By Aileen Cox Blundell
3.71 No Comments Published Jan 14, 2022Updated Jun 02, 2023
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These Easy Veggie Nuggets with Cheese and Herbs are the perfect finger food for baby led weaning. My kids absolutely love these either warm or cold! They take less than 15 minutes to prepare, 25 minutes to cook and are amazing to stock up your freezer with quick weaning foods. These Veggie Nuggets are made using the best of fresh vegetables, herbs, cheddar cheese and are bound together with egg and wholemeal bread. Healthy nuggets couldn’t be made any better!
What is baby led weaning vs spoon feeding
Baby led weaning is a type of weaning where you skip pureeing chicken with avocado, banana then spoon feed it to your baby. With this method of weaning you instead, cook the chicken in a way that is super safe, cut into small pieces, and place it in front of your baby with a spear of avocado then let them eat it all on their own.
It is called baby-led because your baby leads the way right from the very start. They choose how much and what they put in their mouths – obivously with the help of a parent who will serve all the right nutritious food for weaning.
Baby-Led weaning is a natural exploration of food. This is encouraged by giving your baby wholesome and naturally delicious foods that they will grab, explore and put into their mouths all by themselves.
Why are veggie nuggets a great Finger Food for Baby Led weaning?
Soft and easy to make finger foods are popular with kids of all ages, but are especially good for baby led weaning. These veggie nuggets make a great weaning starter food and are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates as well as packed full of vitamins and minerals too.
Mostly importantly though, these veggie nuggets are a mess free baby led weaning food too. So, your baby will gain the confidence in feeding themselves without making a mess in your kitchen. Older children love them as a lunchbox snack.
A Super Healthy Great Frozen Food
This easy nugget recipe is also a great freezer filler. Simply make this recipe ahead of time. Pop out the freezer beforehand and use it for lunch or dinner. They are a great meat-free light snack. If you’re making some for older kids or family members, just make bigger ones. Easy as that.
How do I sneak Spinach into these Nuggets?
Chop it very finely and you can sneak plenty of this superfood into this recipe. It will mean each mouthful of nugget is packed full of goodness. Spinach is a superfood. It is loaded with tons of nutrients in a low-calorie package. Dark, leafy greens like spinach are important for skin, hair, and bone health. It is a source of protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals. Chop up an extra amount and keep for other recipes. Freeze them in separate bags to add to other meals for all the family. I do the same with fresh herbs. I chop up extra and put them into little bags for the freezer. With all this preparation you are well on your way to creating great Mess-Free finger foods for Baby Led weaning.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure you squeeze the courgette/zucchini after grating. Otherwise you will have a soft, mushy nugget.
- Vegetable options; add finely chopped broccoli, grated peppers or even grated cauliflower.
- If you would like the nuggets to be breaded on the outside, you can dip into extra breadcrumbs after forming into a nugget.
- To make egg free, swap the eggs with 2 x flaxeggs (1 tablespoon of flax + 3 tbsp water).
- Make a triple or quadruple batch. After cooking leave to cool fully, then add to a lunchbox to freeze. Layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other. To serve, defrost fully, then reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds (ensure there are no warm pockets before serving). Or alternatively in an oven at 180ºC for 10 minutes.
More mess free weaning recipes you will love!
Little Baby Lasagne (with egg and dairy-free option)
Rainbow Fritters Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Blueberry Oat Pancakes with Greek Yogurt
Carrot and Cheese Waffles
Baby Led Weaning Egg Muffins
If you try this Veggie Nugget recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and don’t forget to tag us onInstagram#babyledfeeding
Aileen xoxox
Cheese and Veggie Nuggets for Baby Led Weaning
3.71 from 48 votes
Prep: 15 minutes minutes
Cook: 25 minutes minutes
Total: 40 minutes minutes
Servings: 24
(Hover over # to adjust)
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These Cheese and Veggie Nuggets make a great starter recipe for baby led weaning. Loaded with goodness, soft and a really safe weaning food.
Ingredients
- 2 Courgettes
- 2 Carrots
- 1 large handful spinach leaves finely chopped
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- Small bunch parsley finely chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
- Handful grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs roughly 3 slices bread
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 eggs
Method
Preheat oven to 180ºC.
Grate courgettes and carrots, then squeeze out that liquid. Add to a bowl along with the spinach, onion, parsley, thyme, cheese, breadcrumbs and oil. Stir until fully combined.
Whisk eggs then add to the mixture and stir.
Using a tablespoon measure the mixture, shape into nuggets and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 25 minutes until golden.
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Recipe Notes & Tips
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a comment below and tag @babyledfeeding on Instagram so we can see all the deliciousness!
Toddler Recipes Baby Finger Foods Quick and Easy Recipes Cheese Recipes Freezer Friendly Recipes Meals & Courses Recipes for Fussy Eaters Dinner Lunchbox Winners Lunch Make Ahead Recipes Nut Free Spinach Recipes Vegetarian BLW Recipes 6-9 Months
