20 Recipes Our Readers Make When They Don't Feel Like Making Dinner
Referred to as YO-YO (You're On Your Own) night in some households.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Let's be honest, sometimes we just don't want to make dinner. While we all have solutions for these nights, there's nothing better than seeking inspiration from others. And that's why we asked our audience what they make when they just don't feel like cooking. Sandra Mayfield Hartsell says, "We call them YO-YO night (You're On Your Own), and we love that idea. Here are a few recipes that you can make in a pinch.
Related: 60 Lazy Dinner Ideas Using Our Easiest Recipes
One-Pan Ranch Chicken And Vegetables
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Sheet pan dinners are a foolproof favorite – and a no-fuss way to get dinner on the table fast. Reader Kaye Huskerson Spears says, "There are dozens of variations and you can adjust them depending on the ingredients you have on-hand."
Quick Baked Potato
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
"DIY stuffed baked potatoes. Add canned chili, veggies, leftovers as you wish," was an idea from Ceci Suhre. Need some inspiration? We have topping suggestions so the whole family can choose their own during the weeknight rush.
Crustless Ham and Collard Greens Quiche
Eggs were definitely a popular response for many of our readers, whether whipping up quick omelettes, fluffy scrambled eggs, a go-to frittata, or quiche with ingredients you have on-hand.
Spicy Grilled Chicken Breasts
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Start with grilled chicken and the options are plentiful. This recipe is easy and adds just a little bit of punch to the typical chicken. Serve it on top of salad or pair with rice or potatoes.
Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce
Frozen meatballs are a fan-favorite. We love the idea of turning them into sliders for a surprisingly delicious weeknight meal.
Grilled Cheese
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Grilled cheese came up quite a bit on this list – with many of you sharing different cheeses you love to swap in. Of course no grilled cheese dinner would be complete without a bowl of tomato soup.
French Toast
Jessica Furniss
Breakfast for dinner was a popular opinion for many of you. (Even cereal came up multiple times!) Many readers suggested pancakes or French toast as a nice option that's fairly easy to pull together.
Tuna Salad
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
We love our salads in the South. And many of them are light on greens and filled with spoonfuls of creamy mayonnaise. Tuna is a great dinner option, whether served as a sandwich, salad, or topped on crackers.
Salmon Bagel Sandwich
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett
Some readers just want to pick up bagels and whip up something satisfying and filling. This sandwich is a great option to make with leftovers you have in the fridge.
Chicken And Fontina Panini
Paninis are the perfect quick dinner pick-me-up. They're easy to customize to different tastes and come together in no-time. The ultimate lazy dinner.
Niçoise Salad
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Prissy Montiel
Now we're talking salad with greens, which are totally underestimated yet totally delicious. This recipe is a great option for loading up the ingredients you have in the fridge or making a pile-as-you-please entree.
Instant Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs
When in doubt, pull out the Instant Pot. No one says you need to spend hours in the kitchen to pull together a warm and comforting plate of spaghetti and meatballs.
Deviled Eggs
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Leave it to the deviled eggs to come through when you're in a pinch. Deviled eggs might be a great holiday appetizer, but they're also a terrific option when you have a carton of eggs and want something extra flavorful.
Homemade Chicken Salad
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It's always a good time to serve homemade chicken salad. Serve it atop a pile of greens, layered high on a sandwich, or scooped on toasted baguettes.
Salmon Patties
Jessica Furniss
Make salmon patties ahead of time (they do freeze well), and these simple cakes come together in just 15 minutes.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mindi Shapiro; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Nachos for dinner? Need we say more. It needn't be a game day to enjoy a tailgating go-to for dinner. In fact, chances are the whole family will love the idea of loaded nachos for Wednesday dinner.
Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese
STACY K. ALLEN; FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINA DALEY
Rich, creamy, extra cheesy – macaroni and cheese is the ultimate dish for anytime, any occasion. Whip up a tray in no time and let everyone dig in.
All-You-Can-Eat BLTs
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Sandwich night is always easy and always well-received. Many of our readers said they love subs for an effortless dinner, and this loaded BLT is a recipe worth squeezing into your rotation.
Garlic Bread Pizzas
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Why order takeout when you can make your own pizzas at home in a flash. We love the idea of starting with garlic bread for extra flavor and letting family members top as they please.
Veggie Fajitas
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Yes, we love taco night but fajita night is just as fabulous. This concept is just as easy to whip together and lets the family pick the toppings, from sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or shredded cheese.
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