Romantic Valentine’s Day Recipes – Looking for a menu that will wow that special someone this Valentine’s Day? Then look no further. I’ve put together a comprehensive list of highly romantic drinks, dinners, and desserts that are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special date night. 🥰
Valentine’s Day (and any good date night) is all about enjoying the company of the one you love most. And nothing brings people together like a good meal. While my husband and I love going out on this special, we enjoy spending a romantic Valentine’s Day with home-cooked recipes the most. 😉
I’ve compiled a list of my all-time favorite meals, including the most romantic ones. Whether you’re looking for something extra fancy or low-key, there’s something for everyone. Simply choose a main course and a dessert, along with a nice drink if you’re so inclined, and your Valentine’s Day menu is set! 💕
FAQs
The best V-Day meal is what your loved one enjoys the most. Plan a meal with a main course, sides, special drinks, and a dessert that you know your date or family enjoys and then cook it up and watch them feel loved.
Without solid research to back my personal opinion, steaks and seafood are always a favorite for Valentine’s Day. For dessert, the fan favorite is anything chocolate, of course.
Everyone has their own opinion of what romantic means, so much will depend on you as a couple. Does your loved one like to feel spoiled? Maybe acts of service speak to his or her heart. If so, serve their favorite meal up on a highly decorated, candlelit table with a classic wine. Do you prefer to just spend time together as a couple? Choose a meal you can make together; that way, you get quality time together and a good meal out of the deal.
Valentine’s Day Breakfast Recipes
1. Aebleskiver Danish Pancakes
These little Danish pancake puffs are adorable and delish! You can stuff them with Nutella or leave them plain, but either way, they are totally addictive. You’ll need a vitumbua pan for this one, so if you’re into kitchen gadgets, you’ll love this recipe. Dust them with powdered sugar and serve them with a hot chai latte or some ginger tea to really make your loved one feel special. ✨
2. German Pancakes
German pancakes are much lighter than the American version and really easy to make. Instead of stovetop pancakes, pour the batter in a skilled and pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes. Then top these lovelies with homemade whipped cream, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit. This is ideal if you’re thinking about serving breakfast in bed. 👌
3. Brioche French Toast
Another way to use brioche bread is to level up your French toast. It’s fluffy and luxurious and another wonderful breakfast-in-bed recipe. Whip up this spiced French toast, and then decorate it with simple toppings in about 30 minutes for an extra fancy treat.
Valentine’s Day Brunch Ideas
4. Breakfast Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are always special, but a breakfast charcuterie board makes Valentine’s Day extra special. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, and you can customize it to feature all of your loved one’s favorite breakfast foods. Make sure you have a few juice options for this mini buffet. Mango juice, pineapple juice, and Jamaican carrot juice pair marvelously with a charcuterie board.
5. Strawberry Banana Bread
Everybody loves banana bread, so strawberry banana bread is also guaranteed to be a hit! A good cup of hot coffee is, of course, best served with breakfast comfort foods. Toast a slice or two, slather with butter, and watch your love’s face light up. Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream if you’re feeling a little extra, and maybe a dollop to your coffee too! ☕️
6. Homemade Brioche Buns
These rich and buttery buns are perfectly soft and pillowy. While they make a fantastic dinner side, they’re good for breakfast too. Serve them with your favorite hot drink or a blended Thai iced coffee, and enjoy your breakfast and good conversation with your partner.
Valentine’s Day Lobster Recipes
7. Lobster Bisque
For a truly next-level bisque, go with this delectable French-inspired dish featuring 2-3 lobster tails. You can use fresh or frozen tails, which are always insanely delicious. I usually serve this with a crusty French baguette, my favorite white wine, and a shaved Brussels sprouts salad. Talk about romantic! 🫶
8. Grilled Lobster Tail
Yet another recipe to prove you don’t need to drop a bundle at a restaurant to enjoy a fancy seafood dinner. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, but especially romantic ones. Serve it up with mashed sweet potatoes and grilled veggies (grilled corn, for example). 😋
9. Broiled Lobster Tail
If grilling isn’t your thing, then get your lobster tails together and broil them. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for celebrations of any kind. I even guide you through choosing perfectly tender tails. 👍 Rosemary roasted potatoes and creamed spinach are my sides of choice for this gorgeous dish, but feel free to substitute any sides your date loves.
