Sweet Potato Broccoli Fritters

Let’s be honest: feeding a family, especially with babies and toddlers in the mix, can feel like a full-time job. Between trying to keep things healthy, getting enough veggies in, and finding meals that everyone will actually eat, it’s no wonder we’re always searching for that magic recipe that ticks all the boxes. Well, these sweet potato and broccoli fritters come pretty close.

Soft, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients, they’re perfect for baby-led weaning, toddler lunches, or even as a quick snack for older kids and adults. And the best part? They’re just as delicious as they are versatile.

Serve them as a side dish, tuck them into lunchboxes, or whip them up in bulk and freeze them for busy weekdays.

What makes these fritters so special is how simple they are to put together. No fancy steps, no hard-to-find ingredients—just a few everyday staples, steamed, mashed, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and fiber, while broccoli adds a punch of vitamins. The soft, handheld texture makes them ideal for little fingers learning to self-feed.

Why You'll Love These Sweet Potato & Broccoli Fritters

• Perfect for babies, toddlers, and adults alike
• Naturally soft, easy to chew, and great for self-feeding
• Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
• Freezer-friendly and easy to prep ahead
• Customizable for allergies or dietary preferences
• A sneaky way to add veggies to your child’s plate—without the struggle

Sweet Potato Broccoli Fritters

Ingredients

• 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
• A pinch of salt (No salt for babies under 1 year old)

Instructions

1. Steam the Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli: Start by placing your peeled and chopped sweet potatoes into a steamer basket. Steam for about 10 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender but not too soft. Once the sweet potatoes are halfway done, add the chopped broccoli florets to the steamer. Steam both the sweet potatoes and broccoli together for another 5 minutes, or until both are soft and easy to mash.

2. Mash and Mix: Once the sweet potatoes and broccoli are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash everything together until it’s smooth with just a few small bits of broccoli left. If you’re making these for a baby, you want to make sure the texture is soft enough for them to eat comfortably.

3. Add the Eggs and Flour: Crack the two eggs directly into the bowl with the mashed sweet potato and broccoli mixture. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour (whole wheat flour works well too!) and mix everything until it forms a batter that’s thick but still a little sticky. The eggs help bind the fritters together, giving them a soft and fluffy texture.

4. Cook the Fritters: Heat a little oil (coconut oil or olive oil works great) in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, scoop out small portions of the mixture and carefully place the fritters in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be gentle when flipping them, as they are soft on the inside.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the fritters cool slightly before serving to little ones. Serve them warm as a side dish, snack, or lunch for your toddler or baby. They're perfect for dipping into some yogurt or a mild sauce, or just as they are!

Tips For Success

Steam for Better Texture and Nutrition

When it comes to making these sweet potato and broccoli fritters, steaming your vegetables just right is one of the most important steps. You want the sweet potatoes to be tender enough to mash easily but not so soft that they turn into soup. Add the broccoli florets in the last few minutes so they cook evenly without getting mushy.

This gentle cooking method helps retain more nutrients and ensures the fritters have a soft, baby-friendly texture. Whether you’re preparing them as a toddler lunch or a baby-led weaning snack, that perfect soft-but-not-soggy consistency is key for little mouths.

Don’t Stress the Mash

As you mash the steamed sweet potato and broccoli together, don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth. Leaving a few little bits of broccoli gives the fritters a bit of texture, which is great for babies and toddlers learning to chew.

If you’re feeding a younger baby just starting solids, you can mash a little more thoroughly for a smoother finish. But for toddlers or older kids, a slightly chunky mash helps them get used to different food textures—a big win when navigating picky eater stages.

Getting the Right Balance with Eggs and Flour

The eggs and flour are what bring the batter together, giving it enough structure to hold its shape in the pan. If your mixture feels too loose or sticky to form patties, add just a little extra flour—start with a tablespoon at a time until it’s easier to handle.

Whole wheat flour is a great option if you’re aiming for a more fiber-rich, healthy toddler snack, while gluten-free or oat flour works wonderfully if you're accommodating dietary needs. These sweet potato broccoli fritters are naturally flexible, which makes them one of the best recipes to have on hand for baby-led weaning or busy weeknight dinners.

