As Mother’s Day approaches, you’re probably thinking about how to make this special day truly unforgettable for your mom. One way to do that is by cooking her a delicious and memorable dinner. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to decide on just the right recipe.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of 20 heartwarming Mother’s Day dinner recipes that are sure to impress. From classic comfort foods to elegant entrees, these dishes offer something for every taste and style. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping main course or a side dish that will complement it perfectly, we’ve got you covered.
So take a look at our list of 20 Mother’s Day dinner recipes below and get ready to plan the perfect meal for your mom.
Garlic Butter Herb Roasted Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic roasted chicken recipe. With the perfect blend of savory garlic, rich butter, and fresh herbs, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Brighten up your dinner table with this refreshing combination of grilled salmon and tangy lemon dill sauce. The perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped dill
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. While salmon is cooking, warm the lemon dill sauce by whisking in a small bowl.
6. Serve grilled salmon with warmed lemon dill sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction
Elevate your dinner party with this elegant and flavorful dish that combines the richness of beef tenderloin with the depth of a red wine reduction. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-1.5 pound) beef tenderloin
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tenderloin for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the red wine and beef broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Stir in butter until melted. Serve the beef tenderloin with the red wine reduction spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: approximately 30-40 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Rich and flavorful, this creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting and satisfying side dish or main course. With the earthy flavor of mushrooms and the creaminess of Parmesan cheese, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add garlic, Arborio rice, and white wine (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
Elevate your seafood game with this decadent recipe that combines the richness of lobster with the savory flavor of garlic butter. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lobster tails (1-1.5 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse lobster tails under cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Divide the garlic butter mixture evenly among the lobster tails, spreading it over each tail.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lobster is opaque and flaky.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus by roasting it to perfection and pairing it with the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, sprinkling with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Return to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 14-17 minutes
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
Impress your guests with this elegant and flavorful dish, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. This herb-crusted rack of lamb is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-1/2 pound) rack of lamb
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the lamb rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the lamb with olive oil, then sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the meat.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time:
– 40-50 minutes for medium-rare
– 50-60 minutes for medium
Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
A timeless Italian-American favorite, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful garlic butter sauce and served over tender linguine. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 ounces linguine pasta
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in white wine (if using) and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked linguine and reserved pasta water with the shrimp mixture. Toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Feta
Transform humble bell peppers into a flavorful and nutritious main course by filling them with quinoa, feta cheese, and aromatic spices. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix quinoa, feta cheese, chopped onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Citrus Glaze
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with this easy-to-make Pan-Seared Scallops with Citrus Glaze recipe. This dish is sure to impress your guests with its simplicity and delicious taste.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup citrus glaze (see below for recipe)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
Citrus Glaze Recipe:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Rinse scallops and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Brush citrus glaze over scallops during the last minute of cooking.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of spinach, ricotta cheese, and pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 8 oz ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well to combine.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed shells and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes
This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening, as tender short ribs fall off the bone and are paired with creamy mashed potatoes. With minimal prep time and low maintenance cooking, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high. Sear short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add beef broth, red wine (if using), and browned short ribs. Cover pot and transfer to oven.
6. Braise for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender.
7. Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours for short ribs, plus 20 minutes for mashed potatoes.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe! Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato come together to create a flavorful and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
3. Stuff each breast with a slice of mozzarella, some basil leaves, and a few tomato pieces.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top of each breast and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy and aromatic roasted garlic mashed cauliflower recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and separated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place cauliflower florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
- Meanwhile, place garlic cloves on a separate baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 10-12 minutes or until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine roasted cauliflower, mashed with butter, warmed broth, salt, and pepper. Stir in roasted garlic until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this vibrant and flavorful grilled vegetable platter, perfectly paired with a rich balsamic glaze. This colorful medley is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 large zucchinis, sliced
– 2 large yellow squash, sliced
– 1 large eggplant, sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add sliced vegetables and toss to coat.
3. Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, reduce balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until thickened and syrupy (about 10-12 minutes).
5. Arrange grilled vegetables on a platter. Drizzle with reduced balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta with Shrimp
A bright and flavorful pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich lemon butter garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add lemon juice and white wine (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce sauce slightly.
6. Combine cooked pasta, shrimp, and lemon butter garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese Crust
This indulgent dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and tender texture. A flavorful blue cheese crust adds a savory twist to the classic filet mignon recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 (6 oz) filet mignon steaks
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season filets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. In a small bowl, mix together blue cheese and olive oil until well combined.
4. Place the blue cheese mixture evenly over each filet, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat. Sear filets for 2 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until desired level of doneness is reached.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ratatouille with Fresh Herbs
A classic Provençal dish gets a bright and refreshing twist with the addition of fresh herbs. This flavorful ratatouille is perfect for accompanying grilled meats, as a side dish, or served as a hearty vegetarian main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetable mixture on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
4. Stir in chopped parsley and season to taste.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken Piccata with Capers
This recipe is a flavorful and elegant take on traditional chicken piccata, elevated by the addition of salty capers. The dish is quick to prepare and cooks in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and flour.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add capers to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
6. Serve the chicken breasts with the caper sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Sauce
Rich, gooey chocolate cakes oozing with warm, velvety centers, served with a sweet and tangy raspberry sauce – the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cakes:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the raspberry sauce:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
4. Whisk eggs and butter together until smooth.
5. Combine egg mixture with flour mixture, then stir in melted chocolate.
6. Pour batter into 4 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set.
8. Let cool for 1 minute before serving.
9. For the raspberry sauce: Combine raspberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Whisk in water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes for cakes, 5 minutes for raspberry sauce.
Summary
Make Mother’s Day dinner unforgettable with these heartwarming recipes. Impress your loved one with Garlic Butter Herb Roasted Chicken, Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce, or Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction. For a seafood twist, try Baked Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter or Pan-Seared Scallops with Citrus Glaze. Vegetarian options include Creamy Mushroom Risotto and Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan. And don’t forget sweet treats like Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Sauce. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, these recipes are sure to delight.
