8 Simple Homemade Baby Food Recipes I Swear By (2025 Guide)

Hi there, I’m Alice, founder of Alicetod and, most importantly, a mom. I remember the day my daughter first tried solids like it was yesterday—a mix of excitement and a million questions! “Is this safe? Is it nutritious enough? Will she even like it?” Navigating the world of baby food felt like a huge milestone, and I quickly discovered the simple joy and peace of mind that comes from making it myself.

It’s not about being a gourmet chef; it’s about knowing exactly what your little one is eating. That’s why I’ve gathered my go-to, super-simple, and delicious homemade baby food recipes. These are the tried-and-true favorites from my own kitchen, crafted with love and the wisdom that only comes from experience. In this list, you’ll find everything from single-ingredient purees for beginners to more complex blends for growing appetites, each with clear instructions and storage tips.

Before you embark on making these delightful recipes, ensuring your kitchen is impeccably clean is crucial. Consider following a comprehensive kitchen cleaning checklist to maintain a hygienic environment for your baby’s first meals. Let’s make this beautiful journey into food a happy and stress-free one together.

1. Sweet Potato Puree

When I started making homemade baby food for my little one, I quickly realized that some of the best recipes are the simplest. Sweet Potato Puree is the quintessential first food, and for good reason. It’s naturally sweet, incredibly nutritious, and has a silky-smooth texture that’s perfect for tiny tasters just beginning their solids journey. This classic is one of the most recommended homemade baby food recipes by pediatricians and a staple in our household.

This recipe is foundational, praised by experts like Dr. William Sears for being gentle on developing digestive systems. Its vibrant orange color signals a high concentration of beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune health.

How to Make It

Making this puree is wonderfully straightforward. You can either steam or roast the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender. I personally prefer steaming because it’s quick and retains more of the water-soluble vitamins compared to boiling.

1. Prep: Wash and peel one medium organic sweet potato. Chop it into small, uniform cubes.
2. Cook: Steam the cubes for 15-20 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork.
3. Puree: Transfer the cooked sweet potato to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.

Actionable Tips for Success

• Adjusting Consistency: Add a tablespoon of breast milk, formula, or reserved steaming water at a time until you reach a consistency your baby likes. For early eaters (around 6 months), you’ll want it to be very thin and soupy.
• Smart Storage: Freeze the puree in silicone ice cube trays for perfectly portioned, ready-to-go meals. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a labeled freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
• Flavor Combos: As your baby gets older and more adventurous, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or blend the sweet potato with other purees like apple, carrot, or chicken.

2. Avocado Banana Mash

If you’re looking for homemade baby food recipes that require zero cooking, this is your new best friend. Avocado Banana Mash was a game-changer for me on busy days. It’s a creamy, nutrient-dense powerhouse that combines the healthy fats of avocado, crucial for baby’s brain development, with the natural sweetness and potassium of banana. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect meal when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on nutrition.

This no-cook wonder is frequently recommended by pediatric nutritionists and baby food experts like Annabel Karmel. The combination of healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins makes it a wonderfully balanced meal. Its super-soft texture is ideal for babies who are just learning to manage thicker purees. For parents exploring baby-led weaning, this mash also works well as a spread on soft toast.

How to Make It

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. There’s no heat, no steaming, and minimal cleanup. All you need are two ripe ingredients and a fork.

1. Prep: Peel half of a small, very ripe banana and scoop out about a quarter of a ripe avocado.
2. Mash: Place the fruit in a small bowl. Use the back of a fork to mash them together until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Serve: Serve immediately for the best taste and color.

Actionable Tips for Success

• Prevent Browning: Avocados oxidize and turn brown quickly. If you need to prepare it a few minutes ahead, add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice and mix well to preserve its vibrant green color.
• Get the Ratios Right: If your baby is hesitant about the avocado flavor, start with a higher banana-to-avocado ratio. You can gradually increase the avocado as their palate adjusts. For great ideas on what to serve with this mash, check out our guide on thoughtful new baby gifts.
• Texture Transition: For younger babies, mash it until it’s completely smooth. As they get older (around 8-9 months), you can leave it slightly lumpier to help them get used to different textures.

