Bite100 Food Passport
Baby recipe · 9–12 months

Soft Polenta Squares

Creamy polenta set in a tray and cut into soft squares. Naturally gluten-free and a good base for a little tomato sauce.

child_care9 mo+Contains: Milkschedule20 minrestaurantabout 20 small squaresback_handPincer or palmar grasp
verifiedReviewed by our dietitians · AAP, CDC, NIAID & NHS guidance
Soft Polenta Squares
Bite1009 mo+recipe

Ingredients

Makes about 20 small squares

Foods in this recipe

Method

  1. 1

    Bring the water to a boil, then whisk in the polenta slowly. Cook 5 minutes over low heat, whisking often, until thick.

  2. 2

    Stir in the butter and cheese.

  3. 3

    Spread about ½ inch (1 cm) thick in a lined dish and chill 1 hour, until set.

  4. 4

    Cut into small squares and warm gently in a non-stick pan. They should stay soft enough to squash.

Serve it by age

9–12 months

Offer small soft squares, plain or with a little no-salt tomato sauce.

12 months+

Cut into fingers and serve with sauce to dip.

health_and_safetyAllergens

Contains milk (top 9 allergen) from the butter and cheese. For a first exposure, offer a small amount early in the day and watch for 2 hours.

sync_altSwaps

  • swap_horizDairy-free: use olive oil and leave out the cheese.
  • swap_horizStir in ¼ cup mashed sweet potato or spinach purée.

kitchenStorage

Fridge 3 days. Freeze up to 1 month.

Safety reminders

  • No added salt, sugar or honey before 12 months.
  • Always check texture: food should squash between your thumb and finger.
  • Stay with your baby and keep them seated upright while eating.
  • This recipe is general guidance for healthy, full-term babies and children. Ask your pediatrician first if your child was born early, has a medical condition, allergies or feeding difficulties (medical disclaimer).