When it comes to fun recipes, these 27 will make you the cool parent at dinner time. Your kids might even forget to ask for dessert. These recipes are great for those moments when you want to show off your culinary prowess without breaking a sweat. So, put on that apron and prepare to bask in the glory of your newfound dinner-time fame.
Lemon Pepper Wings
These Lemon Pepper Wings are a great dinner option, offering juicy and crispy wings with a zesty kick. Marinated and baked to perfection, they’re simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners. Serve with a side of veggies or fries for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are cooked on the stovetop for tender, juicy pieces of chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish makes for an easy and tasty family dinner. Pair it with rice or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is pure comfort food, featuring bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. It’s simple to whip up and can be prepared ahead of time. Serve it as a hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Big Mac Salad
Toss together this Big Mac Salad for a quick meal packed with flavor. It’s great for busy weeknights, bringing all your favorite burger tastes into a fresh salad. Serve it up with some crispy fries or a simple fruit salad. The kids will love it.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Whip up this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in just 30 minutes for a tasty one-pot meal. With Italian sausage, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes, it’s rich and hearty. Add some garlic bread or a fresh green salad on the side, and you’ve got a dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s got steamed broccoli and cauliflower, a creamy cheese sauce, and bacon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a holiday side. Pair it with some grilled chicken or a mixed veggie medley, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is super easy and full of flavor. It mixes the kick of jalapeño poppers with tender chicken for a fun meal. Make it ahead for a quick dinner. Throw in some tortilla chips or a light cucumber salad on the side, and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Loaded Tater Tots
Loaded Tater Tots are a surefire way to make dinner a lot more fun and memorable. Ready in 35 minutes, bake the tater tots until crispy, top with melted cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. It’s a simple and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinner night, making you the hero at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
Bell Pepper Sandwich
Make this Bell Pepper Sandwich in just 10 minutes for a quick, delicious, and surprisingly filling meal. Swap out bread for bell peppers and fill them with your favorite sandwich stuff. It’s a fun, light meal the whole family will dig. Serve it with some hummus and veggie sticks or a bowl of fresh fruit to round it out.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is ready in less than an hour and perfect for any night of the week. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prep ahead, and leftovers freeze well. A comforting dish that’s delicious and popular with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Change up dinner with these Loaded Zucchini Boats, a fun take on potato skins. They’re ready in under an hour and perfect for a family meal. Serve with ranch or marinara on the side, and the kids will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
For a fun and quick dinner, try these Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Oven-baked for ease, they come with a homemade ranch dressing made from pantry staples. Both the poppers and the dressing are ready in under an hour, making them perfect for a light weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Meatza
This Meatza swaps out regular pizza crust for a ground pork base, cooking up in just 10 minutes. With pizza sauce, mozzarella, and mushrooms, it’s easy to throw together. Minimal prep and just one baking sheet make clean-up simple. It’s a great way to mix up dinner and impress the kids.
Get the Recipe: Meatza
Reuben Bowls
Reuben Bowls are a fun dinner idea that will make you the cool parent at the table. Ready in just 30 minutes, you’ll brown some deli corned beef, mix it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, add sauerkraut, melt Swiss cheese on top, and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing. It’s a quick and tasty meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is a sweet and spicy dish that’s perfect for dinner. Marinate the chicken in homemade hot honey sauce for 15-30 minutes, then grill it up in just 40 minutes total. Brush on some extra sauce while grilling for added flavor. This fun recipe will make weeknight dinners exciting and leave everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
These Canned Chicken Patties make for a quick and easy dinner, ready in just 20 minutes. Pair them with steamed veggies or turn them into sandwiches. They’re a family favorite and great for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Keto Zuppa Toscana
Change up your dinner routine with Keto Zuppa Toscana, a fun and hearty soup that will make you the cool parent. This dish combines crispy bacon, browned sausage, and tender radishes in a creamy broth. Infused with garlic, sage, and Parmesan, it’s a comforting meal ready in about an hour. Top it off with wilted kale and crispy bacon bits for a sure family hit.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
For a dinner that packs a punch, try this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Shredded chicken thighs mix with crispy bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and spicy jalapeños. Topped with shredded cheese and baked to a golden finish, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole offers a fun twist on the classic sandwich, ready in under an hour. Sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese come together for a hearty dinner. It’s perfect for weeknights and sure to be a hit with the kids.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Make dinner easy with this Crock Pot Taco Soup. With just 20 minutes of prep, brown some ground beef, toss in pantry staples, and let your slow cooker do the rest. This bean-free soup is perfect for a family meal and can be garnished to everyone’s liking.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad is a simple, budget-friendly dinner that’s ready in 40 minutes. Cook some elbow macaroni and mix it with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayo, sweet relish, and mustard. It’s easy to make and great for a quick weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a one-pot wonder that’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for dinner. Made with straightforward ingredients, this comforting meal is ready in just 1 hour. Serve with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. No need to stuff individual peppers; just combine everything in one dish. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a simple, flavorful meal that even beginner cooks can handle. A great way to feed the family with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole makes for a quick and satisfying family dinner. Ready in under an hour, it’s straightforward to prepare and perfect for weeknights. Plus, it reheats well, so any leftovers can be enjoyed the next day, making it a convenient meal option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are an easy way to get crispy, flavorful pork chops without frying. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is simple enough for beginner cooks and a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Think of it as a simpler lasagna. Using frozen cheese ravioli cuts down on prep time, while layers of marinara sauce and melted cheese make it a great meal. Ready in about an hour, it’s easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick dinner option, ready in just 25 minutes. Using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought Caesar dressing, it’s super easy to throw together. Perfect for a hassle-free family meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad