A special dinner with your main squeeze doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, a home cooked meal can be super special and comfortably affordable. Consider these romantic dinner ideas you can cook at home and save money.
Make a batch of Catalan Meatballs for a taste of the Pyrennes or stir up a Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for an Italian vibe. Whatever the flavor profile, your romantic dinner ideas can be affordable and ultimate comfort food for a special date night in.
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Whether you are dining out for Valentine’s Day dinner or another special occasion, an evening out can often be a crowded, frustrating, and overpriced experience. Avoid the restaurant scene and enjoy a delicious romantic dinner in the comfort of your own home. Your meal doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
Trust me. For years when we were paying off debts, there was no room in the budget for filet mignon or seared scallops at a boujie restaurant, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t enjoy special dinners together as a couple.
Even now with inflation going sky high, we’re happy to crack open a bottle of red wine at home and enjoy an easy meal we cook ourselves. We’re curated dozens of romantic dinner ideas to help you do this, too!
Why Do This
Financial stability is sexy. There, I said it. Being good with money is not only attractive, it also ensures a positive future together. Cooking at home can help you save money while still enjoying the finer things in life. In fact, you may be able to have a nicer meal with these romantic dinner ideas than you could afford at a restaurant when you cook it yourself.
It’s delicious. There are so many delicious and frugal romantic dinner ideas and recipes you can make at home without a lot of hassle. Thai Chicken Pizza is amazing without a lot of hassle.
It’s fun. Cooking together can be a great activity as a couple, so don’t feel like you have to go out. Instead, give a little extra attention to food styling and how you set the table so that it feels just as special as a restaurant option.
Below you’ll find several romantic dinner ideas that you can cook at home. Each has an easy preparation and in some instances can be made ahead of time.
Tips for Success
Keep it simple. While you may want to pull out all the stops for a romantic dinner at home, doing too much can make the prep work feel overwhelming. Focus on three basic courses that you know how to prepare well: an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert.
Prep as much in advance as possible. Since you want to enjoy time together with great food, you’ll want to do as much advance preparation as you can. This might mean prepping salad greens and chopping vegetables early in the day and maybe even baking the dessert the night before so you’re freed up to focus on your person.
It’s okay to outsource part of the meal. While homemade is the name of the game for an at-home date night, feel free to buy something special to contribute to the meal. This might be an elegant appetizer from the gourmet food store or a fun dessert from the bakery to complement your homemade romantic dinner ideas.
Set the mood. Candles, music, and a nicely set table all contribute to the vibe of a romantic dinner. Keep in mind the tastes of your partner so that it’s enjoyable for you both.
Choose recipes you’ve made before. While there’s something to be said for cooking to impress, you don’t want it to backfire. If you’ve never made Shrimp Scampi before or don’t know how to cook flank steak, you will want to practice before a special occasion or simply leave that for another time. Scroll down for our foolproof romantic dinner ideas.
Small touches matter. You don’t have to do a lot to make the evening special. A homemade garlic butter for the fish or a tomato sauce dotted with feta cheese can be extra special without being expensive.
FAQs
Traditional romantic dinner ideas include foods that you might find at a fine restaurant, including grilled steak, the famous Marry Me Chicken Recipe, seafood, or a pasta dish.
While gourmet shops like Sur La Table offer date night cooking classes, you can choose any recipe to cook at home together. Consider your preferences and what you tend to order at a restaurant. Those recipes are good options to learn to cook together.
An at home-date night can be as fancy or as casual as you like. Typically, you’ll want to serve a nice beverage, a light appetizer, a delicious dinner, and a fun dessert. Candles and a nice place setting can help build the mood you’re looking for: comfortable, yet special.
TLDR? Watch the web story: Tips & Recipes for Making Romantic Dinners at Home
Recommended Recipes
Check out these romantic special occasion or Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas for inspiration. All are affordable and easy to prep, making them ideal for a date night in.
Appetizers & Drinks
Serving a starter or a special drink really makes things fun and sets the tone. It doesn’t have to be expensive.
Main Dishes
These romantic dinner ideas are perfect for an at-home date night, cheap to buy and easy to make yourself.
