Show Your Love With The Best Valentine’s Day Recipes!
best Valentine's Day recipes: Easy, Romantic Meals to Make at Home
Valentine’s Day is an excellent occasion to unwind and cook something special, enjoying an intimate and truly special meal at home. Whether you want breakfast in bed or a full three-course meal for the evening, this is my list of the best Valentine's Day recipes are designed to impress without stress.
This list will focus on Valentine’s Day recipes that are great for everyone! There are beginner and advanced recipes, and you’ll find a list of recipes that come from various cuisines; along with options that will suit dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, chicken, beef, fish & seafood, and pork options to keep things interesting and choices for a broad audience! This list will certainly give you variety, flavour, and deliciousness!
How to Choose the Perfect Menu With The best Valentine's Day recipes
This list of the best Valentine's Day recipes has plenty of options for you to mix and match to create a menu that’s unique to you! While there are plenty of options in terms of the type of dishes, protein choices, and cuisines, there are some fundamental principles to keep in mind when planning what to make for Valentine’s Day:
The dishes are familiar and not out of your comfort zone (you can dive out a tiny bit if you dare, but I suggest you play it safe!).
The dish will deliver on indulgence and satisfaction (to your loved one!).
You can prep some elements in advance or cook without being in a stressful environment.
You can make it look stunning effortlessly!
Keep these in mind when picking your menu of this curated list of the best Valentine's Day recipes and you’re all set up for success!
The best Valentine's Day recipes - Breakfast In Bed
Start the day right by surprising your loved one with a memorable breakfast in bed! This list of the best Valentine's Day recipes has sweet and savory breakfast options, from pancakes to eggs, so pick what your loved one would be jumping out of bed for!
1. French Toast For Two
Celebrate Valentine’s Day or any special morning with this Perfect French Toast For Two! Thick and fluffy sourdough bread in a lightly spiced and sweet custard, topped with fruits and a homemade cream cheese glaze will have you wanting more!
2. Diner-Style Hash Browns
Enjoy a diner-style brunch from home with your very own hash browns! These Diner Style Crispy Hash Browns are easy to make and will taste absolutely delicious, plus they are just SO CRISPY! These hash browns are the ultimate side dish that will elevate any breakfast! Pair these with the savoury options below for a complete breakfast in bed!
3. Hearty Baked Beans from Scratch
Want to make a powerhouse of a breakfast? This Heinz baked beans recipe is loaded with flavour and sauce, and are the perfect complement to breakfast, brunch, or even dinner! Enjoy the canned baked beans goodness without the extra salt!
4. Poached Eggs
Look no further for your go-to guide on how to make Poached Eggs! This recipe will break down exactly how to poach them perfectly, to be enjoyed over toast, in Eggs Benedict, or even over a guacamole bagel!
5. French Omelette
Making a Fluffy Classic French Omelette is truly an art! A French-style omelette is completely different from an American omelette, and I describe it as “scrambled eggs in an omelette!” Learn the technique to make the perfect French omelette to treat yourself this morning!
6. The Ultimate Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Brunch will never look the same after preparing the ULTIMATE Chicken and Waffles recipe right from home! This homemade chicken and waffles recipe will give you a superb diner-style experience right from home whenever the craving strikes!
7. Chocolate Chip Cookie Pancakes with Creamy Milk Dip
These chocolate chip cookie pancakes are like huge chocolate chip cookies with creamy milk dip! These pancakes feature a classic chocolate chip pancake mix with the addition of whole cookies in the batter and on top. They’re served with a creamy milk dip and they will make you nostalgic!
8. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cereal Milk Blended Baked Oats
If you think you can’t have cake for breakfast, think again! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Baked Oats are full of chocolate and peanut butter goodness thanks to peanut butter flavoured cereal milk and chocolate chips! This easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Baked Oats recipe will switch up breakfast and will become the ultimate way to enjoy oatmeal!
9. Sugar Cookie Waffles
These Festive Waffles are the perfect treat for any occasion! Whether you want an extra special start to your day or a fantastic dessert, these waffles bring together a classic sugar cookie in waffle form!
10. Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Red Velvet Pancakes are delicate, soft fluffy pancakes with a generous serving of a rich cream cheese glaze and shaved chocolate. This is the perfect Valentine’s Day-themed stack!
11. Lemon Mascarpone Crepes
Fresh, tangy, and incredibly soft, these Gluten-Free Lemon Crepes feature a rich mascarpone filling and are bursting with lemon in every bite! They’re easy and fast to prepare which makes them amazing for any occasion!
12. Savory Chicken Cheese Crepes
Want to indulge in an incredible savoury crepe? These Savory Creamy Crepes have your name on them! A cheesy chicken filling with cream cheese, mozzarella cheese and spinach enveloped perfectly thin and crispy crepes. This is bound to warm you up!
The best Valentine's Day recipes - Starters & Soups
I really love appetizers, but you don’t have to make a dozen of them for a successful dinner at home - especially if there’s only two of you! I would suggest making one and making it as best as you can so you’re not too stressed out, and so that the quality is top notch!
As part of the best Valentine's Day recipes, here are appetizers that I recommend:
Crispy air fryer appetizers
Cheesy and warm bites
Dips for sharing
Soups - especially if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day in the cold like I am!
I always love digging into a plate of appetizers with my wife and my family! Appetizers are a fantastic occasion for fun and to enjoy treats out of the norm - how often do you ACTUALLY make appetizers before your main at home?
Need the ultimate starter or snack before an exciting meal? You may love cheesy garlic bread, but now you can bring Pizza Hut India’s Spicy Supreme Garlic Bread right to your kitchen! With only a few ingredients, you’ll be able to make the best cheesy garlic bread every in a matter of minutes!
2. Homemade Fried Mini Mozzarella Balls
Fried Mini Mozzarella Balls are going to be your new favourite appetizer! Perfectly crunchy outside with a warm, gooey inside. They’ll transform your snack scenes and they are bound to be loved at your parties!
3. Lobster Risotto
To kick off a Valentine’s Day to remember, you MUST try out this Amazing Creamy Lobster Risotto recipe! Prepared with a rich lobster broth, lots of buttery goodness, and topped with decadent lobster and fresh chives, this risotto recipe brings the Hell’s Kitchen classic to your home!
4. French Onion Soup
No need to search any further for the most comforting start to your holiday events! This French Onion Soup is definitely the greatest one! Featuring a rich onion broth and sweet caramelized onions, soft and crusty bread, and melty gooey cheese on top, your guests will wish there were seconds!
5. Roasted Tomato Soup
Sweater weather is here and if you need an extra delicious and healthy way to warm up, then you must try this Super Simple Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup recipe! Tomatoes truly shine in this minimalist but incredibly flavourful recipe, making it a go-to choice for a Thanksgiving soup!
6. Restaurant-Quality Sushi Cones 5 Ways - Temaki
You can make the ultimate sushi party at home by by learning how to make hand rolls! Temaki, also known as “hand rolls,” have all the goodness of sushi wrapped up in the shape of cones! They’re handheld snacks that have endless possibilities, but here are 5 ideas to get you started!
7. Air Fryer Meatballs
Looking to get dinner ready in just a matter of minutes? This Easy Air Fryer Meatballs recipe has the essence of classic meatballs that’s prepared with ease with the help of your air fryer, plus they’re packed with protein! Enjoy them alone, with spaghetti, or in a sub!
8. Air Fryer Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is absolute royalty when it comes to vegetarian appetizers! This paneer tikka recipe in the air fryer will show you how to make authentic paneer tikka paired with crunchy veggies that’s so tender and bursting with flavour, all with the help of your air fryer!
9. Pan-Seared Curry Scallops
Learn how to make tender and flavourful Seared Curry Scallops with this recipe! Sea scallops seasoned with homemade curry powder, fried to a crisp golden brown with olive oil, pair with a refreshing mango guacamole for a healthy and complete dinner!
The Best Valentine’s Day Recipes - Main Dishes
Time for mains! I’ve got plenty of choices here, ranging from Indian curries, to Italian with pizza and pasta, to Mexican, Asian or Mediterranean. This is a full menu for you to pick from, so you can create a truly special meal for the big day!
If you want a super special dinner that’s on the table in only 30 minutes, then you need to make this Cajun Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Pasta! This surf and turf pasta features a luscious Alfredo sauce paired with juicy Cajun-spiced shrimp and steak. Enjoy with some garlic bread for the ultimate feast!
2. Cheesy Stuffed Shells with Amatriciana Sauce
Cheesy Jumbo Stuffed Shells with Amatriciana Sauce are a fun way to enjoy pasta and will definitely be a hit with your loved ones! Paired with a simple tomato sauce and filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, topped with smoky pancetta, you’ve got a family-friendly meal on the table in no time! Seconds will definitely be requested!
3. Margherita Pizza Napoletana
Bring Italy to your kitchen for tonight’s pizza night with this classic Homemade Neapolitan Pizza Margherita! Featuring a simple no-cook tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a touch of basil and Parmesan cheese to finish it off! This will become a satisfying go-to dinner for your family!
4. Coq au Vin
If you’re in search of a dish that will scream “romance” then this Chicken Coq au Vin is the truest gesture of love! A French stew of braised chicken with mushrooms and bacon, served with tagliatelle pasta.
6. Gluten-Free Croatian Zagorkski Strukli
Zagorski Strukli is an extra special cheese-filled pastry, comparable to a lasagna. If you want a Croatian twist to your Christmas dinner this year, then this recipe is for you! What makes this strukli recipe extra special is that it’s gluten-free and lactose-free so that all of your guests can have a slice (or two!)
7. Authentic Butter Chicken
One of the most well known and beloved curries from India. This dish requires no introduction, call it Butter Chicken or Murgh Makhani, this authentic butter chicken recipe is lip-smacking!
8. Easy One-Pan Coconut Salmon Curry
Need a quick and cozy dinner tonight? This Coconut Salmon Curry is sure to warm you up and make you feel good on the inside! This salmon curry is a one-pan recipe and can be on your table in thirty minutes! Serve with rice or your favourite bread, such as naan or rumali roti!
9. Shahi Paneer
An essential dish from Mughlai cuisine, this Classic Shahi Paneer recipe features soft cubes of paneer in a smooth and creamy tomato gravy. This luscious paneer dish easily comes together in just a bit over 30 minutes, and it’s waiting for you to serve with naan or rumali roti!
10. Restaurant-Style Dal Makhani
Make an authentic North Indian restaurant-style Dal Makhani today! Dal Makhani, also known as "maa ki dal," is one of the most popular lentil dishes in most North Indian restaurants and is loved by all. Find out for yourself by creating this indulgen Dal Makhani recipe with some steamed rice and soft tandoori naan!
11. Lasagna alla Bolognese
Need some satisfying comfort food tonight? Whether you’re treating yourself or serving a crowd, this Incredible Lasagna alla Bolognese has everything you could ask for! A rich and hearty Bolognese sauce, a creamy and velvety bechamel sauce, and a medley of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses!
12. White Wine Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi
An ultra fancy seafood pasta dish that is cooked right before your eyes! This lemon garlic shrimp pasta recipe features giant shrimp paired with spaghetti in a lemon-garlic wine sauce! This dish is excellent for when you want a date night in or to kick up your typical weeknight pasta!
13. Pan-Seared Blackened Salmon
This is the best Blackened Salmon recipe out there! Pan Seared Salmon is the perfect restaurant-quality salmon you can make right at home! Featuring a bold homemade blackening spice and crispy skin, this tender and juicy salmon pairs well with mashed potatoes and creamy garlic spinach!
