53 Valentine’s Dinner Ideas That Make the Case for Staying In
Let us start by saying this: Any dish can be an excellent Valentine’s recipe if made with love and shared with someone you care about. The simple act of cooking for someone is much more important than whether you splash out on caviar and lobster or a fancy bottle of Champagne. If that’s your thing, go right ahead, but you need not blow your budget to cook a romantic dinner for two.
Below, you’ll find our favorite Valentine’s Day dinner ideas, including creamy pasta, foolproof scallops, braised duck, and more. In a hurry? Consider picking up the pace with our favorite Instant Pot or air-fryer recipes. Once you’ve settled on a main course, it’s time to start thinking about appetizers and a Valentine’s Day dessert. Of course, we have those covered too. Chocolate, anyone?
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Drew Aichele2/53Slow-Cooker Pork Roast
But let’s say you want to take things slow. After soaking up an anchovy-infused spice rub, this pork roast cooks at a low heat until it’s falling apart—7 hours or so. That gives you plenty of time to set the table and light some candles.
Photo by Elizabeth Coetzee, Food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich4/53Swordfish Steaks With Peppercorn Butter
Skip the ribeyes and sear swordfish steaks for your Valentine’s dinner. An easy compound butter seasoned with parsley, garlic, mixed peppercorns, and lemon zest makes it feel oh-so-fancy—but with just 25 minutes total time, it’s completely doable on a weeknight.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Nathaniel James, Food Styling by Simon Andrews5/53Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
This celebration-worthy rack of lamb recipe yields tender, rosy meat and a beautifully browned crust. Pair with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies for a holiday-worthy meal.
Photo by Isa Zapata, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova6/53Cheese Fondue
Former Epicurious digital director Maggie Hoffman always serves fondue on February 14. There’s just something festive about dipping cubes of bread and other bites into creamy melted cheese. This version is one of our most popular recipes from Gourmet—so you know it’s a winning Valentine’s meal.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne8/53Pasta al Pomodoro
Everyone’s favorite Italian pasta dish also happens to be an excellent Valentine’s recipe. Use long noodles like bucatini or spaghetti to manifest your Lady and the Tramp moment. (If you’re worried about splattering tomato sauce on your nice white blouse, go for fettuccine alfredo instead.)
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich10/53Wild Mushroom Risotto
This creamy, cheesy risotto is comfort food at its finest. If you can, source local wild mushrooms, such as hen of the woods or peppery chanterelles.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Tiffany Schleigh11/53Duck à l’Orange
Gamey duck and sweet, juicy citrus are a match made in heaven, and no recipe shows off the classic combination quite like duck á l’orange. Though the name sounds fancy, it’s no more difficult to pull off than a whole roast chicken.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton12/53Brioche-Crusted Salmon
Want to turn your standard weeknight salmon into a Valentine’s meal? Crown each filet with toasty, buttery brioche. Pair with a simple side salad for an elegant, impressive dinner.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich13/53Skillet Chicken Parmesan With Gnocchi
Chicken Parmesan in 35 minutes? Yes, it’s possible with this clever one-pan recipe from Epi food editor Jesse Szewczyk. Pair with a light green salad and a deep red wine.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Anne Eastman, Food Styling by Lillian Chou14/53Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
