As you sit down to a special dinner, it’s not just the company that makes the evening memorable – the food plays a huge role too. A beautifully crafted meal can elevate any occasion and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Whether it’s a romantic evening for two or a gathering of friends and family, having a repertoire of elegant recipes up your sleeve is key to creating an unforgettable experience.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey with 20 exquisite dinner recipes that are sure to impress. From classic Beef Wellington to decadent Lobster Thermidor, each dish has been carefully selected to showcase the art of cooking at its finest. With ingredients and techniques that will transport your taste buds around the world, these special dinner recipes are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen.
Garlic Butter Herb Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), rinsed and patted dry
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Beef Wellington with Red Wine Reduction
Impress your guests with this classic dish that combines tender beef fillet, flaky puff pastry, and rich red wine reduction. A perfect main course for a special occasion or holiday dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef fillet
– 1/4 cup mushroom duxelles (see note)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the beef fillet with salt and pepper.
3. Spread mushroom duxelles on top of the beef, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a large rectangle.
5. Place the beef in the center of the pastry, brush edges with butter.
6. Roll the pastry over the beef, starting from one end, and seal seam.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While the Wellington bakes, reduce red wine on low heat until thickened (about 10-15 minutes).
9. Serve the Beef Wellington with Red Wine Reduction sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lobster Thermidor with Gruyère Cheese
Elevate your dining experience with this decadent and flavorful dish that combines succulent lobster with the richness of Gruyère cheese. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lobster meat
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add lobster meat and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add white wine, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Truffle Risotto with Wild Mushrooms
A luxurious and earthy take on traditional risotto, this recipe combines the rich flavors of truffles and wild mushrooms for a truly decadent dish. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed wild mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 2 teaspoons truffle oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth and stir until absorbed. Repeat this process until all broth is used, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Stir in truffle oil, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Rack of Lamb with Mint Pesto
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this flavorful and impressive main course. Grilled rack of lamb pairs perfectly with a refreshing mint pesto, making it a show-stopping addition to any summer menu.
Ingredients:
– 1 rack of lamb (6-8 bones), trimmed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the lamb rack.
4. Grill the lamb for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. Meanwhile, combine mint leaves, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese in a blender or food processor.
6. Blend until smooth to create the mint pesto.
7. Serve the grilled lamb with the mint pesto spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Beurre Blanc
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Beurre Blanc: A Light and Zesty Delight
This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, pairing succulent scallops with a tangy and rich lemon beurre blanc sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt.
3. Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, whisk in white wine, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt.
5. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes or until it thickens slightly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Serve the scallops with the warm beurre blanc sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Duck à l’Orange with Crispy Skin
This iconic dish combines the rich flavor of duck with the sweetness of orange, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. With crispy skin and tender meat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole duck (3 lbs), patted dry
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, orange marmalade, and olive oil.
3. Score the duck’s skin in a crisscross pattern, then rub the honey-orange mixture all over the duck, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Season with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the duck on a roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on duck size.
Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese Crust
Elevate your dinner game with this indulgent filet mignon recipe, topped with a pungent blue cheese crust that adds a bold and creamy dimension.
Ingredients:
– 4 (6 oz) filet mignon steaks
– 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together blue cheese crumbles, olive oil, garlic, and paprika.
3. Season filet mignon steaks with salt and pepper.
4. Divide the blue cheese mixture among the four steaks, spreading it evenly over each one.
5. Place steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Herb-Crusted Salmon with Dill Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe. Fresh herbs and a tangy dill sauce take center stage in this succulent salmon dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp freshly chopped dill
– 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the salmon, dividing it among the four fillets.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, mix together yogurt, dill, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
7. Serve the baked salmon with the Dill Sauce spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pomegranate Glazed Pork Tenderloin
A sweet and tangy glaze elevates the rich flavor of pork tenderloin, making this dish perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate juice, honey, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Season the pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and garlic.
