These 35 Birthday Dinner Ideas Are Our Gift to You, XOXO
These recipes > that super-expensive scene-y spot you were thinking about.
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Hear ye, hear ye! It's time to assess the current state of birthday celebrations! Listen, I love a GNO or group restaurant outing just as much as the next gal, but sometimes these get-togethers lack a bit of intimacy, amirite? Also, while I truly, truly love to indulge with my whole gang, my wallet simply does not want any part in a three-course meal (and don't get me started on cocktails). This is where homemade birthday dinners enter the chat. And that's why I'm here.
If you're down to ring in a solar return with some delicious apps, snacks, and full-fledged entrées, I have an array of recipes waiting for you right here, below. Whether you're planning a romantic b-day celebration for two or a classy soirée with your besties, I promise I've got something impressive but still doable for you on this list. Trust me: cooking at home is a cozy alternative to a normally noisy and (very!) expensive dinner out, plus you can kick things up a notch with a gorge tablescape or by dining alfresco! Who wouldn't want that?!
So, without further ado, scroll down to find 35 delicious birthday dinner ideas. Happy chowing—now go put your party hat on!!!
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
These are basically the fanciest form of lollipop out there, and they're a must on any platter of passed apps. So tender! So juicy!
Get the recipe from Delish.
Mini Caesar Salad Parmesan Cheese Cups
These mini Caesar salads housed in crunchy parmesan cups are the chicest hors d’oeuvres I’ve ever seen. End Tweet.
Get the recipe from Aleka's Get Together.
Cheesy Tomato Basil Baked Orzo
You can think of this orzo baked with tomato and fresh basil as a pasta dish with imposter syndrome. (Or should I say im-pasta syndrome...I'm sorry.) You still get the carbs and the cheese, but it's a little more fancy than whipping up a standard package of noods.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Asparagus Puff Pastry Pocket Squares
One bite of this pastry and you'll have a mouthful of asparagus/prosciutto/smoked gouda deliciousness.
Get the recipe from Rosalynn Daniels.
Chimichurri Quinoa With Flank Steak
Don't you love when a fresh, light side and a hearty main dish join forces to create the perfect plate? Well, that's exactly what we have here.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Chicken Enchilada Bake
This enchilada dish leaves a lot of room for versatility and ingredient swaps (as long as you keep the avocado, because let's be honest, that's non-negotiable). Any way you serve it, it'll be a hit.
Get the recipe from Joy the Baker.
Lemon Pasta
Cozy, creamy, classic—what more do you need in a pasta dish? Bonus: It only requires six ingredients to make, most of which are probably already taking up space in your fridge.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Tomato Herb Pepperoni Pizza
This pie checks all of the pizza boxes, with high marks for its crispy, cheesy, gooey edges. Throw it in the oven ASAP.
Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Burrata Caprese Salad
I firmly believe that every dish is made better by adding a blob of burrata, and this caprese salad puts the gooey cheese front and center. Add as many different types of tomatoes as you can find, a huge glug of olive oil, and some flaky salt, and bam! An instant winner.
Get the recipe from Sweet Tea and Thyme.
Coq Au Vin Blanc
Searching for something sophisticated to serve on your special day? This classic French dish does the trick every time.
Get the recipe from Mon Petit Four.
Vegetable Biryani
No meat, no problem. This traditional Indian spicy rice and veggie recipe could function as a side, but honestly, it's hearty enough to take center stage.
Get the recipe from Food52.
One-Pot Marry Me Chicken
Just one bite is all you'll need to understand how this tender chicken got its name. Something about this recipe inspires lifelong commitment—and tbh, I get it.
Get the recipe from Joy the Baker.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Gnocchi with a sweet potato spin? Hellll yes. There are layers of flavor here that'll blow your mind and your taste buds.
Get the recipe from Preppy Kitchen.
Prosciutto Parmesan Twists
Did someone call for an expert-level appetizer? (Fooled ya, it's actually just puff pastry from the good ol' freezer section.)
Get the recipe from Cravings by Chrissy Teigen.
Brown Sugar Cornish Hens and Cornbread Dressing
I'm a strong believer that cornbread dressing should be an all-year thing, not just a treat reserved for Turkey Day. If you agree, then this recipe is the savory dinner you've been waiting all year for.
Get the recipe from Chef Will Coleman.
Linguine With Clams, Parsley, and Lemon
Is your mouth already watering, or is it just me? This recipe is ridiculously easy to prep, with an obviously delicious payoff (not to mention it looks super fancy).
Get the recipe from Food52.
Red Curry Basil Garlic Noodles
The curry basil flavors here are next level, and the whole dish comes together in just 20 minutes. That's the way all dinner recipes should be!!!
Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
One-Pot Vegan White Bean Soup
An oh-so cozy dish for a chilly fall or spring night. Just look at all those gorgeous colors!
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Creamy Vodka Sauce Pasta
I meannn, the vodka is already gonna be out on the counter thanks to this recipe, so you've got a head start on a party. The toasted rosemary breadcrumbs are the icing on the proverbial cake/pasta.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Curried Pumpkin Soup
Yes, pumpkin curry is on the menu, and it's a no-brainer recipe for autumnal dinners. October birthday queens (I see you, Libras), this one's for you.
Get the recipe from The Modern Proper.
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