30 Simple Toddler Meal Prep Ideas for Lunch or Dinner [Easy!]

Meal planning can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to feeding your little one. Every meal of the day requires a nutritious, tasty, and easy-to-make option that your toddler will actually eat. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with these 30 simple toddler meal prep ideas!

Toddler Lunch Ideas

Idea 1: Pancake Bites

Create a fun twist on traditional pancakes by making pancake bites! These easy-to-eat treats are baked in a muffin tin and can be customized with your toddler’s favorite add-ins, like blueberries or chocolate chips.

Idea 2: Peanut Butter and Jelly Roll-Ups

A classic PB&J sandwich gets a fun makeover as a roll-up! Simply spread peanut butter and jelly on a tortilla, roll it up, and slice into bite-sized pieces for an easy-to-eat lunch option.

Idea 3: Toddler-Friendly BLT

For a healthy toddler lunch, try a BLT with a toddler-friendly twist. Use whole grain bread, add a little avocado, and cut the sandwich into fun shapes to make it more appealing to your little one.

Make-Ahead Toddler Meals

Idea 4: Meatballs

Meatballs are a great option for meal prep as they can be made in big batches and reheated throughout the week. Try making them with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier spin, and serve them with a side of veggies or whole grain pasta.

Idea 5: Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a crowd-pleaser for kids of all ages, and they’re actually quite easy to make at home! You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs and oven-bake them for a healthier version.

Idea 6: Broccoli and Cheese Muffins

These muffins are packed with protein and veggies, making them a great option for a make-ahead toddler meal. Plus, the cheesy goodness is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Toddler Dinner Ideas

Idea 8: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas

Amp up your toddler’s dinner with these sweet potato and black bean quesadillas. They’re packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a great option for baby-led weaning.

Idea 9: Toddler-Friendly Hummus and Veggie Wrap

For a quick toddler dinner, try a hummus and veggie wrap. You can add any veggies your little one likes and use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.

Idea 10: Shredded Chicken Tacos

Make a double batch of shredded chicken in your slow cooker for a simple, versatile toddler dinner option. Serve it as tacos, on top of rice, or as a side to any meal.

Peanut Butter Alternatives

Idea 11: Almond Butter and Apple Sandwiches

If your toddler can’t have peanut butter, try almond butter. Spread it on apple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delicious and easy snack.

Idea 12: Sunflower Seed Butter and Banana Roll-Ups

Another peanut butter alternative is sunflower seed butter. Use it to make roll-ups with sliced bananas for a nutritious, toddler-approved snack.

Idea 13: Tahini and Carrot Dip

Tahini, a sesame seed paste, is a great peanut butter or hummus alternative. Make a carrot dip using tahini, lemon juice, and spices for an easy and healthy snack.

Easy Toddler Snack Ideas

Idea 14: Cheesy Quinoa Bites

These little bites are packed with protein and cheesy goodness. They’re easy to make in big batches and grab for an on-the-go snack.

Idea 15: Chickpea Flour Crackers

Make your own crackers using chickpea flour for a gluten-free and high-protein option. Plus, you can customize the toppings to your toddler’s liking!

Idea 16: Applesauce and Cinnamon Smoothie

A smoothie is a great way to pack in nutrients and hydration for your little one. Try blending applesauce, cinnamon, and almond milk for a delicious and easy smoothie option.

Breakfast Ideas for Toddlers

Idea 17: Mini Egg and Cheese Muffins

Make a big batch of mini egg and cheese muffins for an easy breakfast option throughout the week. You can even add veggies like spinach or peppers for added nutrients.

Idea 18: Blueberry and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Add a little fun to your toddler’s breakfast with this blueberry and cream cheese stuffed French toast. It’s a great way to sneak in some fruit and protein!

Idea 19: Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal with Shredded Apples

Oatmeal is a classic breakfast option for kids, and you can make it even more exciting by adding in cinnamon, raisins, and shredded apples. Plus, it’s an easy breakfast option for even the pickiest eaters.

More Easy Toddler Meal Prep Ideas

Idea 20: Mini Veggie Frittatas

Whip up a batch of mini veggie frittatas by mixing beaten eggs with chopped veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Bake them in a muffin tin for a nutritious and portable breakfast option.

Idea 21: Yogurt Parfait with Fresh Berries

Layer yogurt, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of granola in a jar for a colorful and nutritious breakfast parfait. It’s a great way to introduce different textures and flavors to your toddler.

Idea 22: Banana Pancakes

Make fluffy banana pancakes by mashing ripe bananas into your pancake batter. These naturally sweet pancakes are a hit with toddlers and can be topped with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey.

Idea 23: Veggie Hash Browns

Grate zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes, and mix them with a little flour and seasoning. Cook them into crispy hash browns for a tasty and veggie-packed breakfast side.

Idea 24: Mini Breakfast Burritos

Wrap scrambled eggs, cheese, and a sprinkle of diced veggies in a small tortilla to create mini breakfast burritos. They’re easy to hold and make a great grab-and-go option for busy mornings.

Idea 25: Overnight Chia Pudding

Prepare a simple and nutritious breakfast by soaking chia seeds in milk or yogurt overnight. In the morning, top the pudding with fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

Read more about DIY Toddler activities & parenting tips

Simple DIY Toddler Activities: Fun Things to Do with Your Little One

Discover a treasure trove of DIY toddler activities and parenting tips in this inspiring blog post.

