27 Delicious Birthday Party Dinner Ideas
Why go out for a special birthday when you can make a celebration that impresses at home? Whether it’s for your kids, spouse, parents, or bestie, you don’t want to make the same old things you always make, no matter how good they are. So we bring you some out of the ordinary birthday dinner ideas.
A birthday dinner calls for something special, something that makes that birthday guy or gal feel loved and adored. Not to mention blissfully happy with a full belly.
If dinner reservations at your favorite restaurant are all booked up or you’d rather keep things cozy and intimate, dig into these 27 birthday dinner ideas that will surely surprise and delight!
Spaghetti and Meatballs
For the traditionalist, spaghetti and meatballs are a wonderful birthday dinner idea. Kids will always eat it all up, plus it’s a throwback to your Italian grandma’s cooking.
The aroma will waft through your home as these juicy meatballs join with the simmering sauce to make a meal everyone will want more of.
Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
How about a meatless pasta dish instead? This one is big on the cheese with pillows of potato gnocchi as the anchor for all that sauce.
It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for a cozy birthday evening in, or even as a side dish to flank a big birthday dinner gathering. Make a big portion, for this one will go fast.
Seafood Paella
Give yourself an early birthday treat by getting a paella pan. But hey, if it’s not your birthday and you don’t have one, try a 13-inch or large, shallow, wide and heavy skillet and that will do the trick.
Brimming with scrumptious seafood flavors, this traditional dish from Spain is a perfect birthday dinner idea for bringing the fiesta to any birthday dinner!
Cacio e Pepe
Simple and elegant, cacio e pepe is just pasta with cheese and pepper. The flavors are what impresses though, and if you can pile it in just the right way on your best plates, this will be a birthday dinner winner for sure.
The secret to your success is using the right cheeses like Pecorino and fresh Grana Padano to get the flavor and texture down perfectly.
Moules-Frites
Don’t worry about pronouncing it. This French dish simply means “Mussels and Fries.” And while this birthday dinner ideas is simple, it explodes with flavors.
Perfect for the birthday dinner of someone that adores seafood, it’s a hands-on dining experience you’ll all treasure together. Go to the seafood counter and get the mussels fresh for that birthday guest deserves the best!
Seafood Lasagna
If the traditional form of lasagna is usually in your weekly rotation, change things up by serving a birthday dinner of seafood lasagna. It’s creamy and rich, bursting with delicious shrimp and crab.
You’ll be glad you’re making a big pan of it because you’re going to want seconds. And thirds! Learn the recipe from Family Fresh Meals.
Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
What better way to say “Happy Birthday” than with a nice, juicy steak and potatoes? It’s a perfect match for this kind of special occasion.
Rib eye or sirloin would definitely fit, though ask your butcher to cut it thick for a truly sublime experience. Don’t forget that steaks cook best when you bring them to room temperature first. For a great way to make it, check this garlic butter recipe from Le Crème De La Crumb.
Chicken Milanese
Should steak be a bit out of your birthday budget, don’t despair. Chicken Milanese is the kind of dish you’ll find at the best Italian restaurants out there.
Crispy and golden with hints of lemon, it cooks quickly because you pound the meat thin. Serve it up with arugula and shaved parmesan to decorate that birthday plate!
Broiled Lobster Tails
Going out for lobster can cost a small fortune. But if you get lobster tails from the seafood market, you’ll be able to get enough for everyone at your table for about the same cost as ordering a whole one from a restaurant.
Pair it with some steak or simply reveal in the buttery goodness of this easy birthday dinner idea from the sea. See how to make it from Wholesome Yum.
Lobster Bisque
Better yet, why not begin with a lovely, creamy lobster bisque? You’ll need chunks of lobster so grab an extra tail or claws to throw in there.
It’s an indulgent way to start off a meal. And yes, it’s perfectly fine to go over the top with lobster for a birthday!
Lobster Risotto
Hopefully, you’re not lobstered-out by now. This lobster risotto can also be made with lobster tails.
It comes together in a flash and presents just beautifully. Pull out your best plates for this delicacy that will be sure to make anyone’s birthday even better.
Chicken Piccata
Capers, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and dry white wine come together to make a succulent sauce perfect for chicken. It’s light and refreshing, and with a little more white wine in your glass, it’s a wonderful birthday dinner idea.
Pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or quinoa. Because it’s not too heavy, you can be sure you’ll have room for that birthday cake!
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
How about an impressive birthday dinner that only requires 15 minutes of prep time? We’ve got your attention now, huh?
Brisket is a tough cut of meat that basically melts in your mouth after slow cooking it all day long. Throw it in your crock pot and let it do all the work. You’ll make whatever sides you want and voila! Birthday dinner will be ready for everyone to enjoy tonight!
