Hey there, amazing parents!
Looking for a healthy and delicious food for your little one? I’ve got a gem for you!
Today, I’m sharing my easy recipe for baked sweet potatoes for babies.
These little bites are soft, sweet, and packed with nutrients.
Perfect for those tiny taste buds! Your baby will love them, and you’ll love how simple they are to make.
Let’s get started!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For the sweet potato, butternut squash or pumpkin can be used as alternatives. These vegetables have similar textures and nutritional profiles, offering beta-carotene and fiber. Adjust cooking time as needed, as squash may cook faster than sweet potato. White potatoes can also be used, though they have a different nutrient profile. For the olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil can be substituted. These oils have different flavor profiles but maintain the function of adding healthy fats to the dish. If avoiding added fats, the oil can be omitted entirely, though this may result in a drier texture. When preparing food for babies, always ensure ingredients are appropriate for the child’s age and developmental stage, and consult with a pediatrician if unsure about introducing new foods.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 22-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 32-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 2-4 g
- Fat: 14-16 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-38 g
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato with orange flesh (or garnet yam)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat it with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato
Start by washing and drying the sweet potato thoroughly.
Once it’s clean, cut it in half and then cut each half lengthwise into strips.
Continue by cutting each strip in half again, aiming for about 1/2-inch thickness.
If the sweet potato is particularly long, slice each piece in half horizontally.
Each piece should roughly be the size of your finger.
Step 3: Season the Sweet Potato
Place the sweet potato strips into a bowl and toss them with olive oil.
Make sure each piece is lightly coated, which will help them roast to a perfect texture.
Step 4: Roast the Sweet Potato Strips
Spread the oiled sweet potato strips evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Roast them in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until they become tender and soft when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Serve the Sweet Potato
Once roasted, let the sweet potato strips cool slightly.
They can be served as is for a Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) style finger food, perfect for little hands to grasp.
Step 6: Mash or Puree the Sweet Potato
If you prefer to serve the sweet potatoes as a thick mash, remove the skin and mash them with a fork, either individually or in bigger batches using a food processor or blender.
For a thinner sweet potato puree, mash with a fork and incorporate 1 tablespoon of warm water at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
Serve according to your preference!
