Cheesy Sweet Potato Apple Spoon Hash
By the GreenSpoon Kids kitchen
A warm, chunky mash of sweet potato, apple, egg, and cheese with soft bites and gentle crunch.
This cheesy sweet potato and apple spoon hash is a warm, chunky little bowl of soft sweet potato, apple, egg, and cheese, with soft bites and a gentle bit of texture. The sweet-savory mix of mellow sweet potato and apple against melty cheese and egg makes it comforting and satisfying. For an 18 to 24 month old, it is a hearty snack or light meal that is easy to scoop with a spoon or pick up.
Ingredients(6)
- 1/2 small sweet potato, peeled and 1/4-inch diced
- 1/4 small apple, peeled and finely diced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp mild shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tsp unsalted butter or oil
- 1 small rice cake or 1/2 slice whole-grain toast, broken into tiny pieces
Instructions(8 steps)
- 1
Dice sweet potato and apple into tiny pieces (3 min)
- 2
Steam or microwave sweet potato with a spoon of water until very soft (5 min)
- 3
Melt butter in small pan on medium-low (1 min)
- 4
Add apple and softened sweet potato, sauté until apples are tender (4 min)
- 5
Push mix to sides, pour beaten egg into center and scramble until just set (3 min)
- 6
Stir egg into veggies, sprinkle cheese and let melt (2 min)
- 7
Turn off heat, gently fold in crushed rice cake pieces for soft crunch (1 min)
- 8
Cool, cut any larger bits smaller, serve with toddler fork and spoon (3 min)
Nutritional Highlights
- -Protein from egg
- -Iron for development
- -Fiber from sweet potato
Age Appropriateness
Pieces are small and soft for easy chewing, with mild flavors and a mix of textures to practice chewing and self-feeding.
Introduction Tip
Start by offering a familiar part (egg and cheese) on one side of the plate and the mixed hash on the other.
Why this works
The combination here is what makes it appealing: naturally sweet sweet potato and apple balanced by savory cheese and protein-rich egg, all cooked soft into a chunky hash. It gives an 18 to 24 month old a satisfying mix of flavors and a gentle texture to chew, supporting their developing skills, and the cheese and egg make it filling enough to count as a small meal. It works as a spoonable hash or as soft pick-up bites, so it suits however your toddler likes to eat, and it comes together quickly in one pan.
Variations and swaps
- Swap the apple for pear, or add a soft vegetable like finely chopped spinach.
- Use a different cheese, or add a little more for a cheesier hash.
- Make it dairy-free with a dairy-free cheese, keeping the egg for protein.
- Serve it as a spoonable hash, or let it set a little and cut into soft bites.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to lean into the sweet side.
Make ahead and storage
Because it contains egg, this is best eaten fresh or kept just a day in the fridge, covered, and reheated gently until piping hot before cooling to serve. It is not ideal for freezing, since the egg and cheese texture can change. Make an amount sized to your toddler's appetite to enjoy it at its best.
What to serve with it
Serve it warm in a bowl with a spoon, or as soft bites your toddler can pick up. A little soft fruit on the side rounds it out. Cut any larger pieces small, make sure it has cooled to a safe temperature, and keep your child seated while they eat.
Common questions
Is the egg fully cooked in this hash?
Yes. Cook the hash until the egg is set through with no runny parts, since young children need egg fully cooked. Stirring it through the warm sweet potato and apple and cooking until set ensures it is done.
My toddler has not had egg before. How do I introduce it?
Egg is a common allergen best introduced early. Offer a little plain cooked egg on its own first and watch for any reaction over a few hours before making this. If there is a family history of allergy, check with your pediatrician first.
Is sweet potato with apple a good combination for toddlers?
Yes, it is a lovely sweet-savory pairing. The natural sweetness of both is balanced by the savory cheese and egg, which makes for a satisfying, flavorful bowl that toddlers tend to enjoy. It is also a nice way to get a vegetable and fruit into one snack.
Can I serve this as a meal rather than a snack?
Absolutely. With sweet potato, apple, egg, and cheese, it is filling and balanced enough to work as a light meal, not just a snack. Serve a larger portion with a soft vegetable or fruit on the side to round it out.
Parent guide
Read our toddler feeding guides
