Date Night Recipes for a Romantic Evening In 

Find the full Charcuterie Skewers recipe here.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

The air fryer produces crispy, buttery garlic bread faster than a conventional oven. With just a few simple ingredients you can make a tasty snack or appetizer to enjoy alongside your favorite beverage as the evening kicks off. Adjust the amount of garlic, herbs, or cheese to your taste.

Find the full Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe here.

Cheesy Bread Bites

Perfect as a snack, for sharing over the holidays and special events, or to serve on pasta night, Cheesy Bread Bites are bite-sized cubes of cheesy goodness! 

Find the full Cheesy Bread Bites recipe here.

Simple Lime Guac Deviled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs get filled with a fresh filling of mashed avocado, lime juice, and cilantro. It provides a lighter, dairy-free alternative to the classic mayo-based version. The avocado filling is best made and served shortly before eating.

Find the full Simple Lime Guac Deviled Eggs recipe here.

Sausage Wonton Bites

Enjoy these crispy, baked appetizers made with savory sausage and cheese in a wonton wrapper cup. They’re straightforward to prepare and can be assembled in advance. The wonton wrappers become perfectly crisp and golden in the oven for a mouth-watering appetizer alongside other scrumptious date night recipes. 

Find the full Sausage Wonton Bites recipe here.

Cottage Cheese Pizza

This pizza features a crust made primarily from blended cottage cheese, eggs, and a small amount of flour. It results in a thin, protein-rich base that is crisp when baked. You can then top it with any traditional pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings you prefer. It’s the perfect hand-held snack for your special evening as you sip on your favorite cocktail.

Find the full Cottage Cheese Pizza recipe here.

Sandy’s Famous Guacamole Dip

This easy guacamole really highlights the stunning flavor of ripe avocados. It typically includes lime juice, cilantro, onion, and tomatoes for freshness, although it’s super versatile to accommodate ingredient swaps. Assemble and serve immediately to maintain its bright color and texture.

Find the full Sandy’s Famous Guacamole Dip recipe here.

Grape Puff Pastry Bites

These bite-size appetizers combine flaky puff pastry with sweet grapes and savory cheese, like Gruyère or brie. A hint of rosemary adds an aromatic note to the sweet and savory blend. They bake quickly into an elegant, impressive-looking starter that will definitely impress your loved one.

Find the full Grape Puff Pastry Bites recipe here.

Make your own Salmon Canapés

If you’re a fan of smoked salmon, then this is the dish for you! This Smoked Salmon Appetizer Platter has all the best garnishes and treats to build your very own smoked salmon canapes.

Check out this Smoked Salmon Appetizer recipe here.

Brie-Filled Heart Charcuterie Board

Celebrate with a heart-shaped board centered around a wheel of brie. Arrange other favorite foods like berries, nuts, and jams around it for a romantic and shareable presentation. It’s a simple, yet stunning centerpiece for your date night.

Find the full Brie-Filled Heart Charcuterie Board here.

Salami Blueberry Appetizer

These quick roll-ups feature salami wrapped around tangy pepperoncini and fresh blueberries. They’re a salty, briny, and sweet bite that’s perfect to share between two, especially since you can easily make more or less. Easy to assemble ahead of time, they offer a fun and flavorful surprise with a touch of pink that’s great if you’re enjoying these for Valentine’s Day. 

Follow the Salami Blueberry Appetizer recipe here.

Bacon Ranch Pickle Poppers

Crispy bacon wraps around creamy, ranch-seasoned pickles in this irresistible snack. They’re tangy, smoky, and packed with flavor, making a perfect alternative to classic poppers. Serve them with extra ranch dressing for dipping.

See these Bacon Ranch Pickle Poppers here.

Strawberry Kiwi Crostini Bites

Crispy crostini are topped with creamy goat cheese, sliced strawberries, kiwi, and a honey drizzle. These fresh, fruity bites are both beautiful and delicious. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re an easy, make-ahead appetizer.

Check out these Strawberry Kiwi Crostini Bites here.

Date Night Recipes for Dinner

Herbed Brown Butter Scallops

Scallops are seared to a golden crust and finished with an aromatic herbed brown butter. They’re a quick, sophisticated seafood option for your date night, perfect alongside roasted vegetables or a potato gratin.

Find the full Herbed Brown Butter Scallops recipe here.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Bang Bang Salmon Bites is a salmon dish of small bite-sized pieces, baked, and then coated in a Bang Bang sauce. The sauce is spicy-sweet, made with Greek yogurt, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime, and honey. It’s the best salmon dish for hosting, a weeknight meal, and also a fun appetizer.  

Find the full Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe here.

Chicken Marbella Recipe

This legendary chicken dish combines prunes, olives, and capers for a sweet-briny flavor. Marinate overnight for maximum depth, then bake with wine and brown sugar for a caramelized glaze. It’s an elegant yet simple make-ahead masterpiece you’ll be proud to serve your date with any leftovers being perfect during the week ahead.  

Find the full Chicken Marbella Recipe here.

Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Meat

Jumbo pasta shells become a comforting baked dish, stuffed with a savory blend of seasoned meat and creamy ricotta. Nestled in marinara and baked under a layer of melted mozzarella, it’s a complete, satisfying meal that feels ultra special. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner where you want the warmth of homemade cooking without much fuss.

Find the full Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Meat here.

Spicy Shrimp Scampi

Plump shrimp are seared and simmered in a fragrant garlic and white wine sauce, elevated by a warm kick of Calabrian chili. It’s a dish that balances rich, buttery notes with a subtle, building heat. Elegant yet straightforward, it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes, ideal for a memorable date night at home.

Find the full Spicy Shrimp Scampi here.

Vegetarian Lasagna Roll-Ups (with Cottage Cheese)

These individual roll-ups offer a fun twist on classic lasagna. Each noodle is filled with a creamy, protein-rich blend of cottage cheese, Parmesan, and pesto, then baked in marinara until bubbly. They are lighter than traditional lasagna but just as satisfying, making for an impressive and delicious vegetarian main course.

Find the full Vegetarian Lasagna Roll-Ups here.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Tender rotisserie chicken is tossed with spaghetti in a luxurious, one-pan cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s a wonderfully convenient recipe that delivers deep, Tuscan-inspired flavors with minimal effort. Ready in about half an hour, this dish is perfect for creating a special weeknight meal that feels indulgent. With this type of meal, a proposal may well be on the way!

Find the full Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe here.

Beef Pinwheels

These elegant pinwheels are made with a savory filling of ground beef, ham, and cheese, rolled and sliced for a fun presentation. Serve them with marinara and mashed potatoes for a comforting, impressive meal.

Find the full Beef Pinwheels recipe here.

Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Plump shrimp are tossed with fettuccine in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. This classic pasta dish is quick to make and is always loved, suitable for both casual and special nights in.

Find the full Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo recipe here. 

Miso Steak Marinade

This 30-minute marinade uses miso for deep umami flavor, enhanced with mirin, brown sugar, and sesame oil. It transforms any steak (or other protein) into a richly flavored, restaurant-quality dish.

Find the full Miso Steak Marinade recipe here.

Clam Chowder Bowls

This creamy New England-style clam chowder is served in a sourdough bread bowl for maximum enjoyment and visual appeal. Loaded with clams, potatoes, bacon, and leeks, this rich and satisfying dish is a fun twist on a classic, ideal for a cozy dinner in!

Find these Clam Chowder Bowls here.

Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta – in 20 minutes.

Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is one of my favorite easy dinners. Ready in minutes, quickly cooking shrimp pairs beautifully with delicate angel hair pasta and a sauce rich with lemon, butter, and plenty of garlic. 

Find the full Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta recipe here.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

This classic chicken cordon bleu is stuffed with ham and cheese and coated in crispy breadcrumbs. It delivers all the decadent flavor with less fuss and oil thanks to it being cooked in the air fryer!

See the full Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe here. 

Seafood Alfredo

Seafood Alfredo with fettuccine is a comfort pasta dish made with a homemade creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender shrimp and scallops. It’s an elegant meal to serve with a side salad and hot crunchy bread.

Find the full Seafood Alfredo recipe here.

Bruschetta Pork Tenderloin

Pan-seared pork tenderloin is topped with a tangy blue cheese and sweet corn bruschetta, and then drizzled with balsamic sauce. It’s a gourmet-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. 

Follow the full Bruschetta Pork Tenderloin recipe here.

Date Night Recipes for a Sweet Finish

Valentine’s Day Cherry Crunch Dessert Recipe

Indulge in this sweet and tart cherry dessert with a buttery, crumble-like topping. This effortless “dump cake” comes together quickly and bakes into a warm, comforting treat. Serve it in two goblets topped with vanilla ice cream for an impressive presentation.

Find the full Valentine’s Day Cherry Crunch Dessert Recipe here.

Chocolate Meringue Torte

This stunning, gluten-free dessert features layers of airy meringue and rich chocolate cream. Topped with fresh berries and nuts, it’s an elegant, make-ahead showstopper. It’s surprisingly simple for such a beautiful result.

Find the full Chocolate Meringue Torte recipe here.

Belgium Chocolate Mousse

With just four ingredients, this mousse is decadently rich and luxuriously smooth. It’s an elegant, no-fuss dessert that feels special. Whip it up in minutes for a sophisticated finish to your date night main meal.

Find the full Belgium Chocolate Mousse recipe here.

Strawberry Nutella Ice Cream

This no-churn ice cream swirls sweet strawberry with rich, chocolate-hazelnut Nutella. It requires no special equipment, making it easy to whip up by anyone. It’s a decadent and irresistible frozen treat that’s worth sharing with your loved one. 

Find the full Strawberry Nutella Ice Cream recipe here.

Mint Brownies Recipe

These brownies feature a rich, fudgy chocolate base topped with a layer of cool, creamy mint frosting. Finished with a glossy chocolate glaze and optional walnuts, they offer a classic flavor combination in every bite. 

Find the full Mint Brownies Recipe here.

Strawberry Crunch

Here’s another trip down memory lane: Strawberry Crunch. This cool, creamy, and crunchy frozen dessert makes good use of fresh strawberries, and boy is it good!

Find the full Strawberry Crunch here.

Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

These delicate, crumbly cookies are made from a simple dough of butter, flour, and finely chopped nuts. Once baked, they are rolled while still warm in a generous coating of powdered sugar. They melt in your mouth with a rich, buttery flavor, making them an elegant and timeless confection for any celebration. The playfulness of the name of these cookies is also ideal for your date night treats!

Find the full Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe here.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

These no-bake bars feature a creamy strawberry and lemon filling on an oat crust. A beautiful jam swirl makes them as pretty as they are delicious. Enjoy them fluffy and fresh or firm from the freezer.

Find the full Strawberry Cheesecake Bars recipe here.

Baked Lemon Custard with Ricotta

This creamy, rustic dessert is a cross between a custard and a cheesecake. Infused with lemon and baked to perfection, it’s delicious warm or cold. Top with cherry compote for a beautiful finish that’s worthy of a special occasion. 

Follow the full Baked Lemon Custard with Ricotta recipe here.

Hot Cocoa Mug Cake

Make this rich, chocolatey cake for two in just minutes using a mug and microwave. It’s the perfect small-batch dessert for a quick sweet fix when you’re considering what date night recipes to make for those sweet cravings. Top it with marshmallows for the full hot cocoa experience.

See this Hot Cocoa Mug Cake here.

Pretzel-Almond Bark

Sweet, salty, and crunchy, this easy bark is made with pretzels, toasted almonds, and chocolate. It requires no thermometer and is fun to make with kids. It’s the kind of dessert that’s easy to pair with an evening hot beverage if you don’t want anything too extravagant. 

Learn to make this Pretzel-Almond Bark here.

Vanilla Pudding Parfaits

Creamy coconut milk pudding is layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. It’s an easy, elegant, and customizable weeknight dessert. Serve it in glasses for a beautiful presentation.

Find the full Vanilla Pudding Parfaits recipe here.

Chocolate Dump Cake

This is the ultimate easy, gooey, and decadent chocolate dessert. Simply “dump” the ingredients (cake mix, pudding, chocolate chips) into a pan and bake. Easily elevate it with the addition of mini marshmallows, nuts, or sprinkles. Serve warm with ice cream for an indulgent treat you’ll want to make again and again. Leftovers are great for freezing too!

Find the full Chocolate Dump Cake recipe here. 

Peanut Butter Pie with Oreo Crust

If you love peanut butter and chocolate, this delish Peanut Butter Pie with Oreo Crust will be your new favorite! Made with an Oreo cookie crust and with even more chocolate on top, this silky pie is easy to make and is oh-so-good!

Check out the full Peanut Butter Pie recipe here.

Heart-Shaped Waffle Cookies

Turn pre-made Trader Joe’s cookie dough into adorable, heart-shaped waffle cookies using a mini waffle maker. They’re a quick, fun, and “waffly” cute project for any date night or Valentine’s Day. Enjoy them warm, right off the iron. 

Find the full Heart-Shaped Waffle Cookies recipe here.

Easy Mini Lemon Tarts

Irresistible Easy Mini Lemon Tarts with Strawberries are so simple to make, and everyone’s favorite bite! Little pastry dough mini cups are filled with lemon curd, a fresh strawberry and a sprig of mint. It’s the best “anytime” quick dessert to make for last-minute company!