Thanks to KIDS WITH FOOD ALLERGIES for the fantastic allergy-friendly

foods just in time for the upcoming holidays! The holiday season can be

especially difficult for those with food allergies. Eggs, milk, nuts, soy and

peanuts are in some many of the favorite foods. It is refreshing to see

alternatives to some of those favorite foods on the menu – Yeah!!

Allergy-Friendly Recipes for a Traditional Holiday Menu

KFA FOOD BLOGGERS 7 HOURS AGO 

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 Thanksgiving or Christmas menu with family favorites that are both delicious and allergy friendly?

Here are some of the top holiday 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 top 8 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.

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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.

cream-of-mushroom-soup

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.

dinner-rolls

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.

Looking for more allergy-friendly dishes to serve for the holidays? Check out our Safe Eats® Allergy-Friendly Recipe Collection. It includes more than 1,500 recipes from our community members, including several allergy-friendly casseroles, side dishes and desserts. Search by category and allergens to find recipes to make at home and add recipes of your own! Also, join our online community to talk with other people managing food allergies about holiday cooking tips.