This recipe is for 6 month baby & up
You guys, I think I found the perfect holiday side dish for our little one's with Broccoli Mashed Potatoes! If your little one is still eating purees or mashes you have to make this easy, simple, healthy broccoli mash. The combination of the broccoli, potatoes and butter comes out so well together, they will love it. This simple, wholesome meal is easy to prepare and can be adapted as your baby grows. Excellent for upcoming holidays, like Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hannukah. It a great option for babies starting solids and picky toddlers. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, broccoli mashed potatoes offer a delicious way to boost your little one’s nutrition. These mashed potatoes can be served as a nutritious, dinner side dish, on it's own or for older kids and toddlers serve it with some protein. Best served with fish, beef, chicken and more!
Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli Mashed Potatoes:
Broccoli: Known as a "superfood," broccoli is packed with
vitamins A, C, and K, which support your baby’s immune system, promote healthy skin, and aid in bone development. It’s also an excellent source of
folate, which is essential for healthy cell growth and development, and
fiber, which aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. The combination of fiber and low calories in broccoli makes it a great vegetable to keep your baby feeling satisfied without overloading them with extra sugars or fats. Additionally, broccoli contains
iron, which is essential for red blood cell production and overall growth.
Potatoes: While potatoes often get a bad rap as a “starchy” food, they are an excellent source of
complex carbohydrates, which provide steady energy for your baby’s growth and development. Potatoes are also rich in
potassium, which supports healthy muscle function and helps regulate blood pressure. When served as mashed potatoes, they are soft and easy for babies to consume, making them an ideal first food or side dish. By pairing them with broccoli, you can balance the starchiness of the potatoes with the vitamins and minerals from the broccoli, creating a well-rounded meal.
Healthy Fats: To further enrich this dish, adding a small amount of
healthy fats like olive oil or unsalted butter is a great way to support brain development. Healthy fats are important for young children as they help with cognitive development and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. These healthy fats also make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, improving texture and taste for younger babies.
Why Broccoli Mashed Potatoes Are Perfect for Babies and Toddlers:
Smooth and Easy to Eat: The soft, creamy texture of mashed potatoes combined with tender broccoli makes this dish easy for babies and toddlers to consume. The mash is a perfect texture for babies who are just starting solids (around 6-8 months), and toddlers who are practicing self-feeding can scoop it up with a spoon. It is the perfect dinner side dish for them.
Versatile: Broccoli mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. For younger babies, it can be served as a smooth puree, while toddlers can enjoy it as a thicker mash. This dish can also be adapted for older children by adding more seasonings, herbs, or even cheese to make it a more complex flavor profile as they become accustomed to different tastes.
Easy to Prepare: This dish is simple and quick to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients that are easy to find. It can also be made in larger batches and stored for later, making it a convenient option for busy days when you don’t have time to cook. It’s a great side dish or main meal that pairs well with protein-rich foods like chicken, tofu, or fish.
Great For Holidays: Holiday season can be hard with the little one's, unsure of what side dishes to make that are baby-friendly and family-friendly at the same time. These Broccoli Mashed Potatoes can be shared with everyone, making days like Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hannukah a little easier.
Substitutions:
Potatoes: Can substitute with sweet potatoes
Broccoli: I don't recommend swapping the broccoli in this recipe
Butter: For a dairy-free version, try swapping butter with olive oil or non-dairy, plant based butter.
What you need:
Potato Masher
If you enjoyed this recipe check out the
Salmon Mashed Potatoes or
Cauliflower Potato Mash!
