No matter how you slice it, hosting guests for the holidays is a whole lot of work. There’s all of the housework and decorating and orchestrating the entertainment so everyone has a jolly good time. But most hosts agree, the biggest job of all is the menu.
Planning a menu for a crowd takes patience, and if you’re trying to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences or allergies, coming up with dishes to satisfy everyone on the attendee list can be a real challenge.
Before mapping out each course, it’s a good idea to make a list of all of the guests and note any special needs. Take into account concerns like peanut allergies and gluten or lactose intolerance. Also note anyone who avoids certain foods or who practices a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Although you may be perfectly willing to prepare a separate dish for someone who can’t eat with the rest of the group, remember that finding recipes to accommodate everyone at once doesn’t just make prep easier for you; it also avoids calling uncomfortable attention to someone’s special needs in front of the larger group.
These insanely good recipes are a sure bet for a crowd. They’re dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan, and can be easily modified to remove common allergens (skip the roasted nuts with the fondue and eliminate the hazelnuts in the salad).
Awesome App: Party-Perfect Pumpkin Fondue
This savory blend of spiced pumpkin and creamy dairy-free fondue features Vevan Mozza Shred for an incredible creamy melt that’s just pure yum. It’s the perfect comfort food for fall and even better as an indulgent holiday app. Prep time is next to nothing, and you can serve it with a wide range of dippers to cater to everyone’s tastes and needs.
Sensational Side: Delicious Dairy-Free Holiday Salad
A crisp, crunchy salad is better when there’s some smooth, creamy texture, too. This cauliflower salad uses cubes of stacked Vevan Mozza Melts to complement the veggies, while juicy grapes add a hint of sweetness. Get ready to share the recipe with all your guests, because vegans and non-vegans alike are going to love this one.
Tasty Trimmings: Creamy Crave-worthy Scalloped Potatoes
No holiday plate is complete without a mound of potatoes enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe featuring Vevan Shred in both Ched and Mozza flavors is pure satisfaction for the plant-based eaters and everyone else gathered ’round the table. The herbs and seasonings will make this your go-to dish for years to come.
Looking for more ideas for your holiday hosting? Share our Cheesy Haystack Potatoes or Spinach Quiche with overnight guests for a morning-after brunch, or check out our complete recipe lineup for more dishes that satisfy guests with particular dietary needs.