14. Instant Pot Birria Tacos
If you’ve never had Birria Tacos before then you’re in for a life-changing recipe! Featuring a wonderfully flavourful broth and tender meat, this Juiciest Instant Pot Birria Taco recipe will blow you away and make for a memorable Mexican fiesta!
15. Grilled Greek Souvlaki Chicken Skewers
Immerse yourself in a Greek paradise with this homemade souvlaki chicken skewer recipe! This Grilled Greek Souvlaki Chicken Skewer recipe will show you how to make the marinade and how to cook the chicken skewers. Serve with lemon rice, homemade tzatziki, and lemon potatoes for a Greek feast right from home!
The best Valentine's Day recipes - Side Dishes
Here are sides that are fun to make and deliver on taste! Depending on what you’re making as the main, these sides are perfect to mix and match to pair with the star event.
The only recipe you will need to make the best homemade naan! Learn how to make the best, soft, restaurant quality naan at home. This is excellent to make if you’re going to make a curry for your dinner!
2. Rumali Roti
This bread directly translates to “Handkerchief roti”, which is a really fitting name. These breads are so soft, and thin that they be folded like a handkerchief.
3. Steamed Basmati Rice
Is your rice sticky, hard, or mush? Rice seems like such a simple side dish, and it’s almost mandatory to have on the side for so many recipes! Yet we can have such a hard time with it! This guide on how to cook white rice will show you how to achieve the perfect Fluffy Basmati Rice - or any white rice! - every single time!
4. Indian Coriander Mint Pulao
Aromatic and full of flavour, this Mint Coriander Rice features fresh mint and cilantro leaves along with a mix of fresh and ground spices. This Mint Coriander Rice is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, and it can be ready in just 20 minutes to be served with all of your favourite mains!
5. Cucumber Raita
Cucumber Raita is a popular Indian side dish, which is made with yogurt and cucumber and Indian herbs and spices. Usually cucumber raita is served alongside curries, cooling off your mouth in between bites - raita acts like the ultimate delicious and easy palette cleanser!
6. Homemade Guacamole
This Incredible Easy Homemade Guacamole recipe is a simple recipe that’s packed with flavour! It’s perfect to use for your next party dip, to top some tacos or to lift any dinner!
7. Pico de Gallo
This recipe for Authentic Pico de Gallo is what you need to be serving up for your next Taco Tuesday! Pico de Gallo is a classic Mexican salsa, and you can easily prepare a fresh batch right from home! Learn how to make this easy and delicious pico recipe!
8. Butter & Garlic-Herb Baby Potatoes
These Butter & Herb Sauteed Baby Potatoes are an easy side dish to prepare and they’re super versatile for any meal! You’ll love the creaminess of Yukon gold baby potatoes paired with buttery goodness, aromatic garlic and shallots, along with flavourful fresh herbs.
9. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Crispy French fries paired with garlic butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, these Super Easy Garlic Parmesan Fries in the air fryer are a fantastic side dish that will enhance any dinner!
The best Valentine's Day recipes - Desserts
Desserts are definitely a must-have for a complete Valentine’s Day dinner, even if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth! If you’ve already did all this work to make a starter and main - and perhaps even breakfast! - it’s understandable by this point you may want to phone it in. However, the beauty of desserts is that the ones here can all be made in advance! I suggest you make your dessert the night before so that this is the only thing you’re focusing on, and depending on which dessert you choose, you can enjoy it cold or simply reheat it!
These Valentine’s Day desserts are:
Chocolatey (I love chocolate and it’s symbolic with Valentine’s Day)
No-bake or make-ahead
Ability to scale the recipe for smaller portions, if desired (leftovers are always welcome!)
1. Homemade Pie Crust
If you need the perfect easy homemade pie crust recipe, then you’ve come to the right place! This homemade pie crust is so simple to make with only 3 ingredients, and it’s multipurpose making this pie crust excellent for both sweet and savory pies!
