Kid-Friendly Vegetable Recipes: Discover the Delights of North Carolina Broccoli, Peas and More


Awwww yeahhhhh. Get it fresh. Find your farm fresh broccoli and veggies in the Visit NC Farms app today (Apple / Android)

Introducing vegetables to children (adults too 👀) can sometimes be a challenging task, but it's crucial to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have a go-list of delicious vegetable recipes tailored specifically for kids?

🎆 BOOM 🎆

Our team of professional moms and dads, and when we say team, we mean there are two of us sharing some of our favorite recipes that work, have some suggestions.

Broccoli appears to be the number one option and it's perfect because broccoli is in season and ready to eat right now. From tasty snacks to enticing main courses, these recipes are designed to make vegetables a delightful part of your child's culinary journey.

Just some of the recipes we’ve found and tested below. And yes, they are delicious

Cheesy Broccoli Bites

Cheesy broccoli bites are a fun and flavorful way to introduce kids to this nutrient-packed veggie. Start by steaming fresh broccoli florets until they are tender. Mash the broccoli and mix it with breadcrumbs, grated cheddar cheese and a beaten egg. Form the mixture into bite-sized balls and bake until they turn golden and crispy. These bite-sized delights are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.

Here are some of our favorites

Elke Living
Recipe Lion
Simply Recipes


Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

Sometimes, sneaking vegetables into familiar dishes is the best way to ensure your child receives necessary nutrients. A hidden veggie pasta sauce is a clever solution. Blend cooked broccoli, carrots and tomatoes into a smooth sauce. Sauté onions and garlic, then add the blended vegetable mixture along with tomato paste and seasonings. Simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve this vibrant and nutritious sauce over your child's favorite pasta shape and watch as they devour it without realizing they're eating their veggies!

Shivani Food
Green Pasta with Six Hungry Feet
Multiple Options from Ela Vegan

Rainbow Veggie Skewers

Make mealtime interactive and visually appealing with rainbow veggie skewers. Encourage your child to help assemble skewers with a variety of colorful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini and, of course, broccoli. Let your little one's imagination run wild as they create their own edible masterpiece. They are much more likely to eat it if they make it!. Serve the skewers with a tasty dipping sauce like hummus or yogurt dressing for added fun and flavor. If your kids demand protein on their skewer, load up with some fresh meats to add to the flavor. 

Broccoli and Beef Skewers by Amanda Cooks and Styles
30 Second Charrad Kabobs

Veggie-loaded Mini Pizzas

Transform pizza night into a nutritious affair by making veggie-loaded mini pizzas. Start with whole-wheat English muffins or pita bread as the base. Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on each, then let your child sprinkle on their favorite veggies. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers and mushrooms work wonderfully. Top with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese melts and turns golden. These mini pizzas offer a delicious and creative way for kids to enjoy their vegetables.

Broccoli Pizza by Hello Little Home
White Pizza by Food.com

Introducing vegetables to kids can be an exciting journey filled with exploration and creativity. By incorporating kid-friendly recipes, such as the cheesy broccoli bites or hidden veggie pasta sauce, you can make vegetables an enjoyable part of your child's diet. The rainbow veggie skewers and veggie-loaded mini pizzas offer interactive and tasty experiences that will engage your little ones in the kitchen.

Fostering a positive relationship between kids and vegetables is crucial for their long-term health. So, dive into the world of kid-friendly vegetable recipes, featuring the versatile broccoli and other colorful veggies, and watch your children embrace the joys of nutritious eating!

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