There's something truly special about a classic steakhouse dinner. The show-stopping steak, the myriad of crowd-pleasing sides, and the decadent desserts always come together to form a winning meal.

While this restaurant experience comes at a cost that's really only reserved for extra-special occasions, the whole thing can easily be recreated at home for a fraction of the price. I find cooking up a great steak dinner at my own dining table to actually be even more enjoyable — it feels just as fancy and special, but it's a whole lot less stuffy and expensive. You just need a few essential recipes to bring the whole experience home.

The Steak

Pulling off a show-stopping piece of meat that's worthy of the best steakhouses is actually a whole lot easier than you might think. All you need is a quality steak and a foolproof technique — a flavorful sauce to drizzle on top before serving doesn't hurt, either.

The Cocktails & Starters

A stiff drink and a light bite seem like the perfect way to kick off a steakhouse-style dinner at home. Classic cocktails like an old-fashioned or a martini are a fitting start, as is a perfectly chilled shrimp cocktail and a crisp wedge salad.

The Sides

The traditional sides you order at your favorite steakhouse just may be as important as the steak itself. Cook up one or two classic picks to round out your dinner, like decadent creamed spinach or extra-cheesy twice-baked potatoes.

The Desserts

Gild the lily and finish off your luxe dinner with a serious bang. Sure, you just indulged in a rich steak dinner, but now isn't the time to skimp on dessert. Vanilla-infused creme brûlée is a classic pick, as is a thick slice of cheesecake or fudgy flourless chocolate cake.