Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Recipes: Sides, Desserts, Turkey & More
Publish Date: November 10, 2026
Last Update: November 10, 2026
Let’s be honest: traditionally, Thanksgiving dinner leans heavily on butter and cream. Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie… dairy shows up just about everywhere. If someone at your table can’t have it, planning the menu can feel like a puzzle.
We’re here to help with dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes for every course, from a golden roast turkey without the butter to a pumpkin pie topped with coconut whipped cream. This handy guide will make it easy to plan a menu that accommodates all your guests’ dietary needs, and it even includes vegan, paleo, and dairy-free differentiators to help you find dishes that fit just about any lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for dairy-free Thanksgiving sides for your vegan sister-in-law or a dairy-free dessert that a lactose-intolerant friend will love, we’ve got you covered!
Dairy-Free Swaps Cheat Sheet
You don’t need a pantry overhaul—a few easy swaps usually do most of the work. Consult this simple guide for making your favorite Thanksgiving recipes dairy-free.
| Instead of | Try |
| Butter | Vegan ghee, olive oil, or coconut oil |
| Cream | Coconut milk, coconut cream, or cashew cream |
| Milk | Unsweetened almond milk |
| Whipped cream | Coconut whipped cream |
A quick note on ghee: A few recipes below use ghee. It’s lactose-free and a favorite in many kitchens, but it is clarified butter. If you’re cooking for a milk allergy, swap in vegan ghee or olive oil to be safe.
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Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Turkeys & Mains
Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free turkey recipe or a totally vegan alternative, here are a few of our favorite recipes for dairy-free Thanksgiving main dishes.
Garlic & Lemon Roasted Turkey (lactose-free, dairy-free with swaps, gluten-free, Paleo)
A reliable, classic recipe for a juicy, golden skinned turkey—basted in ghee instead of traditional butter to make it lactose-free (for a fully dairy-free recipe, use vegan ghee or coconut oil).
Coconut Oil-Basted Turkey With Cashew Cream Gravy (dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo)
Coconut oil helps the skin on this Thanksgiving turkey get extra crisp without the butter, while rosemary, sage, and thyme make your kitchen smell amazing. Top it off with a cashew cream gravy that’s rich and silky—no milk needed.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Vegan Herb Gravy (dairy-free, vegan)
Hosting vegan guests? This showstopper of a main dish roasts for about an hour in vegan ghee, thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic, making it the perfect alternative to the usual turkey. Bonus: Roasting it with shallots, white wine, and coconut aminos = a savory gravy to drizzle on top.
Vegan Meatloaf (dairy-free, vegan, Paleo, gluten-free)
Another vegan turkey alternative: a savory “meat” loaf made with walnuts, veggies, herbs, and spices—and no breadcrumbs or fillers. It’s hearty, tasty, and meat- and dairy-free.
Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
While dairy isn’t typically a main ingredient in stuffing, you will often find things like butter or cornbread in many stuffing recipes. These dairy-free stuffing recipes help you keep the milk and butter off your Thanksgiving table.
Pear & Caramelized Onion Stuffing (dairy-free with swaps, lactose-free)
The medley of caramelized onions, earthy kale, and sweet pears gives this classic stuffing a fresh twist. This recipe includes ghee (which is lactose-free), but feel free to swap it for a dairy-free alternative if that doesn’t work for your lifestyle.
Chestnut & Mushroom Stuffing (dairy-free, vegan)
Sourdough and (vegan!) cornbread cubes meet mushrooms, vegan sausage, chestnuts, sage, and thyme in this satisfyingly savory stuffing recipe. A little ground flaxseed helps hold it all together and keeps things egg- and dairy-free.
Gluten-Free Mushroom Stuffing (dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free)
Hearty mushrooms, fennel, and celery are seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and sage for a dairy-free stuffing that’s cozy and flavorful.
Caramelized Leek, Onion & Mushroom Stuffing With Hazelnuts (dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, Paleo)
No bread here—and you won’t miss it. Caramelized onions, leeks, and mushrooms do the heavy lifting, with hazelnuts for crunch.
Dairy-Free Potatoes & Creamy Sides
Make your mashed potatoes dairy-free with these Thanksgiving recipes, which call for swaps like olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee.
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes (dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan)
Plenty of garlic and a generous drizzle of olive oil make these taste like you used cream.
