45 Easy And Delicious Birthday Dinner Dishes

With a wide variety of recipes that would make an excellent birthday gift. The recipes are easy to make and require little time. 

The birthday dinner can be easy and delicious with these recipes. The best way to celebrate your birthday is to invite friends and family over to celebrate with you. This includes cooking a scrumptious meal that everyone can enjoy.

Here are some easy and delicious birthday dinner dishes that you can prepare in the oven or on the stove top. 

To summarize birthday dinner dishes, here is a table with all the fantastic recipes you can try out.

Quick Table: Birthday Dinner Meal Ideas

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Cake Buffet	1103	1 Hour 25 Minutes
Chili & Cornbread	87	55 Minutes
Chicken & Pasta Casserole	325	45 Minutes
Ribs & Cornbread	1000	1 Hour 40 Minutes
Lasagna Casserole	383	1 Hour 30 Minutes
Chicken Pot Pie	546	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Nacho Bar	916	4 Hours
Jambalaya	332	35 Minutes
Chicken Piccata	393	25 Minutes
Fudge Cake	290	50 Minutes
Sloppy Joes	226	25 Minutes
Lasagna Roll-Ups	333	1 Hour 12 Minutes
Tots	226	20 Minutes
Strawberry Shortcakes	486	40 Minutes
Burritos	664	45 Minutes
Chicken Strips	416	30 Minutes
Meatballs & Pasta	635	40 Minutes
Tater Tot Casserole	443	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Oatmeal Bars	190	25 Minutes
Sushi	434	35 Minutes
Ham And Cheese Sliders	108	30 Minutes
Chicken Enchiladas	617	1 Hour
Coconut Cream Cake	762	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Tofu Tacos	577	35 Minutes
Vegan Cupcakes	399	35 Minutes
Red Velvet Cake	446	1 Hour 40 Minutes
Blueberry Jam	47	15 Minutes
Molten Chocolate Cakes	640	19 Minutes
Banana Pudding	110	2 Hours 10 Minutes
Chocolate Cake	442	50 Minutes
Chocolate Chip Cookies	250	20 Minutes
Ham & Cheese Pinwheels	60	50 Minutes
Cheesecake Brownies	315	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Chocolate Cupcakes With Lemon Buttercream	158	35 Minutes
Cheesecake Dip	203	10 Minutes
Nutella S’Mores Cookies	417	35 Minutes
Cake Batter Cheesecake	295	1 Hour 15 Minutes
Carrot Cake	546	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Chocolate Cupcakes	480	40 Minutes
Chocolate Biscotti	145	55 Minutes
Fruit Kabobs	125	20 Minutes
Mini Cake Mix Donuts	600	15Minutes
Apple Pie	277	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Banana Splits	965	5 Minutes
Cinnamon Buns	277	3 Hours 2 Minutes

Everyone’s birthday is exceptional, and when planning a surprise party for your friends or family member, you’ll want to come up with a birthday dinner meal to make them feel loved.

After all, people don’t just have birthdays because they’re part of some online quiz or because they happen to be born on the day Jupiter entered Aries – they deserve a day of celebration!

So, if you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your upcoming party, here are 45 birthday dinner dish ideas that will create a memorable gathering.

Of course, you’ll want to vary the menu so the birthday person can enjoy something new, but these are some of the most popular recipes for family and friend celebrations.

1. Cake Buffet 

Bake your finest chocolate cake and display it on a buffet. If there is a difference between each slice of cake, put up signs, so guests know which slice to choose. 

This makes a fantastic party idea for children just learning to share. Mix up three flavors of ice cream and garnish with sprinkles.

Calories Per Serving: 1103

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes

2. Chili & Cornbread 

Chili is a hearty meal, and it’s hard to go wrong with this easy-to-make recipe that combines ground beef, tomato sauce, beans, and other vegetables. 

Most people always have ground beef in their freezer for quick meals. To add a twist to the menu, bake homemade cornbread alongside the chili and top each bowl with a small piece of cornbread before serving.

Calories Per Serving: 87

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

3. Chicken & Pasta Casserole 

This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for something to feed a large party without breaking the bank or using up your weekend! 

You can double up on the ingredients and make extra servings. It’s the kind of thing that will satisfy everyone, from kids to adults.

Calories Per Serving: 325

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

4. Ribs & Cornbread 

Of course, you want to serve ribs at your party! But without enough people to help, sticking with an easier recipe can be better than learning to prepare a whole rack of ribs by yourself. 

