Those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy tasty meals without unpleasant symptoms.
While you can read more on lactose intolerance here, lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the natural sugar lactose, which is found primarily in dairy foods. Some people do not have enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose in the digestive system. You can develop lactose intolerance as you age, but it doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the dairy foods you enjoy.
For those who experience discomfort, try making these low lactose or lactose-free options for dinner.
Our Tamale Pie is made with ground beef, kidney beans, corn, and lots of delicious dairy—cheese, yogurt, and lactose-free milk. Though only one of the three dairy products in this Tex-Mex style beef-filled casserole is listed as lactose-free, cheese and yogurt are low lactose foods.
Lactose-free dairy can still create a creamy consistency. This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup combines potatoes and broccoli florets with lactose-free milk with cheddar cheese. Together, this creates comforting sip after comforting sip, but it doesn’t only work for soups. Imagine the creamy bites of macaroni and cheese you can enjoy on the days you are craving this classic comfort food.
Don’t confuse lactose-friendly meals with tasteless meals. These chicken recipes bring lactose-free milk to sides that complement your main dish. Roasted Chicken and Garlic Mashed Potatoes feature tasty mashed potatoes while this Oven-Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Gravy creates a simple but satisfying gravy. Using these tricks, you can bring even more flavor to your lactose-friendly dinner.
Enjoy this warm, comforting chili full of spices with corn muffins made with cheddar cheese and lactose-free milk. The South-of-the-Border Chili with Cheesy Corn Muffins is a hearty choice for cooler dinner nights. The entire family will want to go back for seconds of this satisfying option.
While these recipes specifically call for lactose-free dairy products, check out our other dairy recipes that can easily use lactose-free or low-lactose options.