4. Place the pork tenderloin in a roasting pan and brush the glaze all over it.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine
A classic Italian dish that combines succulent shrimp with the pungency of garlic, brightness of white wine, and a hint of buttery richness. This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cups white wine (dry)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Wild Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
A savory and flavorful twist on traditional stuffed chicken, this recipe combines the earthy flavors of wild mushrooms with the nutrients of spinach for a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mixed wild mushrooms (such as shiitake and cremini), sliced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté the mushrooms and garlic in olive oil until tender.
3. Add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom-spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
6. Top each breast with cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Gravy
Rich and flavorful, this classic dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Braised short ribs are slow-cooked to tender perfection, then smothered in a rich red wine gravy that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add red wine, beef broth, and tomato paste to pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return short ribs to pot; cover with a lid or foil.
7. Transfer pot to preheated oven and braise for 2-3 hours, or until meat is tender.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Seared Foie Gras with Fig Compote
This luxurious appetizer combines the richness of seared foie gras with the sweet and savory flavors of fig compote, creating a truly decadent dining experience.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of foie gras (about 1 inch thick)
– Salt
– Black pepper
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1 cup of figs, chopped
– 1/4 cup of port wine
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the foie gras with salt and black pepper.
3. Add butter to the skillet and sear the foie gras for 30-45 seconds per side, or until golden brown.
4. Remove the foie gras from the skillet and set aside.
5. In a separate pan, combine chopped figs, port wine, and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the figs are tender and the mixture is syrupy.
6. Serve the seared foie gras with the fig compote spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Basil Pasta with Grilled Prawns
A refreshing summer twist on classic pasta, this recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and basil with succulent grilled prawns.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp. dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 large prawns, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Grill prawns over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the lemon-basil sauce.
5. Add grilled prawns to the pasta and toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with mixed greens and a pat of butter.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Brie en Croûte with Honey and Walnuts
Elevate your cheese board or party spread with this decadent baked brie, wrapped in flaky pastry and topped with sweet honey and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz)
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Place the brie cheese in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
4. Brush the edges of the pastry with a little water.
5. Fold the pastry over the cheese, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the top of the pastry with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef Bourguignon with Buttered Noodles
This rich and flavorful stew originated from the Burgundy region of France, where tender beef is slow-cooked in red wine and aromatic spices. Serve it with buttery noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz buttered noodles (see below for noodle recipe)
Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Brown beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, wine, broth, thyme, paprika, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
4. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
5. Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with buttered noodles (recipe below).
Buttered Noodles Recipe:
– 8 oz egg noodles
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– Salt, to taste
Cook noodles according to package instructions. Mix in melted butter and season with salt.
Grilled Swordfish with Mango Salsa
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of tropical paradise with this refreshing grilled swordfish recipe, paired with a zesty mango salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
3. Grill swordfish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl.
5. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
6. Serve grilled swordfish with mango salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (grilling time + prep)
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Hollandaise
Elevate your springtime meals with this elegant Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Hollandaise recipe. The combination of crispy prosciutto, tender asparagus, and rich hollandaise sauce is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 6 slices prosciutto
– 2 large egg yolks
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto, securing with toothpicks if needed.
3. Place the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
5. Meanwhile, make the hollandaise sauce by whisking together egg yolks, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
6. Gradually add melted butter to the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with the warm hollandaise sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Dark Chocolate Soufflé with Raspberry Coulis
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and indulgent treat, featuring a velvety dark chocolate soufflé paired with a tangy and sweet raspberry coulis. Perfect for special occasions or romantic evenings.
Ingredients:
For the Soufflé:
– 3 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), broken into small pieces
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Coulis:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 1-quart soufflé dish and coat with granulated sugar.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, melt chocolate in microwave or over low heat. Whisk in milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
4. Fold flour mixture into chocolate mixture until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared soufflé dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and set.
6. Meanwhile, puree raspberries with sugar and liqueur (if using) to create coulis.
7. Serve soufflé warm with raspberry coulis spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Elevate your dinner game with these 20 elegant special dinner recipes. From classic dishes like Beef Wellington and Lobster Thermidor to innovative creations like Truffle Risotto and Grilled Rack of Lamb, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Impress your guests with Pan-Seared Scallops or Duck à l’Orange, or treat yourself to a luxurious Filet Mignon or Seared Foie Gras. Whatever the occasion, these recipes are sure to make it unforgettable.