The 40 BEST Fun Friday Night Dinner Ideas (2024)

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Are you looking for something quick and delicious to make to kick off the weekend? Look no further than our delicious collection of Friday Night Dinner Ideas!

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty sinner or something light and fresh, we have you covered with easy-to-make meals that are sure to satisfy your hungry family.

From tasty tacos like Birria and Baja Fish Tacos to tender steaks like Steak Pizzaiola, beautiful flatbreads, and much more, these Friday night Dinner Ideas have all the classic flavors from all over the world so you can create an unforgettable meal without having to leave home.

Cook your way through all of these great Friday night meals, and let the weekend begin!

Friday Night Dinner Ideas:

1. Baja Fish Tacos

Let’s start off this list with our best Baja Fish Tacos recipe! These flavored-packed tacos are filled with delicious and perfectly fried beer-battered fish. Add pico de gallo, avocado, and chipotle mayo for a fun Friday night dinner to remember!

Don’t forget the beer and wine!

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2. Surf and Turf Nachos

Surf and Turf Nachos are going to be the hit of your next Friday night get together!

Delicious grilled steak and succulent shrimp are going to elevate these nachos to another level of deliciousness. Pile them on nacho chips and finish with your favorite toppings. Yum!

Serve these up to the team at your next Friday night football party!

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3. Kofta Kebab

Feed your hungry crowd with these incredibly delicious Kofta Kebabs.

This Mediterranean treat is remarkably easy to make with tantalizing Middle Eastern flavors. Serve these juicy hand-held kebabs with fresh salad, tzatziki and pita bread or with saffron rice.

Let’s make your fun Friday night dinner a spicy Mediterranean event!

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4. Pasta Primavera with Shrimp

Make your weekend dinner colorful and insanely flavorful with this Pasta Primavera with Shrimp recipe!

Toss your favorite pasta in a tasty cream sauce loaded with fresh veggies. Add juicy shrimp and your fun Friday dinner is ready to serve.

Add a warm crusty loaf of Italian bread for a perfect meal!

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5. Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Are you looking for some healthy ideas for weekend dinners? Then look no more and try these Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce!

You are going to love this Asian-flavored delight, as they are light, healthy, and incredibly delicious.

These yummy wraps are a great way to introduce your family to a healthy meal!

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6. Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Pasta Alla Vodka)

This weekend make the internet and TikTok sensational dish at home with Gigi Hadid’s pasta recipe!

This amazingly creamy and cheesy pasta sauce is spiked with vodka and red chili paper flakes. A dish so yummy no will complain that it’s meatless.

A perfect classy meal to impress your vegetarian friends!

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7. TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl

Another famous internet recipe for you to try is this TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl recipe! You can really jazz up your leftover salmon and rice and create this amazingly easy and healthy dish.

Who doesn’t love a bowl meal? A fast and easy fun Friday night dinner.

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8. Birria Tacos

Give your family and friends an ultimate new taste experience with these delicious Birria Tacos. These scrumptious tacos, based on the famous Mexican birria stew, are absolutely divine!

Nothing says fun Friday night dinner like tacos!

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9. Steak Gorgonzola Flatbread

This Steak Gorgonzola Flatbread will make any of your dinners or occasions absolutely memorable!

This gorgeous flatbread is loaded with delicious ingredients and takes just 20 minutes to serve. So what are you waiting for?

Try this dish with a crisp salad and a hearty red wine!

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10. Flank Steak Fajitas

Spice up your fun Friday night dinner with these dazzling Flank Steak Fajitas!

This vibrantly colorful dish is filled with tasty marinated steak along with peppers, lime, fresh cilantro, and avocado. A perfect prep ahead meal that will make dinner a breeze and leave you time to spend with family and friends.

So just enjoy…

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11. Salmon Pasta

Pasta lovers, try this gourmet-style Salmon Pasta and impress everyone! This dish is made in a superbly creamy garlicky sauce with cherry tomatoes and asparagus.

Add flaky, chunky salmon and you have an exceptionally delicious dish.

Amazingly effortless dish that’s ready in 30 minutes for a quick fun Friday night dinner with friends.

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12. Shrimp Foil Packets with Summer Veggies

Foil packets make dinner quick and delicious and this Shrimp Foil Pack with Summer Veggies recipe is no exception!

This excellent dish is a tasty and healthy meal you can make at summer parties or even campouts. Everyone will devour it!

Add beer, wine and sweet ice tea for a perfect summer meal!

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13. Japchae (Korean Glass Noodle Stir Fry)

Introduced to your family this Korean delicacy, Japchae, also known as Korean Glass Noodles Stir Fry!

This colorful stir fry recipe is loaded with sweet potato glass noodles, lots of veggies, juicy beef strips, and sweet and savory Japchae sauce.

