33 Delicious Saturday Night Dinner Ideas

We all love a good Saturday night dinner, but sometimes we get sick of the same old meal every week! Are you looking for some fresh new dinner recipes for that special Saturday night in? Look no further!

There are so many exciting possibilities for some fun Saturday night dinner ideas, from appetizers to main courses to desserts! These fantastic recipes will give your Saturday nights a new lease of life.

Whether you’re looking for some dishes to enhance that me time that you so love, or you’re looking for meals that your friends and family can enjoy together, there are Saturday night dishes in here for you. 

Starters

1. Salt And Pepper Squid

This is a fantastic starter for any dinner party. Squid is an underestimated dish that lives up to Saturday’s special name. The mix of black peppercorn and Sichuan gives this squid a unique hint of spice.

2. Garlic Bread

Whether you have cooked a pasta bake for a group of friends, or you’ve made yourself a pizza, garlic bread will always go down well! Make your own garlic bread and serve it as a delicious starter.

If you want to pair this bread alongside a saucy dish, it is great for mopping up the sauce. This will save on the washing up!

3. Moules Marinéres

Mussels are a great sharing starter. They work well for a romantic dinner and will have your partner or date very impressed. These muscles are served in white sauce and are fairly easy to make, taking less than 30 minutes.

If you want to make this dish into a main course, you could always add some fries to the dish, or pair the muscles in white sauce with some pasta to make it more substantial.

4. Prawn Cocktail

A classic prawn cocktail is a perfect way to start off a dinner party. It is easy to make and ready in less than 15 minutes which gives you more time to tend to your guests or get on with the main course.

The sauce on this prawn cocktail is delicious, and you will have your guests bawled over from the beginning. 

5. Delicious Asparagus 

This asparagus starter is served with butter, capers and balsamic. It is a delicious starter as it is light and makes way for a more filling main course.

This dish is under 300 calories and is quick and easy to make, leaving more time for you to entertain your guests or work on the rest of your dinner party. 

6. Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Spring Rolls 

These spring rolls are a great way to start off a themed dinner party on a Saturday night. Follow this dish with some Vietnamese pho (see also ‘24 Delicious Vietnamese Recipes‘) to make the night fully themed.

These spring rolls are very healthy as they are filled with vegetables, stir-fried, and marinated tofu and mint leaves. These rolls are very tasty and are served with a delicious peanut dipping sauce.

7. Mushroom Soup

This mushroom soup is a perfect dish to start off a dinner party. Make sure you serve this creamy mushroom soup in small portions – you don’t want your guests to fill up on the starter and leave no room for your delicious main! 

8. Corn Pakora

If you are opting for a homemade Indian takeaway dish, a corn pakora is a perfect starter for you! Pakoras are famous Indian snacks that are very popular.

They are deep-fried and delicious with some added spice for good measure. These snacks are great on their own or as a starter before your favorite Indian dish! 

9. Vegetable Samosa 

Samosas are another great starter for your favorite Indian dish. These vegetable samosas are very easy to make using filo pastry.

These samosas are great for both vegans and vegetarians but feel free to add some meat in if you fancy! Enjoy these with some condiments – mango chutney goes very well with these samosas.

You can add some onion bhajis in with this starter if you feel like a more substantial starter. This also works as a snack.

10. Potato Wedges

This is more of a side order rather than a starter. If you are making pizza for your movie night, consider some side orders. Potato wedges are a no-brainer.

This dish also pairs well on the side of hot dogs or burgers. Keep it simple with your wedges. Oven cook them, and serve with ketchup or mayo for the classic wedges!

11. Chicken Poppers 

Again, this is another side order for your homemade pizza takeaway. Pizza is nothing without some chicken alongside it, and this recipe is perfect. Add some sweet chili sauce to the chicken for some flavoring and dig in! 

Main Courses

1. Sizzling Steak Fajitas

This dish is great for that Saturday night dinner party. Invite over your closest friends, grab a bottle of wine (or tequila) and knock up this fantastic dish.

It is easy to make in large portions and you can leave the pan in the middle of the table for everyone to serve themselves as much or as little as possible.

This meal is great fun for everyone and this recipe helps you to create the most delicious marinade that makes that steak taste fantastic! 

