Dairy-Free

Dairy-free cooking leaves out milk and everything made from it: butter, cream, cheese, yogurt, sour cream and ghee. That rules out a lot of classic comfort food, so the trick is building richness and flavor in other ways.

Our OurCheff private chefs cook dairy-free for Southwest Florida families dealing with allergies, intolerances or simple preference. We get richness from olive oil, avocado and slow-braised meat, creaminess from puréed vegetables and avocado sauces, and brightness from lemon, lime and fresh herbs. Many dinners don’t need dairy at all: a lemony chicken soup, a sheet-pan pork roast, or cod baked with tomatoes and white beans.

A recipe is CheffApproved dairy-free when no ingredient contains dairy, not even a pat of butter to finish. It also has to taste complete on its own rather than like something is missing. Try our Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup, Egg-Free AIP Salmon Cakes with Avocado-Lime Sauce or AIP Beef and Butternut Squash Stew.

Frequently asked questions

Are eggs dairy?
No. Eggs aren’t dairy, though some of our dairy-free recipes happen to be egg-free too.

Do I need dairy substitutes?
No. These recipes are naturally dairy-free, so there’s no vegan cheese or special milk required.

What should I check on labels?
Broths, sausages and packaged foods sometimes contain milk ingredients like whey or casein. Read labels if you’re avoiding dairy strictly.

Are these good for kids?
Yes. They’re everyday family dinners that happen to be dairy-free.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have a milk allergy or intolerance, follow your doctor’s guidance.