It’s out of this world delicious!

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14. Taco Casserole

Convert your tacos into a filling and delicious comfort food with this Taco Casserole recipe!

This Tex Mex lasagna version is made using pantry staple ingredients that create the best casserole ever. This yummy dish is the perfect way to end the work week with a fun Friday night dinner!

Your kids will love it!

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15. Spicy Noodles

For all spicy food lovers, this Spicy Noodles recipe is just for you.

These Asian-style noodles are perfectly balanced with spicy, umami, and a hint of sweet flavors that will make your lazy weeknight dinner super delicious.

You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite protein or ingredients and it’s ready in just 15 minutes!

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16. Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

Are you a fan of grits? Then this Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits recipe is a must-try for you!

Jazz up your Friday night dinner with succulent shrimp and smoky andouille sausages smothered in a savory gravy. Pour over creamy, cheesy grits, serve and wait for the compliments!

You don’t have to be Southern to love this divine dish!

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17. Bò Lúc Lắc (Vietnamese Shaking Beef)

Are you craving some Vietnamese flavors? We’ve got you covered with this absolutely divine Bò Lúc Lắc, known as the Vietnamese Shaking Beef!

It’s made with tender beef steak bites covered with sweet, umami, and savory flavors. You can make a delicious meal by serving with some flavored rice, or try it as a hearty appetizer.

Try it and experience this tasty dish!

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18. Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This summer, amaze everyone with this stunning delicious show-stopper, Greek Chicken Souvlaki!

The recipe’s marinade, the hero of this dish, make the best chicken skewers ever. You can prep this dish ahead of time and and enjoy a fun meal with family and friends.

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19. Steak Pizzaiola

Give your steak an Italian classic twist with this splendidly delicious Steak Pizzaiola!

Tender steak is seasoned, seared, simmered, and then smothered in tasty pizza sauce. This irresistible dish will make your weekend dinner unforgettable.

And don’t forget a loaf of crusty Italian bread to dip in the sauce!

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20. Spanish Clams with Chorizo

These Spanish Clams with Chorizo will make a great tapas dish that everyone will love.

The tantalizing recipe is loaded with littleneck clams, cannellini beans, chorizo sausage and simmered with flavorful ingredients.

Serve with Spanish wine and tapas!

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21. Tacos Gobernador

This Taco Gobernador is going to be a new family favorite! These messy tacos are made with juicy shrimp and melty cheese wrapped in crispy quesadilla-style tacos.

A perfect handheld treat for dinner that is just delicious!

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22. Firecracker Salmon

This Firecracker Salmon recipe is a complete restaurant-worthy dish that is super easy to make at home.

You’ll love this Asian-flavored dish that needs very few ingredients but tastes simply delicious. A must-try recipe for seafood lovers!

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23. Chicken Provençal (Poulet à la Provençal)

Chicken Provençal, a famous French classic, will dazzle everyone. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name as it’s super easy to make!

This is an amazing and perfect dish will make any fun Friday night dinner party special. Don’t forget a perfect white wine and French bread!

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24. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Looking for some easy and delicious recipes that will be as good as gourmet ones? Then these Garlic Butter Steak Bites fit the list perfectly.

Your regular beef will get amazing flavors with stunning garlicky butter. And the best part of these scrumptious beef bites is that they’re ready in under 15 minutes! Bingo…

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25. Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs)

Are you a fan of IKEA meatballs? If yes, then this Swedish Meatballs recipe is ideal for you!

Köttbullar is made with juicy, slightly spicy meatballs smothered in a rich, buttery, and savory gravy.

Serve this ultimate comfort dish with mashed potatoes and we bet it will be your new go-to dinner recipe.

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26. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Make the quickest and tastiest dish ever with this Thai Basil Chicken. This recipe is simply deliciously, perfect for pre-prep and only takes a mere few minutes to cook.

You won’t need a Thai take away when you see how easy and yummy this dish is!

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27. Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)

Gambas al Ajillo is a memorable Mediterranean shrimp dish swimming in a sauce of garlic and olive oil.

A must-try recipe, this delicious dish is not only quick and easy, it’s company worthy!

The to die for sauce is perfect for dipping a hunk of crusty bread!

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28. Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)

Give your meatballs a Greek twist with this Keftedes recipe. These Greek Meatballs are spicy, crispy, and totally addictive.

Serve them at parties or get-togethers as a part of a mezze platter, the ultimate Mediterranean appetizer. Watch them disappear!

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29. Harissa Shrimp

This Harissa Shrimp recipe, a North African inspired dish, is dedicated to all shrimp lovers!

Filled with smoky, zesty, and exotic flavors, this dish is perfect when you’re looking for a special meal.

Try it with white rice and an ice cold beer.

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30. Jambalaya Pasta (Pastalaya)

Turn your favorite Jambalaya into a pasta dish with this scrumptious Pastalaya recipe!

This flavor-packed recipe’s highlights are shrimp, chicken, and sausages that are smothered in a cheesy, creamy sauce. You are definitely going to love this Louisiana-flavored pasta!

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31. Greek Moussaka

How about making the famous Greek Moussaka at home? This iconic layered eggplant casserole is a dream comfort food.

Serve it with a Greek salad and bread for a super special meal!

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32. One Skillet Mexican Casserole

Have you made a casserole in a skillet? If not, this is your chance to make this absolutely delicious One Skillet Mexican Casserole.

This super quick and easy dish is jammed packed with spicy flavors and ingredients for a yummy dish that everyone will love!

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33. Meatball Minestrone Soup

Meatball Minestrone Soup will satisfy your craving for a famous restaurant-worthy soup.

It’s loaded with classic Italian favorites like veggies, beans, pasta and a perfectly balanced tomato broth.

This soup, filled with delicious meatballs, is super hearty and healthy, too.

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34. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

You don’t have to be a vegetarian to love these Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms!

A simple recipe, this dish tastes delicious and and is super healthy too. Serve it to your carnivorous friends and they’ll never miss the meat!

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35. American Goulash

Now here’s a nostalgic dish from old time Americana… American Goulash! It’s a pantry staple comfort food that goes back over 100 years, and still tastes just as good today.

Tender macaroni, hearty ground beef, all tossed in a well seasoned tomato sauce along with plenty of cheese. Doesn’t that sound like the ultimate kid friendly dinner?

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36. Salmon Burgers

This easy Salmon Burgers recipe is a winner! These burgers are not only healthy, but they’re also unbelievably delicious.

They’re great for a weeknight dinner, or to impress guests. And you can easily prep them ahead of time, so all they need is a quick sear or grill and dinner is on the table in no time.

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37. Chicken Burrito Bowls

Skip the Chipotle, our Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is going to satisfy all your cravings!

Just combine perfectly marinated chicken with rice and the fixings of your choice, and you have a hearty and nutritious one-bowl meal.

This burrito bowl is super customizable, so you can easily make it your own. And it’s ideal for meal prep, so you can chow down all week long!

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38. Shish Kabob

Summer’s coming on fast, so fire up that grill. This easy Shish Kabob recipe is going to be the star of your cookout season!

Well marinated beef cubes get skewered up with veggies and then grilled to juicy perfection. Ideal potluck contender? You bet!

These nearly effortless beef kabobs are a must for anyone aspiring to the title of “grill master”. Now’s your chance to join the ranks…

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39. Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole is a uniquely British dish, where sausages are baked in Yorkshire pudding batter.

It’s total comfort food that couldn’t get much easier. All you need is six ingredients, an oven, and a few tips to perfect your toad.

This fun meal with a funny name is sure to be a crowd pleaser, beloved by adults and kids alike.

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40. Beef Tagine (Moroccan Beef Stew)

We’re wrapping up our terrific list of recipes with this magical Beef Tagine recipe!

This Moroccan Beef stew is loaded with amazing spices and hearty ingredients. Slow-cooked for hours, it creates the best melt-in-your-mouth beef stew.

Experience this ultimate exotic recipe, we bet you’ll love it!

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We hope you enjoy these delicious Friday Night Dinner Ideas as much as we do. There’s such a big variety, it’s hard to pick a favorite!

Save or pin this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

Check out these other great recipe collections!
Taco Recipes
Pizza Recipes
Flatbread Recipes
Meatball Recipes
Soup Recipes
Pasta Recipes
Kabob Recipes

40 BEST Fun Friday Night Dinner Ideas

This collection of Fun Friday Night Dinner Ideas includes tacos, meatballs, pastas, kabobs, and many more meals the whole family will love!

Ingredients

• 1 pound white fish
• 1.5 cups flour
• 12oz beer
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• oil, for frying
• tortillas
• 1 avocado
• pico de gallo
• chipotle mayo

Instructions

1. Preparepico de galloandchipotle mayo.
2. Mix together flour, beer, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper in a bowl.
3. Cut the fish into strips, about one inch by two inches. Dry the strips very well with a paper towel.
4. Add about 1/2 inch of oil to a skillet and preheatover medium high heat. Heat until instant read thermometer reads 350 degrees.
5. Dredge the the fish in batter, then fry in preheated oil for about 2-3 minutes per side, till nicely golden brown, then remove to a paper towel lined plate.Work in batches, do not overcrowd pan.
6. Load up tortillas with fish, diced avocado, pico de gallo and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.

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