A slow-cooked marinade and French bread take these ribs up a notch, making them the perfect centerpiece for any party table.

Calories Per Serving: 1000

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

5. Lasagna Casserole 

Made in layers, this traditional Italian casserole is hearty enough for winter gatherings when everyone needs something warm to fill them up inside. 

Put it together in the morning and have a party at night – what could be easier? This will undoubtedly be a hit.

Calories Per Serving: 383

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

6. Chicken Pot Pie 

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We love chicken pot pie because you can enjoy it no matter how you like it. If you prefer your chicken with vegetables on the side, then this dish is perfect! 

It’s also a party-friendly recipe because most guests will eat anything with gravy over the top. It’s one of those dishes that was meant to be eaten by the spoonful’s out of bowls held in your lap!

Calories Per Serving: 546

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

7. Nacho Bar 

Chips, salsa, and cheese…what could be more perfect for a birthday meal? It’s one of the easiest dishes to prepare because you don’t need to cook anything! 

Just make sure to get good chips and salsa (store brands can be pricey). And have some fantastic bars.

Calories Per Serving: 916

Preparation Time: 4 Hours

8. Jambalaya 

One pan and 35 minutes for an authentic jambalaya that will warm up anyone who is celebrating. 

Southern cooking is an easy place to start when it comes to special birthday dinners because everyone loves a meal full of flavor. This dish would be great with other Southern sides, like corn on the cob and deviled eggs!

Calories Per Serving: 332

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

9. Chicken Piccata 

Chicken piccata is a classy meal that any restaurant would be glad to serve to their guests. But if you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple enough to make at home, this is it! 

With lemon and capers, this is the perfect dish for people who love Italian but want something light on their stomachs.

Calories Per Serving: 393

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

10. Fudge Cake 

Tastier than cake, fudge has been the go-to choice for birthday parties since 1914. The taste is unbelievable! 

It’s easy to prepare, and come dessert time; you can cut it into small squares so people can eat as much as they like (a great way to encourage guests to feel full).

Calories Per Serving: 290

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

11. Sloppy Joes 

Sloppy Joes are a great party food because they’re easy to make and only require a plate, some buns, and meat. 

But if you want to try something different (you know, just to mix it up), this recipe is a nice change. It even comes out better than sloppy joes from your favorite restaurant when made by you!

Calories Per Serving: 226

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

12. Lasagna Roll-Ups 

If you have picky eaters in your family, then this is an excellent recipe for them to enjoy! Lasagna roll-ups are an easy way to incorporate everything that makes lasagna so tasty into one bite-sized dish. 

To make it even more special, serve them with a side salad and all the trimmings, like a fruit cup.

Calories Per Serving: 333

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 12 Minutes

13. Tots 

Pizza and pasta are always good to have on hand if you’re making a party food casserole or buffet. But this recipe – crazy good! 

There’s nothing like it because people can’t get enough of the cheesy filling and crispy crust. Bring out the big guns for this dish – use your favorite pizza sauce, cheese and toppings.

Calories Per Serving:226

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

14. Strawberry Shortcakes 

Something fresh to start with between courses is always nice (in addition to your birthday cake, obviously!). 

If dessert is involved, you’ll also want to serve some fruit because it’s the perfect palate cleanser. And don’t forget to make shortcakes with fresh strawberries!

Calories Per Serving: 486

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

15. Burritos 

This is another easy dish that can feed a large group of hungry guests – and it’s good enough for family meals, too! 

You’ll need an assortment of ingredients like ground beef, refried beans, salsa (or anything you like in your burrito), and a tortilla to roll them up in. Serve with guacamole and sour cream.

Calories Per Serving: 664

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Delicious Birthday Cake Shot Recipes

16. Chicken Strips 

When making dinner for a large party, you’ll want to ensure that everyone has something to eat. 

Chicken strips are suitable because they’re easy to eat by hand – and it’s also hard to mess them up! Serve them with your favorite side dish.

Calories Per Serving: 416

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

17. Meatballs & Pasta 

Have you ever dropped a pasta casserole at someone’s house for dinner? It couldn’t be easier, and that’s the whole idea behind this recipe. 

Make a huge batch of meatballs, sauce, and pasta for everyone to enjoy. You can shred some mozzarella and sprinkle it on top for extra flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 635

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

18. Tater Tot Casserole 

This dish is so good that you’ll wish you had cravings for it every day. It’s easy, pretty to look at (with all the colorful layers), and very filling. 

