Who doesn't love being served up an extra-special and delicious dinner on their birthday? Here are some birthday dinner ideas that Taste of Home readers (like you!) make on special occasions.
35 Birthday Dinner Ideas Our Readers Love
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Seafood Lasagna
This rich satisfying dish, adapted from a recipe given to me by a friend, is my husband’s favorite. I usually serve it on his birthday. It’s loaded with scallops, shrimp and crab in a creamy sauce. I consider this the “crown jewel” in my repertoire of recipes. —Elena Hansen, Ruidoso, New Mexico
1/35
2/35
Shredded Lamb Sliders
Total Time
6 hours 45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Lamb, a wonderful special-occasion meat, is a big crowd-pleaser in these delicious sliders. I served up about 1,500 in two days when I made them for the Great American Beer Fest, using every little bit to satisfy the very last customer. It’s a great birthday dinner idea, too! —Craig Kuczek, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 339 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
3/35
Pineapple-Onion Pork Chops
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I prepared these tender pork chops for my teenage grandson’s birthday meal. Brown sugar and pineapple juice provide the onion-topped entree with its sweetness. —Marjorie Bruner, Parchment, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 294 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
4/35
Blue Cheese-Mushroom Stuffed Tenderloin
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my go-to entree for just about any special occasion. Filled with a savory stuffing, the sliced tenderloin looks and tastes like a specialty from an upscale restaurant. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 499 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 52g protein.
Psst! Planning the big 50 bash? These 50th birthday party food ideas won’t disappoint.
5/35
Pressure-Cooker Tequila Salsa Chicken
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I had this dish at a local Mexican restaurant when celebrating a friend’s birthday. I fell in love with the spicy, smoky flavor from the tequila and decided to try Instant Pot salsa chicken at home. Boy, was it a success! It’s also great stuffed into flour tortillas or for making nachos. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 187 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1107mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
6/35
Chicken Strips
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 388 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
7/35
Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking for birthday dinner ideas, these impressive cast-iron skillet steaks are guaranteed to please. They’re perfect for a special-occasion dinner without too much fuss. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 506 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
8/35
Chicken in Puff Pastry
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll never believe a dish this scrumptious, comforting and impressive-looking could be made with just five ingredients! It offers such an easy way to entertain friends. —Gina Hobbs, Tifton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 496 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
9/35
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
10/35
Pizza Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 casseroles (10 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
11/35
Beef Brisket Tacos
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Birthday parties back home were big gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else we considered family. As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with frijoles, tostadas, salsas and huge bowls of salad. Brisket was the dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker. —Yvette Marquez, Littleton, Colorado Muy Bueno Recipes + Stories
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
12/35
Apple Pork Loin
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this slow cooker pork roast with apples for chilly fall dinners with my family. The apple pork loin tastes even better served with homemade mashed potatoes. —Rachel Schultz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 290 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
13/35
Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For years I wondered why people raved about ribs. I didn't have the patience or energy to bother with them, until I made this recipe. Now I'm a believer, too.—Merle Dyck, Elkford, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 468 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
14/35
Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me about 25 years ago. Ever since then, it's been a go-to whenever I need good food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 419 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
15/35
Italian Turkey Cutlets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I’m watching my weight, I’ve used this recipe for years. Served with a flavorful tomato sauce, these cutlets taste so good that my son, who is thin and doesn’t need to worry about his weight, requests them for his birthday dinner! —Janet Bumb, Beallsville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 242 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
16/35
Company Mac and Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is by far the creamiest, tastiest and most special macaroni and cheese I have ever tried. I’m not usually a fan of the homemade kind, but when a friend served this mac and cheese with cream cheese, I had to have the recipe. Since it’s so little fuss and well received, it’s a terrific potluck dish. —Catherine Odgen, Middlegrove, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 468 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
17/35
Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Celery
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed with a succulent combination of wild rice, mushrooms and dried cranberries, these golden hens are sure to become a special-occasion entree in your home. They're a wonderful change of pace from traditional turkey. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 Cornish hen (calculated with skin removed before serving): 336 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/35
Grilled Lobster Tails
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never tried grilling lobster tails at home until I tried this convenient and deliciously different recipe. It turned out amazing, and has left me with little reason to ever order grilled lobster tail at a restaurant again. —Katie Rush, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 lobster tail: 446 calories, 29g fat (4g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 869mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.
19/35
Penne alla Vodka
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 504 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 966mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
20/35
Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This baked rosemary chicken with a tangy lemon sauce is my husband's favorite, and my sister always wants it for her birthday dinner. —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 tablespoon sauce: 252 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 355mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
21/35
Best Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
22/35
Savory Roasted Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you want an impressive birthday dinner idea, you can’t go wrong with this golden chicken. The moist, tender meat is enhanced with a hint of orange, savory and thyme. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 197 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
23/35
Buttery Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
24/35
Company Pot Roast
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The aroma of this roast slowly cooking in the oven is absolutely mouthwatering. It gives the home such a cozy feeling, even on the chilliest winter days. —Anita Osborne, Thomasburg, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked meat with 2 cups vegetables and 1/4 cup gravy: 713 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 1437mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 49g protein.
25/35
Grilled Beer Brats with Kraut
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this for my son’s 21st birthday bonfire, which included a dozen buddies. The kraut topping flavors are fabulous. —Keeley Weber, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 582 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1473mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
26/35
Pork Loin with Raspberry Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Raspberries add rub red color and fruity sweetness to the sauce that enhances this savory pork roast. This is an easy way to transform everyday pork into a special-occasion main dish. —Florence Nurczyk, Toronto, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 322 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
27/35
Lasagna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, this was the meal I always wanted on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 667 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1209mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
28/35
Tropical Island Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The marinade makes a savory statement in this all-time-favorite chicken recipe that I served at our son's pirate-themed birthday party. It smelled so good on the grill that guests could hardly wait to try a piece! —Sharon Hanson, Franklin, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 296 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
29/35
Spicy-Good Chicken Wings
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy eating these chicken wings while watching football on TV, but make them for any special occasion for a crowd favorite! The pepper sauce gives just the right amount of heat.—Della Clutts, New Tazewell, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer (calculated without salad dressing): 225 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
30/35
Mushroom-Stuffed Flank Steak Roll
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and her family, who live in Hong Kong, love to make my flank steak becuase it reminds them of home. —Ethel Klyasheff, Granite City, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with stuffing: 358 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1345mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
31/35
Chicken Thighs with Tomato-Vodka Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I originally invented this scrumptious dish to celebrate a friend's 21st birthday, and it has since become a quick and easy family favorite. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/3 cup sauce: 307 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
32/35
Dijon Beef Tenderloin
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like having an ace recipe up my sleeve, and this tenderloin with Dijon is my go-to for birthdays, buffets and holidays. —Donna Lindecamp, Morganton, NC
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/4 cup sauce: 317 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
33/35
Bacon Pasta
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
34/35
Biscuit Turkey Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a college student, I go for stick-to-your-ribs foods that are also easy on the budget. Here's one that fits the bill. I like to bake this casserole for friends' birthdays. —Stephanie Denning, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 1117mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
35/35
Merlot Filet Mignon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Although this is such a simple recipe, you can feel confident serving it to any guests. The rich sauce adds a touch of elegance. Just add a salad and rolls. —Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 2 tablespoons sauce: 690 calories, 43g fat (20g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 49g protein.