Cook Low and Slow for Golden Fritters

Patience really pays off when cooking these fritters. Use medium heat and give them a couple of minutes per side so they get that lovely golden crust without burning. If the pan’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly on the outside while staying too soft inside.

They’re a bit delicate, especially right after flipping, so a gentle hand and a wide spatula will make the process easier. This method keeps the inside soft and perfect for little eaters, while still giving the outside a satisfying crisp, ideal for a toddler-friendly finger food.

Make Them Work for You: Prep, Freeze, Reheat

One of the best things about these veggie-packed fritters is how well they fit into real life. If you're doing a bit of meal prep, consider making a double batch and storing extras in the fridge or freezer. They’ll keep for a few days in the fridge and up to a couple of months in the freezer.

Just pop a few in the oven or microwave when you need a quick toddler lunch idea or healthy snack option. Having these sweet potato fritters ready to go is a lifesaver on those chaotic days when cooking from scratch just isn’t happening.

Ingredients Substitutions, And Additions

Switching Up the Base: Sweet Potato Alternatives

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, soft, and perfect for little eaters, but if you don’t have any on hand or just want to mix things up, there are a few great alternatives. Butternut squash, pumpkin, or even carrots can work beautifully in this recipe. They all bring that same soft, mashable texture that’s ideal for baby-led weaning fritters, and they still offer that gentle, toddler-friendly flavor.

Just steam them until tender and mash as you would with sweet potatoes. It’s a great way to keep this veggie-packed meal feeling fresh while still being super nutritious.

Flour Options for Every Pantry and Diet

If you’re aiming for a more wholesome version, whole wheat flour is a fantastic choice—it adds a bit more fiber and a slightly heartier texture, making it great for older toddlers and preschoolers. For families managing gluten sensitivities, a simple gluten-free flour blend works just as well without sacrificing that lovely soft inside.

Oat flour is another great option and adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweet potato perfectly. If you're looking for more protein and a grain-free option, chickpea flour is a smart swap that fits right into healthy toddler snacks and freezer-friendly family meals.

Egg-Free? No Problem

If you need an egg-free option—whether it’s due to an allergy or a plant-based diet—you can still enjoy these sweet potato and broccoli fritters without compromise. Flax eggs work like a charm; just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

Unsweetened applesauce is another clever substitute, adding a touch of natural sweetness while keeping the texture moist and soft, perfect for finger foods for babies just starting solids. You’ll still get that nice consistency, without needing real eggs.

Mix and Match Your Veggies

While broccoli is a classic choice here, especially when you're trying to create more baby-friendly vegetable fritters, don’t be afraid to experiment with what’s in your fridge. Chopped spinach, kale, or even grated zucchini can be added for a green boost. Just be sure to sauté or steam leafy greens first so they blend nicely into the mash.

Adding grated carrots or finely chopped red pepper can also bring in a bit of sweetness and color, which toddlers often find fun and more inviting. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and keep things interesting.

Boosting Flavor (Without Overpowering Little Palates)

You don’t need to go wild with seasoning to make these fritters flavorful. A small pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or oregano can really elevate the taste, making it more appealing for older kids and adults. Just keep it mild if you're serving these as baby-led weaning finger foods.

For babies under one, you’ll want to skip the salt altogether, but you can still add a bit of flavor using nutritional yeast—it gives a cheesy taste without added sodium and is packed with B vitamins.

Make It a Meal: Add Protein or Grains

If you’re looking to turn these into more of a full meal rather than just a snack or side, you can bulk them up with a few easy additions. Cooked quinoa stirs in beautifully and adds a soft, fluffy texture plus extra protein—perfect for growing toddlers or older kids who need something more filling.

You could also fold in finely chopped chicken, turkey, or even a little shredded cheese if dairy works for your family. These tweaks help transform the fritters from a light bite into a hearty, balanced toddler lunch or dinner option that works for the whole family.

