15+ Valentine’s Day Recipes to Delight Your Loved Ones

Valentine’s Day is a special time to show your love and appreciation for that special someone in your life. Cooking a delightful meal can be a meaningful way to celebrate the occasion. You can impress your partner with delicious and thoughtful recipes that create a warm and romantic atmosphere.

Whether you choose a simple yet elegant dinner or a sweet dessert, there are countless options to explore. From savory dishes to indulgent treats, you’ll find something that fits your style and taste.

Preparing a meal together can also be a fun experience that strengthens your bond while you celebrate the day.

1) Heart-Shaped Pizza for Two

Making a heart-shaped pizza for two is a fun and romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. You can use store-bought dough to save time and enjoy the process together. Adding toppings that you both love will make it extra special.

To start, shape your pizza dough into a heart. You can do this on a floured surface to prevent sticking.

Once shaped, spread your favorite pizza sauce and sprinkle cheese on top.

For an extra touch, consider using heart-shaped pepperoni or veggies.

Bake your pizza at 475°F (245°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Ingredients

• Store-bought pizza dough
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni or preferred toppings

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Shape the pizza dough into a heart on a floured surface.
3. Spread pizza sauce over the dough.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Add heart-shaped pepperoni or other toppings.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

2) Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate lava cake is a delicious treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. The cake has a rich, gooey center that flows out when you cut into it. It’s easy to make and sure to impress.

You only need a few ingredients. This dessert can be ready in just about 20 minutes. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Pair your lava cake with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. A dusting of powdered sugar can make it look even more special.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease two ramekins.
3. Melt butter and chocolate together.
4. Whisk in the egg, egg yolk, and sugar.
5. Stir in flour and salt.
6. Pour into ramekins and bake for 12-14 minutes.
7. Let it sit for a minute, then serve warm.

3) Red Wine Lattes

Red wine lattes are a fun and unique drink for Valentine’s Day. They combine rich espresso, chocolate syrup, and a special cabernet syrup. You can enjoy this warm beverage with a twist.

To make your red wine latte, start by adding one to two tablespoons of cabernet syrup to a mug. Next, add chocolate syrup for extra flavor.

Pour two shots of hot espresso over the mixture and stir well. The chocolate and wine blend gives it a delicious taste.

Ingredients

• 1 to 2 tablespoons cabernet syrup
• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
• 2 shots of hot espresso

Cooking Instructions

1. In a mug, add cabernet syrup.
2. Add chocolate syrup.
3. Pour in hot espresso.
4. Stir well and enjoy.

4) Champagne Risotto

Champagne risotto is a delicious and elegant dish perfect for Valentine’s Day. The creamy texture and bubbly flavor make it a special treat. You can impress your loved one with this gourmet meal without too much effort.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need Arborio rice, champagne, chicken broth, and a few aromatic ingredients.

Sauté the onion and garlic in butter, then add the rice and toast for a couple of minutes.

Gradually stir in the champagne and broth, letting it absorb slowly. Keep stirring until the risotto is creamy and tender. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ yellow onion, minced
• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 3 cups champagne
• 3 cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a pot.
2. Sauté minced onion until soft.
3. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually stir in champagne and broth.
5. Cook, stirring frequently, until creamy.
6. Serve hot with grated cheese on top.

5) Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten chocolate lava cake is a delightful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day. With its rich chocolate center, it brings warmth and sweetness to your celebration.

You can whip up this dessert quickly, making it ideal for a romantic evening. Serve it warm, and watch the chocolate ooze from the center when you cut into it.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease two ramekins with butter.
3. Melt butter and chocolate together in a bowl.
4. In another bowl, whisk the egg, egg yolk, and sugar until light.
5. Stir in the chocolate mixture and flour.
6. Pour into ramekins and bake for about 12 minutes.
7. Let cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy!

6) Spinach and Cheese Manicotti

Spinach and cheese manicotti is a delicious choice for a special dinner. The large pasta tubes fill up with a tasty mix of ricotta, spinach, and various cheeses. This dish is comforting and easy to prepare.

To make it, you will start by mixing the filling ingredients. After that, stuff the manicotti shells with the mixture.

Place them in a baking dish and cover with your favorite sauce.

Then, bake the manicotti until it’s bubbling and golden. This dish is not just tasty but also adds a nice touch to your Valentine’s Day table.

Ingredients

• 12 manicotti shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup spinach, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the cooked shells with the cheese mixture.
5. Spread some marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining sauce.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

7) Crème Brûlée

Crème brûlée is a classic French dessert that is sure to impress. Its smooth custard base topped with a crispy caramelized sugar layer makes it a favorite for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

You can try different flavors to make it unique. For a twist, consider making a Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee For Two. It’s simple and perfect for sharing.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might enjoy a Champagne Blood Orange Crème Brûlée, combining the zest of citrus with the richness of the dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sugar for caramelizing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat the cream and milk until just simmering.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale.
4. Slowly add the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
5. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. Pour into ramekins and place in a baking dish.
7. Fill the dish with water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes until set.
9. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
10. Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch before serving.

