Let's be honest, everyone wants to impress their partner on Valentines Day. It is the day of love after all. However, if you are like me the thought of going out on Valentines Day is exhausting. The massive crowds and insanely overpriced items just make it a bit more daunting than loving you know? So rather than break the bank at some mediocre restaurant, why not cook up a delicious meal yourself. It means more when it comes from the heart (and your hands) anyway. Don't know where to begin? I have got you covered! Here are 9 of the best Valentines Day recipes to impress your partner.
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Breaking Down The Best Valentines Day Recipes
When it comes to different Valentines Day recipes there is a lot of wiggle room. After all, it depends on what your vibe and skill level are. I have separated the following recipes into three categories and given each a rating. We have "Appetizers and Starters" for those who don't want to cook an entire meal. Then we have "Main Courses" for those who are feeling like going the extra mile. Finally, we have "Delectable Desserts" for those who have a sweet tooth. In each category there will be a simple option, a medium-difficult option, and an advanced option.
Starters That Will Start Your Evening Off Right
These are delicious Valentines Day recipes that can get the day or evening started. Light snacking while dinner is cooking or while you prepare a fun activity. These are all delicious and are sure to impress your partner.
Charcuterie Board: Easy Difficulty
Everyone loves a charcuterie board. There is literally never a wrong moment to whip one of these out. If it is just you and your partner no need to make a massive one, a small one will suffice. Grab your favorite smoked meats and cheeses and assort them on the board. Want to make it even more snazzy? Throw in some olives, nuts, and grapes as well. If you want to get fancy with it try and pair meats and cheese with whatever wine you will serve, people at the cheese and meat counter can help with that. Also, if you want to be the coolest partner ever, you can make your meat into the shape of roses. It is soooo simple and I do it every time. Here is a video to show you how to do it, trust me it's cool.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Medium Difficulty
This is one of those Valentines Day recipes that sounds really fancy but is actually quite simple to make. You need to cut your prosciutto and then wrap it around your asparagus. Next, grill the asparagus wrapped prosciutto until the meat is crisp, about eight minutes. In a microwave safe bowl you will mix the ingredients for the raspberry dressing, and leave it in the microwave until it is melted. For more details check out Taste Of Home's recipe, you will not be disappointed.
Baked Oysters With Bacon, Greens, And Parmesan: Hard Difficulty
This one is for the pros but my goodness doesn't it look good? Just reading the recipe from Southern Living has my mouth watering. I mean who wouldn't be impressed by fresh oysters? I mean besides someone who doesn't like oysters. For this Valentines Day recipe you will have to cook your bacon first, adding in your onion and garlic. Next you stir in your kale until it is tender. Afterwards add your butter, flour, whipping cream, and Parmesan. Cook until paste-like then add in lemon, and all your spices.
Then that needs to chill and the oven needs to be preheated. The mixture goes onto each oyster and then it all gets baked until it is a heap of bubbly and golden goodness. Check out the full recipe on their site as well as tips on how to serve it.
Main Courses That Will Make Them Fall In Love
If you partner is anything like me then the way to their heart is through their stomach. With these delicious main course ideas you literally cannot go wrong. Just pick the one that matches your and your partner's flavor preference as well as your skill level — no one wants a stressed partner on Valentines Day.
Homemade Pizza: Easy Difficulty
This is a fun meal that you and your partner can make together that sounds way more challenging than it is. I am not saying you need to be a baker and make the dough from scratch. No! Go out and buy a pizza crust pre-made. This can be fun before you even get in the kitchen. Get one of those boxes that comes with two pizza crusts and make it a game. You each go out into the store and buy ingredients to make your partner their version of a perfect pizza. Then when you get home you make each other's perfect pizza. For me, my perfect pizza would have a garlic and oil base. Then it would be loaded with pepperoni, sausage, fresh basil, olives, jalapeños, mushrooms, and a delicious cheese.
Simple Steak : Medium Difficulty
This is what I am cooking for my husband this year. Why? Because he loves steak! Steak is a relatively simple dish to prepare and you can make it bursting with flavor. Also you can dress a simple steak up with a yummy sauce and some delectable sides. If you want to follow in my footsteps, I pan sear my steak with a little seasoned butter in a cast iron pan for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Then I will bake it in the oven until it is medium, we like it to be pink and juicy. My secret is that while it is in the oven I often baste it with the following concoction: hot water with garlic cloves, bay leaves, fresh rosemary, salt and pepper. I will be serving my steak with thin sliced potatoes and a roasted kale salad.
Lobster Thermidor : Hard Difficulty
This one is for the brave souls who want to go all out for their holiday. I have never made this dish but it is on my list of must try foods. This is one of those Valentines Day recipes that is sure to impress. Grilled lobster with a wine-based sauce and some light cheese. Then add in some cremini mushroom and a dry Sherry creamy sauce I mean come on, I am drooling over here. Sprinkle with cayenne, basil, and parsley and you have a meal that you can find at a five-star restaurant. If you want the step-by-step instructions on how to make this Food & Wine offers a fantastic recipe.
Decadent Desserts That Will Leave Them Melting For You
Now we get to the part that most people think of when they think of Valentines Day, sweets! After all, it is not enough for you to be sweet with your personality, everyone wants a little chocolate too am I right? While chocolate is a fan-favorite when it comes to Valentines Day recipes, I did include one recipe that is without chocolate just in case there are some *gasp* chocolate haters out there.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Easy Difficulty
It really doesn't get more simple and traditional than this. Don't spend a ton of money at the store for these, you can literally do it yourself in half an hour. Just melt some of your favorite chocolate in a bowl. If you want to get fancy try multiple chocolates, that way you can have some white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate strawberries. Wash and dry your strawberries then dip them in the melted chocolate. Place them on a freezer-friendly plate or container and pop them in the freezer until the chocolate hardens. Boom delicious and easy.
Chocolate Lava Cake: Medium Difficulty
While this is easier than it sounds, it still takes some dedication. Just imagine making a whole bunch of little mini cakes, because that is basically what you are doing. Grease your pan and put a dusting of cocoa powder in there. Then you will add in your cake mix and bake until the outside is firm but the center is still gooey. Serve with vanilla ice cream, fresh mint leaves and some raspberries. Want to know more details, Sally's Baking offers a simple and easy-to-follow recipe.
Red Velvet Bundt Cake: Hard Difficulty
As promised, here is your non-chocolate Valentines Day recipe for dessert. However, we couldn't stray too far from the classics so I give you the divine, red velvet. The reason that this one falls under the hard category is simply because it takes more time and a bit more effort. You've got to make the cake mix and whisk it together — it takes several steps. Then you will bake the cake for an hour (that is where your time component comes in). It also has to cool for two hours before you can add the glaze, which you also make. So yea, delicious and worth it absoutley...but I know not everyone has that kind of time. If you do and you want happy tastebuds follow Southern Living's recipe.
Hope these Valentines Day recipes make your holiday special. Let me know which one you would choose.
