These Dairy-Free Recipes Prove Any Meal Can Be Made Vegan

Going dairy-free doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite comfort foods. With a few simple ingredient swaps, you can veganize most recipes while still delivering on rich, craveable flavor. Keep reading for dairy-free takes on classic dishes that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Reasons to Go Dairy-Free

You may choose to avoid dairy products for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. Vegan diets tend to be lower in saturated fat and higher in protective phytochemicals and fiber. Some people also report improved digestion and skin health after cutting out dairy. Regardless of your motivation, with the right substitutions, it’s easy to still enjoy your favorite meals.

The Best Dairy Substitutes

When recipes call for milk, butter, cream, or cheese, there are great plant-based alternatives:

Use unsweetened soy, oat, almond, or coconut milk in place of cow’s milk.
For butter, try vegan margarine or coconut oil.
Cashew cream can often stand in for heavy cream.
Swap dairy cheese with vegan cheese or nut-based sauces and crumbles.

Comforting Vegan Entrees

Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

This classic comfort food gets a plant-based makeover but keeps its rich, cheesy flavor. Cashew cream and nutritional yeast give the sauce a creamy texture and cheesy taste without any dairy products.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Hearty lentils, veggies, and savory gravy topped with fluffy mashed potatoes – this satisfying shepherd’s pie is perfect for chilly nights. Swap the butter in the mashed topping for vegan margarine or oil for a dairy-free meal.

Eggplant Parmesan

With crispy, breaded eggplant cutlets layered with tomato sauce and melty vegan mozzarella, this vegetarian main stays true to the Italian American classic. Just look for a Parmesan substitute like yeast flakes to sprinkle on top.

Delectable Dairy-Free Desserts

Fudgy Brownies

These indulgent chocolate brownies are topped with a creamy vegan vanilla frosting. Without any butter or eggs, they’re fudgier, richer, and more chocolatey than traditional recipes.

Pumpkin Pie

Fall isn’t complete without pumpkin pie! This dairy-free version features a velvety pumpkin custard in a flaky, buttery crust. With coconut whipped cream on top, you won’t miss the whipped dairy cream.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crispy around the edges and soft and chewy on the inside, these classic cookies are made vegan by swapping the eggs and butter for flax eggs and coconut oil. They taste just like the chocolate chip cookies you know and love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What milk alternatives work best in recipes?

Unsweetened soy and almond milk are the most neutral substitutes for cow’s milk in savory dishes. For baking, canned coconut milk works well. Always avoid flavored or sweetened milk alternatives.

What’s the best vegan cheese?

Many major brands now offer shreds and slices for topping baked dishes. For sauces and fondues, nut-based cheeses melt beautifully. Always read labels, as some “vegan” cheeses still contain casein.

How do you make a vegan custard pie?

Silken tofu blends perfectly into pumpkin, sweet potato, and custard pies. For the flakiest crust, use vegetable shortening instead of butter. Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out.

Can you bake without eggs or dairy?

Yes! For cakes and breads, whipped banana or flax eggs work well as binders. In cookies, you can often omit eggs entirely by adding a bit more leavening. Use non-dairy milk and oil in place of butter.

What ingredients make a recipe vegan?

To be completely plant-based, a recipe should not include any animal products like meat, eggs, dairy milk, butter, cheese, cream, whey, casein, gelatin and other common ingredients. Always check labels for hidden animal derivatives.