20 Special Occasion Recipes for a Restaurant-Worthy Dinner
Making a fancy meal doesn't have to be difficult!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
On a special occasion, it's easy to feel a little extra pressure in the kitchen. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner, celebrating an anniversary, or just treating yourself because you survived the week, it's nice to have a few impressive recipes in your back pocket. But making things feel special doesn't have to mean going all out. Our favorite special occasion recipes will help make any gathering feel just a little more magical—without turning your kitchen into a stress zone.
You'll find all kinds of ideas here like fancy appetizer recipes, swoon-worthy family meals, dreamy no-bake desserts, and even a few festive drinks. Need something elegant to start things off? Try the delicious baked brie or caramelized onion dip—both perfect for fans of finger foods. For dinner, we've included showstoppers like shrimp scampi, marry me chicken, and steak dinner recipes galore. (Ree Drummond loves to whip up a couple of bacon-wrapped filets when she's celebrating with Ladd!) And don't worry, we didn't forget dessert—because what's a special occasion without chocolate mousse or Nutella crepes?
For those of you who love a little bubbly, we've even included a champagne cocktail recipe to toast to the occasion. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner for two or a dinner party with friends, these recipes are sure to impress any guest.
Crab Cakes
You don't need to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy crispy, golden crab cakes. These are so easy to make at home, whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just another Tuesday. They're packed with fresh crab meat, hints of Old Bay seasoning, lemon, and Dijon mustard.
Get the Crab Cakes recipe.
Pan-Fried Ribeye Steak
You won't fully understand the wonder of this pan-fried ribeye steak until you prepare it in your own kitchen. Serve this baby up next to a heaping pile of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a classic salad, and prepare to wow your guests!
Get Ree's Pan-Fried Ribeye Steak recipe.
Chicken Florentine
Everyday chicken thighs get dressed up with a golden crust, creamy white wine sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes in this heavenly recipe. It looks and sounds fancy, but this recipe couldn't be easier to make—we promise!
Get the Chicken Florentine recipe.
Easy Baked Brie
The best way to celebrate, well, pretty much anything, is with a cheesy appetizer. This molten wheel of baked brie makes pre-dinner snacking feel like a special event. No one has to know it's one of the easiest starters you'll ever make.
Get the Easy Baked Brie recipe.
Braised Short Ribs
If you ask Ree, beef short ribs are "one of life's greatest pleasures." This delectable comfort food requires some planning ahead to get it just right, but the fall-off-the-bone final product is worth every minute.
Get Ree's Braised Short Ribs recipe.
Lobster Bisque
Whether you serve this soup as a sophisticated first course or as a soul-warming main dish, it's sure to impress. The simple recipe uses budget-friendly lobster tails to make your life extra easy!
Get the Lobster Bisque recipe.
Ranch Water
Toast to your special occasion with one of Ree's favorite cocktails. It's bubbly, citrusy, and oh so delicious. Cheers!
Get the Ranch Water recipe.
Chocolate Lava Cake
Whether you're prepping a multiple-course meal or just want to serve a fancy dessert, you can't go wrong with chocolate lava cake. There's nothing more satisfying than breaking open one of these beauties!
Get the Chocolate Lava Cake recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Filets
Bacon-wrapped filets have long been part of Ree's go-to date night meal. Serve them up her way: with a side of crash hot potatoes and a simple salad with ranch.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Filets recipe.
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels like it could be served at a restaurant? Look no further than this savory dip. It's packed with all the good stuff: bacon, cheese, and the most flavorful onions you'll ever taste.
Get Ree's Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip recipe.
Marry Me Chicken
This is the perfect dish to celebrate your next romantic milestone. It only takes 30 minutes to whip up, but it's sure to win anyone's heart!
Get the Marry Me Chicken recipe.
Surf and Turf
There's just something about pairing land and sea that makes a meal feel luxurious. This classic recipe features a perfectly seared filet mignon alongside juicy shrimp swimming in the dreamiest sauce.
Get the Surf and Turf recipe.
Beef Burgundy
This is one of those special beef recipes that Ree doesn't make nearly enough—but when she does, "the heaven gates open, the angels sing, and anyone who's around to smell it cooking faints." Try it and see!
Get Ree's Beef Burgundy recipe.
Shrimp Scampi
Fresh lemon juice, butter, garlic, and shrimp make for a light and tasty meal that feels like you're at a restaurant. The best part is that it's comes together quickly—we're talking 15 minutes quick.
Get Ree's Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Chocolate Mousse
Nothing says "we're celebrating" like a heaping serving of chocolate mousse! This velvety delicacy is made with whipped cream, eggs, sugar, and the most decadent chocolate.
Get the Chocolate Mousse recipe.
Chicken Sausages in a Blanket
Put down the frozen mini hot dogs and make yourself something even better! These delicious bites are the perfect way to celebrate game day with a slightly elevated feel.
Get Ree's Chicken Sausages in a Blanket recipe.
Sparkling Margarita
A classic margarita gets a celebratory twist! This cocktail combines a tart, limey margarita with all of the bubbles you need for a proper toast.
Get the Sparkling Margarita recipe.
Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta
Mushroom lovers, pull up a seat! You'll go wild for this simple and savory pasta dish from Ree's cookbook, Dinner's Ready.
Get Ree's Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Everything tastes better wrapped in bacon and these beautiful, tasty little suckers are no exception. Drizzle them in melted chili butter and try not to eat four thousand of 'em!
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops recipe.
Nutella Crepes
Whether you're making an extra-special Valentine's day breakfast or prepping for a sweet weekend brunch, this recipe is hard to beat. We love pairing tart raspberries with Nutella, but you can try any of your favorite fruits including strawberries, pitted cherries, or sliced pears. Just don't forget the whipped cream!
Get the Nutella Crepes recipe.
If You Love Caprese, Try This Burrata Salad
Transform Garden Veggies Into Homemade Ratatouille
It's Worth Waking Up for Strawberry French Toast
Marry Me Chicken Will Win Anyone Over
