Friday nights are a chance to wind down after a busy week and kick off the weekend with a delicious meal. That’s where these easy Friday night dinner ideas come in. We have put together a list of 45+ recipes that are great for busy families on a Friday night. These weeknight dinner recipes are quick to prepare, but also wholesome and satisfying, so everyone at the table leaves happy and full!
Family Friendly Friday Night Dinner Ideas
These are some of the best, quick and easy kid-friendly recipes that your family will love and you won’t mind making!
- Garlic Bread Pizza
- Baked Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Cheesburger Pasta – a family favorite pasta dish
- Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls – use store-bought pizza dough for easy prep
- Southwest Sloppy Joe Skillet – protein packed and full of flavor
- Crockpot Chicken Nachos – crockpot does the work, just ladle over tortilla chips and add toppings
The Most Popular Friday Night Dinner Ideas
Easy dinner recipes that use pantry staples! These will please even the pickiest eaters.
- Chicken Taco Casserole
- Carnitas Nachos – crockpot prep in the morning and then just 10 minutes to assemble at dinner time
- Steak Fried Rice
- Taco Skillet Dinner
- One Pan Beef Ramen Stir Fry
- Buffalo Chicken Burgers
- Firecracker Chicken or Shrimp – serve with rice and my tender sautéed green beans
- One Pot Easy Lasagna Soup
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread
Friday Night Sheet Pan Dinner Ideas
Simple ingredients that can all be added to one pan where everything is then cooked together. You know what that means – easy prep and little cleanup!
- Baked Chicken Cutlets with Veggies
- Sausage and Veggies with Cajun Butter Sauce
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Sheet Pan Baked Pineapple Chicken
- Caprese Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Sheet Pan Southern Meatloaf – classic meatloaf flavor but ready in half the time
Casseroles and Chicken Bake Dinners
These satisfying and hearty recipes are simple and convenient, making them perfect to whip up at the end of a busy week.
- 4 Ingredient Baked Tortellini Casserole
- BBQ Chicken Bake
- Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Easy Baked Chicken Fajitas – only 5 ingredients and one casserole dish
- Easy Chicken Cacciatore
- Million Dollar Chicken Bake – a reader favorite
- Baked Chicken Marsala
- Oven Baked Stuffed Pepper Casserole – a complete meal in itself
- Green Chili Chicken Casserole
- Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Bake
Healthy Friday Night Dinner Ideas
From salads to hearty and filling family dinners, we keep these dishes full of flavor, but without the guilt.
- Italian Quinoa Salad – top with grilled salmon or other lean protein
- Chicken Pomodoro – serve over noodles or zoodles
- Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Pesto Chicken Bake with Tomatoes
- Taco Zucchini Boats – perfect for using up leftover taco meat
- Italian Turkey and Vegetables Skillet
Easy Friday Night Side Dishes
From healthy veggie options to simple salads, these side dish recipes are quick and easy enough to add to any entrée you make on Friday.
- Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower – the parmesan cheese makes this super tasty and it goes with anything
- Brown Butter Broccoli
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes – just a few minutes of prep earlier in the day, and these are ready to serve by dinnertime
- Tomato Basil Mozzerella Salad – the perfect summer side dish
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Sautéed Spinach
- Classic Cucumber Tomato Salad
Easy Friday Night Dessert Ideas
Friday night is the perfect excuse to indulge a little. These desserts are popular, but require minimal effort! Enjoy!
If you’re looking for easy Friday night recipes, this list will be a keeper. If you need more ideas check out some of the easy Rotisserie Chicken recipes.
If there is a great Friday night recipe that I left off the list, make sure and let me know in the comments!
What to have for dinner on a Friday night?
After a long, busy week, I would suggest something that’s easy to prepare, delicious, and family-friendly. Use my list above to get inspired!
What to serve instead of pizza on a Friday night?
If you’re looking for something to serve instead of pizza on a Friday night, try taco night, a sheet pan meal, or maybe even a wholesome stir fry dinner.
What is an easy dinner to make on a lazy night?
When you’re feeling lazy and just not in the mood to cook, opt for a meal that you know requires minimal ingredients and minimal effort. Or better yet…leftovers!
Easy Garlic Bread Pizza
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 clove garlic, pressed, or 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
For the Pizza
- 1 loaf french bread
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping Options
- 2 ounces pepperoni, sliced
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F
- Combine all ingredients for the garlic butter and mix well. Set aside.
- Slice the french bread in half and spread the garlic butter over each side and then bake for 5-8 minutes or until the top is toasty and the edges are golden brown.
- Top the garlic bread with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your choice of toppings.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through. Cut each half into 5 pieces and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- French Bread – Any store-bought french bread will work for this. You can also use sub rolls to make smaller “personal-sized” pizzas which are great for getting the kids involved in the process!
- Marinara Sauce – Feel free to use any marinara you love, store-bought or homemade.
- Mozzarella Cheese – I prefer to use shredded mozzarella for this recipe but you could also use an Italian blend cheese.
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer for up to a month
- Make this french bread pizza as directed and let it cool completely.
- One cool, wrap in plastic wrap and place in an air-tight container. Store in the freezer for up to a month.
- When ready to eat, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Place the frozen pizza on a baking tray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through, crispy on the outside, and the cheese is melted.
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