Cooking for Mom? Do it up right with my best Mother’s Day recipes for appetizers, main courses, and desserts that are guaranteed to get her stamp of approval.
what makes the perfect Mother’s Day recipe?
That depends. I think it’s all about what’s in season, and what your Mom loves. After that it just needs to be special, whether that means something elegant and refined, or taking it a little bit over the top. Does mom love steak, or salmon? Maybe she craves mac and cheese ~ it’s your job to make it memorable.
Below are ideas for a complete menu, but if you’re doing brunch, see my 75 Best Brunch Recipes!
pamper her with something special to start
recipes clockwise from top left
- Crispy Crab Balls – these decadent little crab cake bites will set expectations high for the rest of the meal to come! If Mom loves seafood she might like my Smoked Trout Dip, too.
- Simple Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart – seasonal spring asparagus is nestled into a puff pastry base for a light, elegant, and satisfying appetizer. I do this with mushrooms, and onions, as well.
- Lemon Artichoke Hummus – homemade hummus is great, but homemade hummus with the added flavor boost of lemon and artichoke is unforgettable! This fresh hummus is world’s away from the stuff in the plastic tubs. If you’re looking for extra brownie points, make your own homemade pita to go with.
- Spring Salad with Edible Flowers – for a real showstopper, this spring salad features delicate edible flowers strewn among fresh, crisp greens.
wow her with the main event
recipes clockwise from top left
- Saffron Risotto with Asparagus – the flavors in this recipe are subtle and unusual and perfect for a foodie Mom who appreciates veggie forward meals with a Mediterranean flair. Another risotto to try ~ 6 Minute Instant Pot Lobster Risotto
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo – toasting the orzo before it cooks just takes an extra minute or two, but it really adds to the layers of flavor in this dish. When you’re aiming to impress, you can go wrong with shrimp.
- Wine Braised Short Ribs – the time spent simmering in a rich wine sauce is well worth it for these tender, flavorful short ribs served over creamy polenta. You can spend it thinking about everything Mom’s done for you all these years!
- Quiche Lorraine – this classic French dish works equally well any time of day, and makes a super satisfying dinner served with a side salad. Works for a brunch, too.
seal the deal with dessert!
recipes clockwise from top left
- Rhubarb Ginger Crisps – ginger takes the fresh, tart taste of rhubarb up a notch in these springy individual crisps. They’re easy to assemble ahead of time and bake just before eating.
- Nutella Tiramisu – this dessert looks incredibly impressive, but it’s really easy to put together. Just make sure to leave enough time for it to fully chill in the fridge before slicing and serving!
- Berry Pavlova – this stunner of a dessert can be made with any fresh berries or other fruit you like. It’s got a delicate airiness about it that I just love this time of year.
- Classic Creme Brulee – you can’t go wrong with one of the world’s most classic, decadent desserts, the creme brulee! My step by step instructions make it a breeze.
