In this blog we bring together all of our favourite child-friendly recipes and cooking activities and put them into free handy activity cards/ recipe videos. Each recipe outlines the ingredients that you’ll need and a detailed step-by-step guide on how to create it.
Our budget-friendly recipes capture a range of cultural tastes and support children to achieve their energy and nutrient requirements. Each recipe is planned to meet the Eat Better Start Better guidelines, supporting early years settings to meet the EYFS requirement for healthy, balanced and nutritious food and drink. Our recipes can be included as part of your early years menus or learning about food activities and perfect for families too!
To help keep recipes within budget, you can adapt them to include seasonal fruits and vegetables, which will also ensure you are offering lots of variety. Please adapt recipes to ensure the size, shape and texture of foods are suitable for children’s abilities. All recipes can be adapted to meet children’s cultural and dietary requirements.
Use the headings below to find the type of recipe you’re looking for, including: breakfast, lunch/ tea, puddings, snacks, and some special seasonal recipes!
Recipe Navigation
Cost:
£ = under £2 per portion
££ = between £2- £2.99 per portion
£££ = between £3- £3.99 per portion.
Difficulty:
Easy – requires little to basic cooking skills and common ingredients
Moderate – requires more experience, more preparation time, and maybe some ingredients you don’t already have in your kitchen
Hard – challenging recipes that require more advanced skills and experience and maybe some special equipment.
Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast Couscous– When you think of breakfast foods, couscous probably isn’t what immediately jumps to mind. But, it’s a really delicious way to start the day! Click here to download the Breakfast Couscous recipe card (PDF, 280KB)
Date, Greek Yogurt and Orange Porridge– a tasty recipe that can be made using a hob or microwave. Click here to download the Porridge recipe card (PDF, 450KB)
Eggy Bread with Avocado Fingers– a simple and delicious breakfast idea. Click here to download the Eggy Bread recipe card (PDF, 686KB)
French Toast with Strawberries– a breakfast favourite! Click here to watch the French Toast YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Overnight oats– simple to prepare and a fantastic time saver in the morning. We’ve created a range of variations, including: Apple and Peanut Butter, Banana and Almond, Carrot ‘Cake’, Mixed Berries, and ‘Strawberries and Cream’. Click here to explore out tasty overnight oats recipes (Opens in new tab)
Pancakes– here at Early Start Nutrition we LOVE pancakes! We have created tonnes of pancakes recipes. For example: Fruity Bunny Pancakes, Carrot and Sultana Pancakes, and Cheesy Courgette and Sweetcorn Pancakes. Plus we have a simple pancake recipe and lots of delicious topping suggestions! Click here to explore out tasty pancakes recipes (opens in new tab)
Vegan Breakfast Muffins– a great recipe to help add more variety at breakfast times. Click here to watch the Vegan Breakfast Muffin YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Lunch and Tea Recipes
Avocado and Tuna Quesadilla– a recipe bound to be popular with little ones. Click here to download the Avocado and Tuna Quesadilla recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
Bean Chilli Jacket Potatoes (weaning suitable)– a great recipe to make and freeze in batches. Click here to download the Bean Chilli recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
Bean Mac and Cheese– a children’s favourite with butter beans! Click here to download the Bean Mac and Cheese recipe card (PDF, 656KB)
Bolognese Bake– a nice twist on the classic spaghetti Bolognese. Click here to download the Bolognese Bake recipe card (PDF, 2MB).
Cheese, Spinach and Edamame Bean Quiche– a tasty recipe which can be served hot or cold. Click here to download the Quiche recipe card (PDF, 957KB)
Cheesy Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas– this is Georgia’s favourite Early Start Nutrition recipe, yum! Click here to download the Quesadilla recipe card (PDF, 766KB)
Cheesy Mushroom and Parsley Omelette– a quick recipe with one a few ingredients. Click here to download the Cheesy Mushroom Omelette recipe card (PDF, 476KB)
Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets (can be made in an air fryer)- these are great to serve at main meals, or at snack. They make for a great weaning recipe too! Chick here to watch the chicken and broccoli nugget YouTube video (opens in new tab).
Chicken, Pepper and Avocado Wraps– an Early Start Nutrition Team favourite! Click here to download the Chicken Wrap recipe card (PDF, 345KB).
Coronation Chicken Sandwiches– a great recipe to make sandwiches a little more exciting. Swap chicken for chickpeas to make the recipe vegetarian. Click here to download the Coronation Chicken Sandwich recipe card (PDF, 193KB)
Easy Homemade Pizza– a fun recipe to make with children, and easily adapted to include different toppings! Click here to download the Easy Homemade Pizza recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
Falafel, with Tzatziki and Pitta Bread– a tasty recipe that will encourage little ones to feed themselves. Click here to download the Falafel recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
Fish Fingers, Potatoes Wedges and Peas– a homemade version of a children’s classic dish. Click here to download the Fish Fingers recipe card (PDF, 684KB).
