50+ Easy Holiday Dairy-Free Rice Cooker Recipes for Every Occasion

The holiday season is a time for indulgence, celebration, and of course, unforgettable meals. But for those who are dairy-free, the festive spread can sometimes feel limiting.

Enter your rice cooker—a versatile kitchen ally that can do so much more than just steam rice.

From hearty sides to decadent desserts, your rice cooker can create a variety of delicious and dairy-free dishes that are perfect for holiday gatherings.

This guide brings you over 50 creative and crowd-pleasing recipes designed to simplify your holiday cooking.

Whether you’re whipping up breakfast for family, prepping sides for a festive feast, or crafting a delightful dessert, these rice cooker recipes will make your season stress-free and flavor-packed.

Let’s turn your rice cooker into your holiday secret weapon and make this season deliciously inclusive for everyone at the table!

50+ Easy Holiday Dairy-Free Rice Cooker Recipes for Every Occasion

With these 50+ dairy-free rice cooker recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas to make the holidays special.

From savory classics like wild rice pilafs and coconut curries to sweet indulgences like pumpkin spice rice pudding and chocolate cherry delights, there’s a recipe for every occasion and craving.

Best of all, these recipes are not only dairy-free but also simple to prepare, freeing up your time to enjoy what matters most—celebrating with loved ones.

So, dust off that rice cooker and let it shine as the star of your holiday kitchen.

No matter your skill level or dietary needs, these recipes will inspire you to create memorable meals that everyone will love.

Make this holiday season your tastiest, easiest, and most inclusive one yet!

Holiday Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding

This creamy, aromatic pumpkin spice rice pudding is a delightful holiday dessert, free of dairy but full of festive flavor. With rich notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s like eating a warm pumpkin pie in pudding form. The rice cooker makes it a breeze, allowing you to enjoy the holiday festivities without hovering over the stove.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 3 cups unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• Optional toppings: toasted pecans, dried cranberries, or dairy-free whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Add rice, almond milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt into your rice cooker. Stir well to combine.
2. Set your rice cooker to the “Porridge” or similar setting. Allow the mixture to cook, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook until the rice is soft and the pudding has thickened, approximately 20-25 minutes.
4. Once cooked, taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed.
5. Serve warm or chilled, topped with your favorite holiday garnishes like pecans or cranberries.

This Holiday Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding is a crowd-pleaser, combining the nostalgic flavors of the season with a creamy texture everyone can enjoy. It’s an effortless dessert that lets the rice cooker do the heavy lifting, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.

Dairy-Free Coconut Ginger Holiday Rice

Infused with the tropical sweetness of coconut milk and the warming spice of ginger, this rice dish is a perfect accompaniment to your holiday main course. It’s light yet flavorful, pairing beautifully with roasted vegetables or glazed tofu. Plus, the rice cooker simplifies the process, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 1½ cups coconut milk (full-fat or light)
• 1½ cups water
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup toasted sliced almonds
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, ginger, turmeric, and salt to the rice cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Set the rice cooker to the “White Rice” or regular cooking setting.
4. Once the rice cooker finishes, let the rice sit for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
5. Garnish with toasted almonds and cilantro for a festive touch. Serve warm.

Dairy-Free Coconut Ginger Holiday Rice is a versatile side dish that brings an exotic twist to your holiday menu. The creamy coconut and aromatic spices elevate plain rice into a holiday-worthy dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Dairy-Free Spiced Cranberry Rice Pilaf

This Spiced Cranberry Rice Pilaf is a vibrant, sweet, and savory dish that captures the essence of the holidays. With bursts of tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a hint of festive spices, it’s an elegant yet simple dish that complements any holiday spread. Prepared in a rice cooker, it’s fuss-free and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Rinse basmati rice thoroughly and soak in water for 15 minutes. Drain well.
2. In the rice cooker, combine rice, vegetable broth, water, cranberries, orange juice, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Stir gently to mix.
3. Cook on the “White Rice” setting until the rice is tender and fluffy.
4. Once cooked, add walnuts and parsley, then fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve warm, garnished with extra cranberries or parsley for a festive presentation.

Dairy-Free Spiced Cranberry Rice Pilaf is a holiday must-try, balancing the sweetness of cranberries with the earthy spices of cinnamon and allspice. This vibrant dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it a centerpiece-worthy addition to any festive feast.

Dairy-Free Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Rice

Start your holiday mornings with the cozy flavors of Dairy-Free Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Rice. This warm, lightly sweetened dish is perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch. Loaded with tender apples and spiced with cinnamon, it’s a wholesome way to enjoy the holiday season. The rice cooker makes preparation a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2½ cups unsweetened oat milk (or almond milk)
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 3 tbsp maple syrup (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional toppings: chopped pecans, raisins, or a drizzle of dairy-free caramel

Instructions:

1. Rinse the brown rice and place it in the rice cooker.
2. Add the oat milk, diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Set the rice cooker to the “Porridge” or similar setting and cook until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens (approximately 40-45 minutes). Stir occasionally.
4. Once done, taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
5. Serve warm, topped with your favorite holiday garnishes like pecans or raisins.