10. Lobster Thermidor
Wanna really let your chef’s skills shine? Then lobster thermidor is an excellent slow-food dish with several steps. The result is so worth the time it takes to prep, stuff, top with a creamy white wine sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and pop in the oven for a gorgeous browned crust. Unbelievably delicious, my friend! And don’t forget the homemade garlic bread to sop up the sauce.😋
11. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Need I say more? Lobster mac and cheese is, in my opinion, the height of decadent comfort food. I like to go all-out Southern and serve it with collard greens and skillet cornbread for the ultimate love language. 😜
Valentine’s Day Shrimp Recipes
12. Shrimp Bisque
Velvety and delightfully creamy, this bisque is a sure favorite. It pairs excellently with a South African grilled cheese sandwich and wedge salad for a meal that leaves room for dessert. 😜
13. Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Here’s another classic Southern with a fancy touch. There’s cheese, bacon, shrimp, and even Cajun seasoning, to boot! It’s a fantastic combination for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. My recommendation? Two glasses of sweet iced tea, and then cuddle up on the porch swing with your date.
14. Jamaican Curry Shrimp
Try this shrimp curry recipe for something more tropical. It has big, bold flavors sure to make an impression. The hearty sauce is loaded with flavor but super straightforward. Even a beginner can take this one on. Serve it over a bed of coconut rice, or plate it with Jamaican pigeon peas and rice for a filling meal with your love. 🥰
15. Spicy Shrimp Spinach Pasta
This meal comes together in 30 minutes flat! It’s creamy and has just the right kick. Plus, pasta, shrimp, and spinach are included, so you don’t need any sides. Except for bread, pasta goes great with homemade bread. 😁
16. Creamy Jerk Shrimp Spaghetti
This recipe is yours if you’re all about keeping it simple without sacrificing flavor. It’s a one-pot dish with mushrooms and shrimp in a jerk sauce, and it comes together in half an hour. Served over spaghetti, or any pasta you love, this dish is sure to delight anyone. ⭐️
17. Garlic Butter Shrimp
There may be no greater flavor combination than shrimp, garlic, lemon, and butter. This dish plates up beautifully over pasta, rice, or just served with a hearty portion of crusty bread. Did I mention it only takes 15 minutes to make? 🤩
Salmon Recipes for Valentine’s Day
18. Stuffed Salmon With Spinach
Let me tell you a little secret: stuffed salmon looks and sounds super complex, but it is ridiculously easy! It’s buttery, lemony, cheesy, and all things delicious. And as it’s (fairly) healthy and goes wonderfully with any veggie and carb (i.e., rice, pasta, potatoes), it won’t leave you so full you can’t enjoy dessert. Win-win-win!
19. Salmon Wellington
What is Salmon Wellington, you ask? It’s buttery salmon, slathered with cream cheese and spinach, then wrapped up in pastry dough and baked until the crust is golden and flakey. These beauties are sure to impress, so serve them up with roasted potatoes and a side salad for the perfect salmon dinner.
20. Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil Paper
There are so many reasons to absolutely adore this recipe. If you are looking for something amazingly delicious yet easy to make – this is it. But if you are looking for easy clean up – this is still it. Or do you want something extra healthy? This is the one. Serve it with rice pilaf and a kale salad for a meal that will take the cake! 💫
Other Seafood Valentine’s Day Recipes
21. Creamy Scallops
Creamy, infused with herbs, and oh-so-garlicky, these fork-tender scallops will have your date saying ooh la la! It may be extra fancy, but it’s super easy to make. 😅 A glass of white wine and simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes and bacon-wrapped asparagus make it even better!
22. Pan-Seared Scallops
With less than a dozen ingredients, these pan-seared scallops smothered in a lemony butter sauce are ready to devour within minutes! Talk about easy and elegant. Serve them with baked Brussels sprouts and rice, or make your favorite pasta. I love drizzling some of the extra sauce over a bed of warm linguini myself. 😋
23. Crab Bisque
I’ve got a bisque for everyone, don’t I? This crab bisque is another favorite. It’s rich, decadent, and extraordinarily creamy. You can make this totally from scratch or use lump crabmeat from your local seafood market or grocery store. I like making garlic knots to go with it (they are perfectly dippable) and a fresh Fattoush salad to round out the meal.
