25 Easy Fancy Dinner Recipes (2024)

If your anniversary is coming up, or you want to make your next date night something extra special, you have to check out these fancy dinner recipes.

I know ordering in is easy.

But just imagine the look on your honey’s face when you serve a platter full of homemade crab cakes, a whole roasted duck, or juicy broiled lobster.

25 Easy Fancy Dinner Recipes (1)

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Some of these recipes will need a little TLC, but it’s nothing you can’t handle!

Plus, I’ve included some that are so easy, you’ll have extra time to try out one of these fancy desserts to impress guests.

Whether you need to roast a rack of lamb to impress the in-laws or are looking for a stellar seared scallop recipe to make your partner smile, this list of 25 fantastic fancy dinner recipes has you covered!

1. Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin can be a tricky cut of meat. It’s super lean and very tasty, but it’s easy to overcook and make it dry.

The good news is that wrapping your pork in bacon will not only help to keep the moisture inside; it’ll also boost the flavor.

Oh, and did I mention it looks incredible? After brushing it with maple syrup, the bacon will turn shiny and crisp!

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2. Easy Crab Cakes Recipe

If you’re willing to splurge for your fancy dinner, buying jumbo lump crab meat will make these incredibly delicious.

The sweet and juicy meat comes in nice big chunks, so you’ll get more bang for your buck.

That said, regular lump crab meat is an excellent option, as you’ll still get some nice texture.

You could also try a combination of jumbo and flake crab meat, which will allow you to buy a little less of the larger chunks and bulk it out with the cheaper kind.

You’ll notice that these babies only have a handful of ingredients, and that’s so the crab meat isn’t overshadowed.

Yes, you’ll need Old Bay Seasoning (no substitutions, please), but all that does is bring out the incredible flavor of the meat.

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3. Texas Roadhouse Prime Rib Recipe

My grandma used to make prime rib, and it was always such a show when she revealed it to the table.

It’s big, juicy, bursting with flavor, and not the easiest cut to get right.

Not to mention, it’s one of the more expensive sides of beef, so you’ll really want to do it justice.

The trick to getting the most out of this recipe is to first let the meat rest for a couple of hours at room temperature.

Next, start it nice and high to get a good crust, but then lower the oven so it can cook nice and slowly.

Lastly, this cut needs to rest after it comes out of the oven. This step is essential, so be sure you give yourself enough time.

4. Honey Roast Duck

It’s not often you see whole ducks in the grocery store, so you may need to visit your local butcher to get one.

And if you’re worried about cooking it: don’t be! If you can cook a whole chicken, you can cook a whole duck.

The one thing to keep in mind is that there’s a layer of fat under the skin.

This gives the meat fantastic flavor and moisture but can be a pain if it’s not rendered.

All you’ll have to do is score the skin with a sharp knife.

These cuts will allow the fat to melt out, basting the bird and making the skin extra crispy!

5. Best Ever Beef Wellington Recipe

I know you’ve seen this one before, and maybe you’ve even given it a try, but just like the prime rib from above, beef Wellington is slightly more involved than just roasting a duck.

Beef tenderloin is your best option for this, as it’s nice and juicy and not as expensive as fillet mignon.

If you’re not a mushroom fan, try using garlic sauteed spinach or chopped pine nuts, crispy bacon, and onions instead.

6. Braised Short Ribs

Can I let you in on a little secret? Braised short ribs might look fancy and expensive, but they are crazy easy to make at home!

First, you’ll sear the meat on all sides until it’s nice and crusty. Be sure to coat it in flour and use a Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet if you have one for the best results.

Then, you’ll just need to cook it low and slow in a blend of veggies, broth, red wine, and tomato paste.

This can be done in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.

One thing I learned from working in a steakhouse is to roast your veggies with tomato paste spooned over the top until they’re crispy and charred.

This will add such a depth of flavor!

7. Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon in Garlic Butter

Salmon is already a delicious fish that’s easy to make and needs just a little garlic butter and lemon over the top.

However, if you want something fancier, you’ll need to try this spinach-stuffed version!

Use a sharp knife when cutting the pockets, and try to ensure you don’t go too close to the skin.

You also won’t want to overfill these pockets, or it will just spill out and cause a mess.

8. Roast Rack of Lamb Recipe with Garlic and Herb Crust

There’s something wonderfully medieval about a roasted rack of lamb, and I know it’s a pretty pricey endeavor.

But it’s so worth it when you take that first bite! Best served rare, the pink meat and the heavenly garlic and herb crust are to die for.

Much like prime rib, you’ll need to let this cut of meat rest at room temperature.

Go ahead and add the marinade so it can work its way in as the meat warms up a little.

Unlike prime rib, your perfectly flavored lamb will be ready in around 30 minutes!

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9. Barilla Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fancy dinner recipes, but it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

When you make everything from scratch, it’s one impressive dish!

As much as I love a good marinara sauce, I think lasagna needs a creamy layer to balance out all that rich flavor.

So, this recipe, with its ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano filling, is pretty close to perfect!

I like to dice up a bunch of veggies, like carrots, sweet potato, zucchini, and peppers, and add them to my meat.

They’ll break up and melt into the sauce for added nutrients and lovely pops of color.

10. Million-Dollar Roast Beef Tenderloin Recipe

As with pork loin, beef tenderloin is a very lean and soft cut of meat.

It’s what makes it melt-in-your-mouth-amazing and also more expensive.

I highly recommend trimming your meat (use a sharp knife to remove the thin layer of silver fat on top or ask your butcher to do it), and if you have the time, leave it in the fridge, uncovered, overnight.

This will dry out the surface slightly, making the crust even better once you sear it!

11. Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

If there’s ever a time to make your own chicken tikka masala, it’s when you want something fancy.

Anyone can open a jar, but how many people do you know can serve up their very own tikka masala sauce and homemade garlic naan bread?

The best part? It can be on the table in just 30 minutes!

12. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

This rich beef stew is a classic combination of chunky vegetables, fall-apart beef, and a wonderful red wine-infused sauce.

Unlike the more expensive tenderloin, this recipe uses beef chuck, a cheaper cut, though slightly tougher.

Since you’ll cook it in a Crockpot for a solid 8-10 hours in the sauce, it will be fork-tender and super flavorful when it’s done.

13. Chicken Cordon Bleu

There are a few critical components to this dish, but none require any special chef skills!

You’ll start by pounding your chicken until it’s nice and thin before rolling it up with ham and cheese.

It’s a good idea to chill this, if you have time, just to make the dredging in egg and breadcrumbs a bit easier.

Once it’s almost baked, make the simple mustardy sauce and pour it over the chicken to serve.

14. Italian Stuffed Flank Steak

This beef recipe looks like it came right out of a five-star restaurant, but it couldn’t be more straightforward to make!

Much like the chicken recipe above, you’ll pound the steak until it’s nice and thin.

Spoon over some minced garlic, shallots, parsley, sage, and olive oil before adding a layer of prosciutto and provolone cheese.

Roll it, tie it, cut it into portions, and then sear it on both ends before popping it in the oven for a quick roast.

15. The Best Broiled Lobster Tail Recipe

The first time I ever tried lobster tail was in a private aircraft hangar in the Hamptons, just steps away from Jimmy Buffett’s plane.

Talk about fancy, huh?

No matter how expensive and fancy lobster tails seem, all they need are a good pair of kitchen shears and lots of butter!

16. Seared Scallops

When buying scallops, always try to get “dry” scallops.

I know that sounds counterintuitive for wanting them to be juicy, but the “wet” kind contains so much excess liquid, they will shrivel up as they cook.

Plus, they won’t get that incredible caramelized crust we all love!

