If you’re following a dairy-free diet this Thanksgiving, you’re in the right place. I have a few dairy-free family members, so over the years I’ve had plenty of practice putting together a holiday spread that works for everyone — and trust me, nobody leaves the table feeling like they missed out.
Most of these sides are naturally dairy-free as written, and for the ones that aren’t, the swap is simple. A good plant-based butter goes a long way, oat milk works brilliantly in place of cream or milk, and making your own dressings means no hidden dairy surprises. Easy wins all round.
Maple Glazed Carrots
Sweet, sticky, and warmly spiced — these maple glazed carrots are a Thanksgiving staple. Simply swap the butter for your favourite vegan alternative and you’ve got a gorgeous dairy-free side the whole family will adore.
Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots
Roasted Broccoli
Crispy golden edges, tender centres, and finished with a squeeze of lemon — this oven-roasted broccoli is simple, flavourful, and naturally dairy-free. A fuss-free Thanksgiving side the whole family will love.
Recipe: Roasted Broccoli
Roasted Whole Sweet Potato
No peeling, no chopping — just perfectly roasted sweet potatoes with naturally caramelised, fluffy insides. Load them up with your favourite dairy-free toppings for a cosy Thanksgiving side.
Recipe: Roasted Whole Sweet Potato
Baked Potato Rounds
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — these oven-baked potato rounds are seasoned simply and disappear fast. A crowd-pleasing dairy-free side that pairs beautifully with any Thanksgiving spread.
Recipe: Baked Potato Rounds
Potato Cutlets
Golden, crispy, and impossibly satisfying — these panko-breaded potato cutlets are the kind of side dish that gets talked about long after the plates are cleared. Simply swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative and you’ve got a showstopping addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Recipe: Potato Cutlets
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
All the comfort of a classic baked potato in one glorious, crowd-pleasing dish — creamy mashed potatoes layered with bacon, cheese, and green onions, then baked until golden and bubbling. Swap the dairy ingredients for your favourite plant-based alternatives and it’s just as indulgent without a drop of dairy.
Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Crispy Grilled Broccoli
Charred, garlicky, and irresistibly crispy — this grilled broccoli is the side dish that makes vegetable lovers out of everyone. Toss it on the grill alongside your turkey and let the heat do the work.
Recipe: Crispy Grilled Broccoli
Smoked Zucchini
Just three ingredients and a smoker is all you need for this beautifully simple side. The smoke gives the zucchini a rich, deep flavour that makes it feel anything but plain. A great dairy-free option for keeping the smoker busy on Thanksgiving day.
Recipe: Smoked Zucchini
Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Caramelised, smoky, and packed with bacon and garlic — these are nothing like the Brussels sprouts you remember from childhood. A stunning dairy-free side that earns its place at the Thanksgiving table every single year.
Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Smoked Asparagus
Tender asparagus spears with a light smoky char — this Traeger asparagus recipe comes together in minutes and pairs beautifully with roast turkey. An elegant, naturally dairy-free side that looks great on the Thanksgiving table.
Recipe: Smoked Asparagus
Smoked Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, and deeply satisfying — these smoked baked beans are a Thanksgiving side that earns its place at the table every single year. Made with bacon and smoked low and slow for incredible depth of flavour, with no dairy in sight.
Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
The smoker transforms these sweet potatoes into something truly special — naturally caramelised, fluffy, and packed with smoky depth. A simple, stunning dairy-free side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