A perfect meal for large gatherings when there are many hungry people around! Enjoy the flavors!

Calories Per Serving: 443

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

19. Oatmeal Bars 

This is a great recipe to make for an afternoon birthday party because you can make it the night before and then enjoy a quiet morning while everyone else eats your cooking. 

Feel free to add whatever ingredients and toppings you like (nuts, raisins, chocolate chips).

Calories Per Serving: 190

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

20. Sushi 

Sushi is the perfect thing to bring to a birthday party because it’s both delicious and pretty – which is why we love this recipe! 

Once you get the hang of rolling them up (it can be tricky at first), this sushi will be your new go-to meal for special occasions.

Calories Per Serving: 434

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

21. Ham And Cheese Sliders 

Sliders are fun, easy bites to eat – but why limit yourself to just the meat? This recipe is a great way to mix it up for lunch or a simple dinner. 

Serve this with some watermelon and fresh veggies for a refreshing appetizer! It will be a crowd pleaser.

Calories Per Serving: 108

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

22. Chicken Enchiladas 

There are so many ways to make enchiladas, from using tortillas to rolling them in enchilada sauce and even dumping an entire cheese mixture in each tortilla shell. 

Whatever you choose is going to be delicious! And if you’re looking for something different, try this with other ingredients like spinach or mushrooms.

Calories Per Serving: 617

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

23. Coconut Cream Cake 

An oldie but a goodie, coconut cream cake is a great dessert to have if you’re hosting a birthday party. 

You should make it the night before, so it has plenty of time to chill in the fridge. And make sure you have some coconut flakes or shredded coconut to decorate the top before serving!

Calories Per Serving: 762

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

24. Tofu Tacos 

You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy this recipe because no one will know that it’s vegan –not even your meat-eating friends! 

Everyone loves tacos because they’re so versatile, and these are even more so, thanks to the tofu.

Calories Per Serving: 577

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

25. Vegan Cupcakes 

Cupcakes are a great dessert because they’re small and easy to eat. Plus, you can get creative with the frosting. 

There are so many flavors to choose from! This recipe uses vegan ingredients, but you could always use regular butter if you prefer.

Calories Per Serving: 399

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

26. Red Velvet Cake 

This recipe makes a red velvet cake that will stick out in your mind. It tastes like chocolate cake, but its color is unforgettable. 

If you choose this as your birthday cake, be sure to take lots of pictures before cutting into it, so people don’t have to keep sharing once they have their slice.

Calories Per Serving: 446

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

27. Blueberry Jam 

This go-to summer special is great for potlucks, picnics, and even birthdays. It tastes amazing. 

It’s sweet from the blueberries and tart from the lemon juice, and it goes well with any type of bread you can think of.

Calories Per Serving: 47

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

28. Molten Chocolate Cakes 

Just as with molten lava cake, these are served at birthday parties despite their appearance – not because of it! 

Although these are technically cupcakes, they’re still just as tasty when you eat them with a fork and knife instead of using your hands.

Calories Per Serving: 640

Preparation Time: 19 Minutes

29. Banana Pudding 

There are a lot of great dessert recipes for birthdays, but we must admit that banana pudding is one of our favorites. 

It’s a simple recipe, easy to make, and tastes great. You can also use ripened bananas – like slightly black or brown to add extra flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 110

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

30. Chocolate Cake 

This is one of those desserts that’ll be requested over and over again in your family, especially if you pull it out on any special occasion! 

Chocolate cake is perfect because it’s usually the only thing people want when they come to your party, so you’ll always want this cake there! Plus, it’s not too difficult to make.

Calories Per Serving: 442

Preparation Time: 50 minutes

31. Chocolate Chip Cookies 

You can’t have a birthday party without cookies! These are specially made sweet with the addition of chocolate chips, and they’re nice and thick – not your classic thin cookie. 

If you’re looking to make them healthier, you could try subbing out some of the butter for vegetable oil or shortening.

Calories Per Serving: 250

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

32. Ham & Cheese Pinwheels 

Oh, how we love these! They look fancy with all those pink and green layers and are simple to make. 

If you prefer to eat them cold, they can be stored in the fridge overnight and then served in a few hours.

Calories Per Serving: 60

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

33. Cheesecake Brownies 

This combination of brownies and cheesecake is a winner for birthdays because everyone loves cheesecake! 

These brownies are delicious as is (we recommend eating them right out of the pan), but if you’d like to top them with extra ingredients like strawberries or your favorite frosting, that’s totally up to you!

