Whether its a special occasion, or you're just feeling fancy, here are some extraordinary dinner recipes that are guaranteed to impress.
39 Impressive Dinners for Your Cooking Bucket List
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Crown Roast of Pork with Mushroom Dressing
It looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it’s actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
1/39
2/39
Bacon-Wrapped Pesto Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this family-favorite tenderloin—maybe because of the compliments that come with it! When the weather warms up, we grill it instead. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 402 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
3/39
Duck Breasts with Apricot Chutney
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When serving this entree as part of a buffet, try using chafing dish to keep it warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 duck breast half with 1/4 cup chutney and 1 tablespoon sauce: 525 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
4/39
Pork Tenderloin with Three-Berry Salsa
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband came home from a work meeting that had served pork with a spicy blueberry salsa. He was amazed at how tasty it was, so I came up with my own rendition without seeing or tasting what he had. It took several tries, but this is the delicious result. —Angie Phillips, Tarzana, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 2/3 cup salsa and 3 tablespoons sauce: 239 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
5/39
Nana's Italian Roulade
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without spaghetti): 331 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
6/39
Baked Balsamic Chicken
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups onion sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
As far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken (skin removed) with 2 tablespoons sauce: 182 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
7/39
Boeuf Bourguignon
Total Time
135 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me about 25 years ago. Ever since then, it's been a go-to whenever I need good food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 419 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
8/39
Pineapple-Glazed Ham
Total Time
130 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pineapple ham glaze is straightforward and simple—just what you're looking for in a holiday main dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked ham: 329 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1425mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein.
9/39
Dad's Famous Stuffies
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The third of July is almost as important as July Fourth in my family. We make these stuffed clams on the third every year, and it's an event in and of itself! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed clams: 296 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1188mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
10/39
Braised Short Ribs
Total Time
120 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe can be finished in a slow cooker which makes it very helpful during those very busy days.—Susan Kinsella, East Falmouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving.: 310 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
11/39
Turkey Club Roulades
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Weeknights turn elegant when these short-prep roulades with familiar ingredients are on the menu. Not a fan of turkey? Substitute lightly pounded chicken breasts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 roulade with 1 tablespoon sauce: 224 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1075mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
12/39
Stuffed Salmon
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You could get stuffed salmon from a big-box store, but my fillets are loaded with flavor from crab, cream cheese and savory herbs. We love them. —Mary Cokenour, Monticello, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed fillet: 478 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 41g protein.
13/39
Rack of Lamb
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rack of lamb is elegant. It’s special. And it will have your guests thinking you went all out. They don’t have to know how simple rack of lamb really is to prepare. —Susan Nilsson, Sterling, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 rack: 307 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
14/39
Cranberry-Orange Roast Ducklings
Total Time
200 mins
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe few years ago. The first time I served it, there wasn't a speck of food left on the platter and I knew I had a winning recipe. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
8 ounces cooked duck: 373 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
15/39
Homemade Ravioli
Total Time
130 mins
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
10 ravioli: 856 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 279mg cholesterol, 1139mg sodium, 110g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 42g protein.
16/39
Chicken Tikka Masala
Total Time
280 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Indian-style chicken tikka masala recipe has flavors that keep me coming back for more—a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that’s simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chicken mixture (calculated without rice): 381 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
17/39
Spinach Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed with fresh spinach and artichoke hearts, these pork slices look fancy enough for guests. —Linda Rae Lee of San Francisco, California.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 259 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
18/39
Slow-Cooker Sauerbraten
Total Time
380 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is of German Lutheran descent, and although we enjoy this traditional beef roast, I never liked the amount of time and fuss it takes to make it. This recipe is so good and oh-so-easy. It's great served with dumplings, spaetzle, veggies or a salad. —Norma English, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 475 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 858mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
19/39
Shredded Barbecue Chicken over Grits
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s nothing like juicy meat served over creamy grits. And the pumpkin in these grits makes them taste like a spicy, comforting bowl of fall flavors. Your family will come running to the table for this one. —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
20/39
Mushroom-Stuffed Flank Steak Roll
Total Time
100 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and her family, who live in Hong Kong, love to make my flank steak becuase it reminds them of home. —Ethel Klyasheff, Granite City, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with stuffing: 358 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1345mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
21/39
Crab Cakes
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our region is known for good seafood, and crab cakes are a traditional favorite. I learned to make them from a chef in a restaurant where they were a bestseller. The crabmeat's sweet and mild flavor is sparked by the blend of other ingredients. —Debbie Terenzini, Lusby, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab cake: 282 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
22/39
Spaghetti Meatball Supper
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without spaghetti): 254 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
23/39
Puff Pastry Chicken Bundles
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 624 calories, 32g fat (10g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 742mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 44g protein.