24. Fish and Grits
Sensing a theme here? 😅 Serve this up for breakfast, brunch, or dinner on Valentine’s Day to really make an impression. Cheesy grits topped with pan-fried fish and a spicy, savory tomato sauce are purely soul-warming. Add fried okra or oyster mushrooms on the side for a heavenly meal. The way to a man’s heart may be through his stomach, but this recipe will make its way to anyone’s heart. 💗
Valentine’s Day Chicken Dinners
25. Marry Me Chicken
This succulent, pan-fried chicken smothered in a rich cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and loads of parmesan cheese is so good. And its name indicates it’s the perfect V-Day meal if you’re considering taking your relationship to the next level. 😆 It’s so easy to serve over pasta or garlic mashed potatoes. Then a side salad completes your meal.
26. Tuscan Chicken
This one-pot wonder features a rich Tuscan cream sauce that is insanely delicious. It’s loaded with garlic, Italian seasonings, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and lots of cream and cheese. I love this over angel hair pasta, but rice also works. And don’t forget the homemade garlic bread for mopping up that decadent sauce. 🤤
27. Florentine Chicken
Once again, chicken in an indulgent cream sauce, but this time breaded and fried for a little extra crunch. Spinach, cream sauce, and a good dose of white wine create a spectacular presentation.
(Pro tip: Enjoy the rest of the bottle with your date. 😉) Roasted potatoes and carrots, a tossed salad, and homemade garlic rolls complete the show.
28. Chicken Marsala
Move over Carrabas because this homemade chicken marsala just might be better than your favorite restaurant version. Pan-fried chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce with plenty of garlic and herbs makes for a dinner to remember. This super easy meal tastes terrific with a side of cream cheese mashed potatoes for a meal to impress your partner.
29. Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe
So simple but so delicious! And the lemony white wine sauce that goes with it is completely out of this world. It’s the perfect combination, and thanks to the capers, it’s also fancy. Serve it up with a side of homemade focaccia bread for an authentic Italian vibe. 🇮🇹
Beef Dinner Recipes for Valentine’s Day
30. Steak Diane
This restaurant-quality meal is ready in just 15 minutes! And it’s a real showstopper with pan-fried beef steak served with a flambeed, spiced rum cream sauce. 🤩 Serve it with sautéed mushrooms and Hasselback potatoes. And don’t forget the red wine!
31. Steak au Poivre
Perfectly seared steak coated in crushed peppercorn and served with a creamy au Poivre sauce is an excellent option for the meat lover in your life. The sauce features hints of onion and garlic and comes together with a dash of flaming cognac. It’s fun to make and even more fun to eat! 😉 Serve it with fresh greens and roasted fingerling potatoes for a classic steak dinner.
32. Perfect Filet Mignon With Herb Butter
Steak and herb butter is always amazing, but this filet mignon is seriously next-level deliciousness. It’s tender, it’s perfectly charred, and it’s soaked in buttery, herby goodness. Need I say more? Serve it with creamy Brussels sprouts and mushroom rice to spice things up even more.
33. Beef Tenderloin Roast
This recipe really lets a good beef cut shine. It’s enhanced with a fabulous red wine sauce and is super versatile when it comes to sides. I like it with loaded mashed potato casserole drizzled with white wine sauce and some parmesan-crusted asparagus. Does the perfect meal exist? Yes, and this recipe is proof. 😋
Pork and Lamb Dinners
34. Stuffed Pork Chops
These stuffed pork chops are the perfect alternative if you aren’t on a seafood/steak budget. They’re so flavorful, stuffed with veggies and cheese, and delightfully tender. Bake these chops in the oven and toss in some roasted veggies while you’re at it for a side. While they’re cooking, you can throw together a nice tossed salad, and your dinner trifecta will be complete. 💯
35. Pork Tenderloin Roast
Did I mention what a huge pork tenderloin fan I am? They can be super fancy, and they are so amazing when cooked properly! This is a simply seasoned pork loin, meaning it takes little time to cook. Slice it on a pretty cutting board when it’s done (because the presentation is critical on date night!) and serve it with some fancy sides like strawberry spinach salad and duchess potatoes.