Serving Suggestions

A Cozy Side Dish for Family Dinners

These sweet potato and broccoli fritters shine as a wholesome, veggie-packed side dish at dinnertime. You can serve them alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even a simple hard-boiled egg for a balanced, colorful plate.

They add a gentle crisp and a soft center to round out a meal with texture and flavor. Paired with some mashed avocado, steamed rice, or roasted veggies, these fritters make a toddler-friendly dinner that even adults will happily dig into.

A Star on the Toddler Lunch Plate

If you're looking for toddler lunch ideas that are healthy, easy to prepare, and actually get eaten, these fritters check all the boxes. Serve them on their own with a little dip on the side—something like plain yogurt, hummus, or a mild tzatziki works wonderfully.

Add a few cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes (quartered for safety), or fruit slices like an apple or a banana for a meal that covers multiple food groups and offers a fun mix of textures. These fritters are ideal for lunchboxes too, as they hold their shape and taste just as good at room temperature.

Snacks That Keep Little Hands Happy

When snack time rolls around and you want something more nourishing than crackers or cookies, these sweet potato broccoli fritters are the answer. Their soft texture and easy-to-hold shape make them perfect for baby-led weaning snacks, and toddlers love how easy they are to grab and munch.

You can serve them warm or cold, and if you add a little dip on the side—think mild veggie dip or a dollop of plain cream cheese—they instantly feel more exciting and satisfying.

Wrap It Up for a Grown-Up Twist

These fritters may have been designed with babies and toddlers in mind, but that doesn’t mean the grown-ups can’t enjoy them too. Tuck them into a warm pita or wrap with some crunchy lettuce, sliced avocado, and a spoonful of yogurt dressing for a quick, light lunch that feels anything but boring.

For an extra protein hit, you can top them with a poached egg or a handful of chickpeas. It’s an easy, satisfying way to turn these veggie fritters into a full, balanced adult meal.

Perfect for Baby-Led Weaning Mealtimes

If you’re introducing solids and practicing baby-led weaning, these fritters are a gentle, safe, and nutritious first food option. Cut them into long, easy-to-grasp strips for little hands to hold, and let your baby explore chewing and self-feeding at their own pace.

They’re soft enough for early eaters and packed with vitamins from the sweet potato and broccoli, making them one of those rare meals that tick both the nutrition and ease-of-eating boxes. Plus, they’re mess-friendly and don’t crumble too easily, which is always a bonus at mealtimes.

Make-Ahead Brunch or Potluck Favorite

If you're hosting a family brunch or need a dish to bring to a playdate or potluck, these fritters are a hit with all ages. Serve them warm with a platter of dips, or stack them up as part of a brunch board alongside fresh fruit, soft-boiled eggs, and toast.

Their vibrant color and soft texture make them a standout on the table—and you can feel good knowing you're serving something that's both toddler-approved and packed with goodness.

How to store

Storing these sweet potato and broccoli fritters is super easy, and they make for a great meal prep option too! If you have any leftovers, just let them cool down completely before storing them. You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll still be just as tasty and soft, ready to be reheated for a quick snack or meal.

For longer storage, these fritters freeze wonderfully! Once they’ve cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This step will ensure they freeze individually and don’t stick together. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 7 minutes or until heated through, or you can even warm them up in the microwave for a quicker option.

What’s great about freezing these fritters is that you can make a big batch and have them on hand for those busy days when you need a quick meal or snack. Just grab a few from the freezer, heat them up, and you’ve got a nutritious option ready to go!

Equipment

• Steamer pot
• Mixing bowl
• Frying pan 

Nutrition

suitable for 6 months +

per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 120-160 (depending on the size and oil used for cooking)

• Protein: 4-6g (from eggs)

• Healthy Fats: 4-6g (from cooking oil and eggs)

• Carbohydrates: 20-25g (from sweet potatoes and broccoli)

• Fiber: 4-6g (from sweet potatoes and broccoli)

• Vitamin A: from sweet potatoes

• Vitamin C: from broccoli

• Calcium: from eggs and optional cheese (if added)

• Iron: from broccoli and eggs

• Omega-3s: from optional flaxseed (if added)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.