Lessons in Lasagna

Last year I hosted a dinner party for some close friends and family. My signature dish is lasagna—hearty, comforting, always a crowd-pleaser—and optionally topped with a drizzle of black truffle oil. So, naturally, I thought it would be the perfect centrepiece for the evening. But things swiftly went pear-shaped. By the time I was done, I had made three different lasagnas—one gluten-free, one vegan, and one traditional meat version. There were two types of pasta, two sauces, and three béchamels. What had started as a simple dinner for friends turned into a colossal undertaking in the kitchen.

If you've ever tried to cater to multiple dietary needs—whether due to allergies, ethical choices, or personal preferences—you know it can be tricky. But with a little planning and a lot of flexibility, you can pull off a dinner that makes everyone feel included without getting lost in a labyrinth of lasagna sheets. Here’s what I wish I knew before hosting a diet-diverse dinner party—while avoiding the three-lasagna drama.

1. Start by Asking About Dietary Needs

Before you even think about the menu, reach out to your guests and ask about any dietary restrictions or preferences. It might feel awkward at first, but your guests will appreciate it. Some people avoid certain foods for medical reasons, like allergies, while others do so for ethical reasons, like being vegan or vegetarian. Others may follow specific diets for health, such as gluten-free or dairy-free.

In the UK, there are 14 common allergens that must be highlighted in food, so it’s important to consider these when planning your menu. Nuts, shellfish, eggs, and soy can trigger serious reactions, so knowing what to avoid is key. Additionally, some guests might have cultural or religious dietary restrictions, like avoiding pork or alcohol. Being mindful of these goes a long way in making sure everyone feels welcome and safe at your dinner.

2. Offer a Variety of Dishes (But Don’t Overdo It!)

If there’s one thing I wish I had known before lasagna-geddon, it’s this: offer a variety of dishes that can easily be adapted, but don’t try to make too many versions of everything. I spent hours just trying to keep my three lasagnas straight—and it quickly became a logistical nightmare.

Instead of making multiple versions of every dish, think about meals that can be easily customised to suit different diets. Here are some ideas:

• Build-Your-Own Dishes: Taco bars, grain bowls, or salad stations are perfect because they let everyone pick and choose their ingredients, catering to almost any dietary need without extra work. For tacos, offer gluten-free (corn) tortillas, vegan proteins like beans or tofu, and plenty of toppings, from guacamole to pico de gallo.

• Plant-Based Mains: Many plant-based dishes are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making them great for accommodating different diets. A vegetable stir-fry, a hearty lentil curry, or a big roasted vegetable platter can serve as satisfying main courses without needing special substitutions.

• Inclusive Sides: Side dishes are where you can really shine. Roasted veggies, quinoa, mashed potatoes with dairy-free butter, and gluten-free pasta salads are all great choices that can easily fit different dietary needs.

3. Avoid Cross-Contamination

When cooking for people with food allergies or sensitivities, cross-contamination is a serious concern. Even trace amounts of an allergen—like peanuts, gluten, or dairy—can cause severe reactions. So, if you're preparing multiple dishes, make sure to avoid cross-contact between ingredients. This means using separate utensils, cutting boards, and serving dishes for different food types, especially when dealing with allergens.

For example, when making my gluten-free lasagna, I made sure to use separate utensils to cook each variety of ragu and béchamel and to serve each final dish. If you’re working with dairy-free and vegan options, ensure they don’t come into contact with dairy or meat products. It might seem like extra effort, but it’s worth it to ensure your guests’ safety.

4. Clear Labels and Communication

Once you’ve got your dishes planned, make sure to clearly label them. This is especially helpful when you’ve got a variety of dietary needs to accommodate. A small sign or card that says “Gluten-Free,” “Vegan,” or “Nut-Free” can help your guests quickly identify what they can enjoy. It also takes some of the pressure off you, so you don’t have to answer the same questions over and over.

If you have any dishes that contain common allergens (like dairy, nuts, or soy), make sure those are clearly marked as well. That way, people can make an informed decision about what to eat, and you can avoid any accidental mix-ups.

5. Drinks and Desserts—A Little Extra Fun

Drinks and desserts are often the funnest part of any dinner party, and you can easily make them inclusive without a lot of extra work. For drinks, offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Sparkling water, fresh juices, and mocktails are all refreshing choices that suit almost any diet.

As for dessert, don’t leave anyone out! Just because someone is vegan or gluten-free doesn’t mean they don’t want something sweet. Fruit sorbets, dairy-free chocolate mousse, or San Sebastian cheesecake are all great options. The key is to have a few things on hand so everyone can indulge without feeling left out.

6. Keep It Mindful, Keep It Demure

At the end of the day, hosting a dinner party is about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and included. Sure, food is a huge part of that, but so is the atmosphere. Be open to adjusting things as needed—maybe someone needs a small tweak to a dish, or a guest asks about a certain ingredient. Roll with it, and don’t stress about perfection. After all, it’s the people and the connections that make the evening memorable, not whether you got the lasagna just right.

A Dinner Party for All

Hosting a dinner party for friends with different dietary needs doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. By offering a variety of inclusive dishes, labelling food clearly, and avoiding cross-contamination, you can ensure everyone feels welcome and well-fed. Whether you're catering to food allergies, dietary preferences, or cultural or religious restrictions, your guests will appreciate the effort you put in. And while my guests seemed to enjoy their many lasagnas, next time I will definitely make something simpler, with fewer saucy layers, less chewy, crispy cheese, and without the pungent aroma of truffle . . . ok, maybe just one lasagna.