Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones and sharing a feast that warms our hearts. But for those of us avoiding dairy, creating a menu that’s both festive and satisfying can feel like a challenge. That’s why we’ve rounded up a collection of dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes that don’t skimp on flavor or tradition.
Dairy Free Thanksgiving Recipes
Creating a delicious dairy-free Thanksgiving menu can be simple and rewarding with the right recipes. We’ve crafted dishes that capture the traditional flavors of the holiday while being perfectly free of any dairy. Let’s dive into our step-by-step highlights for some of the best dairy-free recipes to grace your Thanksgiving table.
Appetizer: Dairy-Free Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy and fragrant soup sets the stage for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed butternut squash, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in the coconut milk and ground nutmeg. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh sage (optional).
Side Dish: Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Rich and satisfying, this dish combines crisp green beans and a savory mushroom sauce topped with crispy onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and mushrooms until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add almond milk and vegetable broth, whisking to eliminate lumps. Simmer until thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine the green beans and sauce in a casserole dish. Top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until bubbling.
Main Course: Herb Roasted Turkey with Dairy-Free Gravy
A perfectly browned turkey served with a flavorful gravy runners-up as the centerpiece dish for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients for Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (about 12 lbs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper
Ingredients for Gravy:
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey drippings or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat the turkey dry and rub the entire bird with olive oil.
- Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously under the skin and over the turkey.
- Roast the turkey according to weight instructions (about 15 minutes per pound), basting every 30 minutes. Let rest for 20 minutes after cooking.
- For the gravy, whisk flour into heated drippings over medium heat. Gradually add coconut milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Dessert: Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
End the celebration on a sweet note with this creamy, spiced pumpkin pie.
Ingredients for Pie:
- 1 dairy-free pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out the dairy-free pie crust into a pie dish. Crimp the edges and freeze for 10 minutes.
- Combine pumpkin purée, coconut milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the top using a spatula.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely before slicing.
| Recipe Name | Cooking Time | Servings | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butternut Squash Soup | 30 minutes | 4-6 | Creamy using coconut |
| Vegan Green Bean Casserole | 40 minutes | 6-8 | Light with a crunch |
| Herb Roasted Turkey | Varies | 8-10 | Traditional flavors |
| Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie | 1 hour 30 min | 6-8 | Spiced finish |
Enjoy sharing these dairy-free Thanksgiving dishes with loved ones, keeping them both comforting and inclusive.
Ingredients
Creating a flavorful dairy-free Thanksgiving menu begins with the right ingredients. To ensure your dishes shine, we’ve broken it down into essential pantry staples, fresh produce, and dairy-free substitutes.
Essential Pantry Staples
These pantry items form the backbone of our Thanksgiving recipes. Keeping them on hand will set you up for success:
- Vegetable broth (low-sodium for better flavor control)
- Gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour (thickening gravies and sauces)
- Olive oil or avocado oil (for roasting and sautéing)
- Maple syrup or agave nectar (for sweetening sides and desserts)
- Coconut milk or almond milk (unsweetened for cooking or baking)
- Nutritional yeast (adds cheesy flavor to casseroles)
- Apple cider vinegar (for bright acidity in dressings and marinades)
- Dried herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, and paprika
| Pantry Item | Use in Recipes |
|---|---|
| Vegetable Broth | Soups, gravies |
| Olive Oil | Roasting, sautéing |
| Coconut Milk | Creamy soups, desserts |
| Nutritional Yeast | Vegan casseroles |
Fresh Produce
Add richness and depth to every dish with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here’s what we recommend:
- Butternut squash or pumpkin (for soups and sides)
- Green beans (perfect for casseroles)
- Sweet potatoes (use for mashes or baked sides)
- Baby spinach or kale (for salads or stuffing)
- Cranberries (fresh or frozen for relishes and sauces)
- Yellow onions and garlic cloves (basis of all flavor-rich recipes)
- Carrots and celery (add to stock or stuffing)
- Herbs like fresh thyme, parsley, and rosemary (garnishing and cooking)
Dairy-Free Substitutes
These dairy-free alternatives make traditional dishes just as creamy and satisfying without any dairy:
- Plant-based butter (opt for soy-free if needed, use in baking or cooking)
- Cashew cream (a versatile substitute for heavy cream)
- Coconut milk yogurt (use in creamy dips or desserts)
- Dairy-free milk like almond, oat, or soy milk (unsweetened is essential)
- Dairy-free shredded cheese (optional for topping casseroles)
- Coconut whipped cream (perfect for desserts like pumpkin pie)
Here’s a quick comparison of Dairy-Free Substitutes:
| Dairy Ingredient | Dairy-Free Substitute |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | Cashew cream or coconut milk |
| Butter | Plant-based butter |
| Yogurt | Coconut milk yogurt |
| Cheese | Dairy-free shredded cheese |
| Whipped cream | Coconut whipped cream |
Having these essential staples and substitutes ensures a seamless transition to creating a festive menu that’s completely dairy-free while bursting with traditional flavors.
