50 Friday night dinner ideas to kickstart the weekend

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Struggling for Friday night dinner inspiration? We've got all your needs covered, with recipes that rival that of any takeaway. Take inspiration from Friday night traditions such as Jewish Friday night shabbat and Swedish 'cosy Fridays', when the meal is a time to sit down and eat together, often with several generations of family. Alternatively, we have plenty of fun Friday night dinner ideas for two, including impressive steak dishes and special seafood pasta.

If you're looking to pull out all the stops, we've gathered a whole host of dishes with wow-factor to herald in the weekend – think cheese fondue, truffled mac 'n' cheese and even a paneer-filled curry pie.

Alternatively, if it was a long week and you have little energy, we've included quick and easy dinners that still feel like a treat. These include our speedy sausage stroganoff (ready in 20 minutes), fuss-free sausage, kale & gnocchi one-pot and microwave cheat's paella for a shortcut version of the classic.

For more Friday night ideas, tuck into our hit-list of the best comfort food recipes, fakeaway meals and sharing ideas.

Add more recipes to your rotation with our top dinners for when you don’t know what to cook.

50 easy Friday night dinners

1. Slow cooker beef tacos

Let your slow cooker do the hard work with these melt-in-the-mouth beef tacos – perfect for a relaxed Friday night with the family. Beef brisket is gently cooked with smoky spices until it’s fall-apart tender, then shredded and piled into soft tortillas. Top with creamy guacamole, hot sauce, fresh coriander and tomato salsa.

Find more recipes for fuss-free entertaining and family feasts in our slow cooker dinner party recipes.

2. Hot honey crispy chicken burgers with blue cheese slaw

Spice up burger night with these crispy chicken fillets, drizzled with hot honey and served in soft buns with a tangy blue cheese slaw. The chicken is coated in a crunchy panko crumb, while the slaw adds freshness and bite. This recipe serves up to six and is perfect for a crowd-pleasing Friday fakeaway.

Check out more crispy chicken burgers.

3. Marry me gnocchi

This quick, comforting gnocchi dish is bound to impress, making it perfect for date night or a special Friday treat. Soft gnocchi is cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomato purée and parmesan, then finished with garlic, a hint of chilli and thyme. The sauce is rich and luscious, coating each gnocchi for a an indulgent mouthful. Ready in just under 40 minutes, it serves three and delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Discover our best-ever gnocchi recipes for more inspiration.

4. Chicken satay curry

This easy chicken satay curry is a family-friendly twist on the classic, bringing together chicken thighs in a creamy, nutty sauce. The curry is flavoured with coconut milk, ginger, garlic and a hint of sriracha for gentle warmth. Serve with fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that’s both comforting, high in protein and packed with flavour.

Discover more of our easy chicken curry recipes.

5. Drunken noodles (pad kee mao)

Spice up your Friday with this Thai-inspired noodle stir-fry, known for its bold, punchy flavours. Rice noodles are tossed with sirloin steak, broccoli, chillies, soy and oyster sauce, finished a handful of fresh Thai basil for a fragrant finish. The dish is quick to prepare – on the table in under 30 minutes – and delivers a delicious balance of heat, savoury depth and aromatic herbs.

Cook more noodle dinners with our best-ever rice noodles collection.

6. Marry me chicken meatball orzo

This creamy orzo dish features juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chilli and parmesan. The orzo cooks in the same pan, soaking up all the flavours for a rich, comforting finish. This recipe is an instant crowd-pleaser that serves up to five and works beautifully for a cosy Friday night supper.

See our recipe for marry me chicken for another instant favourite.

7. Lasagne jackets

Give your jacket potatoes a Friday night makeover with this lasagne-inspired twist. Fluffy baked potatoes are filled with a rich beef ragu, then topped with a creamy béchamel and plenty of melted cheese. The result is a cheesy, hearty dinner that combines two family favourites. Serve at a casual gathering or a fun family meal.

We have plenty more comforting lasagne recipes.

8. Prawn toast burgers

A playful twist on the takeaway classic, these burgers feature a juicy prawn mixture coated in sesame seeds and fried until golden, then loaded with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of punchy sriracha or sweet chilli sauce. The result is a satisfying mix of textures and flavours, ideal for a fun Friday night treat for two.

Take a look at more of our fish burger recipes.

9. Whole cauliflower tikka masala with cheesy naans

Make vegetables the star with this showstopping roasted cauliflower, marinated in tikka spices and roasted until golden. It’s served with homemade cheesy naans, perfect for tearing and dipping. This vegetarian centrepiece serves four-six so is ideal for sharing – great for a Friday night feast with friends or family.

