Dairy-Free Recipes for Classic Favorites
By Ashley Skabar, About.com Guide to Dairy Free Cooking
Quite possibly the most difficult thing about going dairy-free is learning to cook dairy-free. Many memorable and nostalgic dishes are loaded with dairy products, and learning to replace these with non-dairy options can seem challenging, if not impossible. However, you don't need to say farewell to your favorite meals just because you've said farewell to dairy! Explore these recipes for dairy-free versions of classic favorites.
Appetizers
Nothing sets the stage for a successful party or get together quite like a beautiful spread of tasty dips and finger foods. Unfortunately, however, many classic appetizers and hors d'oeuvres rely heavily on dairy products like cream, cheese and milk, which makes things difficult for persons with milk allergies or intolerances. For your next party or get-together, browse through some of these dairy-free versions of classic appetizers to make sure that everyone can enjoy the spread.
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Salmon Pate
- Seven-Layer Dip
- Spiced Cheesy Popcorn
- Spanakopita (Spinach and "Feta" Triangles)
Soups
Few dishes are as comforting and nostalgic as homemade soup, but so many classic soup recipes use some combination of butter, cream and milk, which spells only discomfort for the dairy-free. These recipe renditions of nostalgic favorites will bring warmth and comfort to your table without the dairy products but every bit of memorable flavor.
- Broccoli & Non-dairy Cheese Soup
- Chicken Coconut Curry Soup
- Cream of Carrot Soup
- Cream of Celery Soup
- Cream of Spinach Soup
Classic Sauces
Sauces have the ability to carry a dish from mediocre to memorable, regardless of what course or style. Browse through these dairy-free sauces for new, healthier takes on many dairy-laden favorites, from savory, cream-based sauces to sweet sauces and frostings.
- Caramel Sauce
- Chocolate Syrup
- Cream & Pepper Gravy
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- Creamy Bechamel Sauce
- Creamy Dill Sauce
- Creamy Lemon Parsley Sauce
- Light Goddess Dressing
- Mild Cheese Sauce
- Mushroom Gravy
- Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Rich Chocolate Frosting
- Vanilla Frosting
- Vegan Ganache
- Vegan Pesto
- White Frosting
Entrees
The defining component of most meals, entrees are quite often the dish from upon which the rest of the meal is decided. From meat and poultry dishes to vegetarian meals, look through these dairy-free recipes for your favorites.
- Baked Non-dairy Buttermilk Chicken
- Beef Stroganoff
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Classic Meatloaf
- Creamy Lemon Shrimp Risotto
- Potato Pierogi
- Spinach Souffle
- Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Swedish Meatballs
- Turkey Meatloaf
- Tuna Casserole
Pasta Classics
Pasta is a staple in many classic dishes from around the world, from Italian and French Cuisine to American homecooking, but so many of these recipe favorites rely on butter, cream and cheese to carry the dish. Enjoy these dairy-free pasta favorites, which are sure to become new non-dairy classics for you and your family.
- Baked Macaroni & Cheese
- Easy Baked Homemade Ravioli
- Easy Lasagna
- Fettucinne Alfredo
- Linguini with Clam Sauce
Side Dishes
Side dishes add color to your table while contributing flavors to balance out the meal. These dairy-free recipes of classic side dishes are perfect for holidays, large parties and weeknight dinners.
Cake Classics
Cake is one dessert that just screams of celebration, whether for birthdays, graduation parties, baby showers, weddings or any special occasion. Whether you're hosting a dairy-free celebration or just want to make sure that everyone can enjoy your special finale, browse through these dairy-recipes for non-dairy versions of sweet cake classics.
Pies, Tarts & Cobblers
There is something so special about a homemade pie orcobbler, and there are few desserts that communicate love and homecooking quite like these classic favorites. From autumn favorites like apple pie and pumpkin pie, to summertime sweets like cherry cobbler, these dairy-free recipes will bring back memories of holidays, family dinners and fun.
Bread & Bakery Classics
Baking homemade bread is a fun activity that friends and families can do together, and nothing will make your home feel quite as warm and inviting as a fresh loaf in the oven. These dairy-free bread and bakery recipes taste every bit as delicious as bakery-made classics, from yeast breads and rolls to quick breads.