Calories Per Serving: 315

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

34. Chocolate Cupcakes With Lemon Buttercream 

If you made a list of all the reasons why people have birthday parties, cupcakes would probably make it into the top three. 

It’s just such an easy, fun thing to serve, and they’re always crowd pleasers. The key is having an awesome icing recipe like this one!

Calories Per Serving: 158

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

35. Cheesecake Dip 

This is an excellent dip for when you want something sweet but still savory. It’s perfect for birthdays because it tastes great with fruits and other treats! 

It is recommended to serve it with corn chips or celery sticks – anything that can hold up to its creaminess.

Calories Per Serving: 203

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

36. Nutella S’ Mores Cookies 

This cookie recipe is so fun to make because you can decorate them with any color or type of sprinkles you want! 

They taste great plain or decorated, and you can even eat them with a fork if your fingers are too sticky (or if you’re impatient!).

Calories Per Serving: 417

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

37. Cake Batter Cheesecake 

This cheesecake has a secret ingredient, and it’s not just the cake batter that makes it taste so good. 

It’s also the graham cracker crumb crust that adds something special to this recipe. Your guest is sure to enjoy them.

Calories Per Serving: 295

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

38. Carrot Cake 

This cake is perfect for a child’s birthday party because it’s colorful, relatively easy to make, and so sweet! 

You can make it with any kind of cake mix, but if you have a favorite flavor, you’re usually good to go. Plus, you don’t have to limit yourself – there are many variations of carrot cake.

Calories Per Serving: 546

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

39. Chocolate Cupcakes 

These cupcakes are nice and simple but also look fancy when frosted with chocolate buttercream on top. 

You can decorate these however you’d like, but spreading some frosting on the top will add extra moistness and make it look extra good!

Calories Per Serving: 480

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

40. Chocolate Biscotti 

These are great treats for kids because they’re easy to break and not messy at all! This recipe makes a big batch of cookies, so you’ll have plenty to share with everyone. 

It’s just such an easy, fun thing to serve, and they’re always a crowd pleaser. Have them licking their fingers.

Calories Per Serving: 145

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

41. Fruit Kabobs 

It’s pretty self-explanatory – this recipe makes it easy to put fruits on sticks and make them fun! 

You could do this on top of a cake or even between cookies; the options are endless. If you don’t have toothpicks, you could always use straws or any other type of stick that’s edible.

Calories Per Serving: 125

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

42. Mini Cake Mix Donuts 

These taste just as good as regular cake donuts, but they’re very easy to make. The ingredients are readily available. 

They’re much easier to eat because they’re small enough to fit in your mouth! You could even use a mini muffin pan if you have one.

Calories Per Serving: 600

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

43. Apple Pie

This is the ultimate cake for any family because it’s so easy and only requires four ingredients that everyone has at home.

If you have kids helping you with this, having them separate the egg whites from the yolks will be a fun task for them! And you don’t even need an oven to make this one.

Calories Per Serving: 277

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

44. Banana Splits 

These are perfect for a child’s birthday because they’re so simple to make. They don’t take much of your time either.   

You could even have your kids roll up balloons with the bananas and put them into the splits while they’re still frozen!

Calories Per Serving: 965

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

45. Cinnamon Buns 

These buns can be made any time of year – especially in the fall, winter, and spring but they taste best during the holidays. 

They’re warm, delicious, and sweet enough to suit any party type. The cinnamon adds a great flavor that’s sure to wow all your guests.

Calories Per Serving: 277

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 2 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Dishes Should Be Avoided At A Birthday Dinner?

There is no sure dish you need to avoid when throwing a birthday party…it all narrows down to you – what’s your taste and preference?

Some people would like to avoid beef, others would choose fish, while others might want chicken, turkey, or pork as their main course.

To keep things interesting, most people like to serve side dishes (like potatoes, green beans, carrots, or corn) with the main course.

How Can I Make A Dinner Party Feel Special?

Look for a tablecloth that is the right color for the room and matches your dinnerware. Arrange everything on the table in a way that looks good and makes sense. Try to keep your food in dishes instead of bowls, plates, or platters.

What Should I Eat Instead Of Birthday Cake?

Skip the cake and try these birthday treats instead of Rice Krispies Treat cake.

Make Rice Krispies Treats in three springform pans to create a triple-layer marshmallow-y treat, with or without frosting, Cinnamon rolls, Root beer floats, Brownies, Trifle, and Ice cream sundae bar.