Find more recipes like this in our vegetarian dinner party recipes.

10. Carbonara butter beans

For a fun new take on a classic, try this creamy carbonara made with butter beans instead of pasta. The beans are cooked with guanciale and parmesan for a silky, savoury sauce, finished with plenty of black pepper. It’s quick, nutritious and filling, serving up to three – perfect for a satisfying Friday supper in under 20 minutes.

If you like the look of this, see our 10 twists on classic carbonara.

11. Peanut butter pork skewers with crunchy zingy slaw

Fire up the grill for these flavour-packed pork skewers, marinated in a nutty peanut, soy and lime dressing. The pork is caramelised and juicy, served alongside a crunchy, vibrant slaw dressed with more lime and a touch of honey. This recipe serves four and can be served with brown rice, flatbreads or noodles for something more substantial.

See our mouthwatering BBQ skewer recipes for more ideas.

12. One-pan nachos with black beans

If you're after something casual, we suggest a colourful tray of nachos to share, with layers of black beans, salsa, avocado and melted cheese. It's a fun and fuss-free dish to start the weekend, and everyone will enjoy digging in.

See more fun nacho recipe inspiration in our nachos collection.

13. Taco soup

Bring all the fun of taco night to your table in soup form with this colourful, hearty bowl. Beef mince is simmered with tomatoes, beans, sweetcorn, warming spices and oregano, resulting in a comforting, mildly spicy broth that's packed with texture and flavour. Serve with a dollop of soured cream, grated cheese, avocado and tortilla chips for a playful, customisable dinner.

We have plenty more exciting taco recipes and hearty soups to enjoy.

14. Speedy sausage stroganoff tagliatelle

Requiring just 5 minutes to prepare, our budget-friendly sausage stroganoff tagliatelle ticks all the boxes for a quick, low-cost and satisfying Friday night dinner. You could even substitute pork sausages for vegetarian to make it meat-free.

Discover plenty more stroganoff recipes for more ideas.

15. Vegetarian enchiladas

We're all for a comforting, cheesy dish to see in the weekend. These easy veggie enchiladas are seasoned chilli powder and filled with nutritious ingredients, such as carrots, tomatoes and pulses.

16. Creamy cashew tomato potato curry with easy homemade naans

This vegetarian curry brings together tender potatoes in a creamy tomato sauce, finished with hot cashews, curry leaves and flavoured oil. The homemade naans are soft and pillowy, perfect for scooping up the rich curry. Full of warming spices and satisfying textures, this dish makes a comforting meat-free dinner.

See our most popular curries for more recipes to add to your repertoire.

17. Next level steak frites

Elevate your Friday night with this classic French bistro dish. Juicy, perfectly cooked steak is served with golden frites and a rich, green peppercorn sauce. Find out how to achieve the ideal sear on your steak and how to make chips that are crisp on the outside and fluffy within. Serve for two for an impressive date night or special treat.

Browse through our French-inspired recipes for more classic dishes.

18. Classic cheese fondue

If you're hosting friends for the evening, go for the ultimate sharing dish: classic cheese fondue. Enjoy with crusty bread, boiled potatoes, crudités and pickles.

See more feed-a-crowd dishes, including mains, sharing snacks and showstopping bakes.

19. Chicken, corn & miso risotto

Give risotto a twist with this umami-packed version, combining tender chicken thigh fillets, sweetcorn and white miso for depth of flavour. The rice is cooked until creamy, then finished with miso, butter, parmesan and lemon juice. This comforting, high-flavour dish serves two and makes a soothing end to the working week.

Add more exciting risotto recipes to your repertoire.

20. Thai green chicken curry

Ditch the takeaway menu and impress friends and family by cooking a fragrant and creamy Thai curry. Easy and quick to make, it's perfect for entertaining without much effort required.

For more curry inspiration, browse our Thai green curry recipes and Thai red curry recipes.

21. Easy vegan tacos

These tasty vegan tacos – layered with smoky, sweet salsa made with roasted kiwi, tomato, garlic, coriander, bouillon and paprika, and topped with crunchy cabbage and roasted veg – offer something a little different to your standard dinners. The kiwi in the salsa provides a moreish, fruity element.

Catering for vegans? Check out our round-up of vibrant vegan recipes that are designed to impress.

22. Smash burgers

For burgers with a difference, try using this method – ‘smashing’ the burger patties creates the ultimate crust. Serve the burgers in the buns of your choice with lettuce, gherkins, cheese and mayonnaise, ketchup or America mustard.

Find more burger ideas with our beef burger recipes, chicken burger recipes and vegetarian burger recipes.

