Dishes So Good They’Ll Skip Dessert For More With 29 Recipes

When a meal makes people forget about cake, you know it’s something special, and 29 recipes here do just that. Every bite keeps the forks moving like there’s a prize for finishing first. The dessert table might as well take the night off. Expect plates to be scraped clean, and maybe a few side-eyes at anyone reaching for the last serving.

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center.
Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re up for a twist on classic potatoes, this one’s a winner. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Mini Hasselback Potatoes are a game changer. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a conversation starter. Guests often ask for seconds, skipping dessert to indulge in just one more.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those nights when hearty and comforting is the goal, this casserole won’t disappoint. Layers of flavor make Cattle Drive Casserole a family favorite. It’s a dish that brings the feeling of a fulfilling meal to any table. And often, it’s so fulfilling, dessert becomes an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing says home like a warm bowl of soup, and this one has a name that hints at its power. Marry Me Chicken Soup brings a touch of warmth and love in every spoonful. It’s so rich and inviting, people often prefer a second helping over a sweet end to the meal. It’s a soup that not only comforts but impresses.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you’re craving something that’s both comforting and indulgent, this is it. Loaded Potato Skins are the ultimate snack, packed with flavors that keep you coming back for more. They’re so good, in fact, that they easily outshine dessert. It’s a dish that makes you forget about the sweet treat waiting.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Beef Bourguignon

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, bacon, onion, and vegetables in a rich, glossy sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Imagine sitting down to a meal that feels like a warm hug. That’s what Beef Bourguignon offers with every bite. It’s rich, it’s hearty, and it leaves you completely content. In fact, it’s so fulfilling that the idea of dessert might just slip your mind.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Now, when a dessert promises to make you skip the idea of another dessert, it has to be special. Salted Caramel Cheesecake is just that. It’s creamy, with a perfect balance of salty and sweet, making it hard to resist another piece. Who needs another sweet option when you have this masterpiece?
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Here’s a side dish that often steals the show. Mississippi Mud Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes you think twice about saving room for dessert. Guests usually opt for another scoop instead of switching to something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those who love a bit of crunch, these are sure to hit the spot. Crunchy Onion Rings offer a fulfilling bite that’s hard to beat. They’re often chosen over dessert because, let’s face it, who can resist that perfect crunch? It’s a snack that becomes the main attraction.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s the simplicity of these that wins every time. Soft, garlicky, and incredibly moreish, Garlic Knots are a hit. They’re often the reason people pass on dessert, preferring to linger over these little knots of joy. They’re not just bread; they’re a memorable part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When a dish combines sweetness, crunch, and a hint of tartness perfectly, it’s a keeper. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is just that. It’s so flavorful and fulfilling that dessert often feels unnecessary. People rave about it and always seem to want just a little more.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

French Onion Dip

Bowl of creamy dip topped with chopped chives and black pepper, next to pieces of toasted bread.
French Onion Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s always that one dish that gets everyone talking, and this is often it. French Onion Dip is creamy, savory, and utterly addictive. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you forget about saving room for dessert. It’s always a hit, and there’s never any left over.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background.
Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Perfect for any gathering, these sliders are a mini but mighty treat. Roast Beef Sliders pack a flavorful punch that leaves guests wanting more. They’re so fulfilling, in fact, that dessert often feels like an afterthought. It’s a dish that consistently earns rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Banana Bread