3. Apple Cinnamon Puree

After mastering single-ingredient purees, I was excited to introduce my baby to gentle flavor combinations. Apple Cinnamon Puree was a huge hit, offering a comforting, aromatic twist on a classic first food. The natural sweetness of the apples paired with the warm spice of cinnamon creates a delightful taste that babies adore, making it one of my go-to homemade baby food recipes. It feels like serving a tiny, healthy apple pie in a bowl.

This recipe is a staple in many popular baby food systems, from Beaba cookbooks to Baby Bullet recipe collections, because it safely introduces babies to more complex flavors. Feeding specialists often recommend gentle spices like cinnamon to expand a baby’s palate, and apples provide essential fiber and Vitamin C for digestive and immune support.

How to Make It

The key to a perfect Apple Cinnamon Puree is cooking the apples until they are incredibly soft, ensuring a silky-smooth blend. Steaming is an excellent method as it preserves nutrients and results in a wonderfully soft texture.

1. Prep: Wash, peel, and core two sweet organic apples (like Gala or Fuji). Chop them into small, uniform cubes.
2. Cook: Steam the apple cubes for 10-15 minutes, until they are very tender and can be easily mashed with a fork.
3. Puree: Transfer the cooked apples to a blender. Add a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon and blend until completely smooth.

Actionable Tips for Success

• Start with a Pinch: Cinnamon is a new flavor, so begin with just a very small amount to see how your baby reacts. You can gradually increase it as they get used to the taste.
• Best Apples to Use: Opt for sweeter apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. This minimizes the need for any added sweeteners and provides a naturally delicious flavor.
• Easy Freezing: This puree freezes beautifully. Pour it into ice cube trays, freeze solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months, ready for a quick and wholesome meal.
• Savory Pairings: Once your baby is comfortable with this combo, you can mix the Apple Cinnamon Puree with oatmeal, yogurt, or even savory purees like chicken or butternut squash for a balanced meal.

4. Butternut Squash and Carrot Blend

Once my baby mastered single-vegetable purees, I was excited to introduce more complex flavors. This Butternut Squash and Carrot Blend quickly became a favorite, combining two naturally sweet veggies into one vibrant, nutrient-packed meal. It’s one of those homemade baby food recipes that feels a bit more “gourmet” but is just as simple to make. The combination is brilliant for gently expanding a baby’s palate.

This particular blend is celebrated in many European baby feeding traditions and is often highlighted by chef-nutritionists like Jamie Oliver for its perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Both butternut squash and carrots are excellent sources of beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision and a robust immune system. Roasting them first brings out a deeper, caramelized sweetness that babies adore.

How to Make It

While you can steam these veggies, I highly recommend roasting them. It concentrates their natural sugars and creates a richer, more complex flavor profile that can help encourage picky eaters.

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and deseed half a small butternut squash and peel two medium carrots. Chop both into uniform, 1-inch cubes.
2. Cook: Toss the vegetables with a teaspoon of olive or avocado oil and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly golden.
3. Puree: Allow the roasted veggies to cool slightly, then transfer them to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding a little water or breast milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Actionable Tips for Success

• Flavor Boost: Roasting is key for flavor. Don’t be afraid to let the edges get a little bit golden brown, as that’s where the best taste comes from.
• Batch Prepping: This recipe is perfect for making in large batches. Double or triple the ingredients, and freeze the puree in ice cube trays for easy, portion-controlled meals.
• Consistency Control: For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of your baby’s usual milk (breast milk or formula) when blending. This also adds a familiar taste.
• Introduce Separately: Before offering this blend, make sure your baby has already tried and tolerated both butternut squash and carrots individually. This helps you easily identify any potential food sensitivities.

