For the record, we completely understand if you’re skeptical, maybe even annoyed or angry, at that title. Let pizza be pizza again, you say. Must we ‘hack’ everything in this world?, you cry. We get it. And we are not saying the recipe for pizza for toddlers that follows should replace the pizza you and/or your child loves; think of it more as an opportunity to do more with pizza. Say, for those times when your child asks for pizza for the second–third? fourth?--time in a week. Or, for those times when you want to get your kiddo to eat more fiber/vegetables/protein and just can’t figure out how to do so. The crust is easy to make–four ingredients and five minutes is all you need–and high in protein; the sauce has a lot of protein, fiber, and vegetables, too. And it’s coated in cheese–your kid won’t know any better about all that good stuff going on underneath.
Check out our best pizza dough for kids recipe you can make with your toddler!
(Note: because the pizza is already so high in protein, and because young kids tend to prefer cheese pizza, we are not standardizing any topping; however, feel free to add ground meat or a dice of your child’s favorite vegetable to the pizza.)
Pizza night just got a kid-friendly upgrade! This toddler-approved pizza is a hit with little hands and big appetites alike. Made with a no-yeast, two-ingredient dough and topped with a layer of creamy refried black beans, hidden veggies, and plenty of melty mozzarella, it’s everything you want in a weeknight win: fast, nutritious, and totally customizable.
Whether you’re introducing pizza for the first time or just want a healthier version of the classic, this recipe delivers flavor without the fuss—or the added sugar and sodium that come with takeout. It’s soft enough for toddlers to chew easily, packed with fiber and protein, and flexible enough to fit whatever’s in your fridge.
This recipe skips traditional sauce and pepperoni in favor of wholesome, familiar ingredients:
No yeast, no added sugar, no need to roll out dough like a pro. Just mix, top, and bake.
Making this pizza for toddlers is surprisingly simple:
What age is this pizza suitable for?
Once your toddler is confidently eating finger foods (usually 12+ months), this pizza is a safe and tasty option. You can always cut it into small bite-sized strips or pieces to match their needs.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a thick, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt and use your favorite dairy-free cheese.
Is the crust chewy or crunchy?
It’s soft and bendy—perfect for toddlers who don’t yet love crispy textures.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Store slices in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warm.
Can I use a different veggie or topping?
Totally. Try finely shredded carrots, spinach, or mild bell pepper. Just keep moisture in check so the crust doesn’t get soggy.
Check out our other easy toddler recipes!
Sneaky additions of black beans and zucchini turn ordinary pizza night into a nutrition powerhouse--and it still tastes very much like good homemade pizza.
Make some dough: In a bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and two pinches of salt; stir or sift to ensure contents are mixed. Add in the olive oil and yogurt, then stir quickly and vigorously to combine; use your hands, as needed, to help the mixture clump into a packed ball of dough. Add more olive oil if the dough is dry and/or won't stick together; add more flour if dough is sticky.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes, if you can.
If you plan on cooking the pizza on a pizza pan, place dough on pan and heat in oven for 3-5 minutes.
Spread the bean-zucchini mixture over the flattened dough, then cover with shredded cheese and add any toppings you’d like.
Drop the oven temperature to 400, then follow one of these
The recipe picture shows a typical triangle/slice cut, which is great for photos but not so hot for small children; I recommend employing the ‘party’ cut (i.e., tavern style) and slice into small squares, which you can then further reduce into the appropriate bite size for your child. Also recommended: a squeeze of lime on top helps cut the richness of the sauce; ketchup and barbecue sauce to dip in can assist, too.
If your child is (too) comfortable with tomato sauced pizza, it may help to slowly increase the proportion of bean to red sauce. You can start by doing half-and-half: just tomato sauce on one side; black beans on the other. (Mix the zucchini into the tomato sauce). If you’re worried your child would prefer neither, here’s a thought: barbecue sauce. I’ve done this pizza with barbecue sauce instead of black beans–and shredded chicken instead of turkey–and it was a huge hit.
Pro tip for yourself: topping slices with salsa verde–or any salsa or sauce with notable acidity–really elevates the flavor.
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 slice
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
You can of course utilize pre-made crust or dough! Just skip the dough-making steps in the recipe.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
