Many traditional American holiday recipes are full of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, and nuts – some of the most common foods that cause allergic reactions. But what if we told you it’s possible to create an entire menu with family favorites that are both delicious and allergy friendly?
Here are some of the top recipes and tips from Kids With Food Allergies (KFA).
Turkey and Meat Dishes
Uncooked meats, including beef, pork and poultry, can be enhanced with a sodium solution containing oil, flavorings, and seasonings that can include food allergens. The addition of this type of solution is required to be on the label. Meats are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA does not have the same requirement as the FDA that says most common food allergens must be declared on the label in plain language.
For birds with the fewest ingredients, look for turkeys that are Kosher or “minimally processed.” Note that Kosher turkeys are brined in salt which will affect the sodium content. Some turkeys labeled as “natural” may have fewer ingredients, but some are enhanced with a solution. Fresh turkeys from a local source may also be a safe option because they are less likely to be processed with added ingredients.
Ham is a processed meat and will contain additional ingredients. Some hams may also include a glaze. Read the label carefully when choosing a ham.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes and gravy without butter and flour? Stuffing without wheat and gluten? It is possible to serve up these holiday staples without some of the top allergens.
- Allergy-Friendly Stuffing Recipes
- How Do You Make Stuffing Without Bread?
- Milk-Free, Soy-Free, Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- How Do You Make Perfect Gravy Without Butter and Flour?
- Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes
- Cranberry Orange Sauce
Recipe Substitutions
With the right substitutions, you can make many recipes allergy friendly. You can make a buttermilk substitute from your favorite milk alternative to use in biscuits, cakes, pancakes, and the mushroom soup recipe below. Then use the soup for casseroles or other side dishes.
- How Do You Make Buttermilk Without Milk?
- How Do You Replace Nuts in Recipes?
- Milk-Free, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Bread
Our bread recipe options can help you create dinner rolls, butterhorn crescent rolls, or bread for stuffing. If you prefer biscuits at the table or are planning a holiday brunch, check out these flaky biscuits free of milk, egg, wheat, and gluten.
- How Do You Make Allergy-Friendly Bread for Your Holiday Dinner?
- Flaky Biscuits Recipe: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Wheat/Gluten-Free
Desserts
Pass the allergy-friendly pumpkin pie! You don’t need milk, eggs, or wheat to create this traditional dessert. Use one of our pie crust recipes as the base for your pumpkin pie or any other pie you’d like to make. If pastry dough isn't something you want to tackle, we have some alternatives.
- How Do You Make Pie Crust Free of Dairy, Eggs, Gluten? (plus options for pie fillings or dessert alternatives)
- Mom's Allergy-Friendly Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Apple Crisp with Aquafaba Whipped Topping
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