23. Steak pasta

Treat yourself to this indulgent pasta, featuring tender strips of rump steak tossed with tagliatelle in a creamy sauce. Finished with chives and a sprinkle of parmesan, the dish is both luxurious and comforting. It’s easy to prepare and ready in 50 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a special Friday night in for two.

Discover more satisfying rump steak recipes.

24. Meze-style sharing board

Share this colourful, meze-style grazing board with friends. This veggie version features cauliflower & feta fritters, carrot & tahini salad and falafel.

Discover more Friday night grazing board ideas, perfect for relaxed entertaining.

25. Salami & chilli calzones

These hand-held calzones are stuffed with salami, mozzarella, basil and chilli, then baked until golden and oozing. The dough is crisp on the outside and soft within, with a warming, spicy filling. This recipe makes six calzones – great for sharing or serving as part of a relaxed Friday night spread.

See our best calzone recipes for more ideas.

26. Chorizo & purple sprouting broccoli gnocchi traybake

Enjoy a fuss-free traybake for a fast fix of comfort food. Gnocchi, chorizo and purple sprouting broccoli are roasted together with cherry tomatoes and garlic until crisp and golden. The chorizo infuses the dish with smoky, savoury notes, while the broccoli adds bite. This all-in-one meal serves up to four and is perfect for busy nights when you want maximum flavour with minimal washing up.

Discover more delicious chorizo recipes in our recipe collection.

27. Teriyaki salmon

Ready in just 20 minutes, this salmon dish makes a perfect Friday night dinner for two, with salmon fillets dressed in a punchy sauce of sweet chilli, honey, sesame oil, mirin and soy. Serve with sesame pak choi for a speedy and satisfying meal.

For more fish suppers, check out our comprehensive salmon recipe collection, including poached, smoked, pan-fried, roasted or grilled options.

28. Caponata pasta

Short on time? Make dinner in a flash with our easy vegetarian caponata pasta, ready in just 20 minutes. It's ideal if you're after a simple, budget-friendly dish, and it provides three of your five-a-day.

For more speedy meal ideas, browse our under 20-minute meals.

29. Sausage, kale & gnocchi one-pot

Friday nights are all about treating yourself, and this gnocchi one-pot with crunchy kale feels comforting and restorative in equal measure. Flavoured with chilli flakes and parmesan, it's a delicious way to welcome the weekend.

A comforting one-pot is a great idea if you're all for less washing-up on Friday nights.

30. Gnocchi fish pie

A fun riff on a classic, this has 'Friday' written all over it. This pie replaces mash with gnocchi for next-level comfort. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to make, so it's perfect for a family night in.

For a classic fish pie, see our collection of fish pie recipes.

31. Spicy black bean & halloumi burgers

These vegetarian burgers pack a flavour punch, starring spiced black beans, salty halloumi and pickled onions. Served in toasted burger buns with a handful of rocket lettuce and mayo and served with chips, they’re satisfying and hearty – perfect for a meat-free Friday night treat.

Big halloumi fan? Take a look at our top 10 fried halloumi recipes.

32. Fuss-free family pizza

Bring the pizzeria home with this easy recipe, perfect for getting the whole family involved. Use a no-yeast pizza dough, then top with a homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella and your favourite toppings. Bake until bubbling and golden for a chewy base and gooey cheese topping. This recipe serves four and is ideal for a relaxed, interactive Friday night meal.

Tuck into more flavour-packed pizza recipes.

33. Chorizo & pea risotto

Using simple storecupboard and freezer ingredients, our pea and crispy chorizo risotto is perfect if you're seeking comfort but don't quite have the energy. It's easy to assemble and can be on the table in just 35 minutes.

Try our pea risotto for a meat-free version, or see more of our best-ever risotto recipes.

34. Salt & pepper tofu

Tofu gets a tongue-tingling kick and spicy warmth thanks to a mix of Sichuan and black peppercorns. Serve over crunchy vegetables, then scatter over coriander for a flavour-packed vegan dish.

Tofu isn't everyone's favourite, but it can be transformed into something delicious if you use the right ingredients. Try this tofu steaks with chips which is delicious and high- in protein. See our collection of tofu recipes that change the game.

35. Easy butter chicken

Your go-to Friday night curry is transformed into a lighter treat with this easy butter chicken. It's high in protein and low in calories, plus you can marinate the meat the day before, leaving you with more time.

With 220+ ratings, it's proved to be a big hit with home cooks. Find more of our easy family curry recipes.

36. Paneer korma

Two popular Indian dishes combine in this creamy paneer korma, packed with the heady flavours of ginger and cardamom. Served with your choice of rice and naans, that's your Friday nights plans sorted.