This Dairy-Free Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Rice is a hearty and delicious way to bring warmth to your holiday mornings. With its comforting flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a festive family favorite.

Dairy-Free Festive Wild Rice Salad

Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Festive Wild Rice Salad is a perfect side dish for your holiday table. Packed with seasonal ingredients like pomegranate seeds, roasted squash, and a tangy dairy-free vinaigrette, it’s as nutritious as it is beautiful. The rice cooker ensures perfectly cooked wild rice, allowing you to focus on assembling the other components.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the wild rice and place it in the rice cooker with the vegetable broth. Cook on the “Brown Rice” setting or as per the rice cooker’s instructions for wild rice.
2. Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, combine the wild rice, roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, parsley, and pecans.
4. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Pour over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve at room temperature or chilled as a festive holiday side.

This Dairy-Free Festive Wild Rice Salad is a show-stopping dish that will delight guests with its vibrant flavors and textures. It’s an excellent make-ahead option that adds elegance to any holiday feast.

Dairy-Free Sweet Potato and Coconut Holiday Rice

Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the creamy richness of coconut milk, this dish is a hearty and festive addition to your holiday menu. Perfect as a side dish or even a vegan main course, this recipe showcases warm spices and holiday flair, all cooked effortlessly in the rice cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups basmati rice
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and drain.
2. Add the rice, coconut milk, water, diced sweet potato, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and salt to the rice cooker. Stir well.
3. Set the rice cooker to the “White Rice” or regular cooking setting.
4. Once the rice cooker finishes, let the rice sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
5. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and cilantro before serving.

This Dairy-Free Sweet Potato and Coconut Holiday Rice is a warm, flavorful dish that will bring tropical vibes to your holiday celebrations. With its bright colors and aromatic spices, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for any festive gathering.

Dairy-Free Gingerbread Rice Cake

This Gingerbread Rice Cake is a creative twist on holiday desserts. Made with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, it brings the nostalgic flavors of gingerbread to your rice cooker. The result is a moist and flavorful rice-based cake that’s naturally dairy-free, making it perfect for festive celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• Powdered sugar or dairy-free glaze for topping

Instructions:

1. Rinse the jasmine rice and add it to the rice cooker along with almond milk, molasses, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
2. Set the rice cooker to the “Cake” or “Bake” setting. Cook for 40-50 minutes, or until the mixture is firm and cooked through.
3. Let the rice cake cool slightly, then gently remove it from the rice cooker.
4. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with dairy-free glaze for a festive touch.
5. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

The Dairy-Free Gingerbread Rice Cake is a delightful, holiday-inspired dessert that’s easy to make in a rice cooker. Its rich, spiced flavor and unique texture make it a standout addition to any festive meal, especially for those seeking dairy-free options.

Dairy-Free Cranberry and Orange Pilaf

Bright, tangy, and subtly sweet, this Cranberry and Orange Pilaf is a holiday-inspired side dish that will complement any festive main course. The citrusy aroma from fresh orange zest paired with tart cranberries creates a lively flavor profile, while the rice cooker ensures perfectly fluffy pilaf with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice and place it in the rice cooker. Add vegetable broth, dried cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
2. Set the rice cooker to the “White Rice” or regular cooking setting.
3. Once the rice cooker finishes, let the pilaf sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
4. Stir in chopped walnuts and parsley for added texture and color.
5. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of orange zest or extra cranberries.

This Dairy-Free Cranberry and Orange Pilaf is a festive and elegant side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners. Its vibrant flavors and aromatic appeal make it a crowd-pleaser, adding a burst of seasonal joy to your table.

Dairy-Free Savory Herb Mushroom Risotto

Creamy, savory, and aromatic, this Dairy-Free Herb Mushroom Risotto is a comforting holiday dish made easy in a rice cooker. The combination of earthy mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and a touch of dairy-free cream makes this risotto a standout addition to your festive menu, whether served as a main dish or side.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups Arborio rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1½ cups unsweetened cashew milk (or almond milk)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or dairy-free Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the sautéed mixture to the rice cooker. Add Arborio rice, vegetable broth, cashew milk, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Set the rice cooker to the “Risotto” or “Porridge” setting. Stir occasionally during cooking.
4. Once the risotto is creamy and the rice is tender (about 30 minutes), taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or dairy-free Parmesan if desired.

This Dairy-Free Savory Herb Mushroom Risotto is a luxurious, plant-based dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a cozy and satisfying choice for festive dinners.

Dairy-Free Coconut Curry Rice with Vegetables

This Coconut Curry Rice with Vegetables is a flavorful, colorful dish perfect for the holiday table. Packed with warm spices and creamy coconut milk, it’s an easy one-pot meal or a hearty side. This dish is naturally dairy-free and vegan, making it ideal for accommodating a variety of dietary preferences during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups basmati rice
• 1½ cups coconut milk
• 1½ cups water
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
• ½ cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice and place it in the rice cooker.
2. Add coconut milk, water, diced carrots, bell peppers, green peas, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. Stir to combine.
3. Set the rice cooker to the “White Rice” or standard cooking setting.
4. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro for a festive touch.

