43 Friday Night Dinner Ideas to Kick Off the Weekend
On the one hand, the best Friday night dinner ideas aren’t usually intricate projects—it’s a full weekday, after all, with its own schedule constraints. Depending on the week you had, you might find yourself short on energy. But Friday does feel like the right time for a special meal—something more fun than your standard weeknight dinner, something you can cook with a glass of wine in hand or some friends by your side. Scroll down for a few of our favorite easy Friday night dinners, including cozy comfort food, quick fish recipes, and the crispiest, meltiest sandwich around.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich1/43Double-Stack Mushroom and Chicken Cheeseburgers
Everyone likes when your Friday night dinner ideas involve juicy double-stacked burger patties that are layered with Muenster and shredded lettuce. They’re ready in just 30 minutes, which is likely faster than you can make takeout appear.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell2/43Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Baked Halibut
We officially give you permission to break that old rule about seafood and cheese—this recipe gives you tender, flaky fish with a golden brown, cheesy crust.
Photo by Suech and Beck4/43Scallops With Remoulade
Dress up seared scallops with a quick creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, extra-virgin olive oil, grainy mustard, capers, Worcestershire sauce, sriracha, and lemon.
Photo by Elizabeth Coetzee, Food styling by Mira Evnine6/43Easy Fish Tacos
Grab some corn tortillas, let some cod, halibut, or haddock marinate for 20 minutes, and you’re on your way to a taco dinner that the whole family will love.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne9/43Paneer-Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with spiced tomato sauce and creamy paneer for a vegetarian dinner you’ll want to make over and over.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert10/43Chicken Fajitas
This family favorite can be made with chicken breasts or thighs, which get a quick marinade with onion, garlic, fresh lime, cumin, ancho chile, and smoked paprika. Just make sure you have lots of avocado for serving.
Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Liberty Fennell11/43Classic Sole Meunière
Planning a romantic date night to wrap up your week? This 15-minute dish is one of our easiest, most impressive dinner recipes. And it leaves you time to prep the perfect Parisian dessert.
