What to cook? 9 people, 2 dairy sensitive

[EmmaStone]

I'm struggling with what to make. My brother, SIL visiting (they live a long way away, I've not entertained them for years), our parents coming and an aunt and uncle. 9 people in total. 2 are dairy sensitive/intolerant, traditional tastes, nothing (too) spicy, no curries.

Ideas so far include a slow cooked shoulder of lamb, but I'd normally make with dauphinois potatoes, but even with oat milk/cream, added cheese for the top may be too much. I could do 2 types of potato, but rather not. Also thought lasagne, but again, cheese. Chilli seems a little too casual?

I'll be working all week, they're coming Saturday lunchtime, so also needs to be relatively straightforward or make in advance. DH currently convalescing with a recently broken leg, so although he'll help where he can, he's challenged by pain killers and crutches.

Lasagne and garlic bread but find a vegan recipe and still use meat. Vegan cheese is pretty good if you find the right one that doesn't smell and taste like vomit, but obviously without the dairy. There's a really nice apple cheese they do that actually tastes like cheese. So if you're normal recipe calls for cheese, just switch to vegan cheese.

Roast potatoes and roasted root vegetables with the lamb and maybe some steamed green vegetables?

There are loads of dairy free meal options.

Vegan cheese is horrible BTW.

Mexicana do an amazing proper melty vegan cheese if you can find it.

Can you not do roast baby potatoes with for example garlic and rosemary. Gravy. Veg. Whatever accoutrements you eat with lamb, only with different potatoes (I don't eat lamb)

Spaghetti Bolognese with garlic bread on side. No parmesan for the dairy free obviously

I'd do coq au vin or chicken chasseur with green veg and mashed potatoes.

Actually, my first thought was a roast dinner but with Potatoes Boulangère instead of Dauphinoise (which I think are a bit rich with a roast, despite it being my favourite type of potato dish):

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/boulangere-potatoes

They're also none the worse for being cooked in advance and then reheated, always a bonus if you're entertaining.

Beef casserole, dumplings, veg. Easy.

For puddings oat or almond milk is grand for custards

Chicken Provençal, Green Salad, Rice and some nice crusty bread. Easy to make in advance ...and delicious.

Cottage/shepherds pie with a green medley side? Make the evening before and just pop in the oven to reheat. Easy and quick if your short on time.

Do baked potatoes with two types of fillings, cheese and veg type dish
baked appples

Thanks so much everyone. Loving the chicken ideas actually, definitely crowd pleasers 👍.

Chicken and lemon traybake. www.nigella.com/recipes/slow-roasted-garlic-and-lemon-chicken

There are a few other Nigella recipes www.nigella.com/recipes/chicken-traybakes

But she's not the only one, have a look and see what catches your eye!

It's in the link above but I came on to suggest this one

www.nigella.com/recipes/one-pan-sage-and-onion-chicken-and-sausage

Really easy to prepare ahead and the shove in oven. I'd serve with olive oil roasted potatoes- chop up small, lightly coat in olive oil and season - add some herbs if fancy and put in oven for about 40 mins. Then steamed veg or salad . Or some roasted veg and then it's all in oven?

Delias chicken and tarragon
Rice with some chopped spring onions and almonds stirred through or baby new potatoes (with butter on the side)
peas and carrots

dessert …chocolate cake with macerated strawberries and cream on the side for those that wish

Coq au vin served with potatoes Boulangère, the potatoes are made in the same way as dauphinois, but with a chicken or vegetable stock, so no cheese or dairy is involved.
Another idea is chicken Provençal with tomatoes and olives, but that might be a bit too foreign for your guests, though the flavours are robust rather than spicy.

Pork tenderloin with shallots, apples and mushrooms, cooked in cider.
Or a puff pastry beef and ale pie.
Either could be served with roast potatoes, and green veg so easy to prep ahead.

How about boeuf bourgignonne?

I definitely wouldn’t do something like lasagne and swap in a load of weird alternatives when so many foods are naturally dairy free.

I'm so appreciative of this thread (and now VERY hungry). I'm going to try loads of these out (my cooking has got into a bit of a rut, so this inspiration of fairly ordinary but delicious recipes ticks LOADS of boxes). Thank you all so much!