You don’t need a culinary degree to create these fancy dinner recipes. Special ingredients make restaurant-quality dishes stand out from the crowd. Add a drizzle of cream, a drizzle of homemade glaze, or a sprinkling of fresh herbs. From lobster tail to steak to salmon, these dishes are perfect for special occasions. We’ve also included some sides and desserts to inspire your dinner menu ideas.
Sautéed Scallops with Spicy Pomegranate Glaze and Baby Spinach
Scallops are a classic, decadent dinner recipe that makes any meal feel like a celebration. Quick-cooking scallops served over a bed of spinach with a homemade pomegranate glaze make a seafood dinner so delicious you’ll want to lick the plate clean.
Serve with: Sweet ricotta and strawberry parfait
Double Smoked Salmon and Horseradish Cream
What makes this salmon so delicious is that it’s twice smoked: not only are fresh fillets stuffed with prepackaged smoked salmon and horseradish cream, but they’re also grilled with hickory wood chips to add a second layer of smoky flavor to this decadent dinner recipe.
Serve with: Lentil pilaf and molten chocolate lava cake
Cauliflower steak with hazelnuts and browned butter
For an easy yet decadent dinner recipe (that happens to be vegetarian), try these cauliflower steaks. Seasoned with salt and pepper and quickly seared in a hot cast iron skillet, the flavours really come together; the browned butter sauce, crunchy hazelnuts and lemon zest give it picture-perfect results.
Serve with: Green beans with almond and chocolate cannoli
Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper Rollups
Chicken breasts don’t have to be boring. Transform them into a decadent dinner recipe by rolling them with garlicky, herbed goat cheese, baby arugula, and roasted red peppers. Sun-dried tomato pesto adds Mediterranean flavor to this gourmet recipe.
Serve with: Acorn squash and beet salad
Japanese-style roast chicken
Classic roast chicken gets an international twist with Japanese shichimi spice, while baby carrots and bok choy simmered in sesame oil complete this decadent dinner recipe.
Serve with: Lemon olive oil cake
Grilled eggplant with parmesan
This lightened up Italian classic makes eggplant the centerpiece of a decadent meal, whole wheat breadcrumbs give the veggie a nice crispy finish, and it pairs perfectly with your favorite wine.
Serve with: Classic Zabaione
Sautéed salmon with tomato pesto
Taking the time to prepare a homemade sauce, dressing, or glaze can make any fancy dinner recipe even more special. The tomato pesto that flavors this fresh salmon fillet is made with sun-dried and fresh tomatoes, green olives, and fresh basil.
Serve with: Pomegranate and orange cream tart
Roast duck with blackberry orange sauce
Combine the rich flavour of roasted duck with a bright blackberry and citrus sauce, then use the remaining duck fat to flavour your favourite roasted root vegetables for an elegant dinner.
Serve with: Roasted Root Vegetables
Portobello Pot Roast
This easy and decadent dinner recipe uses meaty mushrooms instead of beef, is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and grated fresh horseradish adds a unique flavor to the dish.
Serve with: Ginger and Pear Galette
Skirt steak with pineapple salsa
When you think of fancy dinner ideas, a perfectly cooked steak comes to mind. Make it a little more casual while still retaining the flavor with this skirt steak recipe. If you want to make the meal even more special, try serving some homemade tortillas with the meat.
Serve with: Tres Leches Strawberry Shortcake
Steamed crab legs
Making crab legs at home is a lot easier than you might think. We’ll show you how to steam them, including tips on making your own herb butter.
Serve with: Classic Chopped Salad with Sourdough Bread
Lamb Chops with Potatoes and Herb Brown Butter Vinaigrette
This juicy lamb chop recipe is served with a vibrant spinach and mint salad – the perfect balance of rich meat and fresh veggies. One reviewer raves, “I made these the other day and they were delicious! I can’t wait to make them again.”
Serve with: Classic Chopped Salad with Sourdough Bread
Tofu and poached egg noodle bowl
If you’re looking for a vegetarian dinner, try this satisfying noodle bowl. Tofu is marinated in mirin, honey and Sriracha sauce. Once cooked, add it to a soup bowl along with noodles, poached eggs and vegetables.
Serve with: Ginger Lime Avocado Granita
Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake
Rachel Marek Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman
Skip the trip to a sushi restaurant and make this easy shrimp bake at home. It’s a fancy dinner idea that lets you create your own perfect bite. Our sushi rolls are great served with fresh cucumber, avocado and nori squares.
Serve with: Schaumtorte
