🟢 PEA TOTS! (Egg-Free): The Ultimate Toddler Finger Food for Fuss-Free Veggie Eating

If you’ve ever struggled to get your toddler to eat vegetables, you’re not alone. Mealtimes with little ones can feel like a battle zone, especially when it comes to greens. But what if there were a snack so fun, tasty, and nourishing that even the pickiest eater would reach for seconds?

Enter: PEA TOTS! (Egg-Free)—an allergy-friendly, veggie-packed snack made with just a few ingredients, designed specifically for babies and toddlers 12 months and older. Think of them as a mash-up between mashed peas, creamy potatoes, and classic tater tots—but with a healthier, plant-based twist.

These bite-sized green gems are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and loaded with toddler-friendly nutrients. Whether you’re on the hunt for foods for toddlers one year old, creative mashed peas recipes, or a go-to snack that fits the bill for food for fussy eaters, these PEA TOTS tick every box.

👶 Why Toddlers and Parents Love These Pea Tots

🌱 Kid-Friendly Flavors with Big Benefits

Peas and potatoes are a familiar duo for little taste buds. Mild in flavor, rich in fiber and nutrients, and naturally soft, these ingredients are a dream team when it comes to toddler nutrition. Add a touch of olive oil and a few herbs or seasonings, and you’ve got a tot that’s far more exciting than any frozen grocery store snack.

🥚 No Eggs, No Worries

Perfect for kids with egg allergies or families avoiding eggs for dietary or cultural reasons. This recipe gets its binding power from soft mashed potatoes and breadcrumbs—no egg necessary. That means it’s safer and more inclusive for lunchboxes, daycare, and shared meals.

🥔 Potatoes = Easy Energy

Potatoes offer quick energy for active little bodies and brains. They’re also an affordable, pantry-friendly staple that many families already have on hand.

🤲 Perfect for Baby-Led Weaning

These tots are firm enough to hold their shape but soft enough for little mouths. Ideal for 12-month-olds developing motor skills and self-feeding independence.

🍠 Ingredients for PEA TOTS (Egg-Free)

This recipe makes about 20–25 tots, perfect for freezing and meal-prepping.

🛒 What You Need:

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped (Yukon Gold or russet preferred)
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 2 tablespoons onion, finely grated or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tablespoons flour (AP flour or oat flour)
• 1 colher de sopa de azeite de oliva, plus more for brushing
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional or to taste depending on age)
• 1/4 de colher de chá de pimenta preta (opcional)

🧑‍🍳 Optional Mix-ins:

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or basil
• 1/4 cup finely shredded carrot or zucchini, squeezed dry

🔪 How to Make Egg-Free Pea Tots (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Boil the Veggies

In a large pot, cover chopped potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes, then toss in the frozen peas. Boil another 2–3 minutes until both are soft. Drain and allow to sit in a colander to steam-dry for a few minutes.

Step 2: Mash It Up

In a large mixing bowl, mash the peas and potatoes together using a fork or masher. Keep a few small chunks for texture if desired.

Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and flour. Mix everything well until a thick dough-like mixture forms.

Step 3: Shape the Tots

Scoop 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small oval or log-shaped tots. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake or Pan-Fry

• To Bake: Brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• To Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet and cook tots for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

🍽️ How to Serve PEA TOTS to Toddlers

Serving PEA TOTS is as fun as making them! Here are a few toddler-friendly serving ideas:

As a Main Meal

• Serve with soft scrambled eggs or tofu
• Pair with a fruit side like banana slices or applesauce
• Add avocado or mashed sweet potatoes

As a Snack

• Serve cold or warm in a divided toddler tray
• Dip into plain yogurt or a mild tomato sauce
• Pack in a bento box for daycare or outings

In a Fun Presentation

• Stack them on skewers for “tot towers”
• Cut in half and create little pea sandwiches
• Shape into balls and call them “green veggie nuggets”

🧊 How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Refrigerator:
Store cooked tots in an airtight container for 3 days.

Freezer-Friendly:
Place shaped (uncooked or baked) tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Bake or pan-fry directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to cook time.

Reheating Tip:
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Microwave works but makes them softer.

🔄 PEA TOTS Recipe Variations

This recipe is endlessly customizable based on what’s in your fridge and your toddler’s taste preferences.

🌽 Corn & Pea Tots

Add 1/4 cup of sweet corn kernels for a slightly sweet flavor and extra texture.

🧀 Cheesy Cauli-Tots

Replace some of the peas with steamed cauliflower and add shredded cheese (if dairy is tolerated).

🧄 Garlic-Herb Tots

Use fresh parsley, dill, or basil for flavor-enhancing herbs that even picky eaters may enjoy.

🥕 Rainbow Veggie Tots

Fold in grated carrots, red bell peppers, or beets for a vibrant rainbow plate that toddlers can help decorate.

🥄 Toddler Nutrition Spotlight

Getting toddlers to eat well-balanced meals isn’t always easy. Here’s why the ingredients in PEA TOTS are a great choice for your growing baby:

🧠 Tips for Feeding Fussy Toddlers

Even the healthiest recipes can flop if your toddler’s in a mood. Here are a few tricks to help:

• Make it fun: Use cookie cutters to shape tots into stars or hearts.
• Let them help: Toddlers love being involved. Have them mash, mix, or press tots into shape.
• Serve familiar sides: Pair new foods (pea tots) with favorites (apple slices or toast).
• No pressure: Offer without stress or coaxing. Toddlers love autonomy!

💬 What Other Parents Say

“These are a LIFESAVER during teething. Soft and soothing, and she gobbles them up.”
— Maya, mom of a 1-year-old

“Finally something green that doesn’t get thrown across the room!”
— James, dad of two

“We freeze batches and send them to daycare. The teachers asked for the recipe!”
— Dina, working mom

✨ Fun Fact: Peas for the Win

Did you know peas are technically legumes, not vegetables? They’re one of the best plant-based sources of protein and fiber, making them a superfood for kids. Their natural sweetness also makes them more palatable than other green veggies—perfect for toddler palates.

📢 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whether you’re raising a future foodie or just trying to get through dinner without a meltdown, these Egg-Free PEA TOTS are the answer. They’re nutritious, allergy-friendly, and endlessly adaptable—proof that healthy toddler food doesn’t have to be boring or complicated.

Make a batch today and enjoy:

✅ Simple ingredients
✅ Great freezer option
✅ No eggs
✅ Full of vegetables
✅ Kid-tested, parent-approved!