Turkey Avocado Patties for Babies (BLW), Toddlers, and Kids

Introducing finger-friendly, nutrient-packed patties is a great way to support baby-led weaning (BLW) and build confident little eaters. These turkey avocado patties combine lean protein, healthy fats, and a soft texture that’s easy for small hands to hold and gums to mash. If your child already enjoys mashed avocado, you might also like this avocado egg salad recipe for babies for another simple, creamy option.

Ingredients (makes about 8 small patties)

• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground turkey
• 1 ripe medium avocado, mashed
• 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1/4 cup finely grated carrot or zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs or oats (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon mild dried herbs (e.g., oregano or parsley)
• A pinch of black pepper (omit salt for infants under 1 year)
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for cooking

Notes on ingredients

• Avocado adds creaminess and healthy monounsaturated fats that are excellent for developing brains.
• Breadcrumbs or oats help the mixture bind; for younger babies, use finer oats for a softer texture.
• Keep flavors mild for young palates and avoid added salt or high-sodium seasonings.

Method

1. Prep: Mash the avocado in a bowl until mostly smooth. Grate the carrot or zucchini finely and squeeze out any excess liquid with a clean towel or paper towel.
2. Mix: Combine the ground turkey, mashed avocado, grated veg, minced garlic (if using), breadcrumbs/oats, beaten egg, and herbs in a bowl. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
3. Shape: Wet your hands slightly and form small patties about 1/2 inch thick and 2–3 inches wide (size should suit your child’s grasp). You should get roughly 8 patties depending on size.
4. Chill (optional): For firmer patties that hold shape, chill them on a tray for 15–20 minutes.
5. Cook: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) on a lined tray for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Cool and serve: Let patties cool until lukewarm before offering to baby. Break into appropriate-sized pieces for your child’s ability.

Texture and serving ideas

• For younger BLW babies, press patties flatter so they’re easy to grasp and mash.
• Serve plain, or with a smear of plain full-fat yogurt, mashed sweet potato, or a mild avocado dip.
• For toddlers and older kids, add a whole grain bun, lettuce, or a slice of cheese for a family-style meal.

Safety tips for BLW and young eaters

• Always supervise your child while eating.
• Ensure patties are cooked through to avoid undercooked poultry.
• Avoid adding salt for babies under 12 months; herbs and mild spices are fine in small amounts.
• Test the texture — patties should flake easily with gentle pressure from your fingers or gums.

Variations and adaptations

• Sweet potato: Replace grated carrot with 1/2 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato for a sweeter, softer patty.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons grated mild cheese if your family eats dairy.
• Gluten-free: Use ground oats or finely ground quinoa flakes in place of breadcrumbs.
• Mini meatballs: Shape the mixture into small balls and bake for bite-sized options.

Storage and reheating

• Refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooked patties on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until heated through, or defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a skillet.
• Reheat until steaming hot, then cool to a safe temperature before serving to a child.

When to introduce and portion guidance

• These patties are suitable once your baby is practicing BLW and can hold and bite soft solids (usually around 6–9 months).
• Offer one small patty or a few pieces depending on appetite and interest; use as part of a varied meal that includes fruits or vegetables.

Further ideas

• Serve with soft-cooked vegetable sticks for dipping, or break patties into small pieces and mix into a rice or pasta dish for older toddlers.
• Use leftover mixture as taco filling or as an addition to a breakfast scramble for variety.

If you’re starting solids with younger infants, it can help to review gentle first-food ideas like these baby food recipes for 6-8 months to ensure textures and portion sizes match your child’s stage.

Conclusion

For the original inspiration and a step-by-step guide to turkey avocado patties tailored for BLW toddlers, see this detailed Turkey Avocado Patties For Baby (BLW) Toddlers, Kids – ThrivingNest. If you’d like a sweet-potato-forward alternative, try the Ground Turkey Sweetpotato Burgers (Gluten Free) variation for added flavor and softness.