36. Grilled Lamb Chops
The 5-ingredient marinade makes these juicy, smokey lamb chops literally finger-licking good. (Speaking from experience here. 😂) Not only are they perfectly seasoned, but they’re also elegant for special occasions. I like to pop some rice in the rice cooker before I start grilling and add some vegetables (sweet peppers and asparagus) to the grill for my sides. Your date is going to love this meal!
Valentine’s Day Appetizers
37. Crab-Stuffed Shrimp
Crab and shrimp are a mouthwatering duo for another fancy but easy-to-make meal. If your love is a seafood lover, make this recipe. Include a little sauce bar with these bad boys featuring remoulade, tartar, and cocktail sauce for optimal yumminess.
38. Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
For all my grilling enthusiasts, this one will be right up your alley. Flavorfully seasoned and super quick and easy, these shrimp kabobs are as pretty as they are delicious. Kabobs are super easy to customize and go great with just about anything. Besides, food on a stick is always fun to eat! 😆
39. Cucumber Salmon Cream Cheese Appetizer
Make your meal even more special with a multi-course dinner featuring a seafood appetizer. Serve up these crunchy cucumber slices with smoked salmon cream cheese before the main course. The secret ingredient? Ranch seasoning mix. Mmm! 😋
40. Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits
Can you believe these addictive cheddar biscuits require less than a dozen ingredients and only 20 minutes!? They’re a fantastic appetizer or side for any seafood dinner, like grilled lobster tail or crab bisque. I highly recommend rounding out your date-night dinner with these cheesy beauties.
41. Homemade Brioche Bread
Buttery, sweet, soft bread that is delicious and easy to make may sound too good to be true, but it is a happy reality. Toast it for an appetizer or serve it with any saucy dishes, and you can use leftovers to make brioche French toast or even use it as sandwich bread. It’s so simple that even a beginning baker can tackle it! 😁
Romantic Side Dishes
42. Tomato Bisque
This rich, velvety soup is a comforting starter for any meal you’ve planned for Valentine’s Day. It’s easy, tangy, creamy, and gorgeous. Toast some homemade garlic bread slices for dippers and watch your loved one dive in wholeheartedly.
43. Parmesan Crusted Baked Asparagus
This cheesy, garlicky recipe adds flavor to an already yummy vegetable. This versatile side goes wonderfully with steaks, pork chops, chicken, and even seafood. This side is quick and easy but still elegant, so you can impress your date.
44. Balsamic Baked Brussels Sprouts
Golden brown and crispy with a balsamic tang, this Brussels sprout recipe is one of my all-time favorites. The bitter nature of Brussels sprouts makes them a perfect partner for richer meats. Serve them with grilled lamb chops or steak au poivre for a flavor pairing that really works.
45. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
This fantastic side is so easy to make and super healthy. If your love is health conscious, this is the side for you. Butter, garlic, Creole seasoning, and red wine vinegar bring out the exciting flavors Brussels sprouts offer, rounding out a date-night meal.
46. Niçoise Salad
Hearty enough to be a meal yet salady enough to be a side dish, Niçoise salad combines tuna, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, veggies, and a beautiful red wine dressing. This is not your average salad! Serve it alongside Salmon Wellington or grilled lobster tail for an extraordinary meal with your love. 💕
Valentine’s Day Drinks
47. Mimosa
Fancy drinks are a must on Valentine’s Day, and this one is popular. It’s great with a special breakfast or brunch, and it’s also a lovely dessert. Traditional champagne and orange juice are enhanced with the right amount of pineapple puree for a tropical twist. Heavenly! 😇
48. Peach Bellini
Fresh pureed peaches, sparkling wine, and a touch of lemon make this the perfect kickoff for your date night. It’s fabulous for brunch or dinner; if your date is into fruity drinks, it will be love at first sip. 😜
49. White Sangria
Fruits, rum, and white wine make this stunner of a drink taste uh-mazing. You can totally customize your fruits for this, but I’ve gone with some more tropical options, like mangos, limes, and raspberries, to mention a few. Best of all, this drink goes well with just about any meal or dessert!
50. Passion Fruit Margarita
This tart, tangy cocktail is the perfect drink if you’re looking for something exotic. Your classic margarita gets tropical with passion fruit and lime juice. Serve it with other tropical dishes or desserts, like passion fruit pudding cake or a lemon tart.