This Dairy-Free Coconut Curry Rice with Vegetables is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for the holidays. The rich, spiced flavors and creamy texture will make it a standout on your festive menu.

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding

Transform your rice cooker into a dessert machine with this Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding. Creamy, sweet, and infused with classic holiday spices, this dairy-free treat is a comforting way to end a festive meal. With the help of your rice cooker, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, leaving you with a warm and decadent dessert perfect for the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice (or short-grain rice)
• 3 cups unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• Optional toppings: dairy-free whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and place it in the rice cooker.
2. Add almond milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir to mix well.
3. Set the rice cooker to the “Porridge” or similar setting. Stir occasionally during cooking.
4. Once the rice is soft and the mixture has thickened (about 35-40 minutes), taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
5. Serve warm or chilled, topped with dairy-free whipped cream or other garnishes.

This Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding is a cozy, festive dessert that will fill your home with holiday cheer. Its creamy texture and warm flavors make it a perfect addition to your seasonal celebrations.

Dairy-Free Lemon Herb Rice with Roasted Garlic

Light, zesty, and aromatic, this Lemon Herb Rice with Roasted Garlic is an elegant side dish for holiday gatherings. The combination of fresh lemon, fragrant herbs, and sweet roasted garlic makes it the perfect complement to any festive main course. Best of all, the rice cooker simplifies the process, giving you more time to enjoy the celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups jasmine rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 head of garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft.
2. Rinse the jasmine rice and place it in the rice cooker. Add vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze the cloves into the rice cooker and stir gently.
4. Set the rice cooker to the “White Rice” or standard cooking setting.
5. When done, fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a festive presentation.

This Dairy-Free Lemon Herb Rice with Roasted Garlic is a light and flavorful addition to your holiday table. Its bright, citrusy notes and aromatic herbs pair perfectly with a variety of festive dishes, making it a versatile and delightful choice.

Dairy-Free Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Rice

Start your holiday mornings with the warm, comforting flavors of this Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Rice. This dairy-free dish combines tender rice with juicy apples, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness, making it a wholesome and festive breakfast that’s easy to prepare in the rice cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice (or Arborio rice)
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1½ cups water
• 1 large apple, peeled and diced
• ¼ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup raisins (optional)
• Chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and add it to the rice cooker.
2. Stir in almond milk, water, diced apple, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and raisins (if using).
3. Set the rice cooker to the “Porridge” or similar setting. Stir occasionally during cooking.
4. Once the rice is soft and creamy, fluff with a fork.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped nuts and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.

This Dairy-Free Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Rice is a cozy and satisfying way to kick off holiday mornings. Its warm spices and natural sweetness make it feel like a festive treat while being nourishing and wholesome.

Dairy-Free Wild Rice with Cranberries and Pecans

This Wild Rice with Cranberries and Pecans is an elegant and flavorful side dish that brings seasonal ingredients to the forefront. The nuttiness of wild rice, the tartness of dried cranberries, and the crunch of toasted pecans create a festive medley of textures and flavors, perfect for holiday feasts.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups wild rice blend
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the wild rice blend and add it to the rice cooker.
2. Stir in vegetable broth, cranberries, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt.
3. Set the rice cooker to the “Brown Rice” or standard cooking setting.
4. While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a small skillet and sauté the chopped onion until golden.
5. Once the rice is done, fluff with a fork and stir in the sautéed onion and toasted pecans. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

This Dairy-Free Wild Rice with Cranberries and Pecans is a sophisticated side dish that pairs beautifully with holiday roasts or mains. Its balance of savory, nutty, and tart flavors makes it a festive and crowd-pleasing addition to your table.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Cherry Rice Pudding

Indulge in this decadent Chocolate Cherry Rice Pudding, a dairy-free dessert that’s perfect for the holidays. The rich chocolate flavor is complemented by the tartness of dried cherries, creating a luxurious treat that feels special enough for festive gatherings. Made in the rice cooker, it’s easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice (or short-grain rice)
• 2½ cups unsweetened oat milk (or almond milk)
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup dried cherries
• ⅓ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional toppings: dairy-free whipped cream or chocolate shavings

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and add it to the rice cooker.
2. Stir in oat milk, cocoa powder, dried cherries, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine.
3. Set the rice cooker to the “Porridge” or similar setting, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the rice is tender and the pudding is thickened (about 35-40 minutes), taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
5. Serve warm or chilled, topped with dairy-free whipped cream or chocolate shavings for extra decadence.

This Dairy-Free Chocolate Cherry Rice Pudding is a rich and satisfying holiday dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Its velvety texture and indulgent flavors make it a wonderful way to end a festive meal.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!