The Best Birthday Dinner for the Month You Were Born

Enchiladas Suizas on a white plate with rice and beans
Photo: naples34102

Even more than going out for your birthday dinner, staying in on your birthday is the ultimate luxury. Cancel the coveted restaurant reservation, splurge on groceries, and wear absolutely whatever you want to dine at home. Whether you're hosting or letting someone special cook for you, the menu tonight is everything. And it's all up to you! We curated celebratory birthday dinner recipes appropriate for every month of the year, to create the perfect birthday meal to help celebrate your special day.

01 of 12

January: Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Spaghetti alla Carbonara: the Traditional Italian Recipe
Buckwheat Queen

The holidays are over, the health kicks are on, but you're eager to celebrate — especially because the next few months post-birthday are typically pretty dreary. Spice things up with a peppery spaghetti recipe, that's actually quite quick to make, but cozy to eat for a wintery night in. If you're in the mood for more of a project, consider making your own pasta from scratch.

02 of 12

February: Enchiladas Suizas

Enchiladas Suizas on a white plate with rice and beans
naples34102

The shortest (and sometimes gloomiest) month of the year deserves a comforting recipe to heat up your birthday. These rich and creamy enchiladas are perfect for a crowd, and a batch of margaritas amps up the party. If a birthday potluck sounds like your thing, encourage guests to bring homemade guacamole and salsas to round out the dinner.

03 of 12

March: Tuscan Fish Stew

Tuscan Fish Stew
Chef John

Spring is getting so close, you can taste it, but as a March baby, you're used to bridging that gap between winter and the warm, perky weather to come. This fish stew has it all: a delicious vacation to Italy in a bowl, with just enough comfort to feel cozy on a cool March day. Tear off pieces of crusty bread to dip in, or make this just one part of a larger Italian fest.

04 of 12

April: Spring Vegetable Tart

Spring Vegetable Tart
Chef John

April showers bring spring veggies, and that's all you want to eat now that the darkest months of winter are gone! This veggie tart is gorgeous and not hard to make, and can pair well with a French spring soup.

  • Browse our easy spring desserts for the perfect birthday treat.
05 of 12

May: Chinese Pork Dumplings

Chinese Pork Dumplings

If all hands are on deck for this birthday dinner, have a dumpling-making party, where everyone can get in on the stuffing and folding process, and then stuff themselves with these dumplings. Have some cold noodles ready to add to your feast.

06 of 12

June: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn Chicken Taiwanese
Allrecipes

Something about the start of summer brings on finger food cravings, and we're ready for it! This popcorn chicken is ultra crisp and fantastic with a variety of dipping sauces. Plus, it takes less than half an hour to prepare, so you can spend more time eating and celebrating.

07 of 12

July: Champagne Shrimp and Pasta

Is anything more festive than cooking with Champagne? Absolutely not. This recipe is quick to make and leaves plenty of bubbly leftover to sip alongside this decadent pasta dish.

08 of 12

August: Grilled Rock Lobster Tails

Grilled Rock Lobster Tails
Molly

Outdoor cooking season is in full swing, and you deserve a top notch barbecue get-together for your birthday. First up: Lobster. Fresh or frozen lobster tails both work great on the grill, and don't forget an extra side of butter.

09 of 12

September: Pizza On The Grill

Pizza On The Grill I
Nanda

September may be the best cooking month, with late-summer produce like tomatoes at its best. Plus, mild weather means eating outdoors can be dreamy until cooler nights set in. Throw a pizza party on the grill, topping the personal pies with whatever your heart desires.

10 of 12

October: Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut Squash Risotto in a white dish
Marikka Werlen

Pumpkin and squash dominate the season, and for your birthday, gourds deserve the star treatment. This orange-hued risotto is enviably beautiful and packed with autumnal squash flavor. Shaving a few truffles on top would be a nice birthday addition.

11 of 12

November: Veal Forestiere

Veal Forestiere
naples34102

Turkey babies are overly familiar with the feast that consumes your birthday month, so opt for a hearty entree that doesn't pair with cranberry sauce. This luxe veal dish is super warming and comforting, and can be enjoyed with potatoes, polenta, pasta, or all there. This is a celebratory dinner, after all. Add a mug of glogg for a pre- or post-dinner treat.

12 of 12

December: Authentic Pho

Authentic Pho
Arlene Preston

You want something warm, comforting, but not too filling. Eating season is in full swing, after all. Homemade pho, which takes hours to simmer, fills your home with aromatic and beefy scents and is well worth the wait. Feed a crowd or hoard the noodle soup for yourself for a very tasty and soothing birthday week's worth of dinners.

Was this page helpful?