Preparing for a potluck dinner or holiday cocktail party can be daunting. You may not know the guests, or their dietary restrictions, but you want to provide something for everyone, no matter their preferences or restrictions—so what do you do?
The answer is to make your recipes as inclusive as possible. And there are lots of easy swaps to help you do just that. Water from chickpeas, known as aquafaba, can stand in for egg whites; a variety of sweeteners can now replace sugar; and there are myriad alternatives to make dishes gluten free.
Preparing dishes with these alternatives goes a long way toward ensuring that nobody feels like they’re missing out, and helps those with dietary restrictions feel welcome. And don’t overlook the benefits for you, the cook.
Making two versions of every dish is expensive, time-consuming, and a multitasking nightmare. Having one delicious recipe that everyone can enjoy will save you money, time, and extra stress in the kitchen. You may also find some of these substitutions benefit your own health, whether or not you have a particular dietary restriction.
These five recipes are easy to prepare and easy for all to enjoy, making you the star of any potluck cocktail party—no matter who attends.
Kale, Mushroom Sweet Potato Bites
These mini-pizzas are the perfect two-bite cocktail appetizer, and a savory sweet potato crust makes them completely gluten free. The crust is bound together with parmesan, hemp hearts, almond flour, and egg, which also helps deliver a punch of protein. The garlicky kale and mushrooms, with just a pinch of chili flakes and a final topping of goat cheese, adds a tangy finish to every bite.
Dairy-Free Spicy Nacho “Cheese” Dip
This tasty dish feeds a crowd, is dairy free, and is packed with healthy vegetables and lots of spicy flavor. Added to a base of roasted butternut squash, the soaked overnight cashews lend a rich creaminess. Hints of smoky flavor and layers of spice come from roasted poblano peppers, smoked paprika, and fresh jalapenos, while nutritional yeast adds some “cheesy” flavor. The result is a delicious, warm, and creamy dip perfect with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.
Holiday Spice Hummus Endive Boats with Pomegranate
These endive boats with a plant-based filling are easy to serve and to make in advance. A silky-smooth hummus, flavored with lemon, sumac, and cinnamon, gets an extra dose of deliciousness and texture with the addition of crunchy radish, juicy pomegranate, and whole chickpeas. Stuffed into fresh endive leaves—you can call it hummus and then some.
Dates with Whipped Ricotta and Spicy Pepitas
Nuts, along with fruit, are a classic accompaniment to cheese—but there are times when you want to avoid them, especially when you’re hosting guests with allergies. Here’s a different take on a classic combination that is completely nut free. In this luscious appetizer, soft, juicy dates are stuffed with thyme and chili-flavored whipped ricotta. The final topping of delightfully crunchy and spicy toasted pumpkin seeds provides an exquisite bite that hits all the notes—from sweet to savory.
Sugar-Free Chocolate Mousse Cups with Ginger Poached Pears
These rich chocolate mousse cups contain no sugar but offer a whole lot of satisfying sweetness from monk fruit, a natural plant-based sweetener. Not only that, but they are egg free by using aquafaba whipped up into fluffy stiffness. The result is a light, airy, and most definitely chocolatey mousse which is paired with the perfect partner—ginger and vanilla poached pears.