Keema Chawal– a tasty and easy recipe that the whole family with enjoy! Click here to download the Keema Chawal recipe card (PDF, 692KB).
Lentil, Coconut and Butternut Squash Curry– a great vegetarian recipe as it’s tasty and budget-friendly. Click here to watch the Lentil, Coconut and Butternut Squash Curry YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab)
Masala Frittata with Avocado Salsa– a truly delicious recipe that can be served hot or cold. Click here to download the Masala Frittata recipe card (PDF, 536KB)
No- Salt Bread– this is our most popular recipe video on YouTube! It uses only 4 ingredients and is fun to make with little ones. This bread can be used with a range of our other recipes, such as eggy bread, French toast and soups. Click here to watch the No-Salt Bread YouTube recipe video (opens in new tab) or click here to download the No-Salt Bread recipe card (PDF, 230KB).
Salmon and Pea Pasta– quick to make, delicious and budget-friendly. Click here to download the Salmon and Pea Pasta recipe card (PDF, 143KB)
Salmon Fishcakes– a great recipe to help children enjoy a portion of oily fish. Click here to download the Salmon Fishcakes recipe card (PDF, 68KB).
Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup– a tasty and warming recipe, perfect for the autumn and winter months! Click Here to Download the Coronation Chicken Recipe Card (PDF, 597KB)
Spiced Lamb Koftas with Chickpeas– a simple and nutritious recipe. Click here to download the Kofta recipe card (PDF, 179KB)
Spring Vegetable and Chickpea Couscous– a refreshing and delicious spring recipe. Click here to download the Spring Couscous recipe card (PDF, 652KB)
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Patties– super tasty, and a great recipe for babies over 6 months too. Click here to download the Sweet Potato and Chickpea Patties recipe card (PDF, 4MB).
Sweet and Sour Chicken– a tasty and nutritious recipe which can be easily adapted for weaning babies. Click here to download the Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe card (PDF, 306KB)
Tuna and Pea Pasta Salad– a nice recipe to serve hot or cold. Click here to download the Tuna Pasta recipe card (PDF, 466KB)
Vegetarian Meatballs with Pasta and Broccoli– a great ‘from-scratch’ recipe, which can be easily adapted for babies stage of weaning. Click here to download the Vegetarian Meatballs recipe card (PDF, 572KB)
Vegetable Pastry Roll– delicious and comforting! Click here to download the Vegetable Pastry recipe card (PDF, 2MB).
Vegetable Samosas– a tasty lunch, tea or snack time recipe. Click here to download the Baked Vegetable Samosas recipe card (PDF, 377KB).
Pudding Recipes
Cooked/ baked desserts, such as cakes, flapjacks and crumbles
Apple and Raspberry Stew– a tasty and simple recipe. Click here to download the Apple and Raspberry Stew recipe card (PDF, 373KB)
Banana Bread– a great way of using up the ripest of bananas. Click here to download the Banana Bread recipe card (PDF, 294KB)
Banana Cupcakes– simple banana cupcakes with cream cheese and/or peanut butter topping. Click here to download your Banana Cupcakes Recipe Card (PDF, 496KB)
Banana Custard– a simple custard recipe with chopped/ mashed banana. Click here to watch the Banana Custard YouTube recipe video (opens in new tab)
Banana Pancake Muffins – these can easily be adapted to include seasonal fruit. Click here to watch the Banana Pancake Muffins video (opens in new tab) or you can click here to download the recipe card (PDF, 144KB)
Berry Bread – a great alternative to banana bread. Click here to watch the Berry Bread video (opens in new tab) or you can click here to download the recipe card (PDF, 337KG)
Blueberry Sponge Cake – a great baking activity to do with the children. Click here to watch the Blueberry Sponge Cake video (opens in new tab) or you can click here to download the recipe card (PDF, 113KG)
Fruit Scones– a great recipe to make with your little ones. Instead of traditional jam and cream, try using fresh strawberries and cream cheese for a healthy alternative topping. Click here to watch the Fruit Scones YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Fruity Flag Traybake– an eye-catching cake with berries. Click here to download your Fruity Flag Traybake recipe card (PDF, 792KB)
Gruffalo Crumble– a delicious fruity crumble recipe featuring this much loved children’s book character. Click here to download the Gruffalo Crumble recipe card (PDF, 254KB)
Hot Cross Buns– delicious hot cross buns which take a little while to make. Click here to download the Hot Cross Bun recipe card (PDF, 714KB)
Pear and Rhubarb Crumble– tasty crumble with no added sugar. Click here to watch the Pear and Rhubarb Crumble YouTube recipe video (Opens in new tab).
