8 Build-Your-Own Dinner Ideas to Please All the People

Sometimes trying to get a meal on the table that will please all of the palettes and preferences feels like I’m climbing Mt. Everest. It’s impossible, exhausting, and leaves me out of breath.

I’m not a short order cook…full stop. I don’t make something new in addition to what’s already been served. HOWEVER, I try to accommodate ahead of time and make sure there are a few “safe foods” included each night (Kids Eat in Color and Feeding Littles are so helpful on this topic). In our home that usually means bread, rice, fruit, etc.

So, a fantastic way to not be a short order cook AND make sure that all the people are happy (or as happy as 5 people can realistically be during witching hour, amIright?)…….BUILD-YOUR-OWN ENTREES!

My guess is we all probably do these dinners quite often, whether on purpose because we are genius and thinking ahead… or without even realizing it.

Throw out a base of some kind (think energy foods!) and all of the toppings AND LEAVE THE TROOPS TO ASSEMBLE THEIR OWN DINNERS! WOO HOO!!! Minimal complaining, maximum deliciousness.

This is a great set-up if you’re feeding someone that doesn’t love their foods all mixed together (soups, casseroles, etc.). You can keep things separate, but also provide a meal with depth of flavor and textures!

Bonus: This is also a great format for when you have company over, or for a family reunion! You don’t have to stress too much because you know everyone can fill their stomachs with SOMETHING provided. And in many cases, it gets people mingling and involved in the process which is a great side benefit!

1. Tacos: A Forever Classic

All about that Base: corn or flour tortillas

Protein Time: shredded chicken, ground beef, carnitas, refried/pinto/black beans

Toppings: cheese, salsa, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream (or greek yogurt in a pinch), cilantro, avocado, etc.

2. Mexican Quinoa/Rice Bowls

This is one of our favorite weeknight meals because it’s ready SO FAST, and often with foods we already have in our pantry/fridge. You can replace the quinoa with rice if that’s your preference. It’s a GREAT MEATLESS OPTION for your budget & for hosting vegetarian friends.

All about that Base: Quinoa (takes about 15 minutes in the pot; fluff with fork; add taco seasoning)

Protein Time: black beans are our favorite here! (pinto would work, too)

Toppings: Avocado or guacamole, salsa, tomatoes, corn, cheese, sour cream (or greek yog.), chips for dipping

3. Hawaiian Haystacks

So these probably aren’t authentically Hawaiian…maybe more of a vintage Mid-America throwback recipe?? However, they are pretty delicious and customizable!

All about that Base: white rice

Protein Time: chicken gravy (you can keep the chicken separate or mix these together)

Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, pineapple, shredded coconut, green onions, tomatoes, crunchy chow Mein noodles, raisins, and more.

4. Entree Salads

My husband loves a good entree salad. I’ll list just 2 here, but possibilities are endless. The key is to chop the lettuce very small so it’s easier to eat & get all the flavors in each bite! My kids love to keep each element separate on their plate, which I am totally fine with.

BBQ Chicken Salad

All about that Base: lettuce (would probably serve bread on the side as well for kiddos)

Protein Time: chicken (baked/cubed, rotisserie, shredded, etc.)

Toppings: corn, black beans, small tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced red onion, BBQ/ranch mixed for dressing

Summer Salad

All about that Base: lettuce (again, some bread on the side too probably!)

Protein Time: chicken, nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds…candied or otherwise)

Toppings: sliced fruit (strawberries, apples, grapes), cheese (parmesan or feta), red onion, avocado, dried fruit (Craisins, dried cherries), dressing (poppyseed or balsamic vinaigrette)

5. Homemade Pizzas

Don’t let the word homemade fool you…it just means you literally have to assemble the food in your house. You can use all kinds of shortcuts, such as:

Base: french bread, bagels, store-bought cauliflower crust (which I have yet to try- thoughts??), english muffins, OR of course homemade dough (this Joy Food Sunshine recipe is bomb)

Required Toppings: shredded cheese & sauce (tomato, alfredo, pesto, BBQ)

Additional Toppings: pineapple, ham, pepperoni, red onion, diced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, sausage, etc.

6. Crepes

I took French in middle school & high school and crepes were a staple at our in-class parties. My friends kept the tradition alive by making sweet crepes after graduation whenever we’d reunite. And I was reminded of the amazing savory options when my friend hosted my family for brunch one day! J’adore CREPES!

All about that Base: Crepes. You can blend (literally in the blender) up the batter ahead of time with VERY humble pantry ingredients.

Savory Toppings: ham & cheese, sauteed mushrooms, scrambled or fried eggs, caramelized onions, spinach

Sweet Toppings: bananas, Nutella, strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate, caramel, jam etc.

7. Loaded Baked Potato Bar

If you have a particularly stubborn eater in your family, this meal may end in your 3 year old eating spoonfuls of sour cream plain as their entree. I’m just saying that might happen.

Base: Baked Potatoes. Cheap & Easy! (I rub mine in olive oil, prick all over with a fork, sprinkle generously with salt, bake at 400 F until tender..no foil)

Toppings: butter, sour cream, chives/green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, chili, broccoli, bacon…or whatever else your heart can dream up!

8. Pita Pocket Party

Who doesn’t love opening up a pita pocket and stuffing it with whatever they want??

Base: Pita pockets!

Protein: Chicken (marinated with plain yogurt/lemon/garlic/oregano for a Greek style) OR Falafel (for a Middle Eastern style)

Greek-inspired Toppings: thinly sliced cucumber, red onions, feta cheese, sliced tomato, Kalamata olives, tzatziki sauce

Middle Eastern-inspired Toppings: hummus, tahini sauce, tomatoes, lettuce/arugula, red onion

Cover photo by Davey Gravy on Unsplash

Happy eating, friends!

If dinnertime troubleshooting has you re-thinking the other two meals of the day too, then be sure to check out: