Why Girl Dinner Went Viral and Why I Love It

Girl dinner started as a joke, but the idea behind it is totally valid: sometimes the best dinner is just a bunch of small foods you’re actually excited to eat (and not plated perfectly like it’s designed for Instagram).

Steal my girl dinner routine!

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

I think “girl dinner” resonated with me because it validated something I already did.

When Ben’s not home, I’m definitely more likely to eat chips and a few slices of the big block of Sartori BellaVitano stashed in the fridge for dinner than to make a proper meal. (Truly, that cheese is one of my favorite finds in the hallowed aisles of Costco.)

But, you already know how to do that kind of girl dinner. Open package; eat.

So today, I’m going to share my favorite girl dinners for when I want something that feels a little more meal-like, but that’s still low-effort and easy to portion for one.

To me, the best girl dinners balance comfort and ease. They’ve also got:

Something crunchy
Something creamy
Some protein or fiber
A mix of textures and flavors

That’s why toast dinners work so well. Or snack plates. Or quick air fryer meals. They’re low-effort but still satisfying enough to feel like an actual meal.

Cottage Cheese Toast

Creamy cottage cheese with crunchy toasted bread and toppings is effortless to make, but still surprisingly satisfying. (Hat-tip to the cottage cheese for that!)

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Tofu

You’ll see a theme with this collection of recipes: the air fryer does a lot of heavy lifting for my solo meals. It’s faster and when I’m cooking for one, it means I don’t have to make multiple batches. This tofu is a great way to add protein to salads, but I also love dipping it in peanut sauce.

Check out this recipe

cottage cheese flatbread topped with melted cheese, fresh basil, sliced cherry tomatoes, and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Pieces are cut, revealing a crispy crust beneath the toppings. Placed on brown parchment paper.

Cottage Cheese Pizza

Because personal pizzas are fun at any age! This recipe has become a staple for protein-packed lunches and low-effort dinners.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer French Fries

Crispy homemade fries with dipping sauce and a glass of good wine are the foundation for many of my girl dinners.

Check out this recipe

Tartines

Tartines are a French classic, but in this post, I share some very non-traditional ways to gussy them up for a light dinner.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Everything about this grilled cheese is just perfection. Sometimes if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add caramelized onions, jam, or marmalade for a little sweet-and-savory contrast.

Check out this recipe