Make Everyone Ask for Seconds (and the Recipe)

Jenny deRemer

Oct 29, 2025

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Gathering around the table for a meal is one of life’s greatest pleasures and having a delicious main dish is key to making those moments unforgettable. I’m excited to share some fantastic recipes that are perfect for sharing, ensuring everyone at your table asks for seconds and maybe even the recipe. These meals not only fill up hungry bellies but also spark conversations and create lasting memories. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a festive celebration, these mains are sure to impress. Let’s explore how you can elevate your next gathering with dishes that everyone will love!

Table of Contents

Healthy Ground Chicken Feta Burgers with Spinach

A chicken burger with a wheat bun, topped with lettuce, tomato slices, feta cheese, and arugula, with purple onion slices visible beneath. The background is bright and minimalistic.
Image Credit: Haute & Healthy Living

These Healthy Ground Chicken Feta Burgers with Spinach are a fantastic main dish for sharing at any gathering. Packed with lean ground chicken, tangy feta, and fresh spinach, they offer a healthy yet delicious option for burger lovers. Easy to grill and full of flavor, they’re a perfect choice for summer barbecues or casual weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Ground Chicken Feta Burgers with Spinach

A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp

A close-up of a visually vibrant dish featuring pieces of shrimp, red bell peppers, thinly sliced fennel, and fresh dill on a white plate. The dish is garnished with leafy greens, offering a fresh and colorful presentation.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp is an excellent choice for sharing as a main dish or appetizer at your next party. The pickled shrimp are infused with bold spices, offering a tangy and flavorful bite that will have everyone coming back for more. It’s a unique Southern-inspired dish that’s perfect for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp

Smoked Brisket Recipe

Close-up of juicy, sliced smoked beef brisket on parchment paper. The slices are charred and seasoned on the outside, revealing a tender, well-cooked interior with a deep, rich color.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

The Smoked Brisket Recipe is a classic main course that’s ideal for sharing with friends and family. Slowly smoked to perfection, the tender brisket melts in your mouth, delivering rich, smoky flavors. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a big holiday feast, this dish is sure to be the star of the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Recipe

Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

Close-up of glazed chicken drumsticks cooking on a grill, coated in a thick, reddish-brown barbecue sauce. The chicken appears juicy and well-seasoned, with grill marks visible on the hot metal grate beneath.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks are an easy-to-share main dish that’s perfect for cookouts or casual gatherings. Juicy, smoky, and covered in a tangy barbecue sauce, these drumsticks are a surefire hit. Whether served as the star of the meal or alongside other dishes, they’re guaranteed to please the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros

Pita wraps filled with shredded chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes are arranged on a plate next to small bowls of tzatziki sauce and more shredded chicken. A blue-striped cloth is partially visible on the table.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

These Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros make an excellent main dish for sharing at parties or family dinners. The slow-cooked chicken is tender and flavorful, paired with homemade tzatziki and wrapped in warm pita bread. With minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for feeding a group without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros

Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps

A plate of fettuccine pasta topped with sautéed shrimp, green peas, and fresh basil garnished on the side. The dish is served on a white plate with a garnish of basil leaves nearby.
Image Credit: Chocolates & Chai

Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps is a refreshing main dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. The tangy lemon sauce and garlic shrimp are paired beautifully with al dente pasta, creating a simple yet impressive meal. Ideal for a dinner party or a light summer meal, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Grilled chicken thighs garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, served in a white dish. The chicken appears juicy with a charred, seasoned crust.
Image Credit: Spend with Pennies

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful main dish that’s perfect for sharing at any casual get-together. The fresh cilantro and zesty lime brighten up the grilled chicken, making it a refreshing and delicious option for your next barbecue or family meal. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of sides.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Grilled shrimp kebabs with red and yellow bell peppers, garnished with herbs.
Image Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are an ideal main dish for sharing at summer barbecues. Marinated shrimp cook up quickly on the grill, giving them a delicious charred flavor that complements any backyard feast. Simple, flavorful, and easy to serve, these kabobs are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Easy to Make Crispy Turkey Tacos

A plate of crispy tacos filled with meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and topped with cilantro. A wedge of lime is on the side, and a small bowl of red sauce is nearby on a dark table. A glass of water is in the background.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

These Easy to Make Crispy Turkey Tacos are a fun and flavorful main dish that’s perfect for sharing with a crowd. Seasoned turkey, crispy taco shells, and plenty of toppings make these tacos a hit at any gathering. They’re quick to whip up and offer a delicious, customizable option for your next taco night.
Get the Recipe: Easy to Make Crispy Turkey Tacos

Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili

A vibrant, baked cheesy dish featuring layers of ground beef, melted cheese, sliced green onions, sliced jalapeños, and halved cherry tomatoes, garnished with chopped green onions. The crispy base appears to be a layer of corn chips.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili is a hearty main dish that’s perfect for sharing at tailgates or family dinners. Layers of savory chili, crunchy Fritos, and gooey cheese make it a filling and satisfying meal for any casual occasion. It’s easy to serve up in individual portions, making it ideal for feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