2. Crowd-Pleasing No-Bake Nutella Cream Cheese Pie
This easy No-Bake Nutella Cream Cheese Pie is the perfect treat for when you need to whip up something sweet for a crowd in no time! Enjoy a rich Nutella cheesecake filling over a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts.
3. Espresso Brownies with Peppermint Mocha Cream Cheese Glaze
Espresso, chocolate, and a peppermint mocha cream cheese topping… All bundled up together into decadent fudgy brownies! Ring in the new year in the most amazing way with these Peppermint Mocha Brownies!
4. Brioche Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel Sauce
Brioche Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel Sauce is the perfect dessert to serve a crowd and not to waste brioche bread! This soft and warm bread pudding is topped with chocolate chips, and it’s paired with ice cream and a drizzle of homemade whiskey caramel sauce!
5. Chocolate Mousse
If you’re a chocolate lover, you can’t go wrong with the Best Chocolate Mousse! This chocolate mousse recipe only needs 4 basic ingredients and it’s ready in a flash!
6. Easy No-Bake Banana Cream Pie From Scratch
This No-Bake Banana Cream Pie from Scratch is the perfect dessert for entertaining! Featuring a fresh homemade pie crust, smooth and creamy custard from scratch, plenty of bananas, and an airy whipped topping, this pie is going to have all your guests asking for the recipe!
7. Banana Nutella Galette
When you think of Valentine’s Day, you may think of chocolate! This Banana-Raspberry Nutella Galette is made with only 6 ingredients! It’s the perfect dessert to make for the special day that’s quick and easy while looking fancy and tasting amazing!
8. Taste of Peru: Creamy Arroz Con Leche
A creamy and hearty rice pudding with coconut milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Arroz Con Leche is a Peruvian Rice Pudding that will take your tastebuds on an adventure either hot or cold!
9. NYC Stuffed Cookies - Chocolate Chip & Nutella
Giant Stuffed Cookies are all the rage lately! With these Chocolate Chip Nutella NYC Stuffed Cookies, you too can enjoy them fresh right out of the oven in the comfort of your own home! Once you get started baking these you’ll want to try endless combinations!
The best Valentine's Day recipes - Drinks To Show Your Love!
While you don’t need to have a complete bar menu at your Valentine’s Dinner, some thoughtful drinks can help make the night more special and complete your exquisite dinner!
Here are a couple of ideas:
A wine pairing
Sparkling water with citrus
An easy cocktail or mocktail
Even just serving drinks in some elegant glasses makes the occasion feel more special and separates it from a regular Tuesday dinner.
If you’re looking for drinks on the sweet side, then I’ve got you covered! Enjoy hot and cold drinks that can accompany your meal or enjoy whenever you want!
1. Chocolate Lover’s Nutella Hot Chocolate
This Chocolate Lover’s Hot Chocolate with Nutella will make any cold day enjoyable! Featuring lots of Nutella goodness and toasted marshmallows, this hot chocolate recipe with Nutella only needs a handful of ingredients and it comes together in minutes!
2. Super Cozy Red Velvet Latte
It’s as delicious as it looks, trust me! This Easy Red Velvet Latte is a vibrant pink latte that you can quickly whip up for your loved one for a special breakfast in bed!
3. Indulge in Chocolate Heaven with This Rich Cocoa Cappuccino
This is THE cappuccino for chocolate lovers! This warm and rich Chocolate Cappuccino is made with cocoa powder, whole milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla! Layered with a fluffy milk foam, this amazing cappuccino will satisfy those chocolate cravings!
4. Delicious Homemade Starbucks Cafe Mocha
This Best Homemade Cafe Mocha recipe will save you a trip to the coffee store so you can enjoy this chocolatey coffee goodness at home! No need for a coffee machine or hot chocolate mix either!
