Steamed Sweet Potato Wedges
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Learn how to prepare soft, steamed sweet potato wedges for babies. A nutrient-dense, graspable BLW finger food rich in Vitamin A.
These naturally sweet potato wedges are a great first finger food for baby-led weaning. Steaming makes them soft enough to gum, while their sturdy shape gives little hands something to practice grasping on. Bright orange, tender, and full of vitamin A.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 1 medium organic sweet potato
- 🫗 Water for steaming
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Wash and peel the sweet potato.
Cut the sweet potato into long, thick sticks (wedges) approximately the size of two adult fingers joined together.
Place a steamer basket over boiling water in a saucepan, add the wedges, and cover with a lid.
Steam for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the wedges are completely fork-tender.
Remove from the heat and allow them to cool down completely to a lukewarm temperature before serving.
Ensure you can easily squash a piece between your thumb and index finger with minimal pressure before giving it to your baby.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Cutting the wedges too thin; they may break apart too easily in the baby's hand, causing frustration.
- ✕
Serving them while still hot; test the temperature carefully as the center of the sweet potato can retain heat longer than the outside.
🔄 Variations
Spiced Wedges: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger over the wedges before serving to introduce new, warming flavors.
Savory Twist: Toss the steamed wedges in a very tiny drop of avocado oil to add healthy fats.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Fridge: Store leftover steamed wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 📦
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat by steaming briefly or microwave until warmed through, ensuring they remain soft.
💡 Chef Tips
The goal is for the sweet potato to be soft all the way through. If you encounter any resistance when pressing a fork into the center of a wedge, steam for a few more minutes.
If the surface is too slippery, roll the cooked wedges in a little bit of ground flaxseed or fine baby oat cereal to add texture and improve grip.
❓ FAQ
Why steam instead of bake? Steaming produces a more uniform, moist, and soft texture that is safer for infants just starting to chew. Baking can sometimes create a dry or slightly tougher "crust" that is less ideal for beginners.
Can I leave the skin on? For very young babies (6 months), it is best to peel the sweet potato to ensure the texture is consistent and safe for their delicate mouths.
Are sweet potatoes a common allergen? No, they are considered a very gentle, low-risk, and nutritious first food.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →