21 Mother's Day Menu Ideas That Will Win Her Heart

Make Mom's special day tasty-good with one of these meals picked especially for her.

Alfredo-Bacon Tot Casserole
Photo: Blaine Moats

Treat mom to a delicious Mother's Day menu. Whether you choose a fish recipe, Mother's Day roast, or classic comfort food, Mom will be delighted by a homemade meal. Don't forget to add a bottle of wine or bubbly so you can toast mom!

01 of 21

Alfredo-Bacon Tot Casserole

Alfredo-Bacon Tot Casserole
Blaine Moats

Here's a new spin on the ABCs that we absolutely support: Alfredo. Bacon. Casserole. This comfort food recipe proves that a cost-conscious Mother's Day menu can still be scrumptious and calorie-splurge-worthy. Frozen potato tots and leftover (or rotisserie) chicken trim prep time, and since it's all baked together in a casserole dish, clean-up is a breeze.

02 of 21

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi
Blaine Moats

Searching for the best Mother's Day dinner ideas that don't break the bank—or take too much time? Turn to this restaurant-quality fettuccine dish. From start to finish, this entire Mother's Day seafood dinner idea takes just 20 minutes.

03 of 21

Slow Cooker Coq au Vin

Slow Cooker Coq au Vin
Blaine Moats

Don't be chicken! You can quickly whip up this Julia Child favorite for mom in your slow cooker. This chicken recipe is infused with a half cup of red wine for an unexpected yet very welcome layer of complexity. Serve the fantastic idea for Mother's Day dinner as-is or over warm, buttery mashed potatoes.

04 of 21

Zucchini Pizza Tacos

Zucchini Pizza Tacos
Con Poulos

Edible blooms, like trendy zucchini flowers, are a thoughtful way to tip a hat to a matriarch with a green thumb. Since it makes a whopping 30 tacos, this is the ultimate Mother's Day menu addition if you're hosting a houseful. It's vegetarian, too, so you can share it with carnivores and herbivores.

05 of 21

Paleo Chicken Meatball Noodle Bowl

Paleo Chicken Meatball Noodle Bowls
Andy Lyons

Spiralized parsnips stand in for the spaghetti in this caveman-approved meatball bowl. This simple Mother's Day dinner idea takes just 30 minutes and features timeless ingredients, including chicken, flax, ginger, honey, and veggies. Just be sure to pair this with a Paleo dessert recipe to guarantee the day is at least a bit indulgent!

06 of 21

Mimosa Pancakes

Mimosa Pancakes
Matthew Clark

A round of Bloody Mary cocktails and a tower of pancakes made with citrus- and sparkling wine-spiked batter makes for one fun "dinner" idea. This pretty (and pretty quick) meal is the perfect way to pay tribute to Mom's bubbly personality. Don't skimp on the Champagne Glaze!

07 of 21

Steamed Crab Legs

Steamed Crab Legs Butter Dipping Sauce Lemons
Blaine Moats

Skip the reservation and try this elegant homemade Mother's Day dinner menu idea instead. Crab legs look and taste like a supersized treat, even though you need only 15 minutes to bring them to the table. Serve with a crab leg cracker, plenty of melted butter for dunking, and a healthy sprinkle of fresh herbs.

08 of 21

Salmon with Lemon and Herbs

cast iron pan with Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Blaine Moats

Embrace the start of summer with the bright and citrusy taste of this lemon-herb salmon. Top the flaky salmon with a sauce that includes lemon zest, garlic, chives, tarragon, and parsley for a light meal that packs a bold flavor.

09 of 21

Petite Beef Wellingtons

Petite Beef Wellingtons
Carson Downing

Turn the tables on a mom who's a host with the most. This puff pastry-wrapped Mother's Day steak dinner recipe is beyond-elegant, featuring juicy beef tenderloin, salty prosciutto, creamy goat cheese, and savory sauteed mushrooms in each and every bite. The buttery packages may quite possibly make this the best present she'll unwrap all day.