A plate of creamy baked pasta with a crispy golden top, garnished with a lemon wedge. A fork rests beside the dish on a dark table.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe makes an ideal main course for any gathering. Creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender chicken, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to share. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting friends, this hearty pasta dish will keep everyone satisfied and coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs

A close-up of several pieces of barbecued ribs with a glossy, caramelized sauce, arranged on a yellow plate. The ribs appear well-cooked with slightly charred edges, highlighting the rich, sticky glaze on the meat.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs are perfect for sharing with friends and family at your next barbecue. Slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone tenderness and coated in a rich, tangy sauce, these ribs bring the bold flavors of the South to your table. It’s a main dish that’s guaranteed to impress and is ideal for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs

Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad

A vibrant salad featuring strawberries, avocado, bowtie pasta, sliced green onions, and fresh mint leaves. The dish is colorful and fresh, highlighting a mix of red, green, and pale yellow ingredients.
Image Credit: Budget Delicious

This Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad is a refreshing, vibrant main dish that’s great for sharing at summer picnics or potlucks. With juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and pasta tossed in a light dressing, this salad combines sweet and savory flavors for a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to serve. It’s a fresh take on a classic pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad

Simple Summer Spaghetti With Garlic And Lemon

A close-up of a bowl of spaghetti pasta mixed with asparagus, peas, and herbs, sprinkled with black pepper. The dish is vibrant and garnished with freshly ground seasoning.
Image Credit: Emily Leary

Simple Summer Spaghetti with Garlic and Lemon is a light and flavorful main dish that’s perfect for sharing during warm weather. The zesty lemon and fragrant garlic pair beautifully with al dente spaghetti, making this an easy yet elegant meal for outdoor dinners or casual get-togethers. It’s fresh, simple, and great for feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Simple Summer Spaghetti With Garlic And Lemon

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

A stuffed red bell pepper filled with beans and topped with melted cheese, diced chiles, and fresh cilantro. It's drizzled with white sauce and served on a white plate with a lime wedge and a fork.
Image Credit: Chef Ani

These Vegan Stuffed Peppers are a wholesome and filling main dish that’s perfect for sharing at plant-based gatherings. Packed with quinoa, vegetables, and savory spices, these peppers are both delicious and nutritious. They’re a great option for vegans and non-vegans alike, and they bring a pop of color and flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Pineapple Pork Skewers

A plate of colorful grilled vegetable and meat skewers garnished with chopped herbs. The skewers include pieces of grilled meat, red onions, bell peppers, and pineapple. Lime wedges are placed on the side for garnish.
Image Credit: On My Kids Plate

Pineapple Pork Skewers are a tropical-inspired main dish that’s perfect for sharing at your next barbecue or summer gathering. Juicy chunks of pork are paired with sweet pineapple, creating a delicious combination that grills up in no time. These skewers are easy to serve, making them an excellent choice for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pork Skewers

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

A plate of creamy mashed potatoes topped with succulent shrimp and a rich, savory gravy. The dish is garnished with chunks of crab meat and small pieces of red bell pepper, adding color and texture to the meal. The gravy glistens, blending the flavors together.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy is a Southern classic that makes a perfect main dish for sharing. Creamy grits topped with seasoned shrimp and rich crab gravy create a comforting and indulgent meal that’s sure to impress. This dish is ideal for gatherings where you want to bring a taste of the South to the table.
Get the Recipe: Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

Easy Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

A vibrant dish of sizzling chicken fajitas, featuring juicy grilled chicken slices, green and red bell peppers, and onions. Garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.
Image Credit: Budget Delicious

These Easy Chicken Fajita Foil Packets are a simple and flavorful main dish that’s perfect for sharing at family cookouts or camping trips. Filled with seasoned chicken, peppers, and onions, these packets cook up tender and juicy in no time. Plus, they’re easy to make and serve, making them a great option for feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

One Pan BBQ Chicken

A glazed chicken breast is served on a blue plate with broccoli florets on the side. The chicken has a shiny, golden-brown finish, suggesting a flavorful sauce or marinade.
Image Credit: Homemade Hooplah

One Pan BBQ Chicken is a quick and easy main dish that’s great for sharing at any casual dinner or barbecue. Juicy chicken is baked to perfection in a tangy BBQ sauce, all in one pan for minimal cleanup. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: One Pan BBQ Chicken

Tacos de Bistec con Chimichurri (Chimichurri Steak Tacos)

A plate with two tacos filled with meat, onions, and cilantro, garnished with lime wedges. Accompanied by sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes, and a grilled corn on the cob topped with seasoning. A glass of red beverage is in the background.
Image Credit: A Latin Flair

Tacos de Bistec con Chimichurri make an incredible main dish that’s perfect for sharing at any gathering. The grilled steak is topped with a zesty chimichurri sauce, bringing bold flavors to every bite. These tacos are great for casual dinners or parties where everyone can enjoy building their own delicious plate.
Get the Recipe: Tacos de Bistec con Chimichurri (Chimichurri Steak Tacos)

Easy Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast

Sliced medium-rare beef tenderloin roast on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by a carving fork and knife. The tenderloin is seasoned and cooked evenly, displaying a juicy, pink interior surrounded by a well-seared, brown crust.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Easy Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast is a perfect choice when you need a main dish that’s both elegant and great for sharing with family. The tender, juicy beef is seasoned to perfection and roasted until it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a special occasion, this recipe will make everyone feel like they’re enjoying something truly special together.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast

Marinade for Steak

Close-up of sliced grilled beef brisket, showcasing the juicy and tender texture with a well-seared crust. The meat is arranged closely on a wooden cutting board, highlighting the rich brown and slightly charred edges.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Marinade for Steak is your secret to transforming any cut of meat into a flavorful, tender main course that’s perfect for sharing. With a blend of bold spices and savory ingredients, this marinade enhances the natural flavor of the steak, making it ideal for grilling or pan-searing. It’s a must-have for any gathering where steak takes center stage.
Get the Recipe: Marinade for Steak

Hibachi Steak Cheesecake Factory Copycat

Sliced medium-rare beef with a knife and fork on a wooden cutting board. A small bowl of dark dipping sauce is placed nearby, and there are visible meat juices on the board.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill

This Hibachi Steak Cheesecake Factory Copycat brings restaurant-quality steak to your table, perfect for a shared meal with friends or family. Grilled to perfection and served with wasabi potatoes, this dish is both flavorful and fun, recreating the hibachi experience at home. It’s a great main for any casual dinner party or special night in.
Get the Recipe: Hibachi Steak Cheesecake Factory Copycat

Creamy Lemon Grilled Tilapia

Grilled fish fillets topped with a creamy lemon butter sauce and capers, garnished with lemon slices.
Image Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

Creamy Lemon Grilled Tilapia makes a light yet flavorful main dish that’s perfect for sharing. The tilapia is grilled to flaky perfection and paired with a creamy lemon sauce that adds brightness to every bite. This dish is great for casual get-togethers or family meals when you want something quick and easy that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Grilled Tilapia

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Calling all comfort food cravings! This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s moist, tender, and bursting with flavor! a recipe destined to become a treasured family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Vegan Meatloaf

Vegan Meatloaf
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This Vegan Meat Loaf is full of good-for-you ingredients, like lentils, oats, walnuts, and veggies. Make a loaf and serve slices for dinner with mashed potatoes or have it for lunch between slices of bread. It’s a versatile go-to favorite!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf

Roast Rack of Lamb Recipe

A wooden board displays a roasted rack of lamb with several sliced portions, garnished with sprigs of rosemary. Two glasses of red wine are nearby, and the setup suggests a rustic dining setting.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill

A Roast Rack of Lamb makes an impressive and shareable main dish for any occasion. With its perfectly cooked, tender lamb and a flavorful herb crust, this dish is sure to wow your guests. It’s a great centerpiece for holiday dinners or when you’re hosting a more intimate gathering with friends.
Get the Recipe: Roast Rack of Lamb Recipe

Grilled Chicken Satay Skewers With Peanut Sauce

Close-up of grilled chicken skewers drizzled with a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves on the side. The skewers are served on a black plate, highlighting their golden brown color and charred grill marks.
Image Credit: Strength and Sunshine

These Grilled Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce are a fun, shareable main that’s perfect for cookouts or casual parties. The tender chicken is marinated and grilled to perfection, then served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that adds just the right amount of flavor. Easy to make and even easier to share, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay Skewers With Peanut Sauce

Carne Asada (the Secret to Tenderness)

Sliced grilled steak garnished with fresh herbs on a white plate, accompanied by diced tomatoes and onions. The meat is cooked to medium-rare, showcasing a juicy pink center.
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

This Carne Asada is the ultimate shareable main for any barbecue or family gathering. Marinated to perfection and grilled until tender, the flavorful steak can be served on its own or as tacos. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold flavors to the table and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada (the Secret to Tenderness)

20-Minute Easy Crispy Air Fried Salmon Bites Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Close-up of a plate filled with seasoned, golden-brown, crispy tofu cubes garnished with chopped parsley. Wooden skewers are visible in the background. A small dish with dipping sauce is placed to the side.
Image Credit: An Edible Mosaic

These Air Fried Salmon Bites with Creamy Cajun Sauce make an ideal main dish for sharing, especially when time is short. In just 20 minutes, you get crispy, flavorful salmon bites paired with a zesty Cajun sauce that’s sure to be a hit. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing option for gatherings or weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Easy Crispy Air Fried Salmon Bites Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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