Close-up of a sliced banana bread loaf, showcasing its moist, textured interior with visible banana chunks.
Banana Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A classic comfort food, this bread is always a crowd-pleaser. Moist, flavorful, and with just the right amount of sweetness, Banana Bread is often all you need to end a meal. In fact, it’s so good on its own, the idea of having anything else for dessert just fades away.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you need a dish that’s both filling and comforting, look no further. Hamburger Casserole is a hit with its savory depth and hearty ingredients. It’s often so fulfilling that guests skip dessert, preferring to have another helping instead. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry cheesecake on cake stand.
Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s a dessert that often becomes the star of the meal. Strawberry Cheesecake is creamy, dreamy, and packed with berry flavor. It’s so beloved that the thought of another dessert simply disappears. This cheesecake is all you need to complete a perfect dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, pickles, green olives, blue cheese, breadsticks, baguette slices, grapes, a jar of honey, and a round cheese topped with a dollop of jam.
Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Not just any appetizer, this one is a feast for the eyes and the palate. A Charcuterie Board offers a variety of flavors, textures, and options. Guests delight in exploring the different combinations, often finding themselves too satisfied to consider dessert. It’s a perfect starter—or finisher.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This is not just any salad; it’s a blend of textures and flavors that surprise and delight. Waldorf Salad is crisp, sweet, and nutty, making it a refreshing part of any meal. It’s so fulfilling, in fact, that it often takes the place of dessert. It’s a classic that still impresses.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Lentil Soup

A hearty bowl of savory lentil soup, beautifully garnished with fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm, comforting, and brimming with flavor, this soup is a hug in a bowl. Lentil Soup is not only nutritious but also incredibly fulfilling. It’s the kind of dish that makes you comfortably full, often overshadowing the desire for dessert. It’s wholesome goodness at its best.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole in a casserole dish with a serving spoon in it.
Pineapple Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s a dish that combines sweet and savory in the most wonderful way. Pineapple Casserole is a hit at any table, offering a unique flavor profile. It’s so distinctive and fulfilling that the usual craving for dessert just disappears. It’s a dish that surprises and delights.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For many, this is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly fulfilling, Mac and Cheese is a classic favorite. It’s often all you need to feel content, making the idea of dessert seem less appealing. There’s just something about it that feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, this dip is a sure win. Spinach Artichoke Dip is creamy, tangy, and has a way of keeping you coming back for more. It’s so beloved that people often forget about dessert entirely, fully satisfied by this rich appetizer. It’s a favorite for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This one brings all the flavors of your favorite tacos into one convenient dish. Taco Casserole is spicy, hearty, and full of texture. It’s the kind of meal that leaves everyone full and happy, often skipping dessert to indulge in just one more bite. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on dinner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Homemade Corn Dogs

Close-up of a bitten corn dog showing its interior with a layer of crispy fried batter and a hot dog inside.
Homemade Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing the fair home has never been easier or more delicious. Homemade Corn Dogs are a fun, nostalgic treat that everyone loves. They’re often so fulfilling that folks pass on dessert, preferring another corn dog instead. It’s a unique treat that brings out the kid in everyone.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Dogs

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something about a bowl of this soup that just feels right. Tortellini Soup is warm, comforting, and filled with flavor. It’s so hearty and fulfilling that the thought of dessert often doesn’t even cross your mind. It’s a meal that feels complete on its own.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Imagine combining the comfort of spaghetti with the decadence of a million-dollar dish. That’s what Million Dollar Spaghetti offers. It’s so rich and indulgent, people often say they’d rather have another serving than move on to dessert. It’s a pasta dish that truly stands out.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s a reason this dish is a timeless classic. Creamy Beef Stroganoff offers a rich, comforting taste that’s hard to beat. It’s so fulfilling and fulfilling that dessert feels unnecessary. It’s a dish that reminds you of the simple pleasures in life.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing a bit of island flavor to your table, these sliders are a hit. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders are savory, sweet, and utterly irresistible. They’re so good that you might find yourself too full and happy to even think about dessert. It’s a tropical twist that’s warmly welcomed.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Don’t let the name fool you; this dish is a celebration of creamy, cheesy goodness. Funeral Potatoes are so comforting and fulfilling that they often become the highlight of the meal. Guests frequently skip dessert, opting instead for another helping of this beloved dish. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you can’t decide between salad and pizza, why not have both? Pizza Salad is a creative and tasty solution. It’s so fresh and flavorful that it often eclipses the desire for dessert. It’s a dish that offers the best of both worlds, fulfilling and unique.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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