Who's ready for some comfort food?!? Thanksgiving is just a day away which means we're making those last minute grocery store runs...always in the 11th hour.
Every year as the family grows so does the Thanksgiving which means cooking a more inclusive meal to accomodate a bunch od dietary preferences. For many, adapting holiday favorites for guests can be a daunting task. Luckily we've been doing it for years and can hopefully help a bit.
We've compiled some of our favorite holiday recipes for Thanskgiving, Christmas, and other gatherings through the end of the year (although the majority of these can be enjoyed year-round). There are adaptations for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and combos of all. Good food for everyone! What's your family comfort favorite?
Nothing says easy like a casserole and few things are more delicious. Especially if your my fiancé and the casserole in question is chicken & stuffing.
This gluten-free, dairy-free version is slightly more work than the original simply because the cream of mushroom soup is being made from scratch. Though that just means it made with extra love, right? The balance of the crunchy stuffing top, creamy vegetables and meaty chicken center is at the heart of this savory and comforting casserole.
Now for the fun part. Lightening up those heavy holiday mashed potatoes by adding a helping of cauliflower. These are kind of like that hidden vegetable RAGU pasta sauce where the mom gets the kids to eat more vegetables just by changing their spaghetti sauce. We’re essentially adding a healthy serving of cauliflower to each scoop of mashed potatoes. You can tell your guests if you want or for fun, you can keep it hush-hush.
Plus you’re probably already making mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving or your upcoming holiday get together, you might as well as some veggies for a 2-in-1 win-win!
These roasted broccoli are a real crowd-pleaser. The broccoli still has structure and crunch, all with a dash of spice of the pepper flakes, a hint of sweetness from the almonds, and a bit of salt from the pecorino. Plus garlic. In my opinion you can never have too much garlic. :)
There’s just something about rich, creamy, flavorful gravy that takes this giant family meal over the top. I feel like I only get to enjoy gravy when November rolls around. What’s that about? This gravy is sooo good I want to be enjoying it year-round. Yes gravy is delicious. That's just a fact.
And this Gluten-Free, Vegan Creamy Mushroom Gravy is no exception. It’s filled with so much flavor, well-seasoned, and surprisingly simple to make.
Broccoli Casserole has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. Several years ago we began adapting it for our gluten-free, dairy-free lifestyle and we’re still just in love with it.
The slight crunch of the broccoli, the creaminess of the mushroom soup and the crispy cracker topping…it’s a home run!
Shepherdess Pie which is technically a version made without meat. Although since the original naming is more common we’re rolling with it. Traditionally Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb and Cottage Pie is made with beef.
However you decide to make this “potato-topped meat/“meat” pie” will make a hearty, filling and comforting meal! It’s also a great way to repurpose extra mashed potatoes after the holidays.
For our meat-alternative Shepherdess Pie we used Beyond Meat Crumbles.
Honestly they are amazing! Meat-lovers are even obsessed.
The original recipe is crazy easy as store-bought items are simple mixed together and popped in the oven; however, the ingredients are choked full of wheat and dairy.
Fortunately some simple alterations (and just a bit more prep time) our gluten-free, dairy-free family can now enjoy this cozy comfort classic!
And better yet, it doesn’t use canned ingredients. Now that’s something we can all get behind.
Even if alcohol isn’t your scene, simmering the spices, citrus zest, and wine makes your house smell like Christmas!
It’s festive, colorful, and addicting! So fill up a cup with your friends by the fire, and toast to your health!
The key to great Baked Cinnamon Apples is keeping it simple. Each bite should be tart, sweet, and spiced! The apples should be baked to be tender to the bite yet firm enough for a bit of crunch.
Since we’re keeping it simple, the recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Plus your house will smell of all the goodness of fall flavors as the sugar caramelizes over the apple slices.
Now an easy, somewhat off-beat but insanely good make-ahead recipe is Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie.
It’s creamy, sweet, and a great alternative to traditional - and in my opinion mushy - pumpkin pie. I’ve just never personally been a fan of pumpkin pie which is weird since I love everything pumpkin-y. A twist on the classic dessert and traditional favorite.
Pot pies just past like comfort food should taste—warming and delightful with just enough creaminess to let you know that it’s not the healthiest option, but also light enough to be able to enjoy three helpings of it, if you want. :)
Flaky, buttery crusts hug juicy chicken and tender veggies, smothered with creamy gravy in a dish that sounds impressive, but in reality is quite simple to prepare.
A warm and savory tri-color quinoa salad with fragrant roasted squash, sweet caramelized onions, and tart dried cranberries. It’s a beautiful vegan, harvest side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings and cozy nights in. :)
Potatoes are a prominent side dish for many of the holidays coming up in the next couple months which I can’t complain about! Potatoes in general are an excellent source of vitamin C and B6, naturally fat- and sodium-free, AND have more potassium than a banana.
Twice-baked potatoes don’t have to be just a side dish. Make them the focus at dinner and serve them with a side of vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
This version is classic, simple, and humble. No fancy ingredients here, just wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
A great latke should have a crispy, golden outside and soft, savory center. Mmm!