Flank Steak Tacos
If the birthday guest of honor has requested a fiesta, you can’t let them down. Tacos are the perfect solution.
Make them with flank steak and they become so much more elite than your usual ground beef tacos. The best part? You can set up a taco bar and let everyone pile on the toppings they want!
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
For something a bit exotic and epicurean, Beef Bourguignon is a delightful French stew. But why slave over the stove when your slow cooker can do all the hard work?
The beef will simply melt in your mouth along with the slow-cooked veggies all in a rich and savory sauce. Dim the lights and light those fancy candles up to transport yourselves to a French café in Paris for your birthday fun!
Chicken Pot Pie
A labor of love, chicken pot pie is brimming with creamy chicken and vegetables under the guise of a pie crust. It’s indulgent and divine, perfect for a birthday celebration!
Save time by using premade pie crust and you’ll be golden…literally! This splendid dish will show them you really care.
Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Lobster and beef are special, but let’s not overlook pork tenderloin. In fact, it’s so elegant and unexpected, it will make the best birthday surprise of all.
The meat comes out tender and juicy while the flavorful crust brings it all home. And the bourbon mustard sauce? Oh man! You’ll want to pour it on everything! You’ll find this recipe here at From A Chef’s Kitchen.
Balsamic Brown Sugar Lamb Chops
Straight from the fine dining restaurant and into your kitchen, scrumptious lamb chops await for your pleasure. They’re seared, then basted for the ultimate in incredible flavor.
Choose grits for a more southern presentation or even mashed potatoes…the sauce is something you don’t want to miss a bite of for that birthday.
Coq Au Vin
This French recipe that Julia Child made approachable is another win for that birthday din! However, this simplified version makes it a bit easier and less time consuming.
Made with white wine instead, it’s the kitchen hack you need to turn out effortless French food for this celebration.
Mushroom Pork Scallopini
This twist on the original scallopini style which features lemon and capers is ideal for mushroom lovers. In just 2 steps, you’ve got a full meal to feed a crowd.
Think family-style Italian with a base of fettucine to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Baked Pasta With Eggplant
Does the one with the birthday have dietary restrictions? This delish baked pasta dish with eggplant bakes up in your oven for a sensational casserole-style meal.
It’s vegetarian and can be made dairy-free and even gluten-free too. If you’ve got a big crowd gathering to celebrate another milestone trip around the sun, make it!
Ultimate Charcuterie Board
Whether you prefer to let everyone graze on the big birthday or want to open things up in style, a bountiful charcuterie board is an essential item for your party.
Brimming with cheeses, meats, and other accoutrements, guests can grab all the tasty delights they like and sip wine for a sophisticated gathering. Learn how to make it from Lemon Tree Dwelling.
Ravioli Lasagna
For the novice cook or anyone that wants a fool-proof birthday dinner everyone will love, ravioli lasagna will kill it.
Made with layers of frozen cheese ravioli rather than lasagna noodles, you can be sure it will be cheesy enough to please even your pickiest guests. Yup, even kids love it!
Bouillabaisse
Pull out all the stops with Bouillabaisse, a French seafood dish that makes for an impressive birthday meal.
Filled with fresh fish, scallops, and shrimp in an anchovy butter sauce, it’s nothing short of decadent. This Bobby Flay recipe can be found on Food Network.
Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken
With only 6 ingredients, you’ll fill your house with the kind of heavenly aroma that brings everyone to that birthday table.
The skin comes out crispy while the meat is tender and juicy. Serve it with potatoes and sauteed greens or perhaps a crispy salad. Fresh-baked rolls would be a perfect accompaniment for this occasion too.
Seared Garlic and Lemon Scallops
Scallops are a fancy ingredient that’s so easy to make, no one realizes how little time it takes to cook. Presented in all those 5-star restaurants, you can easily sear up and serve up your own scallops in just 10 minutes.
Tender inside with a slight crisp on the outside, they make the perfect way to start your meal as an appetizer or for an elegant main dish.
Fantastic Fondue Dinner
And should this birthday gathering be a more intimate affair with your significant other or another couple or two, there’s truly nothing more impressive than hosting a fondue dinner.
Pull out all the stops with cheese fondue with all the dipping items you want from brussels sprouts to steak tips and everything in between. When you go all out like this, don’t forget to make a chocolate version for dessert.
That’s 27 different ways to make a special birthday dinner for someone special. It could even be for yourself but hopefully someone else will take over in the kitchen and let you put your feet up in style.
About the Author
Camellia Jones is an editor at Twigs Cafe. She rounds up all the delicious food from the web for specific diets. She likes to spend the rest of her time with her children.
