Can I make Sweetcorn and Courgette Polenta Bites ahead?

Yes. Prepare the recipe ahead, cool it completely, and store portions airtight so they are ready for quick toddler snacks or meals.

How do I keep the texture toddler-friendly?

Keep pieces or spoonfuls small, avoid overcooking, and serve with a soft side if the texture feels dry or sticky for your child's chewing stage.

Can ingredients be swapped for allergies?

Yes. Use safe substitutes for your child's needs and check labels for common cross-contact risks before serving.

What should I serve with it?

Pair it with a protein, soft fruit, or cooked vegetable to make the snack or meal more balanced for little appetites.

Back to Recipes

Finger Foods

Sweetcorn and Courgette Polenta Bites

Name: Sweetcorn and Courgette Polenta Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 100 g fine polenta (cornmeal); 350 ml water; 80 g fresh sweetcorn kernels; 1 medium courgette (medium), grated; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes; 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds; 3 tbsp water (for flaxseed mixture)

By TinyTummyTreats Test KitchenReviewed by TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 4, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

International 30 mins nutritiouseasy-to-makevegetarian toddler mealsdairy-free optionsnut-free recipesgluten-freevegetable-basedsoft-textureallergy-friendlyquick-prepfinger-food-friendlyno-added-saltbalanced-nutritionsuitable-for-12-monthsbudget-friendlyquick & easylunchbox-friendly

Nutritious, soft-textured Sweetcorn and Courgette Polenta Bites make a perfect gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free finger food for toddlers aged 12 months and older. These easy-to-make, allergy-friendly bites offer balanced nutrition as a healthy snack or lunchbox addition, ideal for picky eaters and busy parents seeking quick & easy toddler breakfast or snack options.

Prep 10 min

Cook 20 min

Total 30 min

Servings 12

Difficulty easy

Cuisine International

Ingredients

Servings 12

100 g fine polenta (cornmeal)
350 ml water
80 g fresh sweetcorn kernels
1 medium courgette (medium), grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
3 tbsp water (for flaxseed mixture)

Sweetcorn And Courgette Polenta Bites ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until thickened into a gel-like flax egg substitute.
Bring 350ml water to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in the polenta to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy, about 5–7 minutes.
Remove polenta from heat; stir in olive oil and nutritional yeast flakes if using for added flavor and nutrients.
Fold in grated courgette (excess moisture pressed out), sweetcorn kernels, and the flaxseed mixture. Stir well to combine into a soft batter.
Allow mixture to cool for a few minutes until comfortable to shape but not fully set.
Using damp hands or a spoon, form the batter into small, toddler-friendly bite-sized rounds or discs (approx. 3–4 cm diameter) and arrange evenly spaced on the baking tray.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges firm up and bites hold their shape while remaining soft inside.
Cool completely before serving to your toddler to ensure safe, soft texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage, ideal for make-ahead snacks.

Sweetcorn And Courgette Polenta Bites process image for TinyTummyTreats

Tips

Allergy Safety for Little Tummies

Allergy-Friendly Recipe Notes: This recipe is free from common allergens including gluten, dairy, nuts, and eggs, perfect for toddlers with these sensitivities. Corn (in polenta and sweetcorn) and flaxseeds are included, so introduce these ingredients gradually and observe for allergic reactions. Safe Ingredient Substitutions: Nutritional Yeast Flakes: Optional for a mild cheesy flavor and B vitamin boost.

Texture and Mouthfeel for Toddlers

These delicious Sweetcorn and Courgette Polenta Bites are perfectly suited for toddlers aged 12 months and older . At this age, toddlers are developing self-feeding skills and can handle soft, finger-food-friendly textures like these bites that encourage independent eating. For toddlers 12 to 18 months , ensure bites are cut into smaller pieces to reduce choking risk while your child perfects their chewing and swallowing.

Feeding, Portioning, and Sharing Notes

Safe Serving Sizes and Toddler Feeding Tips When serving the Sweetcorn and Courgette Polenta Bites , it’s essential to ensure safety and positive mealtime habits for toddlers. Recommended Serving Sizes Portion: For toddlers 12 months and older, offer 2 to 3 bite-sized polenta discs (3–4 cm diameter) per snack or meal component. Adjust portions based on your toddler's appetite and age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sweetcorn and Courgette Polenta Bites ahead?: Yes. Prepare the recipe ahead, cool it completely, and store portions airtight so they are ready for quick toddler snacks or meals.
How do I keep the texture toddler-friendly?: Keep pieces or spoonfuls small, avoid overcooking, and serve with a soft side if the texture feels dry or sticky for your child's chewing stage.
Can ingredients be swapped for allergies?: Yes. Use safe substitutes for your child's needs and check labels for common cross-contact risks before serving.
What should I serve with it?: Pair it with a protein, soft fruit, or cooked vegetable to make the snack or meal more balanced for little appetites.

Ingredient Replacements

g fine polenta (cornmeal): Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
ml water: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
g fresh sweetcorn kernels: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
medium courgette (medium): Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
tbsp olive oil: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.

Storage

Cool Sweetcorn and Courgette Polenta Bites completely, then store portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze extras when practical, thaw before serving, and reheat gently only when a warmer, softer bite is helpful.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

No reviews yet.

Sweetcorn and Courgette Polenta Bites

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions