Baked Cheesy Plantain Fritters

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the sweet, mellow taste of ripe plantains, especially when they’re transformed into warm, cheesy fritters that disappear in seconds. These Baked Cheesy Plantain Fritters are a perfect finger food for babies starting solids, toddlers learning to self-feed, and even adults looking for a wholesome snack.

This easy plantain fritters recipe is made with just a handful of kitchen staples: ripe plantains, a touch of cheese, a sprinkle of garlic, and an egg to hold it all together. Unlike traditional fried versions, these are baked to golden perfection, making them a lighter, healthier option for little tummies while still delivering that satisfying cheesy bite.

Whether you’re after a quick lunchbox filler, a baby-led weaning snack, or a toddler-friendly side dish, these fritters are an absolute win. Plus, they freeze beautifully for stress-free meals on busy days!

Why You’d Love These Baked Cheesy Plantain Fritters

• Loved by babies, toddlers, and grown-ups too
• Naturally soft, easy to chew, and great for self-feeding. 
• Full of natural nutrients from whole ingredients
• Freezer-friendly and easy to prep ahead

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 35–40 minutes

Yields: 10 fritters

How to Make these Baked Cheesy Plantain Fritters

Ingredients 

• 2 medium ripe plantains (with yellow or lightly speckled skin)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated cheese (mild cheddar or mozzarella works well)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or finely minced fresh garlic)

Instructions 

1. Prep the plantains: Cut the plantains into large chunks. You can steam or boil them with the peel on (it slides off easily after cooking) or peel first if you prefer.

2. Steam or boil until soft: Cook the plantain chunks for about 15 minutes, or until they're fork-tender and soft all the way through.

3. Mash and mix: Remove the peel if still on, then place the soft plantain flesh in a mixing bowl. Mash thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth with a few soft chunks.

4. Add remaining ingredients: Crack in the egg, add the grated cheese and garlic, and mix well until combined into a thick, sticky batter.

5. Shape the fritters: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop out spoonfuls of the batter and gently flatten them into round patties.

6. Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges.

7. Cool and serve: Let them cool slightly before offering them to your little one.

Tips for success

Use Very Ripe Plantains

For the best flavor and texture, choose plantains that are yellow with dark speckles. These are sweeter, softer, and mash much more easily. If you use plantains that are still green or only just turning yellow, the fritters will be firmer and more starchy, which is not ideal for babies and toddlers.

Mash While Still Warm

Once the plantains are steamed or boiled, mash them while they’re still warm. Warm plantains mash more smoothly, and you'll be able to blend the egg and cheese in more evenly. Cold plantains can become stiff and harder to work with, resulting in a lumpy batter.

Wet Your Hands or Spoon for Shaping

The fritter batter is naturally sticky because of the ripe plantains. Dipping your hands or spoon in water or lightly greasing them will make it much easier to scoop and shape the patties neatly without them sticking all over your fingers or utensils.

Keep Fritters Thin for Even Baking

When shaping the fritters, gently press them into flat patties (about 1 cm thick). Thinner fritters will bake more evenly, achieving a nice golden crust on the outside while staying soft inside. Thick patties may remain too doughy in the middle.

Watch the Oven Towards the End

All ovens vary, and since these fritters contain natural sugars from ripe plantains, they can brown quickly towards the end of baking. Keep an eye on them in the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning or drying out.

Serving suggestions

Baby-Led Weaning Snack

These fritters are perfect as a first finger food for babies starting baby-led weaning. They are naturally soft, easy to grip, and gentle on little gums. Serve as-is or with a side of mashed avocado, baked beans or plain yoghurt for extra healthy fats.

Baby & Toddler Friendly Lunch Idea

Serve the fritters alongside scrambled eggs, soft fruit (like banana slices or berries), and a bit of plain yogurt. This makes a balanced meal packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Lunchbox Filler

These fritters hold up well even when served cold, making them a great lunchbox addition. Pair them with cheese cubes, a small container of hummus or yogurt for dipping, and fruit slices for a fun and nutritious packed lunch.

Family Snack Platter

Arrange the fritters on a grazing board with other kid-friendly snacks like cucumber sticks, boiled egg quarters, and fresh fruit slices. It’s a fun, interactive snack setup that encourages self-feeding and variety.

Side Dish for Family Meals

Swap out traditional sides like fries or bread with these fritters. They work beautifully alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even veggie burgers, offering a fiber-rich and vitamin-packed alternative that picky eaters will still love.

How to store

In the Fridge

Once fully cooled, place the fritters in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. For the best texture, reheat in an oven or air fryer rather than microwaving, as microwaving can make them soft and rubbery.

In the Freezer

Lay the cooled fritters flat on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). This prevents them from sticking together. Then transfer the frozen fritters into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

 (Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 210kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 82mg
• Sodium: 110mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Vitamin A: 290IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 90mg
• Iron: 1mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on plantain ripeness, cheese type, and portion size.