25 Best Friday Night Dinner Ideas

Gotcha! No need to fret, it **really** has **nothing** to do with the cheese.

But this list of friday night dinner ideas is.

I know you have a date planned out, and there’s no way you’re going to be able to cook in front of the TV.

But I also know that sometimes, a little inspiration goes a long way.

That’s why I’ve come up with my own set of “fix-it” recipes.

And today, I’m sharing them with you right here!

From chili cheese dogs to shepherd’s pie, there are so many delicious recipes that will make your next family meal memorable.

So if you need a new dish to add to your weekly rotation, check out these easy recipes.

1. Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner

This chili cheese dog bake is the perfect treat for you or your family.

It’s got all the flavors of chili and cheese, but it’s even better with a crispy, chewy, cheesy baked potato on top.

Best of all, it only takes 45 minutes to make!

2. One Pan Maple Glazed Salmon

It’s a shame that salmon is so hard to cook.

You definitely need to use good quality fish that won’t dry out and become rubbery.

Not only will this recipe give you the best texture, but it also tastes divine!

The maple glaze gives the fish an incredible flavor with a sweet and slightly salty contrast.

Plus, it’s super easy to prepare.

Just toss everything into one pan (except the zucchini) and let it do its thing.

Serve with rice for a healthy meal, or enjoy as-is for some extra protein.

3. Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings

If you’ve been on a quest for the perfect Buffalo dish, these grilled buffalo chicken wings are the way to go.

The grill takes a little bit of time but not much.

You can make them your own by adding different spices and seasonings to suit your tastes.

They’re super delicious with blue cheese or ranch dressing.

4. Mini Pizza Turkey Meatloaves

When you’re throwing a party, it’s important to have something yummy on hand.

And I know from experience that mini pizzas are the way to go!

Plus, these turkey meatloaves are so easy to make and pack a tasty punch.

And since they only take about 30 minutes, the prep time is minimal.

You can whip up 90 mini pizzas in just 20 minutes.

If you want even more flavor, add some marinara sauce at the end.

5. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

What’s better than a bowl of pasta? A bowl of creamy sun-dried tomato pesto pasta.

This recipe is delectable.

It has the perfect blend of tangy, fresh tomatoes and zesty sun-dried tomatoes.

It’s also bursting with bold basil and garlic that provide warmth and flavor.

Sprinkle in some parmesan cheese or mozzarella to finish this dish off.

Yum!

6. Nacho Pot Pie

I know this is kind of a cheat, but why not just add in some queso?

This hearty pot pie combines the best of both worlds with tender chicken and creamy queso.

And if that’s not enough for you, try adding corn salsa to the filling.

It will take it over the top!

7. Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

Who says meatballs are for the kids?

This baked Italian chicken meatballs recipe is just what you need to spice up your summer cooking.

It’s made with tender, juicy chicken and fantastic seasonings.

The combination of mozzarella, basil, oregano, and garlic creates flavor that will knock your socks off.

Serve this as a main course or an appetizer.

It’s sure to be a hit!

8. The Best Coca Cola Chicken Recipe

One of my favorite things about chicken is how well it pairs with soft drinks.

Honestly, I’ve never tried a recipe that didn’t work great with soda, but this one does.

The skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and flavorful.

The Coca-Cola adds a sweet flavor that goes perfectly with the savory chicken.

Also, this recipe requires very little effort.

It calls for just 6 ingredients and can be prepared in 20 minutes!

9. Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas

Black beans and enchiladas are a classic combo.

And this recipe combines those two staples to create an addictive, healthy dish.

They’re packed with veggies and protein, making them ideal for keto diets.

The black beans give them a rich earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the bright salsa sauce.

This dish is also perfect for summer barbecues!

10. Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish

Blackened Mahi Mahi is another one of my favorite ways to cook fish.

The blackening process infuses the fish with a rich, smoky flavor while also giving it a nice char on the outside.

You’ll use the same simple ingredients as you would for blackening chicken, so you can trust this recipe without any trouble.

Serve these blackened mahi mahi for your next dinner party or take them to work for lunch!

11. Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Beef stew is one of my favorite fall meals.

It’s warm and comforting, and the flavors are just divine.

This recipe is pretty basic.

You’ll just add some beef in with some potatoes, carrots, and onion.

There might be a few other herbs and seasoning to give it a fresh taste, but it’s still good enough for most.

12. Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf

This recipe is the perfect meatloaf if you want something a little different.

It’s made with ground beef, carrots, onions, and Lipton onion soup mix.

It’s then baked until golden brown, creating a tender and flavorful loaf.

Serve it with some green beans or potatoes for an extra tasty meal!

