Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table with loved ones, sharing warmth, gratitude, and delicious food. For those who are dairy-free, whether due to allergies, dietary choices, or lifestyle preferences, celebrating the holiday with traditional flavors can sometimes feel challenging.
But fear not! There are plenty of dairy free Thanksgiving recipes that capture the essence of this festive occasion without compromising on taste or texture.
From creamy mashed potatoes to savory stuffing and luscious pumpkin pie, these recipes offer wholesome, flavorful alternatives that everyone will enjoy. Embracing dairy-free cooking this Thanksgiving means you can cater to all guests, ensuring an inclusive, joyous celebration filled with comfort and culinary delight.
In this post, we’ll explore several fantastic dairy free Thanksgiving recipes that are perfect for your holiday feast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are approachable and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Let’s dive into the magic of dairy-free cooking and make this Thanksgiving your best yet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These dairy free Thanksgiving recipes are designed to deliver all the rich, comforting flavors you expect during the holidays without any dairy ingredients. Using plant-based milks, oils, and creative substitutes, they maintain the creamy, buttery, and indulgent qualities essential for traditional dishes.
Benefits include:
- Allergy-friendly and suitable for lactose-intolerant guests
- Health-conscious options with less saturated fat
- Delicious, hearty meals that everyone can enjoy
- Easy to prepare with common pantry staples
Plus, these recipes pair beautifully with classic dishes or other vegan and vegetarian options, making your Thanksgiving table diverse and inviting.
Ingredients
Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes
- 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil or dairy-free butter substitute
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (optional)
Dairy Free Stuffing
- 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie
- 1 pre-made dairy-free pie crust (or homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pie dish (9-inch)
- Oven
- Potato masher or electric mixer
Instructions
Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes
- Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
- Add olive oil, minced garlic, and warm almond milk. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust the almond milk quantity if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.
Dairy Free Stuffing
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir for another minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and vegetable broth. Toss to moisten the bread evenly.
- Mix in the sautéed vegetables and fresh parsley.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, coconut milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool completely before serving. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Tips & Variations
For extra fluffy mashed potatoes, try warming your plant-based milk before adding it to the potatoes.
Use gluten-free bread to make the stuffing suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
If you prefer a spicier pumpkin pie, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra ginger to the filling.
Try swapping olive oil for melted dairy-free butter substitutes to enrich flavors in mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Nutrition Facts
| Dish | Calories (per serving) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes | 180 | 7 | 28 | 3 |
| Dairy Free Stuffing | 220 | 8 | 32 | 5 |
| Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie | 320 | 15 | 42 | 4 |
Serving Suggestions
These dairy free dishes pair wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted turkey or vegan nut roast. Consider adding a fresh green bean almondine or cranberry sauce for vibrant color and additional flavor.
For dessert, serve your pumpkin pie with coconut whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a truly festive finish.
Don’t forget to check out other exciting recipes on our site! For more plant-based inspiration, explore our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy, or try a quick and delicious snack from our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
If you’re curious about vegan cheese options, see our guide on Can I Substitute Almonds for Cashews in Vegan Cheese?
Conclusion
Crafting a dairy free Thanksgiving feast is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. These recipes prove that you don’t need dairy to create rich, comforting, and festive dishes that everyone will love.
By embracing plant-based ingredients and thoughtful substitutions, you can offer a welcoming table that caters to diverse dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
This Thanksgiving, celebrate inclusivity and health with these dairy free recipes that honor tradition in a fresh, delicious way. Whether you’re a longtime dairy-free eater or simply looking to try something new, these dishes are sure to become cherished favorites for years to come.
Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Dairy Free Thanksgiving Stuffing
Description: A savory, dairy-free stuffing perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. Made with fresh herbs, celery, and gluten-free bread cubes for a delicious holiday side.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 10 cups gluten-free bread cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly pour in vegetable broth and toss to moisten evenly.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until top is golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 32g
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