Tools And Equipment
Having the right kitchen tools ensures our dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes come together effortlessly. From everyday essentials to specialty items, these tools simplify preparation and help us achieve the perfect texture and flavor in every dish.
Kitchen Basics
For our dairy-free Thanksgiving menu, keeping these basic tools on hand is essential:
- Chef’s Knife: For chopping vegetables like butternut squash, slicing turkey, and dicing herbs.
- Cutting Board: Use a sturdy wooden or plastic board for safe and efficient prep work.
- Mixing Bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients like seasonings for our roasted turkey or batter for dairy-free pumpkin pie.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for ingredients like plant-based butter, gluten-free flour, or nutritional yeast.
- Whisk: Great for blending dairy-free sauces, gravies, and dressings to a smooth consistency.
- Baking Dish (9×13-inch): A must for casseroles like our Vegan Green Bean Casserole.
- Stockpot: For making hearty soups such as our rich Dairy-Free Butternut Squash Soup.
- Roasting Pan with Rack: Perfect for cooking an herb-roasted turkey evenly while collecting drippings for gravy.
- Wooden Spoon: Versatile for stirring soups, sautéing vegetables, and mixing batters.
Specialty Tools For Dairy-Free Cooking
Our dairy-free recipes occasionally require some specialty tools to replicate creamy textures and enhance flavors without using traditional dairy ingredients:
- High-Speed Blender: This is essential for creating silky-smooth cashew cream, almond milk, or creamy dairy-free soups.
- Food Processor: Convenient for blending pie crust dough or processing breadcrumbs for casseroles.
- Immersion (Hand) Blender: Ideal for pureeing soups like butternut squash directly in the pot.
- Nut Milk Bag: Perfect for straining homemade almond or oat milk for fresh, dairy-free substitutes.
- Silicone Baking Mats: Provide a non-stick surface for baking cookies or roasting vegetables without needing dairy-based greases.
- Pastry Cutter: Helps in working plant-based butter into pie crusts for desserts like dairy-free pumpkin pie.
- Gravy Separator: Makes it easy to separate fat drippings for making smooth, dairy-free gravy.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| High-Speed Blender | Blending dairy-free creams, soups, and milk alternatives. |
| Food Processor | Processing pie dough, toppings, or breadcrumbs. |
| Silicone Baking Mat | Ensuring non-stick surfaces while baking or roasting. |
| Gravy Separator | Separating drippings for a smooth, fat-free gravy. |
These tools not only enhance efficiency in the kitchen, but they also ensure our dairy-free Thanksgiving dishes turn out deliciously perfect.
Recipe 1: Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite, and with a few simple swaps, we can create a creamy, fluffy, and completely dairy-free version of this classic dish. This recipe is perfect for accommodating dietary preferences without compromising on flavor!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite dairy-free milk)
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter (such as vegan butter or olive oil-based spread)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for boiling)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Prep
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash, peel, and quarter the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Smash garlic: Lightly smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife or the bottom of a small pan. This will release their flavor for the cooking process.
- Measure ingredients: Gather the almond milk, plant-based butter, and seasonings to streamline the process.
Cook
- Boil potatoes and garlic:
- Place the potatoes and smashed garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Heat the almond milk:
- While the potatoes cook, warm the almond milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Do not let it boil; just heat gently until warm.
- Drain potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Allow them to sit for 1-2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.
- Mash the potatoes:
- Add the plant-based butter, warm almond milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
- Use a potato masher or electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. For a richer flavor, stir in nutritional yeast if desired.
Serve
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and smooth the top with a spoon for a polished look.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
- Serve immediately alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes like herb-roasted turkey or vegan green bean casserole.
Recipe 2: Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole
This Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole is a comforting Thanksgiving classic transformed into a creamy, flavorful dish without any dairy. With crisp-tender green beans and a rich mushroom-based sauce, this recipe is sure to please all guests gathered around the holiday table.
Ingredients
To make this dairy-free holiday staple, we need the following:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth, low-sodium
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup fried onions (store-bought or homemade, check for dairy-free options)
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or plant-based butter.
- Clean and trim the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 3 minutes. Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking. Drain and pat dry.
Cook
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and sliced onions. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and lightly caramelized.
- Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until reduced and golden.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat. Slowly whisk in the unsweetened almond milk and vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add the sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency. Remove from heat.
Assemble
- Spread the blanched green beans evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the green beans, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle the fried onions evenly across the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the topping.
- Serve warm as part of your dairy-free Thanksgiving menu. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and crisp casserole with loved ones!
| Ingredient | Preparation/Cooking Notes |
|---|---|
| Green Beans | Blanched for 3 minutes |
| Almond Milk | Unsweetened preferred |
| Fried Onions | Dairy-free, store-bought/homemade |
Recipe 3: Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is the crown jewel of any Thanksgiving feast, and our Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie delivers all the creamy, spiced flavor without the dairy. This recipe uses simple substitutions to keep it both delicious and inclusive.
