Starting your little one on solid foods can be a daunting task, but with these 20 wholesome baby cereal recipes, you’ll be well on your way to giving your child a healthy and happy start. Using fresh ingredients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, these homemade cereals are not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients that will help support your baby’s growth and development.
From classic pairings like oatmeal and banana to more unique combinations like sweet potato and quinoa, there’s something for every taste bud (and dietary need) on this list. And the best part? You can customize these recipes to suit your child’s individual needs and preferences, making mealtime a breeze.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 20 wholesome baby cereal recipes, exploring the ingredients, preparation methods, and benefits for your little one. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s get started!
Homemade Oatmeal Baby Cereal
A healthier alternative to store-bought baby cereal, this homemade recipe is easy to make and perfect for your little one’s breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1/2 cup breast milk or formula (optional)
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and breast milk or formula (if using). Mix until the oats are well coated.
3. Transfer the oat mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the oats are lightly toasted and fragrant.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
6. If desired, add honey or maple syrup and mix well.
7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana and Rice Cereal Blend
A delicious breakfast or snack that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the simplicity of rice cereal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup rice cereal (such as Cheerios)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced bananas and cooked white rice.
2. Add the rice cereal to the bowl and stir until well combined with the banana-rice mixture.
3. If desired, drizzle the honey over the top and mix gently.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Apple Cinnamon Multigrain Cereal
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of homemade cereal, packed with the sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped dried apple
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, apple, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cereal is lightly toasted and fragrant.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato and Quinoa Baby Cereal
Introduce your little ones to the world of whole grains with this nutritious and delicious baby cereal recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 1/4 cup breast milk or formula (or a combination of both)
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes and quinoa.
3. Add the breast milk or formula, stirring until a smooth consistency is achieved.
4. If desired, add the honey or maple syrup and stir well.
5. Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is ready to use as is.
Tips:
– Use this cereal to supplement your baby’s solid food diet (at around 6 months) or as a healthy snack.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply thaw and serve.
Peach and Barley Cereal Mash
Transform your morning routine with this sweet and satisfying Peach and Barley Cereal Mash! This unique breakfast treat combines the natural sweetness of peaches with the nutty flavor of barley, all wrapped up in a crunchy cereal package.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup pearled barley
– 1/4 cup diced fresh peaches (about 2-3)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil.
2. Add the rolled oats and pearled barley. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 5-7 minutes or until cereal is tender.
3. Stir in diced peaches, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until mixture thickens slightly.
5. Serve warm, garnished with extra peach slices if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Blueberry Buckwheat Baby Cereal
Kickstart your little one’s day with a nutritious and delicious blueberry buckwheat baby cereal. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of buckwheat with the natural sweetness of blueberries, making for a tasty breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup buckwheat groats
– 1/4 cup dried blueberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the oats and buckwheat groats.
3. Add the dried blueberries, honey, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
6. Allow the cereal to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Millet Cereal
Start your day with a warm and cozy bowl of Pumpkin Spice Millet Cereal, infused with the comforting flavors of fall.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup millet cereal
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine millet cereal, rolled oats, pumpkin puree, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the cereal is lightly toasted and fragrant.
4. Remove from heat and stir in milk.
5. Serve warm, garnished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Avocado and Brown Rice Cereal
Start your day with a nutritious and filling breakfast that combines creamy avocado with wholesome brown rice cereal.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 cups brown rice cereal
– 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: sliced banana, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for added crunch and flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed avocado and brown rice cereal.
2. Pour in the milk and stir until the cereal is well coated.
3. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
4. If desired, add sliced banana, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut on top for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tips:
– Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and creamy texture.
– Adjust the amount of milk to your liking, depending on how thick or thin you prefer your cereal.
– This recipe makes one serving. Double or triple the ingredients as needed for a bigger batch.
Enjoy your nutritious and delicious Avocado and Brown Rice Cereal!
Pear and Amaranth Baby Cereal
This sweet and nutritious cereal is perfect for little ones just starting their food journey. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a great way to introduce your baby to the world of texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons amaranth grain
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the diced pear and amaranth grain.
3. If desired, add breast milk or formula to thin out the mixture to your baby’s desired consistency.
4. Add honey if you want to sweeten it up!
5. Spoon the cereal mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready straight from the freezer.
Tips:
– As with any new food, introduce this cereal in small amounts and monitor your baby’s reaction.
– Store leftover cereal in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– You can also use this recipe as a topping for pureed fruits or veggies.
Carrot and Lentil Cereal Mix
A wholesome breakfast or snack option that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the nutty flavor of lentils.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup cooked lentils, cooled
– 1/2 cup grated carrot
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine oats, lentils, and carrot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time), ready to eat!