Here’s a great visual guide that shows just how simple it is to prepare these vegetables for your little one:

5. Brown Rice and Vegetable Porridge

As my baby moved beyond simple fruit and veggie purees, I wanted to introduce more substantial, comforting meals. Brown Rice and Vegetable Porridge quickly became a favorite. This hearty meal is a wonderful way to introduce grains, providing complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and fiber for a healthy digestive system. It’s incredibly satisfying and a staple in many cultures worldwide for good reason.

This porridge is a fantastic grain-based meal, rooted in traditional Asian baby feeding practices and championed by whole-foods nutritionists. It’s gentle, filling, and easily adaptable with different vegetables, making it one of the most versatile homemade baby food recipes you can make. The slow-cooking process breaks down the grains, making them easy for little tummies to digest.

How to Make It

The key to a perfect baby porridge is cooking the rice far longer and with much more liquid than you would for yourself. This ensures it becomes incredibly soft and creamy.

1. Prep: Rinse ¼ cup of organic brown rice thoroughly under cold water.
2. Cook: Combine the rice with 2 cups of water or low-sodium vegetable broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Veggies & Puree: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add ½ cup of finely chopped mild vegetables like carrots or peas. Once everything is very tender, transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.

Actionable Tips for Success

• Creamy Consistency: For a super-smooth texture, use a high-powered blender. If the porridge is too thick, thin it with breast milk, formula, or a little warm water until you reach the desired consistency for your baby.
• Smart Storage: This porridge freezes beautifully. Pour it into silicone ice cube trays for easy portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag, where they will keep for up to 3 months.
• Boost the Nutrients: As your baby gets older, you can stir in a tiny amount of healthy fat like a teaspoon of avocado oil or a small amount of puréed chicken or lentils for added protein. Having the right tools makes all the difference; explore our baby registry must-haves on alicetod.com for blenders and storage containers we love.

6. Pea and Mint Puree

When I was ready to introduce more complex flavors to my baby, I was looking for homemade baby food recipes that were both nutritious and a little different. Pea and Mint Puree quickly became a surprising favorite. This vibrant green puree offers a refreshing twist on a classic vegetable, with the natural sweetness of peas perfectly complemented by a hint of fresh mint. It’s a fantastic way to gently expand your baby’s palate.

This combination is popular in British weaning traditions and is a star flavor in many beloved baby food brands, like Ella’s Kitchen. Peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, iron, and vitamins A and C, while mint is known to aid digestion, making this a powerhouse puree that’s gentle on tiny tummies.

How to Make It

This recipe is incredibly quick, especially if you use frozen peas, which I almost always do for convenience and quality. The key is to introduce the mint slowly to ensure your baby enjoys the new aromatic flavor.

1. Prep: If using fresh mint, wash 1-2 small mint leaves thoroughly.
2. Cook: Steam one cup of frozen peas for about 5-7 minutes, until they are bright green and very tender. Add the mint leaves for the last minute of steaming to soften them slightly.
3. Puree: Transfer the peas and mint to a high-speed blender. Blend until exceptionally smooth, adding a splash of water if needed.

Actionable Tips for Success

• Ultra-Smooth Texture: For the smoothest possible puree, especially for younger babies, press the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any tough outer skins from the peas.
• Smart Storage: Just like other purees, this freezes beautifully. Pour the puree into ice cube trays, freeze solid, and then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. They’re good for up to 3 months.
• Flavor Combos: Once your baby is accustomed to the taste, you can blend this puree with other mild foods like potato, zucchini, or even a little bit of chicken for a more substantial meal. If you’re using fresh mint for the puree, you might also be interested in tips for preserving fresh mint to have it on hand year-round.

7. Chicken and Sweet Potato Puree

Introducing meat into your baby’s diet is a significant milestone, and this Chicken and Sweet Potato Puree makes the transition seamless and delicious. It’s one of the best homemade baby food recipes for providing essential protein and iron, which are crucial for growth around the 6-8 month mark. The natural sweetness of the potato perfectly balances the savory chicken, creating a flavor combination that even picky eaters tend to love.

This recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition, often recommended by pediatric nutrition specialists for its blend of complete protein, iron for cognitive development, and Vitamin A from the sweet potato. It mirrors popular combinations found in trusted commercial baby foods but gives you complete control over the quality of the ingredients.

How to Make It

The key to a great texture is cooking the chicken until it’s very tender. I find that gently simmering or steaming boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh works best. It keeps the meat moist and easy to blend into a smooth puree for your little one.

1. Prep: Dice one small, organic boneless, skinless chicken breast and one peeled sweet potato into small, even pieces.
2. Cook: Steam or gently boil the chicken and sweet potato together for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potato is fork-tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Puree: Transfer the cooked ingredients to a high-speed blender. Add a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid and blend until perfectly smooth.

Actionable Tips for Success

• Texture is Key: Add the cooking liquid gradually while blending to avoid a watery consistency. Start with a thick puree for older babies or thin it out with more liquid, breast milk, or formula for new eaters.
• Safety First: Always ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Also, it’s best practice to introduce chicken and sweet potato separately to your baby first to rule out any potential allergies before combining them.
• Storage Savvy: Just like other purees, this freezes beautifully. Pour it into ice cube trays, freeze, and then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. It stores well for up to 3 months. When refrigerated, use it within 24 hours.

8. Oatmeal Fruit Blend

Introducing breakfast foods was such a fun milestone, and Oatmeal Fruit Blend became an instant hit in our house. This recipe is a wonderful way to offer your baby a warm, comforting, and nutrient-dense meal to start their day. It provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, fiber for healthy digestion, and a host of vitamins from whatever seasonal fruit you choose to mix in.

This hearty start is inspired by traditional Northern European feeding practices and is recommended by child nutrition experts, including the American Heart Association, for its whole-grain benefits. Making it one of the best homemade baby food recipes you can add to your rotation. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new fruit flavors while building on a familiar, creamy base that babies love.

How to Make It

The key to a super-smooth oatmeal puree is grinding the oats into a fine powder before cooking. This step ensures a lump-free texture that’s perfect for new eaters.

1. Prep: Grind 1/4 cup of rolled oats in a blender or spice grinder until it resembles a fine flour. Wash and chop a small amount of a soft fruit, like a peach or a few berries.
2. Cook: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Whisk in the ground oats and reduce the heat, simmering for about 5-7 minutes. Add the fruit during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
3. Puree: Let the oatmeal cool slightly before transferring it to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.

Actionable Tips for Success

• Adjusting Consistency: This puree will thicken as it cools. Thin it with a little breast milk, formula, or warm water until it reaches a consistency your baby finds easy to swallow.
• Smart Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Oatmeal can also be frozen in ice cube trays for longer-term storage, just like fruit and veggie purees.
• Flavor Combos: Start by introducing one fruit at a time (oatmeal with peach, then oatmeal with pear). Once you know your baby tolerates them well, you can create delicious blends like peach-raspberry or apple-cinnamon.

