Upgrade Your Dinners Instantly With 17 International Recipe Ideas
If dinner’s been on autopilot lately, these 17 international picks might be the shake-up it needs. They bring bold ideas without turning your kitchen into a crime scene. No passport, no problem—these recipes keep it real while mixing things up just enough. It’s dinner with a change of scenery, minus the flight delays.
Italian Pasta with Salami
This meal brings a different spin on traditional pasta by complementing it with slices of salami for added texture and flavor. Italian Pasta with Salami combines the robust essence of cured meat with the simplicity of pasta. It’s perfect for making your dinner feel a little heartier without putting in too much work.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Guacamole
Sometimes you need a quick dip that works with almost anything, and Guacamole does just that. It’s creamy, naturally rich, and has a smooth texture that pairs perfectly with various snacks or meals. Unlike heavier dips, this one keeps it simple while still feeling fresh.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
Biscoff Ice Cream
When dessert calls for something comforting yet special, Biscoff Ice Cream nails the combination of creamy and cookie-inspired flavors. It takes ice cream to another level with a unique twist that’s hard not to enjoy. The texture is balanced between being smooth and occasionally crunchy, making it fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Ice Cream
Flour Tortilla
Homemade or store-bought, Flour Tortilla is a versatile base for wraps, tacos, or even pizzas. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and has that neutral taste that goes well with any filling. They’re excellent for meal prepping since you can make quick lunches or dinners with them.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortilla
Chicken Chow Mein
If you’re after satisfying noodles that feel filling but light, Chicken Chow Mein is an excellent choice. It packs a blend of simple yet bold textures that give your meals a fresh twist. The combination of chicken and noodles keeps the dish balanced and approachable for almost anyone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein
French Onion Dip
Chips and veggies get an instant upgrade with French Onion Dip, which pairs creamy textures with a slight tasty kick. It works wonderfully as an addition to gatherings or casual snacking sessions. You don’t need to complicate things—this dip does the trick by keeping things bold yet uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip
Beef Chili
Beef Chili is a hearty option when you want something warm, rich, and packed with spiced layers of flavor. It works great as a standalone dish or even as a topping for everything from nachos to baked potatoes. The deep flavors of beef paired with spices create a satisfying meal without too much prep.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
If you’ve always enjoyed the classic combination of chicken, cheese, and ham, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole delivers that in casserole form. It’s a simple way to combine protein and creamy textures for a filling dinner. The baked-style format makes it easy to serve and share, whether for guests or family meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Garlic Aioli
For those times when regular sauces feel too basic, Garlic Aioli steps in with a bold and flavorful note. It works with anything from fries to sandwiches, adding just an extra layer of richness. Its creamy profile with a garlic touch makes it stand out compared to other condiments.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli
Big Mac Crunchwrap
Inspired by fast-food classics, Big Mac Crunchwrap combines layers of meat, lettuce, cheese, and sauce folded into a tortilla wrap. It’s a fun way to enjoy a burger-like experience in handheld form. The layers make it interesting with every bite and can be easily customized to personal preference.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap
Fruit Pizza
This dessert feels both classic and creative without a lot of effort. Fresh, sweet, and colorful—Fruit Pizza turns dessert into something playful by layering fruits on a sweet crust. It’s light, fun, and visually pleasing, making it perfect for gatherings or family nights. The soft base paired with fruit toppings creates balance.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza
Italian Sliders
Smaller portions with big flavor come alive in Italian Sliders, made with layered meats and cheeses inside rolls. This works great for both snacks and quick meals where you want something bold yet portable. Their size makes them easy to prepare and versatile for small gatherings or individual servings.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
Caesar Salad
A simple dinner side can get an upgrade with Caesar Salad, bringing crunch and creamy dressing together. The combination of greens and a strong dressing adds a flavor kick to any table. It works well either with meals or on its own for a lighter dining option. Add this as a go-to when you need a timeless dish.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad
Garlic Knots
Rolls are nice, but Garlic Knots add much more with their perfectly braided shape and full flavor. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with just the right amount of bold garlic notes. They work as appetizers or dinner sides, and you can easily make a batch for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Chicken Shawarma
If a protein-heavy dinner sounds good, Chicken Shawarma is the way to go. It’s full of bold flavors and textures that work inside wraps, plates, or bowls. A no-fuss way to spice up your evening meals with just the right amount of variety. This makes dinner exciting and practical without overcomplicating what’s on the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma
Kimchi
For something bold and fermented, Kimchi introduces a unique taste that works as a side or topping for dishes. It’s perfect for adding sharpness and balancing out heavier meals. This keeps your meal options interesting without much extra effort. You can try it with bowls, rice, or other layered dinners anytime.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi
Baked Beef Tacos
Taco night gets a different twist with Baked Beef Tacos, prepared as a batch instead of individually. They’re filled, baked, and perfect for sharing with more people in one go. The method adds convenience as well as just the right amount of texture to the dish. This makes dinner feel organized without losing the fun of tacos.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos
