Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

Hosting a Delicious Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, celebration, and indulging in comforting foods that bring people together. However, for those who avoid dairy due to allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle choices, the holiday meal can sometimes feel restrictive. Fortunately, with a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can enjoy all the creamy, rich, and flavorful dishes you love — without milk, butter, or cream.

This guide offers a variety of dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes that are just as luscious and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. From velvety mashed potatoes to cheesy casseroles and decadent desserts, these recipes use clever dairy-free swaps that maintain texture and flavor.

No need to compromise or miss out — make your holiday memorable with dishes everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs.

Why Choose Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Recipes?

Choosing dairy-free dishes for your Thanksgiving meal is essential for accommodating guests who:

• Have lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

• Follow vegan or plant-based diets.

• Prefer to avoid dairy for health or ethical reasons.

Dairy-free recipes use plant-based ingredients like coconut milk, cashew cream, olive oil, and nut butters to create creamy textures and rich flavors. These substitutes not only make dishes accessible to more guests but often add interesting layers of taste and nutrition.

Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, and these dairy-free mashed potatoes are just as fluffy and creamy without a drop of milk or butter.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk

• 3 tbsp olive oil or dairy-free margarine

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.

2. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Drain potatoes and return them to the pot.

4. In a small saucepan, gently warm coconut milk with olive oil and garlic until fragrant.

5. Mash potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer.

6. Gradually add the warm coconut milk mixture, mashing until creamy and smooth.

7. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole

A beloved Thanksgiving side, this dairy-free green bean casserole replaces traditional cream of mushroom soup with a homemade, creamy sauce that’s free from dairy yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk or oat milk

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Gluten-free crispy fried onions (dairy-free) for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

4. Add onions and sauté until translucent.

5. Add mushrooms and cook until tender and browned.

6. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

7. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.

8. Gradually whisk in almond milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.

9. Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.

10. Combine sauce with green beans, then transfer to a casserole dish.

11. Top with crispy fried onions.

12. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Dairy-Free Butternut Squash Soup

A velvety, warming soup that’s perfect for starting your Thanksgiving meal, made creamy with coconut milk instead of cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.

3. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.

4. Add roasted squash, vegetable broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup in batches to a blender; blend until smooth.

7. Stir in coconut milk and adjust seasoning.

8. Heat through before serving.

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

No Thanksgiving is complete without pumpkin pie, and this dairy-free version features a flaky crust and rich pumpkin filling topped with homemade coconut whipped cream.

Ingredients for Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, solid

• 3-4 tbsp ice water

Ingredients for Filling:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

• 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk

• 3/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp ginger

• 1/4 tsp cloves

• 1/2 tsp salt

Ingredients for Coconut Whipped Cream:

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Crust:

1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt.

2. Cut in solid coconut oil until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add ice water gradually, mixing gently until dough forms.

4. Press into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5. Roll out dough on a floured surface and place into a pie dish.

6. Bake crust blind (with pie weights) at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

Filling:

1. Whisk together pumpkin, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, spices, and salt.

2. Pour filling into pre-baked crust.

3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes until set.

4. Cool completely before serving.

Coconut Whipped Cream:

1. Scoop the solid coconut cream from refrigerated can (discard liquid).

2. Whip with a mixer until fluffy.

3. Add sugar and vanilla, whip to combine.

4. Serve dolloped over pie slices.

Tips for Creamy Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Cooking

• Use full-fat plant milks: Coconut, cashew, and oat milk provide richer textures than skim varieties.

• Nutritional yeast adds cheesiness: Perfect in sauces and casseroles.

• Cashew cream is magic: Soak cashews and blend for a rich, creamy base for soups and sauces.

• Olive oil and dairy-free margarine: Great for sautéing and adding fat for richness.

• Avoid watery substitutes: Drain and rinse canned coconut milk to avoid thin textures.

• Season generously: Dairy-free dishes benefit from herbs, spices, and umami boosts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

Can I make mashed potatoes creamy without dairy?

Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk, almond milk, or even vegetable broth combined with olive oil or dairy-free margarine for a smooth texture.

What is the best substitute for butter in Thanksgiving recipes?

Olive oil, coconut oil, or plant-based margarine are excellent dairy-free alternatives.

Are dairy-free cream alternatives suitable for baking?

Yes! Coconut cream and cashew cream work well in both savory and sweet baking recipes.

How do I make dairy-free whipped cream?

Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, scoop out the solid cream, and whip it with a sweetener and vanilla extract.

Can dairy-free recipes still be flavorful?

Absolutely! Using herbs, spices, garlic, nutritional yeast, and roasted vegetables enhances natural flavors in dairy-free cooking.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate a Creamy, Flavorful, Dairy-Free Thanksgiving

Avoiding dairy doesn’t mean missing out on the creamy, comforting dishes that make Thanksgiving special. With these dairy-free swaps and recipes, you can create a holiday feast full of rich textures and delicious flavors that everyone can enjoy.

From fluffy mashed potatoes and creamy casseroles to decadent pumpkin pie topped with coconut whipped cream, these dishes prove that dairy-free holiday cooking can be both simple and spectacular.

Enjoy your stress-free, dairy-free Thanksgiving — with dishes that nourish, satisfy, and delight every guest around the table.