It’s the 3pm slump on a Friday. The fatigue hits you like a surprise in the trenches. Luckily, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Fridays are a struggle for everyone; after a long week, all we want to do is relax. But I’m your secret weapon in tackling the never-ending to-do list. What better way to start the weekend than with a frozen, homemade-tasting pizza that’ll delight everyone? It's hassle-free! It's made from premium ingredients: real cheese, premium toppings, and zesty herbs. Reminisce about after-school childhood memories while eating world-famous comfort food and create new ones by sharing something awesome.
I asked my chef friends to cook up a list of our favorite dinner ideas that’ll energize your Friday night. Let's face it, cooking on a Friday is a hassle; you'd rather relax. That’s why you need Red Baron® frozen pizza and a few household staples that you already have on hand to become the hero during mealtime.
Get ready for a culinary experience at home with your favorite dish, your way. Pizza is personal, and the limit for toppings does not exist, except by what’s already in your pantry.
Friday Night Dinner Ideas
- French Bread Pizza
Looking to spend the evening at home or running errands? If you're searching for Friday night dinner ideas for 1 or 2, French bread pizza is an easy, tasty option. Instead of traditional dough, this recipe uses a loaf of French bread as a base, topped with protein and garnishes. Its crisp crust and savory toppings make for a delicious, mess-free treat that's sure to impress. From pepperoni, 5 cheese & garlic, 3 meat, and supreme, the perfect treat awaits you.
- DIY French Bread
Unleash your creativity! Upgrade your RED BARON® French Bread Pizza with staples like olive oil, pepper, Italian seasoning, and local herbs. Chances are, you already have these in your pantry. For a touch of spice, add red pepper flakes, jalapeños or Calabrian chili oil for a smoky, lingering taste. When my energy was low and I was searching for a carb-rich treat, French bread was my favorite. For a gourmet twist, try the next Friday night dinner idea.
- Pepperoni Pizza with a Sweet Balsamic Vinegar Glaze
Get the craft-quality pizza experience at home with a RED BARON® Frozen Pepperoni Pizza. While you wait for the oven to heat, start preparing the sauce. In a pot on low, add your bottle of balsamic, a sweetener of your choice, and sprinkles of salt. Whisk every few minutes to avoid sticking. After about 20-25 minutes, check on the sauce's consistency; it should feel like syrup. Let it set for a few minutes, and it's ready! Add it on top of your fresh, hot pizza for a sweet taste. The best part is that you can store the sauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container and use it for other dishes. Romanticize any meal, perfect for a date night at home sure to impress.
- Honey Pizza
Sometimes sweetness goes a long way, I know this from experience. For an elevated, chef-inspired meal at home, drizzle honey on your pizza. It boosts the sauce's tang, the protein's savoriness, and the cheese's saltiness. Every bite is a medley of flavors that's unique. Tip from the Red Baron: Use high-quality, locally sourced honey for the best taste. If you like sweet and spicy, mix the honey with chili peppers.
- Tzatziki Sauce on Pizza
We're back in the Mediterranean! If you love ranch on your pizza, then this is for you. For fans of both Greek food and pizza, combine your two loves. It takes about 10 minutes to make the sauce from scratch. All you need is cucumbers, a bowl of Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, dried dill, and minced garlic. Start by removing as much water from the cucumbers as possible; this makes the sauce creamier. Then, combine all the ingredients together in a bowl, minus the cucumbers. Once it reaches a thick consistency, add the cucumbers. You’re ready to serve the best Friday night dinner idea!
- Olives on Pizza
I remember walking through the Greek countryside when someone said an olive tree was thousands of years old. I couldn’t believe it. Olive trees are a staple of the Mediterranean; their major influence on pizza is no surprise. But, while some love olives, others loathe them. They come in different colors and sizes; these salty, sometimes bitter fruits (yes, olives are fruits) are a namesake in any pizza. Black olives provide a bold punch to any meat-inspired pizza, as they absorb the flavor. If you're looking for the wow factor, kalamata olives are about to become your favorite topping. They have a wine-like taste and a firmer texture. While black olives thrive in many regions, kalamata olives are native to Greece.
- DIY Cheese Pizza with Garnishes
Start with a RED BARON® Brick Oven Cheese Pizza as a launching pad for your unique recipe. Sometimes, you want more control over your dish, and the cheese pizza provides a blank slate that you can customize with your toppings. I remember my days of frolicking in the meadows of France, where cured meats enhanced a dish’s savoriness.
I heard charcuterie is making a comeback. Inspired by the French culinary tradition, I remember a few pairings from my day. Some of my favorite meats are bacon, prosciutto, salami, and Jamón Ibérico. These garnishes add flavor to the cheese. Finish with sweet honey or balsamic sauce on top.
- Burrata on Top
Since my time, burrata has been a cool, artisanal cheese. Back in the day, burrata was so rare that finding it in stock was like winning a pot of gold. Nowadays, you can find burrata in your local market, making it easy to jazz up your frozen pizza. While it looks like mozzarella, a surprise is waiting once you bite. Add it to the center of a fresh-from-the-oven pizza and you have a restaurant-quality dish.
- Pack the Herbs and Spices
Which one is your favorite? I know most of my recipes include these herbs and spices, but sometimes the simple things are the best. You might not be in the mood to create a sauce or may not have the ingredients at hand. This is why sprinkling olive oil, or a simple dash of fresh basil, can make all the difference. For a touch of color, drizzle basil and if you want to complement the flavor, try oregano. For savory, add rosemary.
- Fruits on Top
If you hate pineapple on pizza, as a warning, you'll want to skip this sweet recipe. Now that you have your herbs, spices, cheese, and cured meats, top your pizza with some fruit. Burrata, cured meats, apple chunks, and the balsamic glaze will give you the best sweet and sour taste. Feel like a true Italian, curate figs, ham, arugula, and hot honey sauce. It's a crunchy, sweet, bold-flavored bite.
Easy Friday Night Dinner Ideas FAQs
What are easy family foods? I love frozen pizza! Not only is it nostalgic but the kids are sure to love it. There’s something intimate about serving the family pizza for a fun Friday night dinner idea. As a bonus, you become the hero during mealtime.
What is the best Friday night dinner idea? This depends on your taste and diet. Frozen pizza is always a good idea.
What’s an easy Friday dinner? Frozen pizza is an easy Friday night dinner idea! It’s better than delivery and takeout, saves you time and money and you can customize. A win-win. Now you’re ready to start your weekend. Pick your favorite recipe and report back on the taste. Let us know if you have other creative ideas in the comments.