My Mother's Day dinner ideas are celebration-worthy main dishes that mom and the rest of the family are sure to enjoy. I've included my favorite recipes for every skill level, so even if you aren't the most confident in the kitchen, you can still make an impressive dinner. After all, nothing says 'I love you, Mom' like a home-cooked meal!
I have some wonderful Mother's Day brunch recipes if you're planning breakfast or lunch with Mom this year!
Jump to:
- 1. Roast Capone
- 2. Grilled Lamb Breast
- 3. Baked Mahi Mahi
- 4. Boneless Prime Rib
- 5. Steak Diane
- 6. Roasted Rack of Lamb
- 7. Quiche Florentine
- 8. Pan Seared Scallops
- 9. Broiled Lobster Tail
- 10. Creamy Smoked Salmon
- 11. Crab Risotto
- 12. Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- 13. Sirloin Steak Tips
- 14. Duck with Orange Sauce
- 15. Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin Roast
- 16. Crab Stuffed Salmon
- 17. Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
- 18. Salmon in White Wine Sauce
- 19. Whole Roasted Rabbit
- 20. Smoked Duck and Mushroom Risotto
- 21. Chateaubriand
- 22. Pan Seared Ribeye Steaks
- 23. Pasta alla Norma
- 24. Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
- 25. Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Bake
- 💠Tips For Making The Best Mother's Day Dinner
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 25+ Best Mother's Day Dinner Ideas Your Mom Will Love: Roast Capon + More!
- Ingredients US CustomaryMetric
- Instructions
- Notes
- 💬 Reviews
As moms, we find ourselves in a never-ending 'what's for dinner' scenario, and no gift is better than taking that off our hands, if even for one day. I know how much I enjoy getting to kick back and watch my kids take over for the evening.
I specially curated this list of my favorite dinner recipes that would work wonderfully for Mother's Day. Keep your mom in mind as you look through these ideas to find something to impress her!
1. Roast Capone
If you want to serve your mom something truly unique, roast capon is an excellent option. This poultry is similar to chicken but with even more succulent meat and a rich, buttery flavor.
2. Grilled Lamb Breast
For most, lamb is a special occasion protein and no occasion is more special than celebrating your mom. For a simple recipe that delivers on flavor, toss a few juicy lamb breasts on the grill.
See my page on what to serve with lamb breast for my top side dish suggestions!
3. Baked Mahi Mahi
Mahi Mahi has a mild and subtle sweet taste that makes it an elegant and delicious option for a quality fish dinner. My simple garlic butter sauce is the only condiment you need, and it cooks right alongside the fish.
4. Boneless Prime Rib
When I think of a special occasion or holiday dinner, prime rib is the first thing to come to mind. This tender and succulent boneless beef roast melts like butter with every bite.
Check out my favorite prime rib side dish recipes here. Make sure you skim through my tips for picking the perfect roast!
5. Steak Diane
Some moms love a good steak dinner (it's me, I'm some moms). Steak Diane's signature mushroom cream sauce makes a great New York strip steak taste even better!
6. Roasted Rack of Lamb
A roasted rack of lamb makes an epic centerpiece for any dinner table, and it's an easy recipe with restaurant-worthy flavor. Serve with my quick and easy mint sauce for a true gourmet experience.
You can find all of the best side dishes for a rack of lamb here!
7. Quiche Florentine
Cheesy quiche Florentine is a French classic that's suitable for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It's surprisingly easy to make, especially if using a store-bought butter pie crust.
Be sure to check out my in-depth guide to making quiche before you get started.
8. Pan Seared Scallops
Sea scallops are meaty and tender with a sweet flavor that makes it easy to eat 10 at a time. They cook up in minutes, and with my help, you can achieve that perfect golden brown sear!
>>>See All Of My Recipes Here!<<<
9. Broiled Lobster Tail
Juicy lobster tails are a classic 'fancy dinner' ingredient and are sure to make mom feel appreciated. Broiling lobster tails is a quick and easy way to cook them to perfection without drying them out. Just don't forget the drawn butter!
10. Creamy Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is full of flavor and already cooked, so it's incredibly convenient. You can easily flake it with a fork and stir it right into this super rich and creamy pasta for a quick seafood dinner!
11. Crab Risotto
Buttery chunks of crab meat and cheesy Parmesan risotto are a match made in heaven. I am partial to arborio rice, or you could try another one of these great risotto rice varieties.
Check out my guide to cooking risotto before you get started!
12. Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are more than worthy of Mother's Day when they are stuffed with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and wilted spinach and then baked. Here's what to serve with baked chicken for my favorite side dish suggestions.
13. Sirloin Steak Tips
Buttery chunks of pan-seared sirloin steak that are incredible when served over rice, cream cheese mashed potatoes, or as the main dish with a few of mom's favorite sides. The steak tips are basted in butter for the best melt-in-your-mouth steak bites!
14. Duck with Orange Sauce
Duck a l'orange is an elegant and delicious French recipe featuring tender pan-seared duck breast and a sweet and citrusy orange sauce. It's a recipe guaranteed to 'wow' your mom and lets you put your cooking and plating skills to the test!
15. Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin Roast
The only thing better than a tender, perfectly cooked beef tenderloin roast is a beef tenderloin roast wrapped in bacon. It's a premium cut of beef so it's definitely a splurge, but your mom is more than worth it.
