Delicious Valentine’s Day Menu Ideas: Recipes for Romantic Dinners, Brunch & Galentine’s Celebrations
My Favorite Valentine’s Day Menu Ideas are a collection of four distinct menus that will please every palate and celebration style. Whether you are crafting a romantic meal for that special someone, planning a delightful brunch, or hoping for some delicious bites to celebrate Galentine’s Day with friends, these Valentine’s menus are perfectly curated for you! After all, the best part about Valentine’s Day is undoubtedly the food, right? It’s a day to indulge, share, and express love through culinary delights.
Valentine’s Day is swiftly approaching, bringing with it the sweet anticipation of celebrating love, friendship, and connection. Do you have any plans yet for this special day?
For my husband and me, Valentine’s Day is a cherished opportunity to step away from the usual hustle and truly connect. While we don’t always plan an extravagant, over-the-top celebration like some other holidays, we absolutely love to use the day as an excuse to spend quality time together. And what could be more intimate and special than sharing a thoughtfully prepared meal at home? It’s a chance to show affection, relax, and create lasting memories over delicious food.
This year, I was inspired to round up some fresh and exciting menu ideas for all of you, especially if you’re opting for a cozy night in or a fun gathering instead of a busy restaurant. My goal is to alleviate any stress about what to cook and instead, spark joy and inspiration in your kitchen. Here are four fantastic Valentine’s Day menu ideas, designed to cater to various celebrations! From luxurious Valentine’s Day dinner ideas for two, to lively Galentine’s Day appetizers, to a relaxed and indulgent brunch, there’s a little something here for everyone. Hopefully, these collections will either inspire your culinary creativity or provide the perfect solution for what to whip up for your loved ones next week.
Note: this is an updated version of the original post published on February 5, 2019, featuring all new menus and expanded ideas to make your Valentine’s Day cooking effortless and enjoyable!
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Galentine’s Day Gathering Menu
First up, for all the wonderful friendships out there, I am thrilled to share my favorite collection of sweet and savory bites, perfectly complemented by a delightful, boozy sangria for your ultimate Galentine’s Day gathering. These recipes are designed for sharing, laughter, and celebrating the amazing women in your life.
These recipes are absolutely perfect for getting your gal pals together to celebrate your general fabulousness and unbreakable bonds! The appetizers can be served all together as a lavish spread, or you can simply select a few if that’s more your speed. Imagine a table laden with these delicious, easy-to-make snacks, sparking conversation and joy. All three appetizers featured below go wonderfully on a beautifully arranged cheese board too, if you want to skip a traditional main dish and stick to a fun, snack-focused “girl dinner.” They are all relatively simple to prepare, allowing you more time to enjoy with your friends and less time slaving away in the kitchen.
Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Easy Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates are a sweet and savory appetizer that’s always the star of the party. With only a few ingredients, you can whip up this easy recipe in no time for your next gathering.
Crispy Prosciutto
Crispy Prosciutto is a crunchy, savory snack that’s super simple to make in the oven! In less than 15 minutes, you can add this fried prosciutto to a charcuterie board or crumble it up to use as garnish on soups, salads, pasta, pizza, and more.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Simple Marinated Mozzarella Balls are a quick and easy appetizer that always wow’s a crowd. It’s the ideal snack with the cheese soaked in oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Serve it with crusty bread or as a part of your charcuterie/cheese board!
Rigatoni al Forno
Rigatoni al Forno, also known as baked rigatoni, is the ultimate comfort food. Rich and meaty homemade sauce is combined with rigatoni and tons of cheese, then baked until golden brown and gooey. It’s an easy recipe that feeds a crowd, and can even be made ahead of time!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
This simple and hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is the perfect winter soup. Full of creamy white beans, fresh vegetables, and wilted greens, it will keep you satisfied and warm you from the inside out. It’s an easy recipe that everyone will love, and one you can easily prep ahead of time for later in the week or to freeze.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies will prove to you that fruit is meant to be combined with chocolate, ALWAYS. They are gooey, extra chocolatey, and chewy so they definitely need to make an appearance on your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s!) Day table.
Valentine’s Day Sparkling Sangria
Valentine’s Day Sparkling Sangria will give your romantic day extra sparkle, or will give you and your single girls something to giggle over as you swap dating war stories.