8) Garlic Bread with Red Velvet Cake

This unique pairing combines savory garlic bread with sweet red velvet cake. It offers a fun twist for your Valentine’s Day celebration. The mix of flavors will surprise your taste buds.

Start with fresh garlic bread. It’s easy to make or buy from your favorite bakery. Toast it until golden brown to bring out the flavor.

Serve slices of warm garlic bread alongside a slice of moist red velvet cake. The rich cream cheese frosting on the cake pairs well with the savory taste of garlic bread.

This combination creates a delightful contrast. It’s perfect for sharing with someone special on Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of garlic bread
• 1 slice of red velvet cake
• Cream cheese frosting

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toast the garlic bread until golden brown.
3. Slice the red velvet cake.
4. Serve the garlic bread warm next to the cake. Enjoy!

9) Lobster Tails

Lobster tails are a delicious choice for a romantic dinner. They are fancy yet easy to prepare at home. You can impress your partner with a meal that feels special.

One popular way to cook lobster tails is by using garlic butter. Start by brushing the tails with a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic. Then, broil them until they are fully cooked.

Another tasty option is to make brown butter lobster tails. This method adds a nutty flavor that really stands out. Pair your lobster with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lobster tails
• 1/2 cup (115g) butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Lemon juice, to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme), optional

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your broiler to high (about 500°F or 260°C).
2. In a small pan, melt the butter and add garlic.
3. Brush the garlic butter over the lobster tails.
4. Broil the tails for 8-10 minutes or until they are opaque and heated through.
5. Squeeze lemon juice on top before serving. Enjoy!

10) Steak and Potatoes

Steak and potatoes is a classic choice for Valentine’s Day. A juicy steak paired with crispy potatoes makes for a delightful meal. You can choose cuts like New York strip or filet mignon for a special touch.

For the potatoes, try making creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted ones. Both options pair well with steak and add heartiness to your dinner.

You can also enhance flavors with some garlic or herbs. A simple garlic butter sauce can elevate both the steak and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 steak cuts (like NY strip or filet mignon)
• 4 medium potatoes
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme, optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Sear steak in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash or roast.
5. Add butter and garlic to potatoes.
6. Serve steak with potatoes on the side.

11) Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Chicken

Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Chicken is a delightful dish for a romantic dinner. It combines tender chicken with rich, savory flavors that impress.

Start by browning the chicken in a skillet until it’s golden brown. The brown butter adds a nutty taste that complements the mushrooms perfectly.

As the mushrooms cook, they soak up the delicious butter flavor. The cream brings everything together, making a smooth sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice or pasta.

This recipe is simple yet elegant, making it great for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add butter and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are golden.
5. Stir in the cream and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the pan, coat it in the sauce, and cook for 2 more minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

12) Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles are a delightful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day. They are rich, creamy, and can be made in various flavors to impress your loved ones.

You can customize your truffles by using different types of chocolate or fillings. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding flavors like raspberry or amaretto.

Making truffles is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Once you roll them into balls, you can coat them in cocoa powder, nuts, or sprinkles for extra charm.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225 grams) of bittersweet chocolate
• ½ cup (120 ml) of heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for coating

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a bowl.
2. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate.
3. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
4. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until firm.
6. Scoop and roll the mixture into small balls.
7. Coat the truffles in cocoa powder, nuts, or sprinkles. Enjoy!

13) Heart Cookies

Heart cookies are a delightful treat for Valentine’s Day. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

You can use a simple sugar cookie recipe to create these heart-shaped delights. Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or even colorful fondant.

These cookies are not only tasty but also a fun activity to do with family or friends. You can make them together and let everyone get creative with their designs.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Icing and decorations of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
6. Roll the dough into balls, flatten, and cut into heart shapes.
7. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
8. Let cool, then decorate as desired.

14) Seafood Pasta

Seafood pasta is a delightful choice for a romantic dinner. The combination of fresh shrimp, scallops, and creamy sauce creates a flavorful dish that feels special.

You can make seafood pasta using linguine or fettuccine. Just cook the pasta until al dente, then combine it with your favorite seafood. A garlic and white wine sauce adds the perfect touch.

Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of parsley for color. This dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy evening.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of linguine or fettuccine
• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound of scallops
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of white wine
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt some butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and scallops; cook until opaque.
4. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine the sauce and pasta, mixing well.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

15) Valentine’s Day Salad

A Valentine’s Day salad is a fun and colorful way to celebrate the occasion. You can mix fresh greens with vibrant ingredients that add a pop of red and pink, perfect for your dinner table.

Try a variety of salads with strawberries, beets, or roasted red peppers. Adding nuts or cheese can also give it a delicious twist. A light vinaigrette dressing will complement these flavors nicely.

Here’s a simple recipe for a refreshing Valentine’s Day salad.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens (like spinach and arugula)
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup cooked beets, diced (canned or fresh)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and sliced strawberries.
2. Add the diced beets and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top.
4. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
5. Enjoy!