We've got plenty more vegetarian curries for you to discover – check out our best vegetarian curry and vegan curry recipes.

37. Microwave cheat's paella

Our shortcut version of a classic paella swaps the oven for the microwave, helping you save energy. Flavoured with paprika and lemon juice and filled with chicken and chorizo, it delivers on some of those traditional Spanish flavours.

The recipe is based on a 750W microwave. Find more of our microwavable meals for busy nights.

38. Birria tacos

These Mexican-inspired beef birria tacos are just the ticket for more adventurous cooks. A slow-cooked meat dish with chillies, tomato, onion and spices, these tacos require a little effort, but guarantee a flavourful meal.

For a full-blown Mexican-inspired feast, tuck into our easy Mexican, vegetarian Mexican and healthy Mexican dishes.

39. Salt & pepper chips

These are no ordinary chips. Floury potatoes are cut into wedges or chips, then cooked and mixed with stir-fried peppers, garlic and chilli. Sprinkle over a punchy mixture of Chinese five-spice powder, sugar, salt, chilli flakes and peppercorns to finish. This recipe serves up to four as a side or snack – perfect to get you in the mood for the weekend.

Try more twists on everyone's favourite comfort foods with our best chip recipes, including crispy halloumi fries.

40. One-pot paneer curry pie

Everyone's favourite vegetarian curry is transformed into a pie, delivering comfort in spades. Filled with a makhani-style filling and topped with a crisp puff pastry lid, it requires time and effort, but is a showstopper if friends are round for dinner.

Find plenty more inventive veggie pie recipes to get stuck into.

41. Chip shop curry sauce

The beauty of this homemade curry sauce is its versatility: as well as drizzling over chips, it can be used to make katsu curry. It's a brilliant alternative to shop-bought sauce and much cheaper to make in bulk and freeze for later.

Check out our best fakeaway recipes for more homemade versions of your favourite takeaways, including doner kebab and classic fish & chips.

42. Smoked salmon & avocado sushi

Making sushi at home is a fun Friday night activity. This simple recipe is surprisingly easy to achieve, and once you feel confident, you can start experimenting with different flavour combinations.

Try your hand at more fresh and fun sushi recipes.

43. Chicken pasta bake

Tuck into a bowl of gooey, cheesy chicken pasta for the ultimate Friday family dinner. With 589 ratings (and counting), you can be confident this bake will offer all the comfort you need for a Friday night in.

Find more bubbling pasta bake recipes for the weekend, including meat and veggie-friendly options.

44. Truffled mac 'n' cheese

Friday night calls for indulgence, and you'll get that with Tom Kerridge's ultimate truffle mac 'n' cheese, an amalgamation of all his favourite versions of this classic American dish.

Try our classic mac 'n' cheese if you'd prefer, or make more riffs on the classic with our best mac 'n' cheese recipes.

45. Authentic pad Thai

Friday night dinner for two is taken to the next level with this pad Thai, which calls for king prawns, tofu, pickled turnip and tamarind paste – it's a special dish that's packed with flavour.

46. Next level fried chicken

Chicken thighs are fried to crisp perfection in this recipe. Assemble an American-inspired feast with sides of mac 'n' cheese, pickles and coleslaw.

Try more twists on fried chicken for future Friday nights in with our fried chicken recipes.

47. Meatball & garlic bread traybake

If you're craving a rich meatball dish, look no further than this traybake. Arrange meatballs over tomato sauce, then scatter over mozzarella, chunks of garlic bread and grated cheddar, and bake for 15-20 mins until golden and crisp. You can buy a pack of meatballs from the shops if you're running short on time.

If you're a purist when it comes to meatballs, try our spaghetti & meatballs, or take your lasagne skills to new heights with this three-cheese meatball lasagne.

48. Sweet & sour prawns

You can make these sweet & sour prawns in less time than it would take to have them delivered. Tailor the dish to suit your tastes by swapping prawns for chicken or pork, if you like.

Looking for more prawn dishes? Tuck into our best prawn pasta recipes and prawn curry recipes.

49. Fajita-style pasta

We've combined the flavours of a classic Mexican fajita with pasta to create this fun and easy Friday night dinner.

This pasta is sure to become a family favourite – you could even swap the chicken for halloumi to make it vegetarian.

50. Halloumi flatbreads

Everyone can tuck into these veggie halloumi wraps served with crunchy slaw and a generous dollop of hummus.

Find more delicious wraps with our wrap recipe collection, featuring chilli chicken wraps and battered haddock & pesto wraps.