24/39
Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Total Time
80 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Finding healthy recipes the family will eat is a challenge. This elegant squash is one we love, and it works with pork or chicken sausage, too. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 302 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
25/39
Bavarian Pot Roast
Total Time
165 mins
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef: 281 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 633mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
26/39
Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Total Time
265 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast half: 525 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 914mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 60g protein.
27/39
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Total Time
175 mins
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It may be the most famous dish to eat on St. Patrick's Day, but this Irish-American corned beef recipe is a favorite at our table all year long. This is how to make corned beef and cabbage. —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 510 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 1497mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
28/39
How to Grill a Turkey
Total Time
160 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys this Thanksgiving turkey because it cooks up tender, tasty and golden brown. Build up flavor by marinating the meat, then grill it to add a tempting barbecued flavor. —Ken Churches, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
9 ounces cooked turkey (calculated without gravy): 407 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 67g protein.
29/39
Steamed Mussels with Peppers
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Use the French bread to soak up the deliciously seasoned broth. If you like food zippy, add the jalapeno seeds. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
12 each: 293 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 931mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
30/39
Sunday Best Stuffed Pork Chops
Total Time
65 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re farmers and ranchers who love to cook in a Dutch oven. Dish up these chops from the oven, and pass the salad, potatoes and steamed broccoli. —Lorraine Smith, Carpenter, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 532 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 40g protein.
31/39
Crown Roast with Apricot Dressing
Total Time
170 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been making crown roasts for many years but was only satisfied with the results when I combined a few recipes to come up with this guest-pleasing version. It’s beautifully roasted with an apricot glaze and a nicely browned stuffing. —Isabell Cooper, Cambridge, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 rib with 1/3 cup stuffing: 419 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
32/39
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pineapple Quinoa
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the first recipe I developed using quinoa as an ingredient. My husband thoroughly enjoyed helping me test this recipeÂ. This is a special dish that can be easily prepared in under 30 minutes.—Laura Greenberg, Lake Balboa, California
Nutrition Facts:
4 scallops with 3/4 cup quinoa: 455 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1717mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
33/39
Make-Ahead Lasagna
Total Time
90 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an old standby when time's limited and guests are expected for dinner. It's a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years. —Mary Grimm, Williamsburg, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 462 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 931mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
34/39
Pepper-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spicy stuffing balances the delicate flavor of pork in this dish that looks great on the plate—and tastes even better! —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 slices: 201 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
35/39
Pork Schnitzel with Dill Sauce
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Schnitzel is one of my husband’s favorites because it reminds him of his German roots. An appealing dish for guests, it’s ready in a jiffy. Pop it on buns for a fun handheld option. —Joyce Folker, Paraowan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 451 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
36/39
Greek Salad Ravioli
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn the fresh flavors of a Greek salad into a warm dish for cold winter nights. I like to make a large batch, freeze it, then simply drop ravioli into simmering water for dinner in five minutes! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
6 ravioli: 283 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 high-fat meat, 1 fat.
37/39
Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need much seasoning to add flavor to this tender beef roast. The mild blend of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 198 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
38/39
Sausage Manicotti
Total Time
80 mins
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 489 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
39/39
Sweet Potato Tortellini with Hazelnut Sauce
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using wonton wrappers instead of fresh pasta dough makes homemade tortellini easy to prepare. For more formal dinners, this makes an impressive vegetarian entree. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
9 tortellini with 2 tablespoons sauce: 662 calories, 34g fat (17g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
