10+ Unusual Recipes Dinners to Spice Up Your Mealtime

When it comes to dinner, trying something different can be exciting. Exploring unusual recipes can add creativity to your meals and impress your family or friends. These unique dinner ideas will help you discover new flavors and techniques that can transform your eating experience.

From unexpected ingredients to fun cooking methods, unusual dinners offer the chance to step outside your comfort zone. You may find new favorites that become staples in your kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, these recipes can inspire you to make mealtime more adventurous.

1) Avocado Chocolate Pudding

Avocado chocolate pudding is a delicious and healthy treat. It combines creamy avocados with rich cocoa powder for a delightful dessert. You may be surprised, but avocados add amazing texture without overpowering the flavor.

To make this pudding, start with ripe avocados. Their natural creaminess makes them a perfect base.

Combine them with cocoa powder and your choice of sweetener, like honey or maple syrup. A splash of almond milk adds a nice touch.

You’ll love how quick and easy it is. Just blend the ingredients until smooth, and you’re ready to enjoy! This pudding is dairy-free and can satisfy your chocolate cravings without guilt.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. Scoop the flesh into a blender.
3. Add cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Spaghetti with Strawberry Sauce

Spaghetti with strawberry sauce is an unexpected and delightful dish. It combines the savory taste of pasta with the sweetness of strawberries. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy trying something new and exciting.

To start, you’ll need fresh strawberries or strawberry jam. If using fresh strawberries, make sure to wash and slice them.

This dish can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference.

The sauce is simple. Just mix the strawberries with a bit of sugar to enhance the sweetness. Heat the mixture until it becomes syrupy.

Toss your cooked spaghetti in the sauce for a unique twist.

This dish is not only tasty but also colorful. It can serve as an intriguing party dish or a fun weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti
• 2 cups (300 grams) fresh strawberries, sliced or 1 cup (240 grams) strawberry jam
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar
• Optional: whipped cream for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, mix strawberries and sugar over medium heat.
3. Cook until strawberries break down and become syrupy, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the strawberry sauce.
5. Serve warm or chilled, adding whipped cream if desired.

3) Coffee Rubbed Steak

Coffee rubbed steak is a delicious and unique dinner option. The coffee adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the meat. This recipe is simple and can impress your friends and family.

To start, you will need to mix together coffee grounds, brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend creates a tasty rub that you can apply to your steak.

After seasoning, let the steaks sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in.

Preheat your grill to 450°F (232°C) for perfect cooking.

Cook the steaks on the grill, flipping them halfway through. Adjust the cooking time depending on how you like your steak done.

Ingredients

• Coffee grounds
• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Steak

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix coffee grounds, brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
2. Rub 1-2 tsp of the mixture on both sides of each steak.
3. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
4. Preheat the grill to 450°F (232°C).
5. Grill the steaks to your liking, flipping halfway through.

4) Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is a delicious twist on a classic dish. You can easily add a touch of fall flavor to your dinner table. This creamy pasta is perfect for a cozy night in.

To start, cook your favorite pasta until it is al dente. Use salted water for the best taste. Reserve a little pasta water before draining.

Next, melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute.

Then stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix in a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Enjoy this dish warm with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top!

Ingredients

• Pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
• Butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Pumpkin puree
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Add a pinch of nutmeg and mix well.
7. Combine pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed.
8. Serve warm with extra cheese on top.

5) Blueberry BBQ Chicken

Blueberry BBQ chicken is a unique twist on a classic dish. The sweet and tangy sauce adds amazing flavor to your meal. It’s perfect for grilling on warm evenings or baking in the oven.

To make this dish, you’ll start by preparing the blueberry BBQ sauce. Blend fresh or frozen blueberries, vinegar, and a little sugar. This creates a chunky mixture that brings great taste to the chicken.

You can use any chicken cut you like. Wings and thighs are great options.

Coat the chicken with the sauce and cook until it’s tender and juicy. Grill it over medium heat or bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

By basting with the sauce while cooking, you ensure delicious flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup vinegar
• ¼ cup sugar
• 6 chicken pieces (wings, thighs, or breasts)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend blueberries, vinegar, and sugar until chunky.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Coat chicken with blueberry sauce.
4. Grill at medium heat or bake at 375°F (190°C).
5. Cook for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally.

