30 Birthday Dinner Ideas Our Readers Love

Pineapple-Onion Pork Chops

I prepared these tender pork chops for my teenage grandson’s birthday meal. Brown sugar and pineapple juice provide the onion-topped entree with its sweetness. —Marjorie Bruner, Parchment, Michigan

Seafood Lasagna

This rich satisfying dish, adapted from a recipe given to me by a friend, is my husband's favorite. I usually serve it on his birthday. It's loaded with scallops, shrimp and crab in a creamy sauce. I consider this the "crown jewel" in my repertoire of recipes. —Elena Hansen, Ruidoso, New Mexico

Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce

If you’re hosting meat lovers, these impressive cast-iron skillet steaks are guaranteed to please. They’re perfect for a special-occasion dinner without too much fuss. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Puff Pastry Chicken Bundles

Inside these golden puff pastry "packages", chicken breasts rolled with spinach, herbed cream cheese and walnuts are a savory surprise. I like to serve this elegant entree when we have guests or are celebrating a holiday or special occasion. -Brad Moritz, Limerick, Pennsylvania

Sake-Steamed Sole with Spicy Slaw

This healthy sole fish recipe can be prepared easily on a weeknight or for a special occasion. I like to serve it with slaw and steamed jasmine rice. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine

Roast Pork Loin with Rosemary Applesauce

I made this for a family get-together on my husband's birthday. The homemade rosemary applesauce adds an extra layer of comfort to the tender pork. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey

Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs

If you're looking for a change from typical barbecue ribs, you'll enjoy this recipe my mom always prepared on birthdays and special occasions. The tender ribs have a slight sweet-and-sour taste that my family loves. I usually serve them with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad or coleslaw. —Dorothy Voelz, Champaign, Illinois

Italian Turkey Cutlets

Because I’m watching my weight, I’ve used this recipe for years. Served with a flavorful tomato sauce, these cutlets taste so good that my son, who is thin and doesn’t need to worry about his weight, requests them for his birthday dinner! —Janet Bumb, Beallsville, Maryland

Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Celery

Stuffed with a succulent combination of wild rice, mushrooms and dried cranberries, these golden hens are sure to become a special-occasion entree in your home. They're a wonderful change of pace from traditional turkey. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario

Shrimp Monterey

For a special occasion or when company's coming, this delicious seafood dish makes a lasting impression. You'll be surprised at how fast you can prepare it. A mild, fresh-tasting sauce and the Monterey Jack cheese nicely complement the shrimp, I serve it over pasta or rice. —Jane Birch Edison, New Jersey

Prime Rib with Fresh Herb Sauce

Nothing says “special occasion” like a perfectly seasoned prime rib. Savory, succulent, tender, it’s the perfect choice when you want to share something truly divine. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida

Grilled Lobster Tails

I had never tried grilling lobster tails at home until I tried this convenient and deliciously different recipe. It turned out amazing, and has left me with little reason to ever order grilled lobster tail at a restaurant again. Here's how to cook lobster tails on the grill. —Katie Rush, Kansas City, Missouri

Ground Beef Wellington

Trying new recipes is one of my favorite hobbies. It's also the most gratifying. What could beat the smiles and compliments of the ones you love? This recipe is easy yet fancy, perfect for when it's just you and one kid or a friend.

Chicken Cordon Bleu in Pastry

Baking chicken breasts in a flaky dough makes them turn out moist and delicious every time. This fancy dish is nice to serve family as well as guests.

Poached Salmon with Chimichurri

Tender, flaky poached salmon is treated to a flavorful sauce in this elegant dish. Though it takes a little extra prep time, this impressive entree will please every mouth it meets! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Penne alla Vodka

This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I have new friends over for dinner. Years later, they've asked me to make this Penne alla Vodka recipe again. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas

Lemon and Rosemary Chicken

This baked rosemary chicken with a tangy lemon sauce is my husband's favorite, and my sister always wants it for her birthday dinner. —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California

Best Lasagna

Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois

Mac & Cheese Pork Sliders

I love pork sliders! This sweet and savory recipe was created out of leftover ingredients I had in my fridge. It is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special-occasion potluck. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Buttery Grilled Shrimp

This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Grilled Beer Brats with Kraut

I made this for my son’s 21st birthday bonfire, which included a dozen buddies. The kraut topping flavors are fabulous. —Keeley Weber, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Tropical Island Chicken

The marinade makes a savory statement in this all-time-favorite chicken recipe that I served at our son's pirate-themed birthday party. It smelled so good on the grill that guests could hardly wait to try a piece! —Sharon Hanson, Franklin, Tennessee

Blue Cheese-Mushroom Stuffed Tenderloin

Here’s my go-to entree for just about any special occasion. Filled with a savory stuffing, the sliced tenderloin looks and tastes like a specialty from an upscale restaurant. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio

Smoky Sausage & Pepper Skillet

My family loves this combination of sausage, green peppers and onions and asks for it for birthdays. It’s that awesome. —Celinda Kulp, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

Vegetable-Stuffed Flank Steak

This colorful beef dish was always a favorite request for birthday dinners while I was growing up. Savory, special and stuffed full of vegetables, it's as tender as the memories it still brings back every time I make it. —Julie Etzel, Tualatin, Oregon

Chicken Thighs with Tomato-Vodka Sauce

I originally invented this scrumptious dish to celebrate a friend's 21st birthday, and it has since become a quick and easy family favorite. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas

Dijon Beef Tenderloin

I like having an ace recipe up my sleeve, and this tenderloin with Dijon is my go-to for birthdays, buffets and holidays. —Donna Lindecamp, Morganton, NC

Spaghetti with Bacon

As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota

Biscuit Turkey Bake

As a college student, I go for stick-to-your-ribs foods that are also easy on the budget. Here's one that fits the bill. I like to bake this casserole for friends' birthdays. —Stephanie Denning, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

Merlot Filet Mignon

Although this is a simple recipe, the filet is rich and elegant enough for a special occasion. Add a salad and rolls, and dinner is done! —Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin