Maybe you're a total sucker for Valentine's Day. Maybe you consider it an over-commercialized holiday during which candy companies make out like bandits. Whatever the case, there's no denying that February 14 is a great opportunity to remind your loved ones just how much you care. And whether you're celebrating the beginning of a new relationship or spending the day with your longtime sweetheart, you can show that love in action by sharing a meal together. We've got plenty of Valentine's Day recipes to help you create the perfect romantic meal from the comfort of your home, and no, you don't have to be a master chef to recreate them.
From decadent brunch ideas to scrumptious Valentine's Day dinner recipes for two, and Valentine's Day desserts of all kinds (including Valentine's Day cookies, cakes and cupcakes, and other sweet treats), you'll find Valentine's Day recipe ideas for the whole day — and with leftovers to spare. If your special someone is a kid at heart, try a strawberry pizza or ice cream waffle-wich. If they have a sweet tooth, consider the double chocolate mocha mousse or chewy chocolate cookies. Whatever you decide to make, just make sure you make it with love, since that's what Valentine's Day is all about. And if you want a little something extra, whip up one of these Valentine's Day cocktails to complete the meal.
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Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Mike Garten
This easy pepperoni pizza dip is the perfect dish to share with your valentine. Use a mini cookie cutter to slice pepperoni into lovable shapes, and serve in a heart-shaped cast iron casserole dish to complete the theme.
Your Valentine deserves the berry best — make sure they know it with this delicious choco-berry surprise cake topped with strawberries this Valentine's Day.
Make your own festive heart-shaped toaster pastries using just three ingredients: Refrigerator pie dough, raspberry jam, and an egg. Feel free to swap out the jam for any other filling your heart desires.
Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower-Pomegranate Salad
Ryan Liebe
This juicy beef tenderloin will taste just like it came from a fancy restaurant, but you'll be the only one who knows it took less than half an hour to prep. Serve with a simple pomegranate salad to incorporate one of Valentine's Day's main colors.
This recipe is perfect for people who might not feel that comfortable in the kitchen. With minimal effort (we're talking cutting up some berries and candy bars) you can make a tasty, customizable dessert.
This pasta recipe will please even picky eaters. With some chicken for protein and some vegetables hidden nicely in the sauce, it's a great go-to for a nice, easy meal.
If you love ice cream in all its forms, try out these homemade ice cream sandwiches that feature waffles instead of cookies. The real question is, since they're waffles can you eat them for breakfast?
Creamy Thyme Chicken with Sautéed Apples and Mushrooms
Antonis Achilleos
This chicken dish only takes half an hour to make, so you won't feel any holiday meal stress. Plus, the sautéed apples add a bright, sweet flavor that will be the perfect something extra.
Pavlovas are one of those desserts that look super difficult to make (but actually aren't with this recipe) so they'll always impress your guests. This recipe only takes 20 minutes to make, so you can spend more time being mushy with your significant other.
These candied rose petals are actually easy to make: Just thin out corn syrup with water then brush the mixture onto pink rose petals and toss in sugar.
There's a reason flowers are a go-to gift on Valentine's Day, and these adorable rosebud cupcakes combine the best of both worlds by giving your love a bouquet of beautiful buds as well as a tasty treat to enjoy.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Jamie (she/her) is the news and SEO editor at Good Housekeeping. She oversees GH's digital news strategy, assigning and editing celebrity and entertainment news content. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she was the digital editor at Woman's Day. She has over 6 years of professional experience writing and editing lifestyle content for the Rachael Ray Show, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Insider, Elite Daily and more. She holds a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College and lives in Brooklyn with her cats, Lumos and Linus.