5. Bailey’s Whipped Hot Chocolate
Get warm this winter with an exciting new hot chocolate experience by curling up with this Baileys Hot Chocolate! This TikTok Baileys hot chocolate recipe features rich and fluffy whipped cream over Baileys-infused warm milk. All you need is 10 minutes!
6. Experience the Best Indian Royal Rose Falooda Recipe
One of India’s most popular frozen desserts, if you’ve never tried a Falooda before, your life will change! This Rose Falooda recipe is all-natural with a homemade rose syrup, and this Falooda recipe made with chia seeds, tapioca, and condensed milk so that it’s accessible to everyone!
🛒 Products I Recommend to Make The best Valentine's Day recipes:
A successful special dinner will be much easier to achieve if you’ve got the right tools! Here are the products I use to make best Valentine's Day recipes - I only recommend products of top tier quality!
1. Quality Chef’s Knife
Your knife needs to be sharp and high quality not only for efficiency but for safety!
2. Cutting Board
Essential to cut your meats and veggies!
3. Digital Meat Thermometer
Takes the guesswork out of cooking your meats, so I definitely suggest you get one, especially on a critical occasion!
4. Stainless Steel Pan
I like to make my Shrimp Scampi in this.
5. Basting Brush
Ideal for applying butter, drippings, or marinade to make your chicken or meat juicy. I also use my basting brush over pastries to get a golden brown crust!
6. Instant Pot
You can use the Instant Pot to boil potatoes, and you can learn how to do that here! You’ll also need the Instant Pot for cooking lentils or other beans, and you’ll need it for making the Instant Pot Quesabirria.
7. Saucepan
To make rice and steam milk for hot drinks.
8. Pots and Pans
For cooking pasta and my butter chicken. I also use a large pot to make the Coq au Vin.
9. Large Casserole
I use this for my pasta bakes, Croatian Strukli, and to bake my brioche bread pudding.
10. Large Wok
I use the back of a wok to make rumali rotis! I also like to make some of my curries in this wok. I also deep fry using this.
11. Slotted spoon
This is key when I’m deep frying to maneuver the deep fried food in the oil.
12. Cheese Grater
Essential to grate cheese that may go into your potatoes, pasta and appetizers!
13. Cast Iron Skillet
Amazing to cook meats and even to sauté veggies. You can have a large one if you have plenty of components that need to cook at once, or use a smaller one.
14. Non-Stick Pan
One of my most used tools ever, and plenty of the recipes here feature them! I’ve got 3 sizes - one small one specifically for eggs, a medium, and a large!
15. Immersion Blender
Key for smooth soups and stews!
16. Pizza Steel
Investing in a baking steel will help you achieve a restaurant-quality crust with your pizza. I also use this to bake my tandoori naan in the oven.
17. Pizza Peel
To transfer your pizza into the oven.
18. Pizza Wheel
To cut your pizza into slices!
🥐 Baking Essentials
19. Kitchen Scale
Baking is a science for sure, so you need to be precise and weigh out all your ingredients!
20. Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer
Helps knead dough and it’s much more efficient than to do it by hand!
21. Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups
To help measure your ingredients.
22. Parchment Paper sheets
I use parchment paper to make my Gluten-Free Strukli.
23. Pie Dish
Needed for the banana cream pie and the no-bake Nutella pie.
24. Rolling Pin
A staple for pie dough, pizza dough, and breads, to flatten these evenly.
25. Air Fryer
An alternative to the oven! I love to use the air fryer for appetizers and cooking veggies quickly. This helps save some space on the stove too!
26. Mixing Bowl
To add all your ingredients together.
27. Muffin Pan
If you turn my Espresso Brownies into muffins for gifting or easy serving, a sturdy non-stick muffin pan is a must. It helps the muffins bake evenly and release cleanly.
🍽️ Serving Essentials
28. Ladle
To serve soups and stews.
29. Soup Bowl
Ceramic keeps your soups and stews warm. These are oven-safe and the handles make it easy to grip!
