24 Valentine’s Day Recipes for a Date Night at Home
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what sounds better than whipping up a romantic, homemade dinner for two at home this year? We scoured high and low to find the most scrumptious recipes that suit everyone from beginner cooks to seasoned chefs. Check out some of our favorite Valentine’s Day recipes for elegant entrees, tasty drinks and decadent desserts:
Entrees:
Brown Butter Lobster Ravioli
Brown butter and lobster are delicious enough on their own. But when you combine them, you’re in for a serious treat. This is an excellent recipe to try if you have some experience in the kitchen, but be sure to give yourself plenty of time since it takes roughly an hour and a half to make.
Lemon Brown Bag Chicken
Chicken is a classic and beloved protein for dinnertime entrees, but this version is guaranteed to impress your significant other. It can be ready in under two hours and should leave you with more than enough leftovers to enjoy for days to come.
Slow Cooker Cassoulet
In case you aren’t familiar with this term, a cassoulet is simply another name for a slow-cooked casserole that contains meat and white beans. You want to prep this one in advance since it takes most of the day to cook, but the reward is worth the effort. Packed with everything from duck and lamb to sausage and beans, this is a hefty but inspiring Valentine’s Day dinner dish.
French Onion Pot Roast
There’s something magical about pot roast and French onion soup, so why not combine the two to create a sumptuous, stress-free dinner like this one? You can even make this recipe in the slow cooker, which is the perfect solution for anyone with a busy schedule.
Truffled Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
If you want to take a vegetarian approach to Valentine’s Day, look no further than this Truffled Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli. This one is a little bit of a cheat since you buy packs of premade ravioli, but there’s still a little elbow grease involved. And nobody has to know you picked up the store-bought ravioli unless you feel like confessing!
Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry
Planning a plant-based Valentine’s Day dinner this year? Don’t pass up this creamy coconut lentil curry. It takes less than an hour to prepare and is full to the brim with Indian flavors that are sure to impress significant other.
Oysters Rockefeller
Oysters have long been associated with romance, and this dish proves it. If you’ve never made oysters before, don’t let them intimidate you. This recipe only takes about 35 minutes to make and is remarkably easy.
Rosemary Lamb with Roasted Vegetables
You almost have to make a lamb on Valentine’s Day, don’t you? This rosemary-inspired recipe includes miso butter-basted Hasselback potatoes and honey butter-glazed carrots. If you decide to go this route, you’re basically qualified to call yourself a Michelin star chef.
Garlicky Chickpea and Fennel Salad with Baked Goat Cheese
Looking to impress with a light and elegant dish? This Garlicky Chickpea and Fennel Salad with Baked Goat Cheese can be your main event or a filling side.
Bacon Chimichurri Skirt Steak
Bacon Chimichurri Skirt Steak makes a delicious and elegant dish to serve for a Valentine’s Day dinner at home. This particular recipe is a little more hands-on but easy enough for anyone to throw together without a fuss. And don’t forget to make the grilled asparagus and charred lemon to go alongside it.
Traditional French Ratatouille
There’s something especially romantic about presenting your loved one with a traditional French meal on Valentine’s Day. Ratatouille is not only elegant but also easy as pie to make. This traditional vegetable stew includes everything from eggplant and peppers to squash and fresh herbs.
Spiced Lamb Pie
Wanting to go a little more European this year? Branch out with this spiced lamb pie. You can make this recipe all at once, but it will make things a little easier on yourself if you whip up the pie dough and filling the day before. Then all you have to do is combine, cook and savor this decadent dish in good company.
Drinks:
Salted Caramel Brûlée Latte
It may be customary to celebrate Valentine’s Day over dinner, but think about how many points you would score if you presented your significant other with this salted caramel brûlée latte for breakfast? This rich and decadent treat is worth every single calorie.
See more: Loving Valentine’s Day Recipes
The Love Potion Cocktail
With a name like The Love Potion, how can you go wrong with this cocktail? The drink alone is worth the effort, but serve it in a fancy glass topped with blackberries and thyme sprigs and you’re guaranteed a festive Valentine’s Day treat.
Raspberry Sorbet Pink Champagne Floats
After-dinner drinks don’t get much prettier than this. Raspberry Sorbet Pink Champagne Floats are a genius idea for the Valentine (or Galentine!) in your life.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
You can’t go wrong with a cup of homemade hot cocoa after dinner on Valentine’s Day. This recipe is easy to make and makes a delicious, comforting dessert on a cold winter night. And be sure to whip up some Homemade Marshmallows too if you really want to impress your Valentine!
Mixed Berry Sangria
You can’t go wrong with a good, reliable sangria recipe. This mixed berry version has all the makings of a winner. You only need 15 minutes to prepare it and then all that’s left to do is let it sit and soak up all those delicious flavors before dinner. An easy win!
Desserts:
Upside Down Caramelized Pear Cake
Sometimes all you need to do to spice up a cake is flip it upside down. And what better to serve for dessert than this swanky Upside Down Caramelized Pear Cake? Featuring red pears, brown sugar and plenty of butter, this rich and tasty treat could end up being the highlight of the entire meal.
Easy Tiramisu Mousse
If you’re new to making mousse, don’t worry. This is an easy, no-bake recipe that makes you look more advanced in the kitchen than you have to be. And who doesn’t love a dessert that combines mascarpone, espresso, chocolate and whipped cream? You won’t even miss the ladyfingers.
Strawberry Puff Pastry Torte
Strawberries and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand, don’t you think? If the one you love is fond of sweet strawberry desserts, this is the recipe for you. You can get away with using a premade puff pastry sheet (or try your hand at homemade), and all that’s left to do is whip up the cream, add the berries and dust with powdered sugar.
Lemon Rose Shortbread Cookies
There’s something so dainty and romantic about these Lemon Rose Shortbread Cookies. Finish them off with a creamy lemon glaze to kick them up a notch and really wow your dinner guest. You can even add dried rose petals or blood orange for a fancier presentation.
See more: 7 Desserts to Make This Valentine’s Day
Rosé Champagne Mug Cake
How beautiful are these Rosé Champagne Mug Cakes? Elevate these light and subtle desserts by making them in proper champagne glasses, whipping up the champagne frosting and topping each serving with sugar beads.
The Easiest Chocolate Bundt Cake
Running low on time and need a quick but worthwhile dessert for this year’s Valentine’s Day menu? Meet The Easiest Chocolate Bundt Cake. Even though this one uses boxed cake mix and instant chocolate pudding, you would never know it.
Brioche Bread Pudding
If you’re cooking a lighter dinner this year, consider evening things out with this rich Brioche Bread Pudding. The combination of cream, sugar, vanilla and warm, wintery spices will make this recipe an immediate hit. Don’t skip on the Bourbon Butterscotch Sauce, either. It only takes a few more minutes and is well worth the effort.
Looking for more Valentine’s Day Recipes? Check out this Valentine’s Day Menu