16. Crab Stuffed Salmon
Two beloved seafood favorites come together in this delicious crab-stuffed salmon dinner! The filling combines lump crab meat with Panko breadcrumbs, cream cheese, mayo, and Parmesan, stuffed inside thick salmon filets and baked until golden
>>>See All Of My Recipes Here!<<<
17. Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
Zucchini boats are easy and delicious with veggies, meat, cheese, and sauce all baked together in one pan. I recommend a Caprese flatbread or light Caprese salad as a starter!
18. Salmon in White Wine Sauce
The tangy and buttery white wine sauce gives this salmon an edge over simple pan-seared salmon. The sauce adds more than flavor, it gives the meal an air of elegance that makes it an excellent choice for Mother's Day.
19. Whole Roasted Rabbit
Ditch the traditional pot roast this Mother's Day and give Mom a fabulous rabbit pot roast instead. The whole roasted rabbit dinner is complete with tender potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery.
20. Smoked Duck and Mushroom Risotto
Fire up the smoker on Saturday and reserve some of the smoked duck for Sunday's Mother's Day dinner! Tender chunks of duck meat mixed into rich and creamy mushroom risotto is elevated comfort food that will definitely impress her.
21. Chateaubriand
Chateaubriand is a large cut of the front of the tenderloin and it is supremely tender and flavorful. This is one of the top 'special occasion' main dishes that I treat myself to.
22. Pan Seared Ribeye Steaks
For a perfectly pan-seared steak dinner, grab a few well-marbled ribeyes and a good cast iron skillet. Just be sure you know how your mom likes her steaks, then follow my guide to beef doneness for rare, med-rare, medium, med-well, or well-done.
23. Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla norma is one of my go-to dinners when I have vegetarian guests because it's easy, and so satisfying that meat lovers will enjoy it too. Made with tender sauteed eggplant, it's delicious and hearty with a zesty red tomato sauce and al dente pasta.
24. Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
These tuna steaks have a seared sesame seed crust that makes every bite a combination of crispy sesame seeds and cool, refreshing ahi tuna. It's a quick 15-minute protein that is perfect for any seafood-loving mom!
25. Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Bake
This quick and easy casserole features succulent shrimp, tender penne pasta, and a rich and cheesy alfredo sauce. Serve with crusty garlic bread for an elevated Italian-inspired meal!
💠Tips For Making The Best Mother's Day Dinner
When it comes down to it, you will be the best judge on which recipe your Mom will enjoy most, because you know what she likes! As a Mother myself, these are my top tips for making Mom a special meal:
- Think of YOUR mom: It goes without saying that if your mom does not enjoy seafood, you shouldn't serve her a fish dinner. On the other hand, if you know your mom appreciates a good steak, that's the way to go.
- Set the table: This extra step shows a lot of thoughtfulness. Break out the good china, or at least set the table with silverware, plates, napkins, and glasses.
- Beverages: A glass of mom's favorite wine will earn extra brownie points. If your mom doesn't partake in alcohol, a bubbly mimosa mocktail is a delicious alternative.
- Family: You and your siblings are the reason your mom is a mom. If you have brothers or sisters, or even close extended family, invite them all to dinner and it will be mom's favorite part of the whole meal.
If you're a mom, you are more than welcome to put in your two cents on my list of dinner ideas! Let me know what meal you would love for Mother's Day and why in the comments below!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
25+ Best Mother's Day Dinner Ideas Your Mom Will Love: Roast Capon + More!
Ingredients
- 8 lbs capon (8 to 10 pounds, rinsed and pat dry)
- ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (4-5 sprigs)
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (4-5 sprigs)
- 1 large lemon (cut into quarters)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (crushed)
- ½ cup butter (softened, at room temperature)
- ½ tablespoon chicken seasoning (see recipe, or use your favorite brand)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4). Rinse the 8 lbs capon under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels, then season inside the cavity with ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper.
- Stuff the capon cavity with 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, 1 large lemon quarters, and 3-4 cloves garlic.
- Place the capon on a roasting rack in a roasting pan with the breast side up.
- Rub the softened ½ cup butter over the capon, covering the entire bird. Season with ½ tablespoon chicken seasoning on all sides, then pour the 1 cup chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Roast the capon in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for approximately 2-3 hours, or 20 minutes per pound. Check the internal temperature of the thigh meat at the thickest point to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove your roasted capon from the oven, loosely tent a sheet of aluminum foil over it, and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
- Serve the capon with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- If desired, you can trace your fingers under the skin over the breast meat to loosen the skin. Rub some softened butter under the skin for extra juicy breast meat.
- Feel free to use the broth and pan drippings to make gravy to serve on top. For two different gravy methods, check out my article on how to make gravy with cornstarch!
- It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the capon. This will ensure that the bird is cooked through and safe to eat.
- For a tidy appearance, you can opt to tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
- To keep the meat moist, baste the capon every 30 minutes with the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan if desired. *Note that opening the oven door to baste any roasting meat can reduce the oven temperature and increase cooking time.
- To ensure that the skin is crispy, you can start the capon at a higher temperature (around 425°F/218°C) for the first 20-30 minutes of cooking, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the remainder of the cooking time.
- Letting the capon rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bird.
- To store: Refrigerate your cooked capon leftovers within 2 hours after roasting. Store it in an airtight container or a sealable plastic Ziploc bag for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- To freeze: Wrap your capon leftovers with foil then place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Write the date on the bag and enjoy it within 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To reheat: Place your leftovers in a baking dish with some chicken broth or water and reheat in your oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is heated to your liking.Â
Nutrition
Originally published May 5, 2024
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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