Got a picky little eater on your hands? We hear you! As a busy parent, you might be wondering, What should a caregiver do about a fussy eater? Finding meals that your 2-year-old will actually enjoy can be a real challenge, especially when you’re juggling a million other things. 

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with quick and easy recipes that are not only kid-friendly but also perfect for busy parents on the go. So, put on your chef hat (or just keep it casual) and get ready to prepare some meals that will have your little one smiling and your stress levels dropping. 

Must-Try 2 Year Old Picky Eater Recipes 

Ready to turn mealtime into a win? Here are the top 7 tasty recipes that’ll have even the pickiest two-year-old excited to chow down. These simple and fun dishes are designed to make mealtime easy and put a big smile on both your faces. 

Mini Banana Pancakes

These mini pancake bites are perfect for breakfast or a snack for your little ones. They’re best enjoyed fresh, so whip them up just before serving. You can serve them plain or jazz them up with some fruit, honey, and yoghurt for extra yum. 

Type: Vegetarian, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly

Makes approx. 30 mini pancakes

Prep Time: 5 minutes 

Cooking Time: 15 minutes 

Ingredients

1. 1 egg
2. 1/3 cup milk
3. ½ cup wholemeal self-raising flour
4. Sprinkle of cinnamon
5. Olive oil cooking spray 
6. 2 bananas, sliced into around 1 cm pieces

Recipe

1. In a mixing bowl whisk together the eggs and milk. Add in the flour and cinnamon, and whisk until no lumps remain. 
2. Spray a large frying pan with olive oil spray. Heat the frying pan over medium heat. 
3. Use a fork to dip the banana pieces into the pancake batter and drain off a little of the excess, then place into the frying pan. Fry for 2 minutes until the mini pancakes start to bubble, then flip over and cook for 1-2 minutes on the other side. Remove from the pan.
4. Continue cooking the mini pancakes in batches until all the banana slices and pancake batter have been used. 
5. Serve pancakes and enjoy! 

Berry Frozen Yoghurt Drops

Here's a tasty snack you can prep ahead of time and keep in the freezer for those warmer days. It’s a fantastic treat for your little ones when the temperature rises. We’ve used berries, but feel free to swap them out for any seasonal fruit you love.

Type: Vegetarian, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly, Snacks

Makes approx. 30 

Prep Time: 5 minutes (+ 2 hours freezing time)

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

1. ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – frozen also works, just allow to defrost slightly)
2. 1 cup Greek yoghurt

Recipe

1. Prepare 2 flat baking trays by lining them with baking paper. 
2. Add the berries and the yoghurt to a small blender. Blend well until smooth.
3. Use a teaspoon to dollop spoonfuls of the yoghurt mixture onto the baking trays. Continue until all the yoghurt mixture has been used. 
4. Carefully transfer the trays into your freezer, ensuring that they are sitting flat and level. 
5. Allow to freeze for at least a couple of hours. Once frozen, remove the yoghurt drops from the trays and place them into a container, then return to the freezer. 
6. Serve the yoghurt drops frozen and enjoy!

Mini Baked Oat Cups

Ideal for breakfast or a snack, these mini baked oat cups are sure to be a hit with your little ones. Prepare them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for a few days, or stash them in the freezer for a few weeks’ worth of quick and tasty bites. 

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly, Snacks

Makes 18 mini muffins

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes 

Ingredients

1. Olive oil spray, for greasing
2. 2 overripe bananas
3. 1 egg
4. ½ cup milk
5. 2 cups rolled oats
6. Pinch of cinnamon
7. ¾ cup frozen raspberries, thawed

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Use the olive oil spray to grease two 12-hole mini muffin trays. 
2. Add the bananas to a mixing bowl and use a fork to mash. Add in the egg and mash to combine with the banana. 
3. Add in the milk and the rolled oats. Stir until all ingredients are combined. 
4. Add in the cinnamon and the raspberries, and thoroughly stir through the oat mixture. 
5. Use a tablespoon to scoop the oat mixture into the muffin trays. Ensure that the oat mixture fills each muffin tray hole to the top. 
6. Place into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the oat cups have risen and are slightly golden on top. 
7. Let the oat cups sit in the tray for 5 minutes, then remove from the mini muffin tray and allow the oat cups to cool. Enjoy!

Ready for a breakfast twist? Dive into Tiramisu Overnight Oats for a fun and unique oats experience that’ll kickstart your day with a delicious surprise!

Kid Friendly Tortellini Pasta

When you’re in need of a speedy meal solution, this recipe has got you covered. Using packaged tortellini pasta, it comes together in no time and makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner. Prep it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Simple yet delicious, it’s a hit with little ones and grown-ups alike!

Type: Vegetarian, Kid Friendly

Serves 6

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes 

Ingredients

1. 1x 600g packet spinach and cheese tortellini
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1 punnet baby Roma tomatoes, halved
4. 1 red capsicum, chopped
5. 1x 400g tin butter beans, drained and rinsed
6. 200g cherry bocconcini, quartered
7. ½ cup fresh basil leaves

Recipe

1. Heat a large saucepan of water over high heat until boiling, then cook the tortellini according to the packet directions. Ensure that you cook the tortellini to ‘al dente’, so that it is still slightly firm to the bite. 
2. Once the tortellini is cooked, drain and rinse lightly with cold water. Return the tortellini to the saucepan. 
3. Add in the olive oil, tomatoes, capsicum, butter beans, bocconcini, and basil. Stir to combine. 
4. Serve and enjoy!

Simple Turkey Mince San Choy Bow

Here’s an easy and delicious twist on San Choy Bow that’s quick to make and packed with flavour. Using turkey mince for a lean protein option, this recipe is perfect for a family meal. If you haven’t tried turkey mince yet, now’s your chance! Kids will have a blast wrapping up their own lettuce cups and eating with their hands.

Type: Contains Meat, Lactose Free, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly

Serves 5

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes 

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 carrot, diced
3. 1 red capsicum, diced
4. 1 clove garlic, crushed
5. 500g lean turkey mince
6. 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
7. 15 lettuce cups (from 1 iceberg lettuce head)
8. Handful fresh coriander leaves, to serve
9. Sesame seeds, to serve
10. Chilli flakes or sliced fresh chilli, to serve

Recipe

1. Heat a large frying pan over medium to high heat. Add in the olive oil, carrot, and capsicum.
2. Fry for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add in the garlic, as well as the turkey mince. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often and breaking up the mince into smaller pieces. 
3. Once the mince is browned, add in the oyster sauce and stir through. Remove from the heat. 
4. Arrange 3 lettuce cups onto each serving plate. Divide the mince mixture between the lettuce cups. 
5. Top with the fresh coriander leaves, sesame seeds and chilli flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Baby Friendly Bircher

Bircher Muesli is a tasty breakfast option that’s perfect for the whole family, including little ones. For a treat that’s just for you or older kids, try adding a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of toasted nuts like walnuts, and a handful of fresh berries.

Type: Vegetarian, Breakfast, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly

Serves 2 (or 4 children)

Prep Time: 5 minutes (+ overnight refrigeration) 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

1. 1 pink lady apple
2. 1 cup rolled oats
3. ½ cup Greek yoghurt
4. ½ cup milk
5. Sprinkle of cinnamon

Recipe

1. Grate the apple, including the apple peel, into a medium-sized mixing bowl. 
2. If you are preparing this recipe for your baby, place the oats into a blender and pulse until the oats reach the consistency of flour. If you are preparing this recipe for adults or older children, skip this step and leave the rolled oats as they are. 
3. Into the bowl with the grated apple, add the oats, yoghurt, milk and cinnamon and mix well to combine.
4. Cover and place into the fridge to soak overnight. 
5. To serve the Bircher muesli the next morning, divide the mixture between 2 bowls. If you are preparing this recipe for children you could divide the mixture between 4-6 small ramekins.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Give your kids' lunch a fun twist with Hot Cross Bun Muffins! They’re sure to add a burst of excitement to their day.

Tortilla Pizza

Kids love pizza, and here’s a quick and easy homemade version to keep things exciting. This basic recipe serves as a perfect canvas for your little ones to customise with their favourite veggies. Think capsicum, thinly sliced zucchini, olives, or even roasted pumpkin with feta cheese. 

Type: Vegetarian, Kid Friendly 

Makes 2 pizzas

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes 

Ingredients

1. 2 wholegrain tortillas or wraps
2. 2 tablespoons tomato paste or tomato passata
3. 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
4. ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
5. Fresh basil, to serve 

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. 
2. Prepare 2 baking trays, and place 1 tortilla onto each baking tray. 
3. Spread the tomato paste evenly onto the tortillas. Top with the sliced tomatoes, and sprinkle cheese over the top. 
4. Place the tortillas into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. 
5. Sprinkle over the fresh basil. Use a pizza cutter to slice each pizza into quarters. 
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Feeding a two-year-old can definitely have its moments, but it doesn’t have to be a stress fest! These recipes are just what you need to deal with picky eaters with healthy, tasty options that are easy to make. Give them a go and watch as mealtime becomes a happy, nourishing adventure for your little one. 

Ready to turn picky eating into a fun and satisfying experience? Dive into our Recipes section and explore even more wholesome delights!