Nothing beats a BBQ on a warm day—good food, great company, and the joy of cooking outdoors. But if you’re hosting guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions, planning a BBQ can feel a little more complicated. The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can create a BBQ menu that’s safe, inclusive, and just as delicious.
Ask Your Guests About Their Allergies and Diets in Advance
Before planning your BBQ menu, ask your guests if they have any food allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences. This simple step ensures that no one is left out and helps you avoid last-minute stress.
Common food allergies to be aware of:
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Nuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Eggs
Some guests may also follow vegetarian or vegan diets, meaning they don’t eat meat or animal-based products.
Tip: When sending out invitations, ask guests about dietary restrictions. A simple message like “Let me know if you have any food allergies or dietary preferences!” can go a long way.
Planning the Menu
A well-planned menu means all your guests can enjoy the BBQ without worry. Offer a variety of options to suit different dietary needs.
For guests with food allergies, consider using gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps instead of regular buns, opting for dairy-free cheese alternatives, and avoiding peanut-based sauces. If you’re cooking for someone with a soy allergy, use simple salt, pepper, and herb-based seasonings instead of soy sauce.
For vegetarian guests, offer veggie burgers made from black beans, chickpeas, or lentils. Grilled tofu or tempeh is another great option, as it absorbs flavours well when marinated. Portobello mushrooms are a hearty alternative to burgers, while halloumi cheese skewers add a deliciously salty, grilled option to the mix for vegetarians.
Prevent Cross-Contamination on the Grill
Cross-contamination is a major concern for people with allergies, so it’s essential to cook allergy-safe foods separately. You will also want to keep the vegetarian and meat dishes separate when preparing and cooking.
It’s always best to cook allergen-free and vegetarian foods first to prevent contamination from meat juices or allergens. Also use separate grill sections for cooking meat and allergy-friendly foods. It’s also a good idea to clean the grill thoroughly before cooking any allergy-friendly items and have dedicated tongs and spatulas for different foods.
Tip: Use foil or grill mats to create a barrier between allergy-friendly and regular food on the grill.
Meat-Free BBQ Options
Remember, vegetarian and vegan BBQ options don’t have to be boring. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create dishes that even meat-eaters will love.
Grilled vegetable skewers with peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions add vibrant colours and flavours to the table. Stuffed peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, and spices make a hearty option. Corn on the cob brushed with olive oil and seasoned with salt and lime is a BBQ classic. If you want something with more substance, cauliflower steaks grilled with garlic and herbs provide a satisfying alternative to meat.
Tip: Marinate plant-based foods just like you would meat dishes for extra flavour.
Choosing Those Condiments and Sauces
Condiments and sauces can contain hidden allergens, so it’s important to read labels carefully.
Common Condiments That May Contain Allergens:
- BBQ Sauce (may contain gluten, soy, or high-fructose corn syrup)
- Mayonnaise (contains eggs)
- Soy Sauce (contains soy and gluten)
- Salad Dressings (may contain dairy or nuts)
For shop bought products, always check the ingredients list. Or instead of shop-bought products, consider simple, homemade versions of popular sauces, or choose known allergy-friendly brands that clearly label their ingredients.
Tip: Set up a condiment station with clearly labelled allergen-free options so guests can serve themselves safely.
The Dining Experience
The way you serve your food can make a big difference in keeping your BBQ allergy-safe and welcoming for everyone.
Separate serving areas for allergy-friendly and vegetarian foods can prevent simple mix-ups. Clearly labelling dishes means guests will know exactly what they’re eating, reducing the risk of accidental exposure to allergens.
If you’re offering desserts, include safe options like fresh fruit, dairy-free ice cream, or gluten-free brownies so everyone has something to enjoy.
Tip: If you’re unsure about a dish’s ingredients, let guests know so they can make informed choices.
Telling Your Guests
Once you’ve planned your allergy-friendly and vegetarian BBQ, let your guests know what to expect. This helps avoid confusion and reduces the risk of exposure to anything harmful.
Consider letting guests know about your allergy-friendly and vegetarian options in advance and if someone has a severe allergy, encourage them to bring their own food if they feel more comfortable doing so. Make sure they also know how their food is being prepared, especially if cross-contamination is a concern.
Tip: If a guest has a severe allergy, ask them if they feel comfortable with the precautions you’ve taken.
Final Thoughts
Hosting an allergy-friendly and vegetarian-friendly BBQ doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, you can create a menu that’s safe, inclusive, and just as delicious as a traditional BBQ. And people who do suffer from food intolerances or require something specific will usually be willing to help you make good choices.
By checking with guests beforehand, offering a variety of food options, avoiding cross-contamination, and clearly labelling everything, you ensure that everyone—regardless of dietary restrictions—can enjoy the feast.
So fire up the grill, and start your next get-together.