Fancy Valentine’s Day Menu
Secondly, for those of you who want to truly impress and go over-the-top with your cooking chops on date night, I’ve got a sophisticated and fancy Valentine’s Day menu that’s perfect for indulging your special someone. These dishes are designed to create a luxurious dining experience right in the comfort of your home, without the hefty restaurant bill or crowded atmosphere.
Even though I’ve named this a “fancy” dinner menu, don’t be intimidated – these dishes are surprisingly approachable and not as hard to make as you might think. The key is in selecting high-quality ingredients and focusing on presentation. You can choose between the elegant main dishes depending on what you feel like serving and your partner’s preferences. If you really want to elevate the experience and go all out, consider adding succulent lobster tails to the plate alongside the steak (BBQ Beef Tenderloin, of course) for an unforgettable surf and turf combination. Pair these exquisite dishes with a fine wine and a beautifully set table, and you’ll have a Valentine’s Day celebration that feels truly special and intimate.
Pan Seared Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce
Pan Seared Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce are cooked perfectly, then served up on a bed of that dreamy bacon-packed sauce… If you are looking to impress anyone with your skills in the kitchen, this is the one dish that’ll steal their hearts every single time.
BBQ Beef Tenderloin
BBQ Beef Tenderloin is an elegant and simple way to make an impression this season. It’s so easy to prepare, and when served with a creamy horseradish sauce, it’s the star of any winter gathering.
Roasted Chicken with White Wine And Fresh Herbs
Roasted Chicken with White Wine & Fresh Herbs is an easy weeknight meal that can double as the perfect dinner party meal. Breaking down the chicken and cooking it in pieces makes the cooking time faster and the skin nice and crispy!
Red Velvet Truffle Cake for Two
Red Velvet Truffle Cake for Two is the romantic luscious dessert you and your loved one will swoon over finishing together on Valentine’s Day! Moist, rich red velvet cake is layered with a velvety chocolate truffle frosting, creating an indulgent dessert perfectly portioned for two (plus a little leftover for a midnight snack 😉).
Cherry Vodka Sour
A Cherry Vodka Sour is bursting with the natural sweetness of cherries and smooth vodka. The cocktail is the ideal balance of tart and sweet, perfect to sip on all summer long!
Easiest Valentine’s Day Menu
Don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, but still desire a memorable and romantic Valentine’s Day meal? Never fear, because my third menu category has you covered with the easiest dinner menu EVER, that’s also incredibly romantic and deeply satisfying. This selection focuses on minimal effort with maximum flavor and presentation, ensuring you have more time to connect with your loved one.
This entire meal is thoughtfully designed around ease and efficiency, while still making the best possible impression. I lean heavily on modern kitchen tools like the Instant Pot and air fryer to bring these delicious recipes to life with minimal fuss. These appliances are game-changers, allowing you to create gourmet-tasting dishes quickly and easily. Plus, the featured dessert can be prepared well in advance, taking all the pressure off on the big night. Imagine a delicious, romantic dinner that looks and tastes complex, but only took you a fraction of the time to prepare. That’s the magic of this “easiest Valentine’s Day menu” – more quality time with your partner, and less stress about cooking.
Caprese Bruschetta
Discover the ultimate taste of summer with Caprese Bruschetta! Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil come together on a crusty bed of bread to create a burst of flavors that perfectly capture the essence of the season. From backyard barbecues to picnics in the park, Caprese Bruschetta is the go-to appetizer that will impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu
Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu is ready in just one hour and it’s so easy to make! With simple ingredients and tender beef, the rich and flavorful sauce is truly the perfect winter meal. Serve it on papparadelle, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, gnocchi, and more.
Air Fryer Scallops with Chive Lemon Butter
Air Fryer Scallops with Chive Lemon Butter are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! You don’t have to worry about the grease associating with frying and when served with a chive lemon butter, it’s an easy meal that goes with so many different side dishes.
Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Crust
A Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Crust is the elegant dessert that is deceptively simple to make. The dark chocolate ganache filling is creamy and rich, topping a toasted hazelnut pastry. The addition of tart berries on top makes for a killer combo for any gathering!
