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 what 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.