30. Bread Basket
Keeps your breads soft and warm through the meal.
31. Serving Platters
Perfect for showcasing all of your hard work!
32. Latte Cups and Glasses
These double-walled cups and glasses keep your drinks either hot or cold for longer without affecting your fingertips!
33. French Press
If you don’t have an espresso maker, this is definitely a game-changer! You’ll get strong espresso-like coffee with this, and it’s perfect for your cappuccinos and lattes!
Desserts
Whipped Cream Dispenser
To add a professional topping to your desserts!
Cake Cutter
To slice pies and cakes.
Icing Spatula
Helps to spread a frosting over your dessert.
Piping Kit
To top cupcakes and other small desserts with precision!
Trifle Dish
To serve the chocolate mousse.
Baking Cups
For muffins and cupcakes.
Milk Frother
To froth milk for special hot drinks!
Flambe Torch
To torch marshmallows of the Nutella hot chocolate.
Ice Cream Scoop
To scoop ice cream if you’re topping it over brownies or bread pudding.
☕ Bonus: Extras To Give Your Kitchen a Romantic Vibe!
Make It About the Experience, Not Perfection
The ultimate Valentine’s meals aren’t about perfect plating or restaurant-level execution. They’re about:
Cooking together
Sitting down and enjoying each other’s presence without distractions
Bringing your favourite dishes from restaurants to your home!
Indulging together and creating memories
The best Valentine's Day recipes FAQs
What is the best Valentine’s Day dinner to make at home?
The best Valentine’s Day dinner is something comforting and familiar that you’re confident cooking. When it comes to curries, many of them are one-pot, which will mean less time cleaning up which you likely don’t want to do on the special occasion!
What are The best Valentine's Day recipes for beginners?
There are plenty of Valentine’s Day dinner ideas that are suitable for beginners! These include one-pot meals, roasted or air fryer dishes, and recipes you can prep ahead. Having realistic goals and expectations is key to keep you grounded and focus on perfecting the dishes you’re making! You can learn more about getting motivated in the kitchen and reading your goals in the kitchen by checking out my free guide, Make Cooking Fun!!.
Can I make Valentine’s Day dinner ahead of time?
This depends on what you’re making! If you’re going to make a saucy dish, then you can make the sauce in advance, as the sauce’s flavours will develop over time. Furthermore, if you need to marinate protein, then that can be done ahead of time. You will also see the same benefit of having the flavours develop over time. Some desserts can also easily be prepared in advance and served later. On the other hand, some dishes will be more time-sensitive and best served fresh, such as Chicken and Waffles or Cajun Steak and Spaghetti Alfredo. In these cases, you can get the ingredients prepped in advance, such as grating cheese and getting the proteins prepped.
What should I serve with a Valentine’s Day dinner?
Again, this will depend on what you’re making! You wouldn’t want to serve just any side dish willy nilly. If you’re making an Indian dish, then rice and Indian breads are perfect. On the other hand, if you’re going to make a steak dinner, then you may want fries, potatoes, a salad, and/or roasted veggies. Pair it with a drink (either alcoholic or soda - no shame if that’s what you want and enjoy!) to complete the experience.
The best Valentine's Day recipes: Final Tips
Ensure that you pick dishes that you’re confident cooking. While in most cases I do encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone in the kitchen, this is one exception! I suggest you don’t try to experiment too much right now in case things go astray!
Prep what you can ahead of time.
Aim for a balanced menu without putting more on your plate than you can handle.
The experience will always be the focus, not perfection!
A thoughtful home-cooked meal that came from the heart beats a crowded restaurant every time. Light a candle and put the phones away. Remember:
A thoughtful home-cooked meal beats an expensive and potentially stressful night out every single time.
Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️
If you try any of these recipes this romantic season, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and/or post your creations on social media and tag it with #cookingwithanadi and mention me @cooking.with.anadi. Thank you!