10 of 21

Portobello Pot Roast

roasted portobello mushrooms with vegetables
Blaine Moats

No meat? No problem. This "steak dinner" is centered around beefy portobello mushrooms. They taste even closer to the real thing when you roast them in a garlic and white wine sauce. Pro tip: A basket of bread on the side is a must-have to soak up every last drop of the reduced pan sauce in one of our best vegan Mother's Day dinner ideas.

11 of 21

Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts
Carson Downing

Dinner doesn't have to be a fancy affair! In fact, an outdoor gathering with finger foods and pitcher cocktails can be just as meaningful as a five-course dinner. These grilled zucchini and goat cheese toasts are light enough to be finger food but filling enough for a meal.

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Chipotle-Coffee Pot Roast

Chipotle-Coffee Pot Roast
Karla Conrad

Everyone will be buzzing about the espresso and chile-rubbed roast. Mom's favorite part might be the sauced-up roasted veggies, though.

13 of 21

Peruvian-Style Chicken Tacos

Peruvian-Style Chicken Tacos
Karla Conrad

This simple Mother's Day menu item doesn't taste like it took just 30 minutes to create. Olives and plums—yes, the combo sounds crazy, but it tastes crazy-good—take taste buds on a trip to South America. Feel free to use ground chicken or turkey in this easy taco recipe.

14 of 21

Roasted Asparagus and Salmon

Roasted Asparagus Salmon
Andy Lyons

May means we've hit peak spring! Enter this entree centered around fresh asparagus and dill. Smoked salmon and jammy eggs pump up the protein in this healthy and easy Mother's Day dinner.

15 of 21

Quick Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana in skillet
Jason Donnelly

Your Mother's Day menu doesn't have to be complicated to make mom feel special! This quick and easy eggplant recipe comes together in just half an hour, so the rest of your day can be about spending quality time with mom.

16 of 21

Pulled Pork Skillet Chili

Pulled Pork Skillet Chili
Blaine Moats

On a regular Sunday, pulled pork gets stuffed between rolls (and is certainly savored). But come holiday time, tap this cast-iron skillet recipe for the best Mother's Day dinner for Moms who adore smoked and barbecued meats. With tender pork shoulder, a nicely-spiced barbecue sauce, and cornmeal dumplings, this one-pan meal will have her singing your praises for weeks to come.

17 of 21

Pressure Cooker Indian Spiced Chicken

Indian-Spiced Chicken
Jason Donnelly

She'll want to recreate this Mother's Day roast chicken dinner again and again after you serve it as part of the holiday spread. Cook time is a remarkable five minutes in the Instant Pot! Pair with rice, naan bread, and mango lassis to complete the Indian feast.

18 of 21

Air-Fried Mini Italian Meatloaves Stuffed with Cheese

Mini Italian Meatloaves Stuffed with Cheese on white rectangular platter with small round dish of chopped basil in foreground
Brie Passano

Air fryers were among the most popular holiday gifts last year. And for a good reason: The countertop appliance is exceptional at achieving a perfect cook without oodles of extra fat. This is the best Mother's Day menu idea for fans of grandma's comfort food, as the meatloaf-meets-Juicy-Lucy-burger will surely satisfy.

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Creamy Orecchiette with Spinach, Artichokes, and Bacon

white serving dish with creamy pasta topped with bacon
Brie Passano

Mother's Day dinners don't have to be hard! This baked pasta is rich and decadent—the perfect way to celebrate mom without a hefty grocery list.

Test Kitchen Tip

For more protein, add some baked chicken.

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Spring Stroganoff

Spring Stroganoff
Carson Downing

Give mom a fresh take on a classic dish for Mother's Day this year. By adding veggies like asparagus and peas, some Greek yogurt, and a little lemon zest, this stroganoff is a tasty bite of spring.

21 of 21

Mediterranean Orzo Skillet

Mediterranean Orzo Skillet
Jason Donnelly

Hearty and healthy—this one skillet meal is easy and mess-free. For extra Mediterranean flair, top with sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, and basil. This colorful meal will take Mom on a flavorful trip around the world—without leaving home.

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