6) Caramelized Banana Pizza

Caramelized Banana Pizza is a sweet treat that’s fun to make. It’s a great way to enjoy dessert in a unique style. The combination of warm bananas and creamy chocolate makes every bite delicious.

Start with a pre-made pizza dough. You can use store-bought dough for convenience. Roll it out and place it on a baking sheet.

Next, caramelize your bananas. Slice them and cook them in a small pan with a little butter and brown sugar until they are golden and soft.

Spread Nutella® or chocolate spread over the dough. Then, arrange the caramelized banana slices on top.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 13 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Enjoy your sweet pizza fresh from the oven!

Ingredients

• Pre-made pizza dough
• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Nutella® or chocolate spread

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet.
3. Slice bananas and cook with butter and brown sugar until caramelized.
4. Spread Nutella® on the dough.
5. Top with the caramelized bananas.
6. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes.

7) Matcha Green Tea Risotto

Matcha green tea risotto is a unique twist on the classic Italian dish. The earthy flavor of matcha adds a delightful depth to your meal. This vibrant green dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing.

To make this risotto, start by preparing your ingredients. You’ll need arborio rice, vegetable stock, white wine, onion, garlic, and of course, matcha powder.

Begin by sautéing onion and garlic in a pan. Once they’re softened, add the arborio rice and toast it lightly.

Slowly incorporate the white wine, letting it absorb.

Next, gradually add warm vegetable stock. Stir constantly for a creamy texture.

When the rice is almost cooked, mix in the matcha powder. This will create a beautiful color and boost the flavor.

Finish with a touch of parmesan cheese for creaminess. Serve hot and enjoy this unusual yet delicious dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pan until soft.
2. Add arborio rice and toast for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in white wine and let it absorb.
4. Gradually add warm vegetable stock, stirring constantly.
5. When nearly done, stir in matcha powder.
6. Mix in parmesan cheese before serving.

8) Pineapple Curry

Pineapple curry is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a fun dish that you can make for a unique dinner. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also quick to prepare.

Start by using fresh or canned pineapple. The pineapple adds a wonderful sweetness that pairs well with spices. You can serve it hot over rice or chilled for a refreshing meal.

This dish is packed with ingredients like coconut milk, curry powder, and fresh vegetables. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it friendly for everyone.

Ingredients

• 19 ounces pineapple chunks (drained, keep the juice)
• 1 small onion (sliced)
• 2 hot green peppers (seeded and sliced)
• 1.5 teaspoons mild curry powder
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground black mustard seeds
• 6 curry leaves
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• ½ inch cube fresh gingerroot (grated)
• 1 cup coconut milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan and add the sliced onion and crushed garlic. Cook until soft.
2. Add the green peppers and ginger. Stir for a few minutes.
3. Mix in curry powder, turmeric, and mustard seeds. Cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and pineapple chunks.
5. Stir in fish sauce and curry leaves. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve hot or chilled with rice. Enjoy!

9) Chocolate-Covered Bacon

Chocolate-covered bacon is a fun and surprising treat that combines sweet and savory flavors. This dish might sound unusual, but it’s a delightful way to enjoy bacon. The crispy texture of the bacon pairs perfectly with the smooth, rich chocolate.

To make chocolate-covered bacon, you simply dip cooked bacon in melted chocolate. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate based on your taste. Once dipped, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top for an extra burst of flavor.

This recipe is great for parties or as a unique snack. Many people love the sweet and salty combination that chocolate-covered bacon offers. It’s a perfect way to impress your friends with something different.

Ingredients

• 1 pound thick bacon
• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• Coarse sea salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the bacon until crispy. Drain and pat dry.
3. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a bowl.
4. Dip each bacon strip in the melted chocolate.
5. Place the dipped bacon on wax paper and sprinkle with sea salt.
6. Let the chocolate set before serving.

10) Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon feta salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer. The sweet watermelon pairs wonderfully with salty feta cheese. It’s a unique blend of flavors that surprises everyone.

To make this salad, simply start by cutting fresh watermelon into cubes. Crumble feta cheese over the top to add a tangy taste. You can also mix in some chopped mint for a fresh twist.

For the dressing, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle it over the salad and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. This dressing enhances the flavors even more.

This salad is not just tasty, it’s also colorful and easy to prepare. It’s great for picnics or as a side dish at barbecues. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful combination of taste!

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cube the watermelon and place it in a large bowl.
2. Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon.
3. Chop the mint and add it to the bowl.
4. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss gently to combine and serve.