Spinach and Oat Baby Cereal
Nourish your little one with a nutritious and delicious homemade baby cereal made with spinach and oats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the oats and chopped spinach. Blend until the mixture is well combined and slightly smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cereal is lightly toasted and fragrant.
5. Allow the cereal to cool completely before serving.
6. If desired, mix in breast milk or formula to achieve your preferred consistency.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Serving Size: 1-2 tablespoons per feeding (adjust according to your baby’s age and appetite)
Mango and Coconut Rice Cereal
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying breakfast that combines the natural sweetness of mangoes, the richness of coconut, and the comfort of rice cereal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white or brown rice cereal
– 1/2 cup dried mango, chopped
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the rice cereal and chopped mango.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until warm.
3. Pour the warm honey over the mango-rice mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top and toss gently to distribute evenly.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Zucchini and Quinoa Baby Cereal
This wholesome baby cereal combines the nutritional benefits of quinoa with the gentle sweetness of zucchini, making it an ideal first food for your little one.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 medium zucchinis, cooked and pureed
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked quinoa, zucchini puree, and breast milk or formula (if using). Blend until smooth.
2. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the salt. Mix well.
3. Spoon the cereal into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
4. To serve, simply thaw one frozen cube and mix with breast milk or formula to desired consistency.
Cooking Time: None (just blend and freeze!)
Strawberry and Oatmeal Cereal Blend
Start your day with a deliciously healthy breakfast blend that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal cereal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup strawberry flavored cereal (e.g. Froot Loops)
– 1/4 cup dried strawberries, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the oatmeal and strawberry cereal.
2. Add the chopped dried strawberries to the bowl and stir until well combined.
3. Drizzle the honey over the mixture and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Broccoli and Barley Baby Cereal
Introduce your little one to the world of whole grains and veggies with this wholesome Broccoli and Barley Baby Cereal recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup cooked barley (cooled)
– 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until tender
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (or substitute with water for a dairy-free option)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the oats and cooled barley.
2. Steam the broccoli until tender, then chop it into small pieces.
3. Add the steamed broccoli to the oat mixture and stir until well combined.
4. If using breast milk or formula, add 1 tablespoon and mix until a smooth cereal forms.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Total time: 10 minutes
Tips:
For older babies, you can mash the broccoli to a finer consistency for easier eating. For younger babies, start with a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon per ounce of baby’s weight) and gradually increase as they become accustomed to the new flavors.
Peach and Rice Cereal Puree
Transform ordinary cereal into a sweet and creamy puree by blending it with juicy peaches! This unique recipe is perfect for topping waffles, pancakes, or even using as a base for other desserts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked rice cereal, diced peaches, sugar, and melted butter.
2. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the vanilla extract and blend for an additional 10 seconds.
4. Pour the puree into a serving bowl or airtight container.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (including prep time)
Banana and Millet Baby Cereal
Make a nutritious start for your little ones with this easy-to-make baby cereal recipe. Mashed bananas and whole grain millet come together to create a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon millet flour
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and mash them in a bowl until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats and millet flour.
3. Add the oat-millet mixture to the mashed banana and stir until well combined.
4. If desired, thin out the mixture with breast milk or formula to achieve a creamy consistency.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes.
Serve: Spoon the Banana and Millet Baby Cereal into your baby’s bowl and serve at room temperature.
Enjoy this wholesome start for your little one!
Pumpkin and Oatmeal Cereal Mash
A comforting breakfast or snack that combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– Optional: chopped nuts or seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats, pumpkin puree, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped nuts or seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Blueberry and Quinoa Baby Cereal
Wholesome and delicious, this Blueberry and Quinoa Baby Cereal is a perfect blend of texture and flavor for your little one’s breakfast or snack. Made with simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great way to introduce quinoa and blueberries into their diet.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup dried blueberries
– 2 tablespoons breast milk or formula (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and rolled oats.
2. Add the dried blueberries to the bowl and mix until well combined.
3. If desired, add breast milk or formula to the mixture to create a creamy texture.
4. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: None (simply combine ingredients)
Apple and Lentil Cereal Mix
Start your day with a hearty and wholesome cereal mix that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the nutritious benefits of lentils. This recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup cooked lentils (cooled)
– 1/2 cup diced apple (any variety)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and cooled lentils.
2. Add the diced apple and mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the honey until the mixture is evenly sweetened.
4. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon to taste.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and serve.
Summary
Get your little one off to a healthy start with these wholesome baby cereal recipes! Ditch the store-bought versions and make your own using a variety of ingredients like oats, quinoa, brown rice, and more. Try out recipes like Homemade Oatmeal Baby Cereal, Banana and Rice Cereal Blend, or Apple Cinnamon Multigrain Cereal to name a few. With 20 recipes in total, you’re sure to find one that your baby will love. Plus, these homemade cereals are free from added sugars and preservatives, making them a great way to introduce new foods to your child’s diet.
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