51. Strawberry Margarita
This cocktail uses fresh or frozen strawberries for a frozen margarita that will tickle your taste buds. It’s a great Valentine’s Day margarita, too, since it’s bright red, the color of love and passion! ❤️ You can even decorate the rim of the glass with pink salt to keep the theme going.
52. Strawberry Daiquiri
This classic is refreshing and vibrant, with a few simple ingredients. Frozen strawberries, white rum, and lime juice mix up in a glass of ice to create something awe-inspiring. It’s great with desserts, like a chocolate molten lava cake, and you can also make it non-alcoholic if you want!
Decadent Chocolate Desserts for Valentine’s Day
53. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Whether inviting your date to dinner or hosting a Galentine’s Day event, these chocolate-covered strawberries will convince anyone of your love. You can use white chocolate or regular chocolate and coat this no-bake crowd-pleaser in crushed nuts, coconut, sprinkles, or any other decoration you want. These little beauties are just plain fun for any gathering! 🍓
54. Chocolate Mousse
This creamy and fluffy dessert enjoys contrasting textures and an intense chocolate flavor. Learn the secret to velvety mousse that will have your date begging for seconds (even after downing that tremendous surf and turf meal you cooked 😆). Besides, chocolate desserts and Valentine’s Day go together like Nutella and a spoon.
55. White Molten Lava Chocolate Cake
This dessert looks like it should be on the shelves of a fancy French pastry shop! It’s attractive and delicate, especially when decorated with raspberries and mint leaves. White chocolate, coconut, and almond make a beautiful combination that will leave your date feeling inspired. 🤍
56. Chocolate Molten Lava Cake
Traditional lava cake is no less impressive. And it’s surprisingly fast and easy to put together (about 20 minutes). Plate it with vanilla ice cream and strawberries for a classic combo, or serve it with homemade rum raisin pineapple ice cream. 🤎
Mouthwatering Fruity Valentine’s Day Desserts
57. Passion Fruit Pudding Cake
With creamy passion fruit pudding on the bottom and an airy souffle-like cake on top, it’s what dreams are made of. This tropical dessert goes well with tropical dessert drinks, like white sangria. And not only does it taste great, but it will also leave your kitchen smelling like a tropical island paradise. 🌴
58. Strawberry Shortcake
This darling cake is perfect for V-Day. It’s got light yellow cakes layered with cream cheese frosting and macerated strawberries. It looks and tastes so much like love! Serve it with a cup of hot coffee or even a strawberry daiquiri!
59. Strawberry Trifle
Elegance and decadence always make an impression. Besides, layers of vanilla cake, homemade custard, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream make this one of the easiest no-bake desserts for Valentine’s Day. 🙌
60. Fruit Tart
Heard of fruit pizza? Well, this is a classier version that is perfect for spoiling your love. A buttery, flakey crust is slathered with a luscious cream filling and then topped with vibrant fruit and a gorgeous strawberry glaze.
61. Lemon Tart
This tart is one of my faves. It has the same buttery, flakey crust, but this time filled with pleasantly tart lemon curd. Serve it with a steaming cup of gourmet coffee, and then your date will think you are a professional pastry chef. 🧑🍳
More Decadent Dessert Recipes
62. Floating Island
Another dreamy dessert, floating islands feature silky meringue, creamy vanilla custard, and a rich caramel sauce. An amazing and fun dessert your date might have yet to try is totally satisfying but not too heavy, perfect for that multi-course meal you’re planning. 😉
63. Crème Brûlée
French desserts are so romantic! And this classic recipe is no exception. A sweet, rich custard base with a caramelized sugar ceiling will impress and woo even the toughest customers, so get ready to make someone swoon. 🫶 Serve it with a glass of wine or a hot chai latte to finish off your romantic dinner.
64. Crème Anglaise
Dessert lovers, this one is for you! Crème Anglaise is an indulgent, sweet white sauce that you can drizzle over just about any dessert. So try it with a tropical fruit salad or a simple vanilla cake.
Conclusion
With so many recipes to choose from, you’ll create the perfect menu to celebrate love and friendship with those most important to you. For more celebratory meals, recipe ideas, and international dishes, follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
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