Are you lactose intolerant or hosting those who are lactose-sensitive? If so, you do not need to go dairy free this holiday season. Instead, try lactose-free milk. It’s real milk, just without lactose. In addition to lactose-free milk, there are other dairy foods that are low-lactose for those with sensitivities.

When hosting a gathering this holiday season, choosing lactose-friendly recipes can be a thoughtful way to ensure all guests feel included and comfortable. By opting for lactose-friendly options, you create a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy delicious food without worry.

Lactose-free dairy products maintain the same rich flavors and textures as their regular counterparts, so you don’t have to compromise on taste. No one will feel left out come mealtime. And by being considerate of your guests’ dietary restrictions, you demonstrate your care and attention to your loved ones. Embracing lactose-free dairy foods allows you to cater to diverse needs while serving up delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes that everyone can enjoy.

Below are five dairy recipes that you and your lactose-intolerant guests can enjoy this holiday season.

Festively Lactose-Free Hot Chocolate

This lactose-free spin on hot chocolate is blended with warm fudge sauce for a chocolaty treat. This recipe uses homemade fudge sauce and lactose-free milk. To prepare first make the fudge sauce. Warm sugar and cocoa in a sauce pan. Melt in butter and add lactose-free evaporated milk, stirring until mixture boils. Cook for 2-3 minutes and add vanilla and sea salt.

Next, prepare the hot chocolate by heating lactose-free milk in a sauce pan and stirring in fudge sauce. Warm through and pour into mugs. Top with fun garnishes like mini marshmallows, if desired.

Spicy Sweet Potato Dip

Turn your favorite fall vegetable into a spicy dip with added flavor from chipotle peppers, salsa, fresh lime juice, and shredded pepper-jack cheese. It’s an easy low-lactose appetizer to prepare. Pierce sweet potatoes and microwave until the potatoes are tender. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly and then remove the flesh. Combine sweet potatoes, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and salsa in a blender until smooth. Spoon mixture into a serving bowl and top with shredded pepper jack cheese. Serve with pita chips or veggie sticks.

Parmesan Shortbread with Fig Jam

Top these tender cheese wafers with fig jam and Parmesan cheese for an elegant appetizer. In a food processor, pulse together flour, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, garlic, rosemary, and cayenne pepper. Add butter to the flour mixture, pulsing the mixture until it reaches a crumbly, dough-like consistency. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Press down with thumb and then place in freezer. Bake until golden brown. Allow the dough to cool and pipe about 1 teaspoon fig jam onto each savory cookie, garnishing with fresh Parmesan.

Easy Green Bean Casserole

For this homemade casserole, replace the canned green beans and condensed soup with fresh green beans and creamy homemade mushroom sauce. You won’t miss the French-fried onion rings when you replace them with sweet caramelized onions and a buttery bread crumb topping.

Blanch green beans and then shock in a bowl filled with ice water, then drain into a colander and set aside to dry. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and sauté onions until caramelized. Melt another 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté mushrooms until they are soft and lightly caramelized. Stir in minced garlic. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring until well combined. Gradually pour in warm lactose-free milk while stirring. Simmer and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in salt, thyme, pepper, and nutmeg. Add green beans and stir to coat.

To prepare the topping, melt more butter and stir in breadcrumbs. Pour over green beans with more onions. Broil until lightly browned.

Cheddar Puffs

These easy cheese appetizers are perfect for parties and feature a pleasing combination of savory and sweet flavors. Aged cheeses like Cheddar do not contain lactose or are low-lactose options.

Boil water and butter and stir in flour to create a dough. Transfer the flour mixture to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. At low speed, add eggs and then turn to high speed to whip until the dough is sticky. Incorporate sharp cheddar cheese and black pepper.

Bake the batter. Remove it from the oven and poke a hole in each puff. Allow the puffs to cool and spoon about 1 teaspoon tomato jam into center of each puff.

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