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    MJ & Hungryman » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes » Broccoli for Baby Led Weaning (with recipes)

    Broccoli for Baby Led Weaning (with recipes)

    By Min On January 18, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    a visual of how to cut broccoli depending on baby's age. Finely chopped and large floret for 6-9 months, bite-sized pieces and large floret for 9-12 months and broccoli sprinkles for 12+ months.

    Broccoli is the perfect first food for babies! There are so many ways to prepare it for baby led weaning. Let me show you how! 

    a collage of baby-friendly broccoli recipes.
    Jump to:
    • When can babies eat broccoli?
    • Health benefits
    • Does broccoli make baby gassy?
    • Cooking Methods
    • How to cut for baby led weaning
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Baby-Friendly Broccoli Recipes to try
    • Broccoli for baby led weaning

    When can babies eat broccoli?

    This nutritious green vegetable can be offered to babies as soon as they’re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It’s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.

    If you’re unsure, be sure to grab my FREE handout!

    Health benefits

    Broccoli is bursting with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, K, A, as well as folate and potassium. It's also rich in fiber and various antioxidants.

    It even contains a small amount of iron and zinc, top priority nutrients for babies.

    Related post: Best iron-rich foods for babies and toddlers

    I highly encourage you to introduce bitter flavored foods, early and often. Babies are born with an innate preference for sweet and salty flavors while disliking bitter and sour flavors.

    Research also shows that there is this a narrow “window of opportunity” when babies are most willing to accept new foods. Once your child enters toddlerhood and food neophobia enters the picture, they will only want to eat things that are familiar and safe to them.

    All this to say, bring on the broccoli (and kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, cabbage....)

    Does broccoli make baby gassy?

    Foods that are rich in fiber tend to cause gas. This list includes beans, cruciferous vegetables, oatmeal, prunes, peaches, and pears.

    Does this mean you should eliminate them completely? Absolutely not! These foods offer so many beneficial nutrients, necessary for your baby’s growth and development.

    And as mentioned above, early introduction to a wide variety of flavors and textures is key in minimizing picky eating down the road.

    If your baby is gassy but doesn't seem to be in discomfort, there's no reason to worry. If your baby is extra gassy after eating certain foods, just don't overload them with those foods.

    Cooking Methods

    Here are the two best cooking methods for babies. It's VERY important that the vegetable is cooked until soft enough to be easily smooshed between thumb and forefinger.

    You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli.

    I personally don't recommend roasting for this age as the exterior of the vegetable can get too crispy or even burnt before it softens. You can boil, but I don't recommend it as most of the nutrients will leach into the water.

    Steam

    Florets steamed in a steamer basket

    Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Add broccoli, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5-6 minutes. It should be easily pierce-able with a fork.

    Be careful not to overcook or you will end up with a not so appetizing greenish-yellow mush.

    Steam Roast

    a close up shot of steam roasted florets.

    This method is my personal favorite! If you are new to this cooking method, be prepared to fall in love HARD! So much more flavorful than plain steaming.

    How it works: The hot oven and moisture from the veggies create steam (once covered) making them soft, but because they’re roasted, the flavors become more concentrated.

    Simply add broccoli to a baking pan, toss with oil and seasoning(s) of choice, COVER, and roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes! Perfectly soft and flavorful!

    Learn more about steam roasting as well as cooking times for ALL other vegetables

    How to cut for baby led weaning

    a visual of how to cut broccoli depending on baby's age. Finely chopped and large floret for 6-9 months, bite-sized pieces and large floret for 9-12 months and broccoli sprinkles for 12+ months.

    Related Post: how to serve the right food size and texture

    For 6-8 months old:

    Bigger is better and safer at this age so they can easily grab the food with their palm and bring to mouth. So welcome those giant florets ;).

    Try to leave as much of the floret stem as possible to make it easier for your baby.

    9+ months old:

    As your baby develops their pincer grasp and is able to pick up small pieces of food using their thumb and finger, you can cut into small, bite-sized pieces. I still suggest continuing to offer larger pieces so they can practice taking bites.

    This is a good time to introduce utensils. Your baby will most likely just play around or toss it. But it's still great for exposure! Continue role modeling too.

    12+ Months old:

    Depending on your child's chewing skills and your comfort level, you can start to offer slightly firmer, but still soft-textured foods. Try shortening the cooking time by several minutes and see how your baby does.

    Continue offering utensils and your child will likely surprise you one day!

    Also try adding raw broccoli "sprinkles!" Simply shave off the tips of the top with a knife or kitchen shears.

    Alternatively, you can pulse the raw florets in a food processor (I love using my manual mini food chopper) until finely chopped. Now add to oatmeal, yogurt, toast, etc!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is broccoli safe for babies?

    As long as it's offered in appropriate size and texture, it is totally safe. Broccoli allergy is very rare as well.

    How should I store leftovers?

    Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since they're very soft in texture, I don't recommend freezing them. If you have a lot of leftovers and want to invite more variety, add them to the recipes I suggest below!

    How should I reheat leftovers?

    Again, because the florets are so soft, reheating will only make them mushier. Serve straight from the fridge or allow to come to room temperature.

    Baby-Friendly Broccoli Recipes to try

    I cook with this "mini tree," as my son likes to call it, A LOT. It's so affordable, nutritious, and versatile. It's actually one vegetable that my firstborn had a really difficult time learning to enjoy so I came up with all kinds of ways to make it fun and appealing for him.

    Hope these recipes will be a hit with your child as well!

    Dips/Baked Goods

    • Broccoli White Bean Pesto
    • Broccoli hummus
    • Vegan Vegetable Quinoa Muffins
    • Baked Chickpea Veggie Cakes
    • Salmon Quiche

    Breakfast

    • Vegetable Baby French Toast
    • Vegetable Baby Oatmeal
    • Overnight Oats (or quinoa)
    • Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    • Lentils for Babies
    • Savory Baked Oatmeal with Vegetables
    • Tofu Veggie Scramble

    Lunch/Dinner

    • One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta
    • Instant Pot Peanut Chicken and Broccoli
    • Mini Baked Canned Salmon Patties (egg-free)
    • Pizza Quesadilla
    • Healthy Korean Beef and Broccoli Quinoa
    • English Muffin Baby Pizza
    • Low-sodium Moo Goo Gai Pan

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    a close up shot of steam roasted florets.

    Broccoli for baby led weaning

    Broccoli is the perfect first food for babies! There are so many ways to prepare it for baby led weaning. Let me show you how! 
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Steamer
    • Baking Mat

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound broccoli, chopped into florets
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for steam roast)
    • herbs/seasonings of choice (optional but highly recommended)

    Instructions

    Steam

    • Cut broccoli into large florets.
    • Add water to a pot and insert the steamer basket. The surface of the water should be under the basket. Pour some out if need be.
    • Bring the water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until easily pierce-able with a fork. Don't overcook or you will end up with super mushy and greenish-yellow color.

    Steam roast

    • Preheat oven to 425° Fahrenheit. Cut broccoli into large florets and place on a baking pan.
    • Toss the vegetables with oil and herbs/seasonings of choice. It's ok if they overlap. It will create more steam, resulting in softer texture.
    • Cover with foil or silicone baking mat.
    • Place in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes until soft.

    Notes

    To store:
    Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. These won't freeze well. If you have a lot of leftovers and want to invite more variety, add them to the recipes I suggest.
    Because the florets are so soft, reheating will only make them mushier. Serve straight from the fridge or allow to come to room temperature.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!
    « Mini Baked Salmon Patties
    Chicken for Babies (with recipes) »

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. alexis says

      January 01, 2023 at 4:06 pm

      what are some ideas for the herbs/seasonings of choice?

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 02, 2023 at 7:34 pm

        Hi! So many options - oregano, cumin, garlic, ginger, curry powder...perhaps this post may be helpful as well! https://www.mjandhungryman.com/herbs-and-spices-for-baby-food/

        Reply
    2. Anna says

      March 02, 2022 at 2:08 pm

      Can I steam roast from frozen veggie thanks

      Reply
      • Min says

        March 02, 2022 at 8:08 pm

        You can!

        Reply
    3. Robin says

      January 24, 2022 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      Love the idea of steam roasting. Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 25, 2022 at 10:02 am

        It's a total game changer!! You'll see 😉

        Reply
    4. Veronica Madore says

      January 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      Every recipe that I have tried has been a huge success and I know that what I have made for my Grandson is healthy, nutritious and flavourful. You are a wonderful inspiration Min! So glad I found you and have recommended you to my daughter with her first born.

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 24, 2022 at 2:54 pm

        Thank you for all your love and encouragement, Veronica! It truly means the world to me!! I'm so glad your grandson has been enjoying all of my recipes. Many more to come!!

        Reply
    5. Shawn says

      January 24, 2022 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      Great tips! Thanks for the series!

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 24, 2022 at 2:12 pm

        I'm excited to share more!

        Reply

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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