13. The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a classic British dessert that everyone loves.

And while there are many versions of the dish, this one is my favorite.

The filling mixes together potatoes, carrots, and onions with a rich gravy base made from beef stock and bacon.

It just as tasty on its own as it is with all your favorite toppings (buttered scallions, peas, and even ketchup).

14. Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie

Vegans and meat lovers rejoice!

This delicious pie is the perfect solution to a cheeseburger craving.

The crust is made with Bisquick, so there’s no need to mess around with yeast.

You just mix your ingredients until it comes together and then roll it out in a dish pan.

Place the filling in the pan, top it with cheese, and bake for 30 minutes.

Serve this pie warm and enjoy!

15. Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

The best way to use up shrimp is by boiling them, so you can extract all the good stuff from the shell.

This recipe will cook large chunks of shrimp in just 15 minutes.

And you’ll only need a handful of ingredients!

It’s like taking an easy 10-minute cooking class when it comes to this dish.

16. Goan Fish Curry

This Goan fish curry is a tasty treat for the belly.

Made with fresh catch of the day, it’s packed with an array of yummy flavors.

The curry paste is made from Masoor dal and coconut milk.

Then, you’ll add spices to this mix to create a rich and complex flavor profile that will make your tastebuds dance!

17. Extra Cheese Pizza

If you’re looking for something a little different, try this extra cheese pizza!

It uses mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan in the crust to add a rich creaminess that’s so good.

I like to drizzle on some hot sauce when I slice it.

I know that might be too much for some people, but it takes the edge off.

If you want to get even more indulgent than that, you can throw in some caramelized onions and roasted red peppers.

18. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These tacos are filled with crunchy shells and soft, juicy shrimp.

The combination of flavors is utterly irresistible.

The mix of tart, lime-infused lime juice and rich spices make for a flavor explosion in every bite.

This dish will take your taste buds on a journey to paradise!

19. Toad in the Hole

A toad in the hole is a typical British dish of mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding.

This version uses mushrooms – which are kind of like little toads you can add to the mash.

They’ll give it an earthy, meaty flavor.

The result is a hearty tonic that should satisfy even the most carnivorous of eaters!

20. Crab Rangoon Pizza Recipe

This crab rangoon pizza is the perfect way to show off your kitchen skills!

Each bite bursts with a flavorful mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.

The crust itself is crispy and buttery, while the toppings bring it all together.

It’s tangy, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy.

And because you’ll use homemade crescent rolls for the crust, it’s just as easy to make as any other pizza!

21. Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a soup that’s hearty, filling, and scrumptious all at once, this cheeseburger soup is the way to go.

It’s made of ground beef, elbow macaroni (a type of pasta with a lot of noodles), bell peppers, onions, potatoes, French fries (or chopped corn chips or tortilla strips), and cheese.

Feel free to add extra veggies if you like them!

It has lots of good stuff in it – tons of protein and lots of vitamins.

Plus, it tastes delicious.

22. Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Here’s another simple, yet ridiculously spectacular dish that makes a great appetizer or side.

Honey and lemon are the ultimate flavor duo.

They brighten up everything from salads to burgers.

And they combine beautifully in these wings!

The honey glaze is sweet, but doesn’t overpower the crispy chicken.

Instead, it adds a nice touch of tanginess to balance out the sweetness.

You can serve these with potato chips or even a drizzle of ranch dressing if you want something extra creamy.

23. Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are another easy recipe that’ll make your party guests drool.

With a smoky and spice-filled filling of ground beef, tomato paste, onions, and bell pepper, these stuffed peppers have the perfect blend of heat and flavor.

Serve them with a side of rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Bon appetit!

24. Baked Falafel Burgers

Who doesn’t love a good falafel burger?

You can have it ready to go in under 20 minutes! And these are so scrummy, you’ll want to make them again and again.

The patties are made with ground chickpeas, spices, and a bunch of fresh herbs.

Then they get baked until golden brown before being topped with the warm falafel mixture for added flavor.

Serve them with tahini dressing or hummus for even more flavor.

Or pair them with crunchy veggies like carrots and cucumbers.

25. Spicy Dorito Nachos with Cheese (Oven Baked)

Doritos, salsa, sour cream, and cheese are on the menu for spicy Doritos nachos.

They’re hearty and cheesy, but they’re also insanely hot! So beware if you like your heat with a little less.

This recipe is a great alternative to the traditional nacho recipe.

Rather than chips, it calls for crackers instead.

But how do you feel about that?

It’s still nachos at its finest.

Serve this dish up with chips and guacamole for extra flavor.

Or make it as a dip with tortilla chips and melty cheese.

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