Cauliflower Cheese Tots Recipe For Baby Led Weaning

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Are Cauliflower Tots Healthy For BLW?

Cauliflower tots can be a healthy choice for Baby-Led Weaning (BLW). These small, bite-sized cauliflower florets are not only nutritious but they are also a great way to introduce different textures and flavours to your baby. A great recipe, and a delicious way to serve cauliflower to your baby.

Cauliflower is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre, which are important for your baby’s growth and development.

Additionally, cauliflower is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a good option for babies who are just starting to explore solid foods. When prepared properly to ensure they are soft and easy to chew, cauliflower bites can be a safe and healthy choice for your little one during BLW.

If you need quick lunch recipes, see my step-by-step instructions below how to make these cauliflower veggie tots, using wholesome ingredients.

Is It Safe For Babies To Eat Cauliflower?

When considering introducing cauliflower to babies for baby-led weaning, it is essential to approach it with caution. Cauliflower is a nutrient-dense vegetable and can be a healthy addition to a baby's diet once they are developmentally ready for solid foods.

However, it is important to note that cauliflower can be a potential choking hazard for babies due to its texture. Therefore, it is crucial to cook cauliflower until it is soft and easily squished between your fingers to reduce the risk of choking.

Observing your baby closely while they are eating cauliflower and ensuring they are handling it well is crucial. As with any new food introduced during baby-led weaning, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if cauliflower is suitable for the baby based on their individual dietary needs and development.

How Do You Serve Cauliflower To A Baby For BLW?

When serving cauliflower to a baby for Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), it's important to ensure the vegetable is prepared in a way that is safe and easy for the baby to handle. It is the perfect first food.

One approach is to steam or roast cauliflower until it is soft and easily mashable with little pressure. Cut the cauliflower into florets that are large enough for the baby to grasp with their fist, as this helps them practice their grip and promotes self-feeding.

Another idea is to create cauliflower bites by mixing steamed and mashed cauliflower with a binder like egg and breadcrumbs, then shaping them into small, easy-to-hold cylinders before baking until crispy.

Additionally, incorporating finely grated cauliflower into dishes like omelettes or muffins can be a sneaky yet nutritious way to get extra veggies in a baby's diet. Remember to always supervise the baby during mealtime and ensure the cauliflower pieces are an appropriate size to prevent choking hazards.

Is Cauliflower A Common Choking Hazard?

Cauliflower is considered a common choking hazard for babies during the baby-led weaning process. Its firm texture and small florets can easily break off in large chunks, posing a risk of choking, especially for infants who are still learning how to chew and swallow.

To minimise this risk, parents can cook cauliflower until it is very soft and easily mashed with little pressure.

Additionally, cutting cauliflower into very small pieces or mashing it thoroughly can help make it safer for babies to consume.

It is always crucial to closely supervise babies during mealtime and be prepared to provide assistance if needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable feeding experience.

Ingredient information

Fresh cauliflower - I have used cauliflower but you could use broccoli florets too or half and half, a great addition to this recipe. The recipe will work the same! You could also use cauliflower rice too for convenience. A great recipe if you have any leftover cauliflower too!

Cream cheese - I have used a full fat cream cheese, this is the best one to use from 6 months old. From 2 years old you could use a low fat option if you like.

Mozzarella - I have used grated mozzarella, you could use cheddar cheese for babies from 6 months, and you could add in a little parmesan cheese for babies 12 months old and older kids if you wanted a really cheesy bite!

Panko bread crumbs - You could use fresh bread crumbs of your choice, wholemeal bread crumbs work really well or blitzed sourdough bread crumbs work so well too.

Nutmeg - I have added a little nutmeg to the recipe, you could add in a little garlic powder and onion powder if you like instead, either option works well within the recipe and the finished result.

Serving suggestion

These little Cauliflower nuggets use simple ingredients and would be great served on their own as a great finger food item for baby led weaning, great for little hands. Alternatively they are great for toddlers lunch, and great for lunch boxes too!

Other quick bakes similar recipes to this one: Broccoli tots, Carrot fritters or Hash browns.

Storage instructions

The cauliflower cheese bites can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, alternatively you can store in the same way or in freezer airlock bags for up to 3 months in the freezer!

Easy snacks for when you need them! Make sure that the tots have cooled down at room temperature before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container.

To defrost the tots, leave in the fridge overnight.

If you wanted to reheat the tots, you will only be able to reheat once from the fridge. I would suggest heating them up in the oven, at 180C or 350F, for 15 minutes. Leave to cool before serving to your baby.

Equipment used to help with this recipe

Baking sheet - I have chosen to use a non-stick and BPA free baking sheet - they are easy to clean and, if you buy more than one, easily stackable and easily stored.

Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.

Large bowl - Definitely choose a stainless steel one - they are lighter than the stone or glass ones and very easy to clean.

Recipe | Cauliflower Cheese Tots Recipe For Baby Led Weaning

Ingredients

Makes 8-9 bites

• 285g cauliflower (uncooked weight)

• 95g grated mozzarella

• 3 tablespoons full fat cream cheese

• 30g panko breadcrumbs

• Pinch nutmeg

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 180C or 350F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

• Start by cooking your cauliflower in a pot of boiling water for approx 10-15 minutes, until a soft texture.

• Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain the water and place in a large bowl. (leave to cool slightly if you can but not 100% needed).

• Mash the cauliflower using a fork and add in the rest of the ingredients: Mozzarella, cream cheese, nutmeg and the breadcrumbs. You could add in a little black pepper at this point if you wanted to.

• Mix everything together until fully combined, for a softer texture.

• Take approx a tablespoon of the mixture, and roll into a ball using your hands. I make mine to a golf ball size.

• Repeat until you have used up all the mixture, and place on your prepared baking sheet.

• Pop in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

• Leave to cool before serving to your baby.

Hope you and your family enjoy!

Recipe notes

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Yes, you can by using vegan cream cheese and a vegan cheese of your choice. The versatility of vegan cream cheese and cheese offers a delicious way to elevate your plant-based meals without compromising on taste or texture.

Get creative in the kitchen and explore the endless possibilities that these dairy-free alternatives have to offer.

This recipe is great for healthy batch cooking too!

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