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If you need an easy protein to prep for your toddlers, add these pesto zucchini meatballs to your weekly rotation!
I love how these meatballs turned out! Bursting with flavor, perfectly moist from the zucchini, and so easy to throw together. They freeze well, so they’re super meal prep friendly. We hope you love them too!
BABY LED WEANING
This would be a great recipe to serve babies starting at 6 months, once they’ve been safely introduced to the allergens in the recipe. For younger babies, typically it’s best to serve bigger pieces since those are easier for them to hold. Once they develop the pincer grasp (pointer and thumb pinching together), then you can start to give them smaller pieces.
For information on how to safely serve foods to babies depending on their age (plus so much more), I recommend Solid Starts. The app is free and has tons of information!
ALLERGENS
This recipe has eggs, dairy, pine nuts, and wheat.
If you’d like to try it with an egg replacer, this one available online at Target. This post highlights other ideas for egg substitutes in recipes.
STORAGE
I stored these in the fridge for 4 days, then transferred to the freezer. They can stay in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To freeze I would line a baking sheet with foil or parchment then lay in a single layer and place in the freezer. Once frozen (give it a few hours) you can transfer to another container. This way they are individually frozen rather than all stuck together in one huge block!
To reheat I would either thaw in the fridge overnight then toast or microwave, or just toast or microwave from frozen.
TOOLS USED/RECOMMENDED
Parchment paper – I buy precut online because I find dealing with a roll of parchment to be the most annoying thing and it’s just so much easier to have it cut for you! Comes in a variety of sizes.
Cookie scoop – I love using this to scoop meatballs, pancake batter, and tons more. I use this thing ALL the time when cooking for my son (and just in general)
Meat thermometer – I will never cook meat without using one! We have a expensive one because my husband cooks meat all the time, but this one is affordable and looks great. I like that it has printed on their the safe temperatures for meat so you never need to look it up!
Box grater – I use this often to grate apple, zucchini, cheese, and more!
More easy and delicious recipes for your little one found here!
Pesto Zucchini Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs regular or panko
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup finely grated zucchini or carrot w/ moisture drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Scoop and roll into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches wide).
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly, then serve.
Please report back on what your little one thinks of these! Thank you for reading 🙂
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