Ingredients
This recipe is broken into two parts: the crust and the filling. Here’s everything you need to create this dairy-free Thanksgiving dessert.
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup cold plant-based butter (cubed)
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
Filling Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Prep
- Make the crust:
Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold plant-based butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together (avoid overworking). Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
Bake
- Roll out the crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing gently to fit and trimming any excess. Refrigerate the crust for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Fill and bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pour the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the pie on the center rack for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly.
- Cool and serve:
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack to allow the filling to set properly. Slice and serve with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream for the perfect Thanksgiving treat.
| Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chill crust | Refrigerate | 30 minutes |
| Baking the pie | 375°F | 55-60 minutes |
| Cool before serving | Room temperature | 2-3 hours |
Make-Ahead Tips And Storage
Planning and preparing your dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes in advance can save you time and reduce stress on the big day. With a little organization, we can ensure all dishes are fresh, flavorful, and ready to serve. Follow these tips to streamline your holiday experience.
Preparing In Advance
- Plan a Cooking Schedule: Break down the tasks over multiple days. For example, prepare the Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie crust a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Prep Vegetables: Chop and blanch your green beans or dice your butternut squash up to two days in advance. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Make Sauces Ahead: Both the mushroom-based sauce for the Green Bean Casserole and the gravy for the Herb-Roasted Turkey can be made a day ahead. Refrigerate them in jars or sealed containers and reheat just before serving.
- Freeze What You Can: Mashed potatoes made with unsweetened almond milk and plant-based butter freeze beautifully. Store them in a freezer-safe airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on Thanksgiving.
- Set the Table Early: If possible, set the table a day before your gathering. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re multitasking in the kitchen.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers like mashed potatoes and casserole in airtight containers to preserve flavor and prevent them from drying out.
| Dish | Refrigerator Storage Time | Freezer Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Up to 3 days | Up to 3 months |
| Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole | Up to 4 days | Not recommended |
| Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie | Up to 4 days | Up to 1 month |
- For mashed potatoes, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk before reheating on the stove or in the microwave to keep them creamy.
- For casseroles, cover with aluminum foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- For pies, reheat slices of Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes if you prefer them warm.
- Avoid Waste: Transform leftovers into new dishes. For example, turn leftover turkey and Dairy-Free Gravy into a hearty soup or use extra Green Bean Casserole in a frittata.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is all about creating memories and sharing meals that bring everyone together. By embracing dairy-free recipes, we can ensure that our holiday table is inclusive, flavorful, and comforting for everyone. With the right ingredients, tools, and a little preparation, it’s easier than ever to craft a menu that honors tradition while catering to dietary needs.
Let’s celebrate the season with dishes that everyone can enjoy, knowing we’ve created something truly special. A dairy-free Thanksgiving doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—it means opening the door to new possibilities and delicious moments with the ones we love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider a dairy-free Thanksgiving menu?
A dairy-free Thanksgiving menu ensures inclusivity for guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies. It also allows you to create traditional holiday dishes with healthier, plant-based alternatives without compromising on flavor.
What are some essential ingredients for a dairy-free Thanksgiving?
Essential ingredients include plant-based butter, cashew cream, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, and gluten-free flour. Seasonal produce like butternut squash, cranberries, and green beans also contribute to a flavorful, dairy-free menu.
Can I prepare dairy-free Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time?
Yes! Many dairy-free dishes can be prepped in advance. For example, sauces can be made ahead, vegetables chopped the day before, and dishes like mashed potatoes frozen for later use.
How can I store dairy-free Thanksgiving leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers. Most dishes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly to maintain flavor and texture.
What are some popular dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes?
Popular recipes include Dairy-Free Butternut Squash Soup, Vegan Green Bean Casserole, Herb Roasted Turkey with Dairy-Free Gravy, and Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie.
Do dairy-free substitutes affect the taste of traditional Thanksgiving recipes?
Not at all! With the right ingredients like plant-based butter, cashew cream, and nutritional yeast, you can replicate creamy flavors and textures while maintaining the authentic taste of traditional recipes.
What tools do I need to prepare dairy-free Thanksgiving dishes?
Common kitchen tools like a chef’s knife, mixing bowls, and measuring cups are essential. A high-speed blender and baking dishes can also be helpful for creating smooth soups and perfect dairy-free desserts.
How can I repurpose dairy-free Thanksgiving leftovers?
Transform leftovers into new dishes! Use turkey and vegetables in soups or stews, mash potatoes into patties, or create a dairy-free pumpkin pie parfait with whipped cream alternatives.
Can I freeze dairy-free Thanksgiving desserts?
Yes! Many dairy-free desserts like pumpkin pie can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, place in an airtight container, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Are dairy-free Thanksgiving dishes kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Dairy-free recipes like mashed potatoes, casseroles, and pies can still be creamy and delicious, making them appealing to both kids and adults.