Pumpkin-Swirled Mashed Potatoes With Vegan Rosemary Gravy (dairy-free, vegan)
These pumpkin-swirled potatoes are equal parts sweet and savory (without any cream!), and they’re served with a golden rosemary gravy to complete the classic side.
Parsnip-Apple Purée (dairy-free and/or lactose-free, gluten-free, Paleo)
Looking to switch things up? This autumn-inspired mash of parsnip and apple gets its richness from coconut milk and ghee (or olive oil, if you’re skipping the lactose). Make it ahead, then keep it warm over a pot of simmering water until dinner.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes With Maple Crème Fraîche (dairy-free with a swap)
Sage and nutmeg dress up the humble sweet potato for the holidays. (Note: this recipe includes instructions for using coconut cream in place of crème fraîche to keep it dairy-free.)
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Avocado & Tahini-Turmeric Dressing (dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan)
Roasted sweet potatoes piled with sautéed greens and avocado, then drizzled with a tahini-turmeric sauce make a colorful addition to the table.
Dairy-Free Veggies, Sides & Salads
Skip the dairy but not the flavor with these hearty, creamy, savory Thanksgiving side dishes—all made without the milk or butter.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole (dairy-free, vegan)
A classic, made dairy-free: green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce (made with non-dairy milk), and finished with crispy shallots.
Honey Mustard Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Green Herb Sauce (dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo)
The honey mustard crust turns golden as it roasts, and the bright green herb sauce is perfect for dipping.
Brussels Sprouts & Seed Slaw (dairy-free with a swap, gluten-free, Paleo)
Brussels sprouts and radicchio are tossed in a tangy apple dressing for a fresh, crunchy break from the richer dishes. Make it dairy-free by swapping in a vegan Parmesan cheese.
Pan-Roasted Broccolini With Anchovy Sauce (dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo)
This simple side is ready in about 15 minutes, with garlic and anchovy for savory depth. (Note: Ghee is naturally lactose-free, but to make it completely dairy-free, use olive oil or coconut oil.)
Superberry Ginger Cranberry Sauce (dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, Paleo)
A classic cranberry sauce, made a bit more exciting with spicy ginger and tart goji berries. You can make it ahead and freeze it for one less thing to do on the big day.
Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Appetizers
Get the festivities started—sans dairy—with these Thanksgiving appetizer recipes.
Pumpkin Hummus (dairy-free, vegan)
Set out a dip to keep guests entertained while dinner finishes. This one is great with crudités, and just as good on a sandwich or grain bowl the next day.
Kabocha Squash Soup With Pancetta (dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo)
Roasted kabocha makes it extra creamy, while pancetta and shallots add savory, aromatic flavor.
Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Breads & Desserts
While many traditional Thanksgiving desserts are heavy on the cream, butter, and milk, these dairy-free desserts and breads are just as tasty.
Rosemary Biscuits (dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo)
These fluffy, herby biscuits are made with lard instead of butter to keep them dairy-free.
Maple Pumpkin Pie With Walnut-Pecan Crust (dairy-free with swaps, vegan, gluten-free, Paleo)
This dairy-free pumpkin pie is made with coconut milk instead of the usual dairy. The recipe calls for ghee, which is lactose-free, but if you’re baking for people with dairy allergies you can swap in coconut oil instead. It’s also finished with a dollop of coconut whipped cream!
Pecan Pie With Chocolate Crust (dairy-free with swaps, Paleo, gluten-free)
Better-for-you ingredients like raw cacao, nuts, and coconut sugar make this dairy-free pie perfect for lots of different lifestyles and dietary needs. Use the specified ghee if you’re cutting out lactose, or swap in coconut oil for a fully dairy-free recipe.
Vegan Salted Caramel & Chocolate Cheesecake (dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, Paleo)
The salted caramel is made with dates in this dairy-free cheesecake. Instead of the traditional cream cheese, this recipe calls for coconut milk, cacao powder, and lemon juice for tartness.
Not Sure Where to Start? Try This Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Menu
| Course | Dish |
| Starter | Pumpkin Hummus with crudités |
| Main | Garlic & Lemon Roasted Turkey |
| Stuffing | Pear & Caramelized Onion Stuffing |
| Sides | Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes, Vegan Green Bean Casserole, Superberry Cranberry Sauce |
| Plant-based centerpiece | Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Vegan Herb Gravy |
| Dessert | Maple Pumpkin Pie With Coconut Whipped Cream |