2. Butcher’s Steak

We’ll kick these fun Saturday night dinner ideas off with a main that you can’t resist. This butcher’s steak is delicious either pan-cooked or grilled.

Cook it to perfection in whatever way you like it, and make sure that you have chosen a good piece of steak.

This recipe is simple, yet delicious and it is one of the best ways to treat yourself or your loved one. Enjoy this dish with a lovely glass of wine for maximum enjoyment. 

3. Hangover Burger

Have you spent all of your Saturday hungover from those big work drinks last night? Are you just starting to feel better and are wondering what meal will cure you of all of last night’s concerns?

The hangover burger is perfect for you. This is a great variation on a breakfast bun when you’ve missed breakfast by a good few hours.

This burger adds some spice to your regular breakfast foods by mixing some ketchup, Sriracha, and mayo for a spicy sauce.

This will shock those last hangover effects out of your system, not to mention it is a delicious dish that you will absolutely love! Add some hash browns into the burger for some extra grease. 

4. Tofu Pad Thai

This fantastic dish is an easy way to recreate a takeout without ordering in! It is quick, easy, and delicious.

This dish is easy to make in bulk if you’re having your friends round for a game night, but it is also a great substitute for a takeaway when you’re having some ‘me’ time.

This meal goes well when it is paired with a bottle of wine.

5. Pesto Pizza

This pizza is a great idea for a Saturday night meal. Pizza is a go-to takeaway option, and this pizza will hit the spot.

It is great for snacking during a movie night! You can add whatever toppings you like to this dish to personalize it to you!

6. Saturday Night Ribs

These ribs are absolutely delicious. They are super saucy and flavorful. This dish is cooked in the slow cooker, making the ribs so tender that they will fall off the bone. Enjoy this dish for some Saturday night indulgence. 

7. Leek And Cheese Pasta Bake 

Nothing screams Saturday night to me more than cheese! This leek and cheese pasta bake is quick and easy which allows you more time to spend on your pampering and less time on cooking.

While this dish is in the oven, get yourself in the bath with your favorite book! It is creamy and delicious, it will leave you coming back for more.

8. Fish Tacos 

Give these fish tacos a try if you want to experience the San Diago taco way. This recipe is best when it is served with a squeeze of lime and some pico de gallo.

Tacos are a great snacking dish for movie nights, or for nights in with friends. Pair this dish with a cocktail, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Saturday night!

9. Chicken Chow Mein 

This chicken chow mein recipe will have you thinking you ordered from your local Chinese takeout but in reality, you made it at home in less than 30 minutes!

It is made using fresh vegetables, chicken and a delicious sauce. Mixed with some noodles, this dish is a perfect Saturday night dinner. 

10. Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that is often associated with comfort food! All you do with this dish is bake some ziti pasta with sausage, tomato sauce, and an abundance of delicious cheeses!

You will have everyone impressed with this dish.

11. Chili Hot Dog 

This is a great meal for eating with a movie. It is popular in movie theaters, so why not recreate the dish at home?

Hot dogs can come in many different shapes and sizes but the chili dog really is one of a kind. A very fun Saturday night dinner recipe!

Desserts 

1. New York Cheesecake

What’s not to love about the classic New York cheesecake? With its wonderful crust and very high sides, it is rich whilst also being light and fluffy.

Make one of these cheesecakes and you will keep everyone at your Saturday night dinner party satisfied in one fell swoop! Your guests will be going back for seconds with this one.

2. Chocolate Brownies 

These brownies are perfect for your pamper night. They are dense and rich and will make you feel completely indulged!

These brownies are the perfect mix between gooey and dense. They are best served with vanilla ice cream. 

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chocolate chip cookies are perfect when they are made well. They should be chewy on the inside while still being slightly crunchy and crisp on the outside.

These choc chip cookies have hints of toffee and butterscotch to add to the taste. They work best when you’re indulging with your friends with a movie! 

4. Cookie Dough 

This is a similar recipe to the one above, except you bake it for less time. Seve this dish warm with ice cream! This is the ideal dessert as it is the best of all worlds.

You get the cookie, whilst also getting a warm dessert that hits the spot. You even get some ice cream thrown in there too. Why not add some marshmallows for good measure?!

5. Chocolate Fondue

This dessert is perfect for your Saturday night date night. It is a perfect chocolate fondue that is easy to set up and make and perfect for a romantic evening!

Cut up some different fruits and enjoy the chocolatey goodness. Add some marshmallows into the mix for good measure – just in case the melted chocolate wasn’t sweet enough for you and your partner!

This one could even be too extravagant for just your regular Saturday night – but why save it for special occasions when you can have it every Saturday evening?

6. Chocolate Truffles 

This recipe takes indulgence to the next level. It tells you how to make delicious French chocolates that should be eaten straight from the oven for the best effects.

You should eat these wonders while they are still warm as they will be runny in the center! They really won’t taste the same if you leave them until Sunday morning, trust me!

7. American Trifle

The trifle does take a little bit of preparation, but it really is all worth it! This dessert is a great one to share after a dinner party.

It is creamy and fruity, setting it aside from all of the chocolate heavy desserts we have on our list! The trifle has a bit of everything, what’s not to love?

8. Double Chocolate Waffles

This dessert is perfect, with all its chocolatey goodness. This dessert works perfectly after a takeaway dinner where you’ve filled yourself upright to bursting but you’re still going!

A good tip with this one is to sprinkle your waffle iron with some sugar before pouring the batter on. This will give you a sweet and crispy batter.

9. Blueberry Muffins

These desserts have been very chocolate heavy so here’s one for those people who want to opt for a less dense dessert. A blueberry muffin is a great end to a delicious dinner party.

They are great because everyone gets their own individual muffin, meaning you don;t have to worry about dishing out the final dish.

Blueberry muffins also work well with white chocolate chips, so if you’re looking to add some chocolate to this dessert then that’s a great place to start!

10. Lemon Sorbet

Lemon sorbet compliments Indian meals, so finish off with this! There’s no need to have an ice cream maker to make this dessert, simply follow these instructions for a refreshing and delicious sorbet.

It might take a bit of patience because it requires your attention while it is being made, but it is totally worth it! This dish is great if you have had a spicy main course and you’re looking to cool your palette! 

11. Cheese Board With Homemade Caramelized Onion Chutney

Sweet desserts aren’t for everyone, so give this cheese board a go if you’re not the sweet tooth type! Add your favorite cheeses to a board and make your own homemade chutneys.

You can make an assortment of chutney if you wish, but this caramelized onion chutney is a great place to start and a great accompaniment to cheese and crackers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Most Commonly Eaten Food In The World?

Rice is one of the most popular foods in the world. It is served with a lot of different types of dishes and has been consumed all over the world for over 5000 years.

What Should I Do On A Saturday Night?

There are many different things to do on a Saturday night and they all vary depending on where you live.

However, it is very common to be in on a Saturday night enjoying a delicious dinner with friends, family, and loved ones. One of these recipes is great to turn to when you’re in this position wondering what to make!

What Is A Typical American Dish?

Most Americans eat a dinner consisting of protein, starch, and a vegetable. For instance, a steak with potato and spinach. However, this depends on the day and the situation.

Often, diets change depending on the time of year too. In the summer, people tend to eat less heavy meals because of the heat. 

What Country Eats Dinner At The Latest Time?

A lot of European countries eat dinner later. Some Spanish people like to dine at around 10 pm. This is because they like to wait until the weather has cooled down before they eat their warm evening meals.

Spanish dishes consist of tapas (see also ‘19 Delicious And Simple Spanish Tapas Recipes‘) which are a lot of small dishes that are shared between the group. 

What Is A Traditional Christmas Dinner?

Christmas dinner (see also ’38 Of The Best Recipes For Christmas Dinner‘) usually consists of turkey that is served alongside lots of vegetables, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

Usually, a Christmas pudding or a fruitcake will be served as a dessert. The meat can be substituted for another meat if you prefer. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, now you have plenty of ideas for some fun dinners on Saturday night! You should have lots of starters, main courses, and desserts for every type of Saturday night you can imagine.

Whether you’re spending the night pampering yourself, or you’re entertaining your friends and family, you shouldn’t be short of ideas after reading this guide!