How to Host Allergy-Friendly Meals Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Guests!)

If you’ve ever faced the challenge of hosting guests with food allergies—or being that guest with dietary restrictions—you know how stressful it can feel. Will there be anything I can eat? Will it be awkward? Will I have to explain myself again?

I’ve been on both sides of the table, and here’s what I’ve learned: you can host allergy-friendly meals that are so delicious, no one will even notice what’s missing. In fact, they’ll be asking for the recipe before dessert is served.

🍽 My Go-To Meal for Guests: Lasagna (Yes, Really!)

When friends or family come over, I often serve my gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free Lasagna.It’s hearty, comforting, and just the kind of dish that brings people together. And here's the best part—it never fails to blow people away when they find out it's allergy-friendly.

This lasagna is the recipe I’m most proud of creating. It took time to get it just right, but now it’s a staple in my home and a showstopper for guests. It's rich, saucy, satisfying, and totally free of the most common allergens.

Gluten & Dairy Free Lasagna

🤫 The Secret? People Don’t Even Know

Here’s the funny thing: I cook the way I cook because it makes me feel well. But most of the time, people don’t even notice that my meals are free of gluten, dairy, and eggs. They’re too busy going back for seconds.

I get recipe requests from guests all the time—people without any food sensitivities—because good food is good food, period.

🧀 My Tricks for Adapting Traditional Recipes

One of the biggest myths about allergy-friendly cooking is that it’s complicated. But honestly? I keep it simple.

Here are a few of my go-to tricks:

• Need something creamy and rich? Use full-fat canned coconut milk.

• Want a cheesy flavour? Blend up cashews with nutritional yeast and a few simple seasonings to make a dairy-free “parmesan.”

• Craving comfort? Start with your old family favourites and just swap out the ingredients that don’t love you back.

  
  

✨ Hosting Can Still Be Easy and Welcoming

If you're new to cooking for guests with allergies—or if you're the guest bringing your own dish—don’t worry. Focus on real, simple ingredients, and let flavour lead the way.

Need a little help? That’s exactly why I created my cookbook. Whether you’re looking for a full dinner, an impressive side dish, or a cozy dessert, I’ve got recipes that are allergy-friendly and crowd-approved.

You don’t have to make separate meals or explain your ingredients. You just need to make food that brings people together—and that’s always possible, no matter the restrictions.

— Wendy Jean Hunter

✅ Hosting Tip: Downloading My E-Book of 15 Side Dish Recipes is a MUST

Whether you're hosting a dinner party, planning a holiday meal, or heading to a potluck, having easy, allergy-friendly sides on hand makes everything simpler (and tastier).

🍠 Simply Sides: The Gluten, Dairy, and Egg Free Way

✔ 15 recipes that are crowd-pleasing, allergy-friendly, and easy to make✔ Just $6.99✔ Instant download from my website

Get Your Copy Here