Strawberry Gin Smash Cocktail
A refreshing Strawberry Gin Smash cocktail is just the summery drink to celebrate with! It is a delightful blend of juicy strawberries, floral gin, and a splash of citrus to create a tantalizing and vibrant drink. Perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor, this cocktail is a fruity twist on a classic favorite.
Valentine’s Day Brunch Menu
Fourth and finally, for those of you who absolutely LOVE brunch – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t? – you will adore the irresistible flavors and cozy atmosphere of my favorite Valentine’s Day brunch menu of all time. There’s something incredibly charming and relaxed about a leisurely morning celebration, especially when it’s filled with delicious homemade treats.
This brunch menu is a perfect blend of sweet and savory dishes, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving. From fluffy biscuits and decadent French toast bakes to savory eggs and vibrant jams, it’s designed to make your Valentine’s morning feel like a true indulgence. Imagine waking up to the aroma of these delightful dishes, gathering with your loved ones for a relaxed meal, and toasting to togetherness with a festive mimosa. It’s an ideal way to start the day, creating beautiful memories without the pressure of an evening dinner. These recipes are also fantastic for making ahead, so you can truly enjoy your morning.
Honey Butter Biscuits
Homemade Honey Butter Biscuits are where fluffiness meets flakiness, with just a touch of honey. These irresistible biscuits are perfect for pairing with any meal whether you are dunking them in soup or using them as a base for a sandwich.
Easy Lemon Curd
This creamy homemade lemon curd recipe is a burst of tangy flavor for your desserts or breakfast spreads! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make the perfect lemon curd every time with this recipe.
Cranberry Jam
Tart and sweet Homemade Cranberry Jam is an easy recipe that’s ideal for your favorite breakfasts, desserts, and more. You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. With just 5 ingredients, you’ll find yourself making this over and over again!
Savory Dutch Baby
An airy, light, and savory breakfast dish that is incredibly easy to make. The batter comes together in the blender!
Turkish Eggs Platter
Creamy, savory, and hearty, this is a fun platter to share for everyone!
Red Velvet Muffins
Red Velvet Muffins have all the classic red velvet flavor, but for breakfast! Studded with white chocolate chips, these simple fluffy muffins are the ideal treat on any morning.
Raspberry Chocolate Croissant French Toast Bake
This Raspberry Chocolate Croissant French Toast Bake is how I bring a little bit of Parisian pastry into my weekly breakfast routine. Using croissants makes for a flakier French toast casserole, and the pops of fruit and chocolate send it over the top! You can make it the same day or let it chill overnight, then bake tomorrow morning.
Strawberry Mimosa
A strawberry mimosa is the simplest take on the traditional orange mimosa, with an added burst of fruity goodness! You can use fresh or frozen strawberries to make the simple strawberry orange mixture. Serves 6.
So, with these diverse and delicious options, the only question that remains is: which one will you choose to make for Valentine’s Day this year?! Whether it’s a cozy evening for two, a lively gathering with friends, or a relaxed morning feast, these recipes are sure to make your celebration flavorful and memorable. Happy cooking, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day Must-Haves to Set the Mood
Beyond the delicious food, there are a few simple elements that can truly elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration and create a romantic, inviting atmosphere for your ‘boo’ or your cherished friends. You don’t need much to make Valentine’s Day extra special!
Do they adore flowers? A stunning bouquet is a classic gesture of love. Elevate this thoughtful gift by presenting it in a gorgeous, elegant vase. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, showing you put extra thought into the presentation and creating a beautiful centerpiece for your table.
For me, setting the perfect mood means CANDLES, CANDLES, CANDLES. Nothing quite compares to the soft, flickering glow of candlelight to create a romantic and intimate ambiance. These pillar candles are an awesome deal and can be strategically placed around your dining area or living space to cast a warm, inviting glow that’s absolutely essential for any romantic evening.
If you are planning to serve up some bubbly to toast to love and happiness, make it a little extra special with a new set of elegant champagne flutes that won’t break the bank! These are perfect for mimosas during brunch or sparkling wine with your dinner. Alternatively, if red wine is more your style, serve it in sophisticated stemless wine glasses for a chic and modern touch. Cheers to a delightful and memorable Valentine’s Day filled with good food and even better company!