October 30, 2019
Need some inspiration for a dairy free thanksgiving? Look no further than this collection of the BEST dairy free thanksgiving recipes! From side dishes to desserts to appetizers, we have you covered for the big day with dishes so good no one will even notice that the milk, cheese and butter are missing.
The holidays can be a particularly tricky time when you’re dairy free and Thanksgiving is no exception.
So many turkey day classics are filled with all kinds of butter, milk and cheese, and figuring out how you’re going to partake can feel pretty darn daunting.
BUT, I promise you that it’s not as difficult as it may seem to enjoy a fantastic Thanksgiving meal without all the dairy.
After years of hosting a non dairy thanksgiving dinner, I figured it was high time to gather up my absolute favorite, go-to recipes that taste just as good as the originals.
I’ve been using these dishes for going on five years now and never had anyone notice that there’s no dairy involved.
So! Whether you’re hosting the whole event or just bringing a few dishes to someone else’s house, I got you covered with plenty of ideas for side dishes, desserts and appetizers.
A good chunk of the recipes are also either gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and / or soy free, so browse around to find what works best for you.
Let’s dig in.
A collection of the BEST dairy free thanksgiving recipes! From side dishes to desserts to appetizers, we have you covered for the big day with dishes so good no one will even notice that the milk, cheese and butter are missing. From mashed potatoes to stuffing to biscuits, all your favorites are here - with no butter or cream in sight. It’s everything you need for the perfect thanksgiving spread all in one place. Total Time 40 minutes Yield about 7 to 8 servings These dreamy dairy free mashed potatoes are made without butter thanks to a secret ingredient. Rich, creamy, fluffy and incredibly easy to make, they’re a MUST for the holiday. Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 40 minutes Yield about 6 to 8 servings Cozy, creamy and packed with flavor, these savory dairy free mashed sweet potatoes will have you coming back for more. An easy and healthy side, they're also gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes Yield about 8 servings This delightful dairy free sweet potato casserole is absolutely impossible to resist. A healthier take on the classic dish, it features a vanilla-infused sweet potato base with a dreamy oat pecan crumble topping. Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes Yield about 6 to 8 servings A healthier alternative to the marshmallow topped classic, this savory sweet potato casserole features a creamy mashed potato base and a crunchy, savory, herb-y, oat topping. Cozy, flavorful and a fun way to shake things up.Vegan. Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes Yield about 8 servings With the perfect texture and plenty of flavor, this incredible dairy free apple walnut stuffing is sure to be a holiday staple for years to come. With fresh herbs, cranberries, apples and walnuts, it also includes a prep ahead option. Vegetarian. Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes Yield about 6 to 8 servings This classic thanksgiving stuffing bakes up perfectly crisp on top and wonderfully soft underneath. It’s filled with all the basics like onion, carrot, celery and dried herbs, and has been a family favorite for years. Prep ahead instructions included. Vegetarian. Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes Yield about 8 servings Savory with a hint of sweetness, this dairy free corn casserole will be a welcome addition to your holiday table. Like a soft, creamy and perfectly moist version of cornbread, it's also super easy to pull together. Total Time 25 minutes Yield about 8 servings This homemade cranberry orange sauce is incredibly easy to whip up. Made with maple syrup, orange zest and orange liqueur, you’ll never want the canned stuffed again. Added bonus? It can be made up to several days in advance. Gluten free & vegan. Total Time 20 minutes Yield about 8 servings Fresh, tart and sweet, this homemade vanilla thyme cranberry sauce is nothing like the jiggly stuff from the can. With warm vanilla and a pop of thyme for herbiness, it’s just different enough to be something special.Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 45 minutes Yield 4 to 6 servings Simple and unfussy, these maple roasted vegetables are filled with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfectly caramelized in the oven and topped with crunchy walnuts, they’ll please even the picky eaters. Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 25 minutes Yield about 6 to 8 servings Creamy, dreamy and incredibly easy to pull together, this holiday corn is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Filled with celery, carrots and herbs, it’s the perfect compliment to all your other favorite Thanksgiving sides. Gluten free & vegan. Total Time 30 minutes Yield about 4 servings With a crazy flavorful sauce and the perfect crispy, caramelized texture, these maple mustard roasted brussels sprouts will convert even self-proclaimed brussels sprout haters. A must for any holiday table. Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 40 minutes Yield about 4 to 5 servings These roasted green beans and carrots are sure to become a family favorite. Packed with tons of flavor thanks to red onion, garlic and fresh rosemary, they’re easy, simple and delicious. Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes Yield about 6 to 8 servings Creamy and cheesy, this dairy free broccoli casserole would be a fantastic addition to any turkey day lineup. With fresh veggies, a cashew based cheese sauce and a crispy cracker topping, it’s comfort food at its finest. Vegetarian with a gluten free option. Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes Yield 12 rolls Pillowy soft and oh-so-fluffy, these homemade dairy free dinner rolls are a crowd favorite. Finished with a dreamy honey butter topping, they may even outshine your main dish. Overnight option included. Total Time 50 minutes Yield about 12 to 16 servings Soft, moist and tender, this dairy free gluten free cornbread will be a hit with the whole family. Easy to make with pantry staples, it’s deliciously sweet but not overly so (thanks to a bit of honey). Soy free. Total Time 30 minutes Yield about 10 to 12 biscuits These dairy free biscuits are simple to whip up and taste just as good as the original. Made with a homemade coconut buttermilk, they’re soft, tender and crisp around the edges. Soy free with vegan & make ahead options. Total Time 35 minutes Yield about 10 biscuits Fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, these vegan sweet potato biscuits are excellent for your Thanksgiving carb needs. Filled with just the right amount of warmth, these savory biscuits can be prepped ahead of time. Soy free. Ready for that sweet fix after the main event? It’ll be hard to choose from this array of dairy free treats. From classic apple pie to pumpkin cookies to dreamy crumb cake, you won’t even miss the milk, butter or cream. Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes Yield 1 (10-inch) pie With layers of sweet, spiced apples and a buttery, flaky, coconut oil crust, this homemade dairy free apple pie is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert. And it’s so darn good you’ll never realize there’s no butter involved.Soy free with a vegan option. Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes Yield 1 (10-inch) pie Calling all chocolate lovers with this perfectly decadent dairy free chocolate pie. With a flaky crust, a smooth-as-silk filling and fluffy whipped coconut cream, it’s impossible to resist.Egg free, soy free and vegan. Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes Yield 1 (10 inch) pie With a smooth, creamy and perfectly spiced filling, this dairy free pumpkin pie is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make with everyday ingredients, you'll never be able to tell there's no dairy involved. Soy free. Total Time 1 hour Yield 1 (10-inch) pie Nothing says the holidays like this incredible dairy free pecan pie. Sweet, salty and packed with nutty, caramel flavor, it's surprisingly easy to make. Naturally sweetened with no corn syrup, it's also egg free and vegan. Total Time 33 minutes Yield 1 (9-inch) pie Creamy, silky and perfectly decadent, you won’t be able to resist this dairy free peanut butter pie. With a chocolate cookie crust, the most luscious peanut butter filling and extra chocolate for topping, it’s also egg free, vegan and easily gluten free. Total Time 35 minutes Yield 1 (9-inch) cheesecake With a silky pumpkin pie flavored filling and a dreamy oat pecan crust, this dairy free pumpkin cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert. Light, fluffy and easy to make, it's a fun spin on the classic dish. Gluten free, soy free and vegan. Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes Yield about 5 to 6 servings Made with everyday ingredients, this gluten free dairy free apple crisp will be a hit on turkey day. With sweet apples and an oat pecan topping, it's delicious served with a scoop of non dairy vanilla ice cream. Soy free and vegan. Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes Yield 1 (9x9 inch) cake Filled with fresh apples, warm cinnamon spice and topped with an oat streusel, this dairy free apple cake is fantastic for dessert or breakfast. Soft, tender and perfectly moist, it's finished with a drizzle of glaze for an extra sweet touch. Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes Yield about 22 cookies Soft, thick and delightfully chewy, these dairy free pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a must-make for the holiday. With oodles of warm spices, pumpkin puree and melt-y chocolate chips in every bite. Soy free. Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes Yield about 18 cookies Chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, these pumpkin cookies are a total dream for Thanksgiving. Filled with fall spices and rich vanilla, they’re rolled in sugar for that perfect touch of crunch.Soy free. Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes Yield 1 (9x5) loaf Filled with warm spices and a full cup of sweet potato puree, this dreamy sweet potato bread is soft, fluffy and perfectly moist. Finished with sparkling sugar, you won’t be able to keep your hands off this delicious loaf. Soy free. Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes Yield 1 (9x5) loaf This no fuss pumpkin olive oil bread is soft, moist and filled with the flavors of the season. It’s delicious all on its own but you can also jazz it up with a simple glaze or frosting. And there’s no mixer required. Soy free. Total Time 1 hour Yield 1 (8x8 inch square) cake With a soft pumpkin base, sweet sliced apples and a thick layer of crumbs, this pumpkin apple crumb cake is excellent for dessert or as a special holiday breakfast. And you’ll never believe there’s no butter involved. Soy free. Total Time 50 minutes Yield 1 (8x8 inch) cake This show-stopping chocolate olive oil cake is rich, fudgy and topped with a layer of creamy coconut milk frosting. And when finished with some spiced sugared cranberries? It’s festive holiday perfection.Soy free. Is your oven always completely tied up between the main dish and array of sides on turkey day? Yeah, mine too. That’s why I stick with simple no bake appetizers that can be made completely in advance. My go-to? A festive platter filled with things like dairy free cheese (Miyoko’s cheese wheels and Kite Hill’s chive cream cheese are my favorites), roasted nuts, crackers & meats (be sure to use ones without dairy!), marinated veggies and / or olives, plus fig butter and whole grain mustard. Simple, easy and no fuss. Here are a few other items that I like to add to the rotation: Total Time 30 minutes Yield about 2 ½ cups Savory, sweet and a touch spicy, these roasted holiday nuts are a complete crowd pleaser. Incredibly easy to make and totally addicting, they are essential for any appetizer platter (and also perfect for gifts). Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 1 hour Yield about 2 cups Cozy, creamy and filled with fall goodness, this sweet potato hummus has an almost buttery flavor thanks to the roasted garlic. Savory with just a hint of sweetness, it’s excellent paired with assorted crackers or veggies. Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes Yield about 3 cups Easy and completely festive, these apple pie spiced pecans pair wonderfully with dairy free cheese and crackers. And with a crunchy, sweet coating filled with warm spices, they are irresistible. Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 15 minutes Yield about 10 to 12 servings This dreamy dairy free spinach artichoke dip will be gobbled up in no time. Easy to make, packed with flavor and super creamy, it’s excellent as part of a holiday spread. And it's healthier and lighter than the classic dip. Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 1 hour Yield 12 ½ cups Savory, salty and perfectly crunchy, this homemade dairy free chex mix is the ultimate snack for the whole family. Packed with cereal, nuts, pretzels and coconut oil, it’s also super easy to make. Gluten free & vegetarian. Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes Yield 2 cups Sweet, tart and sparkly, these homemade sugared cranberries use a dreamy spiced simple syrup that is also fantastic in co*cktails. Serve them as part of your appetizer platter OR as a festive garnish for dessert.Gluten free, soy free & vegan. Total Time 45 minutes Yield about 10 cups Crunchy, light and easy to pull together, this popcorn nut party mix is like a lighter version of caramel corn. Made with fresh rosemary, maple syrup and warm spices, it’s oh so pop-able and completely addicting. Gluten free, soy free & vegan.Dairy Free Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes
Dairy Free Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Dairy Free Apple Walnut Stuffing
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
Dairy Free Corn Casserole
Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce
Homemade Vanilla Thyme Cranberry Sauce
Maple Roasted Vegetables with Toasted Walnuts
Holiday Corn
Maple Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
Dairy Free Broccoli Casserole
Dairy Free Dinner Rolls
Dairy Free Gluten Free Cornbread
Dairy Free Biscuits
Vegan Sweet Potato Biscuits
Dairy Free Thanksgiving Desserts
Dairy Free Apple Pie
Dairy Free Chocolate Pie
Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie
Dairy Free Pecan Pie
Dairy Free Peanut Butter Pie
Dairy Free Pumpkin Cheesecake
Gluten Free Dairy Free Apple Crisp
Dairy Free Apple Cake
Dairy Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Spiced Sweet Potato Bread
Pumpkin Olive Oil Bread
Pumpkin Apple Crumb Cake
Chocolate Almond Olive Oil Cake
Dairy Free Thanksgiving Appetizers
Spiced Rosemary and Thyme Nuts
Sweet Potato Hummus with Roasted Garlic
Apple Pie Spiced Pecans
Dairy Free Spinach Artichoke Dip
Dairy Free Chex Mix
Homemade Spiced Sugared Cranberries
Now that’s a wrap!
Before we go, I should mention that I stopped cooking an actual turkey several years ago because, well, it was everyone’s least favorite part of the meal.
Instead, we now do two roast chickens. This herb and lemon roasted chicken recipe is my go-to (subbing out the butter for olive oil). SO GOOD.
So tell me. Any favorite Thanksgiving recipes you’d like to see made dairy free? Hit me with your requests.
Additional Dairy Free Recipe Collections:
- Dairy Free Pumpkin Desserts
- Dairy Free Christmas Cookies
- Dairy Free Crock Pot Recipes
- Dairy Free Smoothies
- Dairy Free Dessert Recipes
- Dairy and Gluten Free Breakfast Ideas
- Dairy Free Party Foods
Did you make any of these recipes? Head over to the individual post and leave a comment or rating!
Dairy Free Resources, Recipe Collections
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