When it comes to cooking, it’s as quick as a 2-minute sear on one side and another two minutes while they soak in some butter on the other.

Don’t forget to season them before they hit the heat.

17. Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant parmesan is always a vegetarian-friendly dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Between the breaded and crunchy eggplant, the tangy marinara sauce, and the fresh mozzarella, it has everything you could want in a fancy dinner.

I think panko breadcrumbs are your best bet because they have way better texture.

Also, if you want them extra crisp, try broiling them for a couple of minutes after they’re baked.

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18. Chicken Piccata

I know this looks like a fancy-schmancy chicken dish, but the sauce is a simple blend of butter, lemon juice, and white wine.

It’s super-rich with a lovely light flavor, and the capers over the top add just the right amount of zing.

When cooking the chicken, I like to add some breadcrumbs for a bit of texture, but dredging it in flour should be enough.

19. Julia Child’s Coq Au Vin

What could be fancier than a recipe by the queen herself?

It’s actually kind of funny how this recipe got a reputation for being something special when, in fact, it’s just a chicken and wine stew.

That said, it not only looks like a million dollars, but it’s also so flavorful that you won’t be able to stop at just one serving.

20. Classic Beef Chateaubriand

The traditional way to cook this beef tenderloin is between two cuts of lesser quality beef.

The idea being they would help keep the juices in, adding to the juices, too, as it all roasted together.

Once cooked, the outer layers were discarded, and the tenderloin was pink and perfect and then covered in a creamy béarnaise sauce.

You won’t waste any meat today, don’t worry!

But you will make the sauce from scratch, which you can do while the meat cooks.

21. Roasted Oysters on the Grill

This dish is super popular all over Australia, and I actually had my first roasted oyster on the beach just outside of Melbourne.

If you’re not a fan of the cold, slimy version, these might just change your mind on oysters.

Best done on a grill, this recipe keeps it simple with butter, lemon, and a dash of hot sauce.

If you really want to impress, try using some chili jam and blue cheese.

22. Mushroom Parmesan Shrimp Risotto

Full disclosure: this recipe uses a lot of garlic. But if you’re making it for date night and you’ll both be eating it, you should be just fine.

Risotto takes a little TLC, and you’ll need to babysit it while it cooks, adding more broth as the rice soaks it all up.

I recommend cooking the shrimp in a separate pan, right at the end, so it’s pink, tasty, and can be poured right over the top.

23. Cheese Fondue

Not only is fondue a fun conversation piece, but it also ensures your fancy dinner will last a little longer.

It’s such a social dish, and the more things you provide for dipping, the better!

Always get fresh blocks of cheese and grate them yourself for the best texture, and if you’re not a wine lover, try adding beer to the mix instead.

24. Homemade Pasta

Making pasta is such a fun process, and if you do it right, it makes for a pretty special date night.

Not to mention the bragging rights you get when all your friends gush over how amazing it is!

This can be made entirely by hand, or you can speed things up if you have a stand mixer and pasta roller.

Either way, it’s something we should all do once!

25. Grilled Chilean Sea Bass

If you’ve never used made sea bass before, this is the perfect first recipe to try! It’s got such a unique, meaty flavor, and it looks so impressive.

But here’s the secret – it’s a cinch to make!

You’ll make a quick rub, then grill the fish until it’s lightly charred and fragrant. Finish it with the sauce and some rice and you’re all set!

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25 Easy Fancy Dinner Recipes

These fancy dinner recipes are perfect for date night or any special occasion! From crab cakes to prime rib to stuffed salmon, get ready to impress with these dishes.

Instructions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a fancy dinner in 30 minutes or less!
25 Easy Fancy Dinner Recipes (7)

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25 Easy Fancy Dinner Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a good dinner that everyone would like? ›

30 Quick And Easy Dinners Your Whole Family Will Love
  • Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos. tasty.co. ...
  • Easy Sheet Pan Southwestern Dinner. tasty.co. ...
  • Garlic Broccoli Shrimp Stir-Fry. ...
  • Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa. ...
  • One-Pot Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. ...
  • 20-Minute Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir-Fry. ...
  • Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry. ...
  • Baked Spaghetti.
May 6, 2024

What is considered a fancy meal? ›

So yeah a fancy dish is something that use the best ingredient available and was developed and balanced until it reached what the chef consider perfection. It can take 20 minute or 4 hours to make. The love and care is what make it fancy.

What to serve 25 people for dinner? ›

Feed-a-crowd recipes
  • Spiced salmon with traybaked sag aloo. ...
  • Chicken dopiaza. ...
  • Chicken Provençal. ...
  • Chicken gyros. ...
  • Sharing bavette with blue cheese, beef dripping wedges & ranch salad. ...
  • Sticky tamarind tomato & spinach whirl. ...
  • App onlyChard, feta & sesame pie with olive oil pastry.

What is a good meal to make for a large group? ›

Introduction: Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • The Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs. What's not to love about a heaping plate of spaghetti and meatballs? ...
  • Tantalizing Tacos. Who doesn't adore tacos? ...
  • Perfectly Baked Potatoes. ...
  • Pizza Extravaganza. ...
  • Mouthwatering Pulled Pork. ...
  • Fabulous Fajitas. ...
  • Hearty Chili. ...
  • Build-Your-Own Sandwiches.
Oct 19, 2023

What is the most loved meal in the world? ›

Here is the top 10:
  • Pizza.
  • Burger.
  • Ramen.
  • Paella.
  • Pierogi.
  • Moussaka.
  • Boeuf Bourgignon.
  • Eisbein.
May 24, 2023

What to cook for dinner when lazy? ›

30 lazy dinners to make on weeknights
  1. Ramen carbonara. 4.75. 4.8. 30 Minute Cheesy Chicken Risoni. 4.3617. 4.4. ...
  2. Thai Green Curry Chicken Noodle Soup. 4.833335. 4.8. Family Friendly Fried Rice. 4.285715. 4.3. ...
  3. Sri Lankan Coconut & Cashew Chicken with Saffron Rice. 4.1938. 4.2. Potato Gems Shepherd's Pie. 4.2. 4.2.

What is the most fancy food? ›

Below is a list of 10 of the most luxurious foods from around the world.
  • Yubari King Melons (approx.
  • Saffron (approx. ...
  • Beluga Caviar (approx. ...
  • Densuke Watermelons (approx. ...
  • Spanish Iberian Ham (approx. ...
  • 8. Japanese Matsutake Mushroom (approx. ...
  • Pule Donkey Cheese (approx. $600 per lb) ...
  • Wagyu Beef (approx. $200 per lb) ...
Jul 19, 2022

What is a lavish dinner? ›

(lævɪʃ ) adjective. If you describe something as lavish, you mean that it is very elaborate and impressive and a lot of money has been spent on it.

How much food do I need to serve 20 people? ›

Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet.

How to cater for 20 people? ›

Finger foods, canapes, and grazing tables are great options that can feed a crowd and are easy to shape around any style. From gourmet cured meats and cheeses to catering classics like mini pies and pastries, there is bound to be something for any theme.

What is the cheapest food to feed a crowd? ›

Pasta is one of the cheapest and most filling pantry staples you can buy, and that's exactly why it's the perfect food to feed to a crowd! Plus, everyone loves a good pasta dish. Grab yourself a buffet server warming tray so you can pop your cooked pasta inside and keep it warm all evening long!

How many pounds of food do I need for 20 people? ›

If the meat is part of a bigger dish, like pasta or curry, plan for 1/4 to 1/3 pound (four to six ounces) per person. That means you'll want at least 2 1/2 pounds of meat if you're planning to have 10 people over to dinner, and 5 or more pounds of meat if you're cooking for 20 guests.

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