Peanut Butter Banana Bread– totally scrumptious, but quick and easy to make! Click here to download the Peanut Butter Banana Bread recipe card (PDF, 619KB)
Rainbow Flapjack– this cereal based Rainbow Flapjack is a colourful, eye-catching pudding. Click here to download your Rainbow Flapjack recipe card (PDF, 92KB).
Rice Pudding– this coconut rice pudding is so easy to make and Georgia’s favourite dessert! Click here to download the Rice Pudding recipe card (569kb).
Non-cook puddings
Avocado Ice Lollies– a tasty twist on traditional fruity ice cream. Click here to download the Avocado Ice Lollies recipe card (PDF, 296KB)
Fruit Frozen Yoghurt– simple recipe of natural yoghurt and your chosen fruit! Click here to download the Fruity Frozen Yoghurt recipe card (PDF, 892KB)
Frozen Fruit Lollies– adapt the recipe to include your favourite fruit. Click here to download the Fruit Lollies recipe card (PDF, 896KB)
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites– super tasty and easy to make! Click here to download the Strawberry Cheesecake Bites recipe card (PDF, 314KB)
Strawberry Tofu Cream Yoghurt – this is a perfect dairy alternative for vegetarian and vegan children. Click here to download the Strawberry Tofu Creamy Yoghurt recipe card (PDF 114KB)
Watermelon Pizza– a fun and easy no-cook pudding recipe (also makes a great snack!). Click here to download the Watermelon Pizza recipe card (PDF, 522KB).
Snack Recipes
Apple Thins– an alternative way to offer apple at snack time. Click here to download the Apple Thins recipe card (PDF, 543KB)
BFG Snozzcumber Sandwiches– a great snack recipe if reading the BFG. Click here to download the BFG Snozzcumber Sandwiches recipe card (PDF, 301KB)
Cheese and Crackers– a super quick and easy snack. Click here to download the Cheese and Crackers recipe card (PDF, 823KB)
Easy Pepper Omelette– a super quick and easy breakfast recipe. Click here to download the Easy Pepper Omelette recipe card (PDF, 2MB).
Fruity Hooty Owls– children will love making this fun snack recipe. Click here to download the Fruity Hooty Owls recipe card (PDF, 468KB)
Hummus and Pitta Shapes- use different cookie cutters to create different shapes with your pitta. Click here to download the Hummus and Pitta Shapes recipe card (PDF, 375KB)
Pepper Sticks and Hummus Lion– a really fun snack that little ones will love! Click here to download the Pepper Sticks and Hummus Lion recipe card (PDF, 550KB)
Rice Cakes with Nut Butter and Strawberries– a super quick snack idea. Click here to download the Rice Cakes and Nut Butter recipe card (PDF, 66KB)
Smashed Avocado and Egg Fingers– a simple and delicious protein snack for children. Click here to download the Smashed Avocado and Egg Fingers recipe card (PDF, 364KB)
Veggie Pitta Pizzas– just add your chosen toppings! Click here to download the Veggie Pizza recipe card (PDF, 1MB)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sandwich– bring the story to life with this adorable sandwich caterpillar. Click here to download the Very Hungry Caterpillar Sandwich recipe card (PDF, 124KB).
Hanukkah Bread – perfect to serve with learning about the celebration of Hanukkah. It can be served with a yoghurt dip or cream cheese. Click here to download our Hanukkah Bread recipe card (PDF, 343KB)
Seasonal Recipes
Christmas and Winter– fun and festive recipes, including: a Kiwi Christmas Tree, Chees Triangle Reindeer, and Vegetable Baubles. Check out our Christmas recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Easter– cute recipes, including: Babybel Bunnies, Hot Cross Muffins, and Bunny Bread. Check out our Easter recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Halloween– spooktacular recipes, including: Haunted Hummus, Freaky Frankenstein Wraps, and Quivering Quesadillas. Check out our Halloween recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Pancake Day– flipping good pancakes recipes, including: Carrot and Sultana Spiced Pancakes, Cheesy Courgette and Sweetcorn Pancakes, and a huge choice of tasty topping ideas! Check out our Pancake recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Ramadan and Eid– tasty recipe ideas, along with tips on how to have a happy and healthy Ramadan. Check out the recipes here (Opens in new tab)
Valentine’s Day– tasty recipes, including: Oatmeal Cookies, Frozen Yoghurt Hearts, and Tomato Tulips. Check out our Valentine’s Day recipes here (Opens in new tab).
