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.

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Dairy-Free Options

Dairy-Free Creamy Sweet Potato and Spinach Risotto with Nutritional Yeast

Name: Dairy-Free Creamy Sweet Potato and Spinach Risotto with Nutritional Yeast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 3/4 cup arborio rice; 1 cup diced sweet potato (small cubes); 1 cup baby spinach leaves, chopped; 3 cups vegetable broth, low sodium; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk or other dairy-free milk; a pinch ground black pepper (optional)

By TinyTummyTreats Test KitchenReviewed by TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 19, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

International 35 mins nutritiouseasy-to-makedairy-freenut-freevegetariansoft-texturebalanced-nutritionallergy-friendlyquick-prepsuitable-for-2-year-oldslunchbox-friendlyone-potmake-aheadwhole-grainsiron-richvegetable-basedquick & easypicky-eatersgluten-free

This easy-to-make, dairy-free creamy sweet potato and spinach risotto with nutritional yeast offers a soft-texture, iron-rich, and balanced nutrition meal perfect for picky toddlers. A one-pot, quick-prep recipe featuring whole grains and vegetable-based ingredients ideal as a lunchbox idea or a healthy snack. Nut-free, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly, it’s suitable for toddlers aged 12 months and up.

Prep 10 min

Cook 25 min

Total 35 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine International

Ingredients

Servings 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup arborio rice
1 cup diced sweet potato (small cubes)
1 cup baby spinach leaves, chopped
3 cups vegetable broth, low sodium
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk or other dairy-free milk
a pinch ground black pepper (optional)

Dairy Free Creamy Sweet Potato Spinach Risotto Nutritional Yeast ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the finely chopped onion for about 3 minutes until translucent and soft.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add arborio rice, stirring to coat grains with oil and onion mixture; cook 1-2 minutes until edges are slightly translucent.
Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and add diced sweet potato cubes.
Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring frequently, allowing broth to absorb before adding more in 1/2 cup increments.
Continue cooking until rice and sweet potato are tender and creamy, about 20 minutes total.
Stir in chopped fresh spinach and cook 2-3 more minutes until wilted and well combined.
Remove from heat, then stir in nutritional yeast and unsweetened dairy-free milk for creaminess and cheesy flavor.
Season lightly with a pinch of ground black pepper if desired; avoid salt to keep toddler-friendly.
Cool slightly before serving to toddlers. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.

Dairy Free Creamy Sweet Potato Spinach Risotto Nutritional Yeast process image for TinyTummyTreats

Tips

Allergy Safety for Little Tummies

This dairy-free, nut-free, and allergy-friendly creamy sweet potato and spinach risotto is carefully designed to accommodate toddlers with common food sensitivities. Allergy Considerations: Dairy: Uses unsweetened coconut or other plant-based milks, eliminating dairy allergens. Nuts: Nut-free ingredients; confirm alternative milk options are free from nut contamination.

Texture and Mouthfeel for Toddlers

This dairy-free creamy sweet potato and spinach risotto is suitable for toddlers aged 12 months and older , offering a soft texture that’s perfect for early finger food exploration. Toddlers between 12 to 18 months benefit from a very creamy consistency; consider mashing sweet potato pieces and finely chopping spinach to ensure safe swallowing and comfortable chewing. For toddlers 18 months to 2 years and up , the recipe works well as is, thanks to its soft texture and balanced nutrition, providing essential iron, whole grains, and plant-based protein.

Feeding, Portioning, and Sharing Notes

Portion Sizes & Serving Tips Serve toddlers (12 to 24 months) approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup per serving of this creamy sweet potato and spinach risotto. Adjust portions based on appetite and developmental stage. Reheat gently to maintain optimal texture and nutrient quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Dairy-Free Creamy Sweet Potato and Spinach Risotto with Nutritional Yeast 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

tablespoon 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.
small yellow onion: 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.
garlic clove: 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.
cup arborio rice: 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.
cup diced sweet potato (small cubes): 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 Dairy-Free Creamy Sweet Potato and Spinach Risotto with Nutritional Yeast 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.

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Dairy-Free Creamy Sweet Potato and Spinach Risotto with Nutritional Yeast

Recipe Details

Ingredients

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