10+ Unusual Recipes Dinners to Spice Up Your Mealtime

Trying out new meals can spice up your cooking routine and make dinner time more exciting. Unusual recipes can offer unexpected flavors and combinations that will delight your taste buds. You might discover new favorites that you never thought to make before.

Exploring these unique dishes can also impress your family and friends. They will appreciate your creativity and willingness to try something different, turning an ordinary dinner into a memorable experience. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that could transform your weekday dinners into something special.

1) Kool-Aid Pickles

Kool-Aid pickles are a fun and colorful twist on traditional pickles. They mix the tangy taste of pickles with sweet fruity flavors. These treats are especially popular in the Southern United States.

To make them, you start with whole dill pickles. You soak them in a mixture of Kool-Aid and sugar. This gives the pickles a bright red color and a unique flavor.

You might find them surprising but delicious. They are perfect as a snack or an unusual addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 (46 ounce) jar whole dill pickles
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups water
• 2 (1 ounce) packets Kool-Aid unsweetened cherry drink mix

Cooking Instructions

1. Remove one cup of pickle juice from the jar.
2. Add 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of water.
3. Mix in the Kool-Aid packets until dissolved.
4. Pour the mixture back into the jar with the pickles.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours.

2) Waffled Pizza Dippers

Waffled Pizza Dippers are a fun and tasty way to enjoy pizza in a new format. You can make these using your waffle iron. They are perfect for a snack or a quick dinner.

You will need to fill your waffle batter with delicious pizza toppings like cheese, pepperoni, and herbs. Once cooked, these dippers are crunchy on the outside and cheesy inside. Serve them with pizza sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

• 1 3⁄4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 2 (8-ounce) packages pizza dough
• Pizza sauce for dipping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron to 375°F (190°C) and grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, mix the cheeses, basil, and oregano.
3. Spread a layer of pizza dough on the waffle iron.
4. Add a layer of cheese mixture and pepperoni.
5. Close the waffle iron and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Remove and cut into dippers. Serve with pizza sauce.

3) Filipino Chicken Adobo

Filipino Chicken Adobo is a delicious dish that’s both simple and flavorful. This meal combines chicken with vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, giving it a unique taste. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner.

You start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar. Then, you cook it until tender. The result is a savory meal that pairs well with rice.

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your taste. It’s a great way to share Filipino culture through food.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup distilled vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• Garlic, minced (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a pan over medium heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
5. Pour in the marinade and bring to a boil.
6. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Serve with rice and enjoy!

4) Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi fried rice is a fun and tasty dish that you can make quickly. It’s great for using leftover rice and adds a punch of flavor. You can customize it by adding your favorite proteins, like eggs or bacon.

To start, you’ll want aged kimchi for the best taste. The spicy, tangy flavors mix perfectly with the rice. Frying it all together gives the dish a nice crunch and warm feel.

You can eat it on its own or pair it with other Korean dishes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and only takes about 15 minutes to prepare!

Ingredients

• 3 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup chopped kimchi
• ¼ cup kimchi juice
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Optional: smoked bacon or vegetables

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add chopped kimchi and lift it for a minute.
3. Stir in the rice and kimchi juice, mixing well.
4. Push rice to one side and scramble eggs on the other side.
5. Combine mixed eggs with the rice and serve hot.

5) Frito Pie

Frito Pie is a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for any meal. It combines crunchy Fritos, flavorful chili, and melted cheese. This dish is simple to make and sure to please everyone.

To start, you’ll cook some ground beef with onions. Add taco seasoning for extra flavor. Next, mix in corn, diced tomatoes, and beans.

Once your meat mixture is ready, layer it over Fritos in a baking dish. Top it with cheese and bake until everything is hot and the cheese is melted. It’s that easy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn
• 1 bag of Fritos
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until brown.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, corn, and diced tomatoes.
4. Layer Fritos in a baking dish.
5. Pour the meat mixture over the Fritos.
6. Top with cheese and bake for 20 minutes.

6) Kurdish Dumplings in Yogurt

Kurdish dumplings, known as kotulk daw, are a delightful dish made with dumplings filled with meat and served in a tangy yogurt sauce. This unique meal packs a lot of flavor and is a comforting option for dinner.

To make kotulk daw, you begin with a soft dumpling dough. The meat stuffing often includes seasoned lamb or beef, giving each bite a rich taste. The dumplings are then cooked in a creamy yogurt-based sauce, creating a warm, hearty dish.

Ingredients

• Dumpling dough
• Ground lamb or beef
• Onion
• Spices (like salt and pepper)
• Yogurt
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the dough ingredients and knead until smooth.
2. Prepare the meat filling by combining ground meat, chopped onions, and spices.
3. Shape the dumplings by placing filling in dough and sealing.
4. Cook the dumplings in a pot of simmering water until they float.
5. In another pot, mix yogurt and water to create the sauce.
6. Serve the cooked dumplings in the yogurt sauce.

7) French Onion Chicken Tray Bake

French Onion Chicken Tray Bake is a delicious and easy dinner option. This dish features seasoned chicken breasts baked in a flavorful sauce made with French onion soup. Topped with melted cheese, it’s sure to please everyone at your table.

You’ll combine chicken with caramelized onions, giving it a sweet and savory taste. It’s perfect served with rice or orzo. The one-pan approach makes cleanup a breeze, too!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 can of French onion soup
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of cooked rice or orzo
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions until caramelized.
3. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour the soup over it.
4. Add cooked rice or orzo around the chicken.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is done.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese and return to the oven until melted.

8) Creamy Shrimp Udon

Creamy Shrimp Udon is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp and chewy udon noodles. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, making this meal both comforting and satisfying.

You can easily prepare this dish in about 10 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The sauce often includes ingredients like butter, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce.

Try adding your favorite vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition. This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to experiment with flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces udon noodles
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 green onion, sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions.
2. Drain the noodles and set aside.
3. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the heavy cream and soy sauce, then mix well.
7. Combine the cooked udon noodles with the sauce and shrimp.
8. Top with sliced green onion before serving.

9) Garbage Plate

The Garbage Plate is a famous dish from Rochester, New York. It combines a variety of ingredients into one hearty meal. This unique plate usually includes meat, carbs, and sometimes salads.

You can start with a base of fries or macaroni salad. Then, add a burger or hot dogs on top. Finish it with meat sauce, mustard, and onions for extra flavor.

This dish is known for being filling and satisfying. It’s perfect for a late-night snack or a fun dinner with friends. Each layer brings different textures and tastes together.

Ingredients

• French fries or macaroni salad
• Fried onions
• Hot dogs or hamburgers
• Meat sauce
• Mustard
• Optional toppings (hot sauce, pickles)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the fries until golden brown.
2. Grill or fry the hot dogs or burgers.
3. Prepare the meat sauce, heating it in a pan.
4. Assemble by layering fries or salad, meat, and toppings.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

10) Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad is a fun and tasty dish that combines unusual flavors. This fluffy dessert is perfect for gatherings or special occasions. It has a unique green color and a sweet taste that many people love.

To make this salad, you will need a few simple ingredients. The combination of pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping creates a delightful treat.

Ingredients

• 3.4-ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
• 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the pistachio pudding and crushed pineapple until well blended.
2. Stir in the mini marshmallows and chopped pecans.
3. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.