Baby and toddler recipes

🧆 Turkey and courgette baby meatballs

Light, juicy meatballs made with turkey mince and grated courgette, baked rather than fried. They are soft enough for new eaters and perfect for batch cooking.

From 6 monthsPrep 15 minCook 20 minFreezes wellContains: Gluten, Egg

Makes about 16 small meatballs

Ingredients

  • 400g Turkey mince (thigh mince if you can, it stays juicier)
  • 1 small Courgette (finely grated and squeezed)
  • 3 tbsp Oats (blitzed fine)
  • 1 clove Garlic (crushed)
  • 1 tbsp Basil (finely chopped)
  • 1 Egg (beaten (optional))

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 200C (180C fan) and line a tray.
  2. Squeeze the grated courgette in a clean tea towel to remove excess water.
  3. Mix everything together with your hands until combined.
  4. Shape into 16 balls, or small logs for younger babies.
  5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through with no pink in the middle.
  6. Cool before serving with a tomato sauce or a vegetable dip.

Serving it to your baby

At 6 months, roll into log shapes about the size of an adult finger rather than balls, so your baby can grip them. Squash slightly to check they are soft. Older babies can manage small balls cut in half.

For the rest of the family

Serve the grown-ups' portion in a seasoned tomato sauce over spaghetti, with parmesan and chilli flakes.

Storing and reheating

Cool on a rack, then keep in a covered box in the fridge for up to 2 days or open freeze on a tray before bagging, for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot right through, then cool before serving. Never reheat more than once.

How to introduce gluten · How to introduce egg

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Questions parents ask

Can I make meatballs without egg?

Yes. The oats and courgette bind the mix well, so you can leave the egg out if your baby has not had egg yet.

How do I know the turkey is cooked?

Cut one open: there should be no pink meat and the juices should run clear. Turkey must always be cooked right through.

OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).