the bites in a oven proof dish and reheat 180C/350F for 3-5 minutes. They can be eaten at room temperature.
Once the bites have been defrosted you will not be able to reheat or refreeze.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Baking sheet - I have chosen to use a non-stick and BPA free baking sheet - they are easy to clean and, if you buy more than one, easily stackable and easily stored.
Airtight container - I love the non-stick surface of this particular frying pan and it’s suitable for all types of hob.
Recipe | Broccoli Stalks and Cheese For Baby Led Weaning
Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe For Baby And Toddler
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place water on the hob, boil and add the raw broccoli stalks in the hot water for 10 - 15 minutes until very soft.
- Once cooked, leave to cool slightly and place baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top of each stalk disc.
- Pop under a hot grill for 2 minutes.
- Cool slightly before eating.
Notes
You could pop these in the oven without being boiled first. If you do this, pop them in the oven without the cheese for 25 minutes and then sprinkle with cheese and grill for 2 minutes.
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