Mini Fish Pie Bites For Baby Led Weaning

Table of Contents

When Can I Introduce Fish To My Baby?

You can generally introduce fish to your baby around 6-9 months of age, when they are starting solid foods. Fish is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development.

When choosing fish for your baby, opt for varieties that are low in mercury, such as salmon, cod, pollock, trout, and sole. These are generally safe for babies to consume. However, it's important to avoid high-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish and mackerel as they can be harmful to your baby's developing nervous system. Always ensure fish is cooked thoroughly and served in easily manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards.

Is Fish a Common Choking Hazard for Babies?

Fish can indeed be a choking hazard for babies, especially certain types like those with small bones or tough textures. It's crucial to ensure that fish is deboned thoroughly and cooked until it's soft and flaky to reduce the risk of choking.

Also, it is recommended to introduce fish gradually and watch for any signs of allergies or sensitivities. As with any new food, close supervision and appropriate preparation are key to safely incorporating fish into a baby's diet.

How To Serve Fish To My Baby?

A great way to serve fish to babies is through a gentle introduction, like this Fish Pie Bite recipe. This recipe is not only a nutritious choice but also a tasty way to incorporate fish into your baby's diet. By preparing fish in a pie bite format, you can control portion sizes and present it in a visually appealing manner that can be easier for babies to handle. Keep an eye on new foods and watch out for any allergic reactions.

The Importance Of Fish In Babies Diet From An Early Age

Fish is often recommended as an essential component of a baby's diet starting from around 6 months of age. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish plays a crucial role in the development of a baby's brain and eyes. Fish provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and iron, which are important for overall growth and development.

Introducing fish into a baby's diet early on can help cultivate a taste for a variety of foods, promoting a diverse and balanced diet as they grow older. Regularly incorporating fish into a baby's diet can lay a strong foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits.

Ingredient information

Pollock - I have used a white fish that is safe for a baby to eat from 6 months old. This fish is great as it can be found in the frozen section of the freezer aisle. The fish can be re-frozen too so this recipe is great for batch cooking for the freezer.

Potato - I have used white potatoes but you could use sweet potato for this recipe, If using sweet potato you will only need 1 sweet potato as sweet potatoes are a little wetter than a white potato.

Cream cheese - This acts as your cheese sauce/white sauce. You could always use ricotta cheese for this recipe to or half and half, it works really nicely. From 2 years old you can use low fat cream cheese, but I would always recommend full fat cream cheese.

Peas - Instead of peas, broccoli works really well within this recipe too, or both!

Chives - You can leave this herb out if you wanted to, or add in dried dill or add in some fresh parsley.

Serving suggestion

The fish pie bites are great served on their own as a stand alone meal, They would be great served with courgette fries, carrots or a peach melba pot.

Serving with a crudites such as red pepper (bell pepper), cucumber and carrot is also a great option for this recipe.

The fish pie bites are great in a lunch box too as they can be eaten at an ambient temperature.

Storage instructions

The fish pie bites once cooled, can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

If you wanted to reheat the fish pie bites, you will only be able to reheat once thawed from the fridge. I would suggest heating them up in the oven, at 180C or 350C, for 10 minutes. Leave to cool before serving to your baby.

To store in the freezer, leave the bites to cool and store in an airtight container or in an airtight freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Equipment used to help with this recipe

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

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.

Recipe | Mini Fish Pie Bites For Baby Led Weaning

Ingredients

Makes 7-8 balls

• 2 white pieces of fish, 230g (I have used frozen pollock)

• 1 potato, 260g, peeled, cubed and cooked mashed potato

• 1 tablespoon full fat cream cheese

• 70g frozen peas, cooked

• 1 teaspoon dried chives

Instructions

• Start by preheating your oven to a medium heat of 180C or 350F. Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper or foil-lined tray.

• Place your frozen fish pieces in the oven and cook as per the packet instructions. I drizzle a little olive oil over the fish. Cook in the oven for 25 minutes.

• Once the fish has cooked, leave to cool slightly.

• Place all the ingredients into a large bowl (fish, potato, peas, cream cheese and chive) and mash the ingredients together using a fork or a potato masher.

• Using a teaspoon, scoop out the mixture and roll into a ball using your hands. or little croquette shapes. Repeat with the rest of the mixture and place all the fish pie bites on the prepared baking tray.

• Place in the oven for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Hope you and your family enjoy!

Recipe notes

Other flaked fish you can use within this recipe are: salmon fillet, cod or haddock, all great for little tummies and most importantly picky eaters.

---

©The Petit Spoon

Content and photographs are copyright protected and need prior permission to use elsewhere. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to other websites and any social media is strictly prohibited. Sharing and using the link of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated! Share this post now!

---