Chef Bailey Ruskus—better known as Chef Bai—is redefining dairy-free cooking with her inventive and delicious plant-based recipes. With her unique take on creamy comfort foods, she’s proving that Breaking Up With Dairy (the title of her new cookbook) doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Using simple, accessible ingredients like cashews and coconut milk, Chef Bai is creating mouthwatering dishes that cater to a growing demand for healthier, plant-based alternatives. From creamy pasta sauces to vegan mac and cheese, her recipes are bringing new life to classic favorites, and making dairy-free dining accessible to everyone.
Why People Are Ditching Dairy
The reasons behind the shift away from dairy are varied. Some are lactose intolerant, while others are seeking better health outcomes or more sustainable eating habits. Regardless of the motivation, plant-based food choices are growing in popularity, and Chef Bai is helping lead the way. She focuses not only on the health benefits of dairy-free meals but also on the environmental impact, encouraging people to opt for plant-based alternatives that are kinder to the planet.
Chef Bai had always embraced traditional cooking—until chronic endometriosis pain led her to rethink her diet. “I spent 16 years in chronic pain,” Ruskus recalled in an interview with Forks Over Knives. “I burned the skin on my abdomen because I would lay under the water in the shower so hot just to get relief.” In 2017, after watching What the Health, she realized dairy might be aggravating her symptoms: “It was a lightbulb moment for me. I was vegetarian, but I had yet to try getting rid of dairy.” Despite the uncertainty about her culinary career, Ruskus chose to go vegan and never looked back.
The Rise of Dairy-Free Alternatives
Chef Bai has become a key figure in the dairy-free movement, using everyday ingredients to create rich, creamy textures that mimic traditional dairy-based dishes. Her recipes feature popular comfort foods like cheese, creamy soups, pastas, and even ice cream—without the dairy. Her most popular creations often include cashews, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast, which provide the creamy, indulgent textures many crave without compromising on flavor.
Chef Bai on GMA
Chef Bai’s rise to fame reached new heights when she appeared on Good Morning America (GMA), where she shared some of her go-to dairy-free recipes with a nationwide audience. During her appearance, Chef Bai showcased how easy and delicious it can be to make plant-based meals, offering simple, practical tips that viewers could immediately incorporate into their kitchens. Her appearance on GMA not only brought attention to the growing trend of plant-based eating but also gave her a larger platform to encourage viewers to “break up with dairy” and try new, healthier alternatives.
The Impact of Breaking Up with Dairy
Opting for dairy-free alternatives isn’t just a health trend; it’s a step toward more sustainable eating. According to the WWF, dairy farming is resource-intensive, with high water usage and significant greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing plant-based options, individuals can lower their environmental footprint while also reaping health benefits, including lower saturated fat intake and more fiber-rich meals.
What You Need to Know
Whether you’re considering a full-on dairy-free lifestyle or simply looking to try something new, Chef Bai’s recipes make it easy to get started. With her accessible ingredients and step-by-step guides, you can recreate her delicious dishes at home. Plus, with her constant presence on social media, you’ll always find fresh ideas and inspiration to keep your plant-based cooking exciting.
Final Thoughts
Chef Bai’s dairy-free dishes show that breaking up with dairy can lead to delicious discoveries in the kitchen. Her approachable, creative recipes make it easier than ever to enjoy creamy, comforting dishes while embracing a plant-based lifestyle. After seeing Chef Bai on GMA and trying out her recipes, you might just find that a dairy-free life is the way to go—and that’s something worth celebrating.