Homemade Baby Food Recipes Comparison

Recipe	🔄 Implementation Complexity	⚡ Resource Requirements	📊 Expected Outcomes	💡 Ideal Use Cases	⭐ Key Advantages
Sweet Potato Puree	Low – simple steaming/roasting	Basic kitchen tools, sweet potatoes	Nutrient-dense, easy digestion, allergy-friendly	First solids from 6 months, allergy testing	Rarely allergenic, freezes well, nutrient-rich
Avocado Banana Mash	Very low – no cooking, just mashing	Ripe avocado and banana	Healthy fats for brain development, natural sweetness	Quick prep, on-the-go feeding from 6 months	Provides essential fats, fast prep, creamy texture
Apple Cinnamon Puree	Moderate – cooking apples, blending	Apples, cinnamon, cooking time	Fiber, vitamins, introduces mild spices	Flavor variety from 8+ months, palate development	Adds flavor complexity, fiber-rich, comforting
Butternut Squash & Carrot Blend	High – roasting, blending	Oven time, two vegetables	High beta-carotene, vitamin A, encourages veggie acceptance	Introducing veggies 7+ months, batch prep & freezing	Encourages veggies, nutrient-rich, freezes well
Brown Rice and Vegetable Porridge	High – long cooking, blending	Brown rice, various vegetables	Sustained energy, B vitamins, fiber	Filling grain introduction 8+ months	Nutritious whole grain, versatile, economical
Pea and Mint Puree	Low-moderate – steaming, blending, straining	Peas, fresh mint	Protein, fiber, aromatic, may aid digestion	Introducing herbs and vegetables 7+ months	High protein, fresh flavor, helps digestion
Chicken and Sweet Potato Puree	Moderate – cooking chicken and sweet potato	Meat and veggies, food safety	Complete protein, iron-rich, filling meal	Meat introduction 8+ months, protein boost	High iron and protein, familiar flavors
Oatmeal Fruit Blend	Moderate – cooking oats, blending fruit	Oats, seasonal fruits	Fiber, beta-glucan, sustained energy	Breakfast introduction 8+ months	Soluble fiber source, customizable, familiar meal

Your Adventure in Homemade Baby Food Starts Now

As we wrap up our journey through these eight simple and wholesome recipes, from the creamy Sweet Potato Puree to the hearty Oatmeal Fruit Blend, I hope you feel a sense of excitement and confidence. Embarking on the adventure of making homemade baby food is more than just about nutrition; it’s about connection, exploration, and creating beautiful memories one spoonful at a time.

From my own experience as a mom, I know that starting solids can feel like a monumental step. But as you’ve seen, creating delicious, nutrient-packed meals for your little one doesn’t require a culinary degree or hours in the kitchen. It’s about embracing fresh, simple ingredients and celebrating the little moments of discovery.

Key Takeaways for Your Culinary Journey

Remember the core principles we’ve discussed. They are your foundation for success and will help you navigate this exciting developmental stage with ease.

• Simplicity is Your Best Friend: Start with single-ingredient purees to introduce new flavors and monitor for any potential allergies. Recipes like the Avocado Banana Mash or the classic Apple Cinnamon Puree are perfect examples of how simple ingredients can create delicious and nourishing first foods.
• Embrace Batch Cooking: Your freezer is an invaluable tool. Dedicate a couple of hours on the weekend to prepare and freeze several batches of food in ice cube trays. This simple habit saves you precious time during busy weekdays and ensures you always have a healthy meal ready to go.
• Texture is a Journey, Not a Destination: Don’t be afraid to evolve. Start with silky-smooth purees for early eaters and gradually introduce more texture as your baby grows. The Brown Rice and Vegetable Porridge is a fantastic recipe to adapt, starting smooth and becoming chunkier over time to encourage chewing skills.
• Listen to Your Baby: Every baby is unique. Some will dive into new flavors with gusto, while others might be more hesitant. Pay attention to their cues, be patient, and remember that it can take multiple tries for a baby to accept a new food. Celebrate the process, not just the “clean plate club.”

Fostering a Healthy Home Environment

Creating a nurturing space for your little one goes beyond what’s on their plate. As you dedicate yourself to preparing these wonderful homemade baby food recipes, it’s a natural next step to consider the broader environment where your baby is growing and exploring. Ensuring your home is a safe, non-toxic space is just as important as the organic carrots you’re pureeing. As you continue your journey in nurturing your baby with wholesome homemade food, remember that fostering a safe and healthy home environment extends beyond the kitchen, including adopting effective green cleaning practices. Making conscious choices in all areas of your home life creates a holistic foundation for your child’s well-being.

This journey of feeding your child is one of the most rewarding parts of parenthood. Each puree you blend and every meal you serve is a tangible act of love. You are not just providing nourishment; you are shaping your baby’s palate, building healthy eating habits, and sharing moments of joy. Embrace the mess, cherish the funny faces, and know that you are doing an amazing job.

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