From engaging sensory play and stimulating crafts to practical advice on fostering developmental milestones, this article offers a wealth of ideas to enhance your toddler’s growth and create lasting memories.

Embrace the joy of hands-on learning while also benefiting from expert tips on effective parenting techniques that support your little one’s overall well-being.

Idea 26: Avocado Toast Soldiers

Spread mashed avocado on whole grain toast and slice it into “soldiers” for a fun and nutrient-dense breakfast option. Your toddler can dip the soldiers into soft-boiled eggs for added protein.

Idea 27: Mini Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Layer diced fruits and yogurt in small cups or jars to create mini fruit and yogurt parfaits. It’s a balanced breakfast option that provides a variety of flavors and textures.

Idea 28: Veggie Pancakes

Blend cooked vegetables like spinach, carrots, and cauliflower into your pancake batter to create colorful and nutritious veggie pancakes. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Idea 29: Breakfast Muffins with Hidden Veggies

Make muffins with a twist by adding pureed vegetables like pumpkin, zucchini, or sweet potato to the batter. These muffins are a sneaky way to incorporate veggies into your toddler’s breakfast.

Idea 30: Mini Smoothie Bowls

Blend together a combination of fruits, yogurt, and a splash of milk to create a thick smoothie. Pour it into small bowls and top with sliced fruits, granola, or shredded coconut for a delightful and nourishing breakfast treat.

Frequently Asked Questions about Toddler Meal Prep Ideas

Q: What is meal prep, and why is it important for parents of toddlers?

A: Meal prep is the act of preparing and cooking meals in advance. It’s important for parents of toddlers because it saves time, reduces stress, and ensures that healthy meals are always on hand.

Q: How can I ensure the meals I prepare for my little one are healthy?

A: Some tips for making healthy toddler meals include incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources, avoiding added sugars and salt, and utilizing healthy cooking methods such as baking, grilling, and steaming.

Q:  What are some toddler-approved protein sources?

A: Toddler-approved protein sources include peanut butter, meatballs, chicken nuggets, chickpeas, quinoa, shredded chicken, and muffins packed with protein-rich ingredients like nuts and seeds.

Q: Can I make these meals ahead of time and reheat them?

A: Yes, the beauty of meal prep is that the meals can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when it’s time to eat. Just be sure to properly store the meals in airtight containers and follow safe reheating practices.

Q: What are some quick toddler meal ideas for busy parents?

A: Some quick toddler meal ideas include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, crackers and cheese, sliced fruit, boiled eggs, veggie and hummus cups, and smoothies packed with fruits and veggies.

Q: What easy toddler meals will even the pickiest eaters enjoy?

A: Some easy toddler meals that picky eaters will enjoy include mac and cheese with hidden sweet potato or broccoli, cheesy quesadillas with shredded chicken and veggies, and meatballs with hidden veggies.

Q: Are these meals toddler-friendly?

A: Yes, these meals are specifically designed with toddlers in mind and are packed with healthy ingredients that are appropriate for their growing bodies.

Q: How can I incorporate these meals into my meal planning?

A: You can incorporate these meals into your meal planning by choosing a few to prepare in advance each week and portion out for easy grabbing throughout the week. You can also make a double batch and freeze some for later use.

Q: What are some healthy toddler food ideas?

A: Some healthy toddler food ideas include sweet potato muffins, quinoa and chickpea meatballs, broccoli and hummus dipping sauce, and cheesy chicken nuggets made with ground chicken and almond flour.

Q: How can I get my toddler actually to eat their food?

A: Try making these toddler-approved meals with ingredients your child already loves, and get creative with the presentation. You can also involve them in the food preparation process, using baby-led weaning techniques to let them explore different textures and flavors.

Q: What other meals can I make for my toddler besides lunch and dinner?

A: Breakfast for dinner, or “brinner,” is a great option for kids who love breakfast foods but are picky eaters during the day. You can also make these toddler-friendly meals ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to 3 days, so they’re always ready to go.

Q: What are some great ideas for breakfast for my toddler?

A: Some easy and healthy breakfast ideas for toddlers include whole grain pancakes with fruit and yogurt, scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach, and oatmeal muffins with nuts and dried fruit.

Q: What are some easy meals for toddlers to eat?

A: Meals that are easy for toddlers to eat should be cut into small pieces and soft enough to chew. Some ideas include meatballs with ground chicken or turkey, cheesy quinoa bites, and homemade crackers with whole grain flour.

Q: Can I make these toddler meals ahead of time?

A: Yes! Many of these meals can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy meals throughout the week. For example, you can make a batch of sweet potato muffins on Sunday, lasting all week.

Q: How can I ensure these meals contain healthy ingredients?

A: Use whole, minimally processed ingredients whenever possible, and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like avocado or olive oil. You can also sneak in extra veggies by pureeing them and adding them to sauces and dips.

Q: What are some delicious recipes my toddler will love?

A: Some toddler-approved recipes include sweet potato and black bean quesadillas, hummus and turkey roll-ups, and vegetable fried rice with scrambled eggs.

Q: How long can I cool and store these meals?

A: Once these meals are cool, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label them with the date and contents so you don’t forget what’s inside!

Q: Will the whole family enjoy these meals?

A: Yes! These toddler meal prep ideas are family-friendly and can be easily adapted to suit everyone’s tastes. For example, you can make a batch of chicken nuggets with different dipping sauces for each family member.

With these 30 simple toddler meal prep ideas, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your little one’s meals exciting and nutritious. And the best part? Your entire family will enjoy these recipes for toddlers! 🙂