What do you cook when you have fussy guests for dinner?

[TedOnTheBed]

Have a family we are friends with coming for dinner on Friday night, they are all very fussy so I am struggling to think of something suitable to cook. They don’t have any allergies but two of my dc do so that eliminates things they would normal eat like waffles, nuggets etc.

Pizza bases and they put the toppings on themselves?

What sort of fussy?

I have one friend who only eats 3 different veg but is otherwise OK.
Another friend is vegan but eats anything plant based that is offered

Spatchcock chicken, roasted new potatoes and fresh veg like broccoli, beans etc. Can't fail.😀

What do you mean fussy?

I don't invite fussy eaters to dinner.

I would do either pizza with everyone able to choose their own toppings or I'd do pasta and make two sauces. Basic tomato (or bolo) and then something like Jamie Oliver's winter pesto.

Or you cook something simple but good that you know your DC will eat and have a large side salad or stock up the fruit basket.

You need to say what the things are they don’t eat. Or what they will eat?

Get a takeaway. Can't deal with fussy people. Allergies are different.

I don't invite fussy eaters to dinner.

Helpful input. 🤣

Plain roast chicken, buttered new potatoes or jacket pots and a selection of veg. Served up at the table so they can help themselves to whichever of the veg they like. It's a very plain, easy but tasty meal.

If I’m cooking for all of us these days - I would make fajitas/ tacos - something like that. We have too many (conflicting) allergies for everyone to eat the same, and then there are some dietary preferences.
But if there’s an over-arching theme to the meal - it feels like we are eating together.

Cancel.
You will never please fussy eaters.
They will be rehearsing the script now.
One will have become vegan two days ago. Another will be starting a gluten free diet.

Enjoy. 😁😁😁

I presume by you saying they normally eat nuggets and waffles that it’s just the children of your friends that are fussy? Could you do plan pasta or similar for the kids and something else for the adults?

As the parent of a child with ARFID, this is exactly the sort of situation that would be causing me worry. Not saying that’s the situation this family are in, but it’s possible. Can you have a frank discussion with the parent, and ask them to suggest a couple if dishes which work for them? It’s just not possible for us to make suggestions on here in a vacuum. We have absolutely no idea of the level of eating issues/type of preference.

It’s great that you’re open to catering for them, and once you start the conversation you may find they have a simple solution. If it were my child, I would be proactively bringing it up so that we didn’t cause too many problems. I know it’s frustrating for those who don’t have ‘fussy eaters’, but for those of us stuck in the situation it can be socially embarrassing and even isolating, so a host’s willingness to look at options is really appreciated.

Tortilla wraps where people choose their own toppings work well. Can accommodate vegans, fussy eaters and gluten free if you get the special wraps for them.

Toast. They can choose their own toppings. HTH

Can you get a takeaway you’ll all eat?

How fussy? I’m a fussy eater but when I’m at someone’s house there is very little I actually won’t eat. Id ask what they can’t eat and cook something they can. Not the same, but We are friends with a gluten free vegan…I just ask for recipes- it’s easier!

Meals I’ve successfully eaten with ‘fussy’ eaters include:

Mexican - put out wraps, rice, grated cheese, selection of dips/spreads (hummus, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, mayo, tomato ketchup, BBQ sauce), lettuce, cucumber, peppers, sweetcorn and then serve A) breaded chicken strips/nuggets B) plain chicken breast C) chicken cooked in spices.

Italian - garlic bread & plain baguette, salad (served as separate items, not mixed), plain pasta of 2 types e.g. penne and spaghetti with A) smooth tomato sauce B) bolognaise sauce, platter of sliced meat and then cheese to grate. Add pizza (plain margarita) if need more!

Buffet with chips! - lots of options for plain stuff not mixed (see salad as above) and then add e.g. sausages, quiche/pie, plain roast chicken and serve with a lot of chips!

Steak
Pizza
Roast chicken
Pasta

@SenecaFallsRedux

I don't invite fussy eaters to dinner.

Same. Too much hassle

Simple roast chicken dinner or pasta, make an oven dinner for some of them - kind of buffet type thing. Honestly, if I have guests |I just want everyone to be adequately fed, - I'd ask them what they normally ate.

What are the allergies?
And what sort of things do the fussy family like/dislike?

Would they be happier with a BYO, or mix and match, where they know that they'll be able to eat at least one thing - the one they brought?

I obviously need new specs. I read the title as funny gussets.

i'll get my coat