Graduation is a time to celebrate, and having a stress-free dinner can make the event even more enjoyable. These 18 easy meals are perfect for marking the occasion without spending hours in the kitchen. Each recipe is simple to prepare, letting you focus more on the celebration and less on cooking. From appetizers to desserts, these dishes will help make your graduation dinner memorable and hassle-free.
Tomato Basil Bisque
This Tomato Basil Bisque is a creamy, flavorful soup made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy option for a graduation dinner. The soup is rich and smooth, with a delightful balance of tomato and basil flavors. Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme
Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme is a decadent dessert featuring creamy white chocolate and tart blackberries. This treat takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time. The combination of rich chocolate and fruity blackberries creates a deliciously sweet and tangy dessert. Perfect for a special occasion like graduation.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme
One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner
This One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner is a simple yet flavorful meal with pork, garlic, and black pepper. It takes about 40 minutes to cook, making it an easy choice for a stress-free dinner. The pork is tender and juicy, with a hint of spice from the black pepper. Serve it with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner
Honey Garlic Carrots
Honey Garlic Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish made with tender carrots, honey, and garlic. This dish takes just 25 minutes to make, offering a quick addition to your graduation dinner. The carrots are glazed with honey and garlic, giving them a delicious, slightly caramelized flavor. They pair well with almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty dish made with ground lamb, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare, making it a great main course for a celebration. The lamb is rich and flavorful, while the mashed potatoes add a comforting touch. It’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
Lemon Crème Brûlée
Lemon Crème Brûlée is a classic dessert with a zesty twist, featuring a creamy lemon-infused custard topped with a caramelized sugar crust. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus baking and chilling time. The tartness of the lemon balances the sweetness of the custard, creating a refreshing and indulgent treat. This dessert is sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Crème Brûlée
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in a blend of maple syrup and mustard. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The marinade gives the chicken a sweet and tangy taste, making it a delicious choice for any dinner. Serve it with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce
Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce is a gourmet dish featuring tender steak topped with a fresh and fruity sauce. This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare, making it a quick yet elegant option. The peach and mango add sweetness, while the cilantro gives a fresh, herbal note. It’s a sophisticated dish perfect for celebrating.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce
Roast Rack of Lamb
Roast Rack of Lamb is a classic dish made with a garlic and fennel crust, providing a flavorful and aromatic main course. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and roast. The lamb is tender and juicy, with a deliciously savory crust. This impressive dish is sure to be a highlight of your celebration dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roast Rack of Lamb
Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast
Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast is a unique dish featuring a turkey breast coated in crushed hazelnuts. This recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. The hazelnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the tender turkey. It’s a delightful twist on a traditional turkey dish, perfect for a special meal.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries is a flavorful dish combining savory pork chops with sweet applesauce and tart blackberries. This recipe takes about 35 minutes to prepare. The pork chops are juicy and well-seasoned, while the applesauce and blackberries add a fresh, fruity element. It’s a delicious and balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Brioche Rolls
Brioche Rolls are soft and buttery rolls perfect for any dinner table. These rolls take about 2 hours to prepare, including rising time. They have a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with any main course. Serve them warm from the oven for a comforting addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto is a creamy and savory dish featuring tender shrimp and fresh asparagus. This recipe takes about 45 minutes to make. The risotto is rich and velvety, with the shrimp adding a touch of sweetness and the asparagus providing a fresh, green flavor. It’s a delicious and elegant main course.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto
Strawberry Crème Brûlée
Strawberry Crème Brûlée is a delightful dessert with a creamy custard base and a caramelized sugar top, featuring fresh strawberries. This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus baking and chilling time. The strawberries add a fruity twist to the classic crème brûlée. It’s a perfect way to end a special meal.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crème Brûlée
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish made with carrots, honey, and a touch of seasoning. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. The carrots are roasted until tender and caramelized, with a sweet and savory glaze. They complement any main course beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf is a hearty dish combining juicy pork chops with flavorful seafood. This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The pork chops are perfectly grilled, while the seafood adds a rich, savory element. It’s a satisfying and impressive meal for any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken and a variety of roasted vegetables. This recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare and cook. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, while the vegetables are tender and flavorful. It’s an easy and delicious meal perfect for a stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Glazed Strawberry Brownies with Frozen Strawberries
Glazed Strawberry Brownies with Frozen Strawberries are a sweet and indulgent dessert featuring rich chocolate brownies topped with a strawberry glaze. This recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. The frozen strawberries add a burst of fruity flavor, complementing the chocolate perfectly. It’s a delicious treat to celebrate any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Strawberry Brownies with Frozen Strawberries