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When it’s cold in February but also date night or Valentine’s Day, I love staying in for a romantic candle-lit dinner at home so I wanted to share my top date night dinner ideas to give you some inspo as well. I’ve grouped them into appetizers, mains and desserts and these are the kind of recipes that you can make within half an hour, you can make together or hint to your partner to make if you’re the one who usually cooks!
30 Date Night Dinner Recipes
I picked 30 fun recipes that you can try to make your date night special and delicious! I divided it into three section so it’s easy to scroll with pictures and quick descriptions to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Date Night Appetizers
Beet Hummus Recipe
This beet hummus recipe uses a fresh, roasted beet and is made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, fresh garlic, and salt. Just blend everything together until it turns bright pink and serve for your Valentine’s Day dinner.
Artichoke Tahini Dip
Loaded with flavor, this spinach and artichoke tahini dip is a crowd pleasing appetizer. Baked in the oven; best served with pita or crackers!
Bruschetta Recipe
This Bruschetta recipe is made with fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, which is then marinated in an olive oil and balsamic sauce. Serve on top of toasted French bread.
Spinach Strawberry Salad
Spinach Strawberry Salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with crumbled feta, crunchy almonds, and a fresh basil vinaigrette.
Romantic Dinners for Two
Easy Date Night Desserts
Homemade Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Homemade chocolate truffles with a smooth ganache center and simple toppings like cocoa powder or walnuts. Made with just a few ingredients.
1 hour 30 minutes
Fudgy Valentine Brownies
This Valentine’s Day, make your sweetheart(s) these fudgy valentine brownies – they have a cute heart shape with a rich and chocolatey taste!
Date Bark
This viral Date Bark recipe combines chewy Medjool dates with peanut butter, crunchy almonds, dark chocolate, and flaky sea salt. So good!
Avocado Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Made with dark chocolate and almond milk, this 7-ingredient Avocado Chocolate Mousse tastes just like the classic dessert!
1 hour 10 minutes
Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Olive oil cake made with high-quality olive oil, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon, and a few pantry staples mixed in one bowl and in the oven in 10 minutes!
Chocolate Souffle Recipe
This Chocolate Soufflé recipe is a simple way to make homemade soufflé, with 6 ingredients, and takes only 25 minutes to make!
Chocolate Mug Cake
Ready to enjoy in minutes, this chocolate mug cake is so rich and moist. With added chocolate chips, it’s a chocolate lovers dream!
Strawberry Cupcakes
This easy recipe for strawberry cupcakes are made with freeze dried strawberries for a naturally pink cupcake color and pink cream cheese frosting without any food dyes!
Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Cups
These No Bake Cheesecake Cups are a lightened up recipe of the classic dessert that is light on calories and fat; easy to make and perfect for entertaining!
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
This Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is made with only 4 ingredients and has the best light, fluffy texture! Perfect for dip fresh fruit.
Tips for Cooking Date Night Dinners
- Know your date’s preferences. It may seem obvious, but when cooking a date night dinner, keep in mind the likes and dislikes of your date. What are their favorite foods and ingredients? Do they have any food allergies or intolerances? Do they love a certain cuisine or chef?
- Prep ahead. Choosing a recipe that can be prepped ahead of the evening will leave you more time to entertain your date!
- Choose some simple appetizers that don’t overpower the main dish! When it comes to appetizers, you can keep life simple and delicious with some Crostini with Roasted Tomatoes or Cucumber Sushi Rolls!
- Pick short cut pastas for less messy bites. If you’re choosing pasta, instead of long strands of tangling spaghetti or fettuccine, choose penne pasta, orzo, tortellini, or ravioli.
- Include some foods that are aphrodisiacs for an even more romantic night. These foods include oysters, almonds, basil, and even roasted asparagus 😉
Frequently Asked Questions
You want to make dishes that you both enjoy, but you certainly want to cater to your date’s diet and food preferences. Think about something a little fancier than your usual weeknight meals like an indulgent pasta dish paired with shrimp, lamb chops, or lobster tail. A classic steak dinner with flavorful sides is always a great idea, too! And don’t forget a sweet dessert or two to wrap up the evening.
Cooking together can be enjoyable when you’re making something delicious. Try making a cozy homemade pizza together. The shared experience adds a touch of fun and intimacy to your evening, and you’re rewarded with a tasty homemade meal.
Ultimately, the most romantic foods are those that you both enjoy. Start the evening with fine cheeses, nuts, fruits, and honey, and move on to classic comforts like a satisfying pasta dish, steak, and a side you both love. Don’t forget to include aphrodisiac foods like oysters, chocolate, and strawberries.
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.
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