Salads & Side Dishes
Don’t forget some easy salads and side dishes to round out the meal.
Desserts
It’s not Valentine’s Day without some luscious sweet endings!
Tell us what you think!
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This post was originally published on February 10, 2016. It has been updated for content and clarity.
TSandy
We had this very discussion last night. I’m having hubby grill steaks on the barbecue. Then I’ll do the side dishes and dessert in the kitchen. I’m keeping it simple this year. Organic sweet potatoes and asparagus for sides. Chocolate lava cakes with a peanut butter inside for dessert. That way minimal kitchen mess to clean up.
Jessica Fisher
I want to know more about the chocolate lava cakes.
TSandy
Oh these are SO good! Easy to put together from basic items found in the pantry.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Cakes
Yield: 4 cakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Warm and fudgy chocolate cakes with melted peanut butter inside. These cakes are not overly sweet but have a rich, intense chocolate flavor.
Ingredients:
6 ounces (170g) high quality semi-sweet chocolate, such as Ghirardelli or Lindt
1/2 cup (115g; 1 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
8 teaspoons (42g) creamy peanut butter (about 2 teaspoons per cake)1
optional for serving: ice cream, melted peanut butter and/or chocolate syrup for drizzling
Directions:
Spray each ramekin with nonstick cooking spray and dust with cocoa powder. This ensures the cakes will seamlessly come out of the ramekins when inverted onto a plate.
Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
Coarsely chop the chocolate. Place butter into a medium heat-proof bowl, then add chopped chocolate on top. Microwave on high in 10 second increments, stirring after each until completely smooth. Set aside.
Whisk the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt together in a small bowl. Whisk the eggs and egg yolks together until combined in another small bowl. Pour the flour mixture and eggs into the bowl of chocolate. Slowly stir everything together using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. If there are any lumps, gently use your whisk to rid them. The batter will be slightly thick.
Spoon chocolate batter evenly into each prepared ramekin. Top with peanut butter and use a spoon to slightly press it down into the batter. Some may still be exposed but don’t sweat it.
Place ramekins onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-13 minutes until the sides appear solid and firm. The top may still look slightly soft. Allow to cool for 1 minute, then cover each with an inverted plate and turn over. Use an oven mitt because those ramekins are hot! The cakes should release easily from the ramekin. Top with ice cream and melted peanut butter and/or chocolate syrup for serving, if desired. Serve immediately.
Special Equipment
four 6-ounce ramekins
Jessica Fisher
Sounds amazing. I’d have to use almond or sunflower butter instead, but sounds really yummy. Thanks!
DessertForTwo
We are definitely staying in for V Day this year! I love these ideas 🙂
Jessica Fisher
We’ve only gone out for Vday one year in our marriage. We happened to have a free babysitter and there had been a blizzard the day before so NO ONE was at Cheesecake Factory when we went. It was great. We had the place to ourselves. Crazy, but fun.
Melissa F
Oh Stephanie – that sounds so nice. My hubs and I like to stay in as well. I find that the times we have ventured out, it just hasn’t been a great experience. I’m still trying to decide what I want to do. As homey as it sounds, my husband would be so happy with just meatloaf and mashed potatoes! I, on the other hand would prefer some seafood or steak. I may do scallops since he does like those alot.
Melissa F in SC
Stephanie M.
Hi Melissa: You probably have some wonderful recipes for scallops. We love them too. I thought I would share a couple of recipes that we love. One is for scallops or you can use large shrimp and the other is a crab and shrimp dish that I made on Valentines Day last year.
Peach Bourbon Bacon Wrapped Scallops
24 sea scallops
6 metal skewers
olive oil
12 slices of bacon cut in half. If you freeze the bacon and cut it when it’s halfway defrosted, it’s easier to cut
salt and pepper to taste
Peach Bourbon BBQ sauce see below)
Peach Bourbon BBQ sauce
2 cups of your favorite Bottled BBQ sauce
1/4 cup peach preserves (I always use more to get a more peachy flavor)
2 1/2 TBS. Bourbon
BBQ sauce instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan. Bring to a simmer while stirring for 8 – 10 minutes, allowing alcohol to cook down. Cool and set aside.
Scallop instructions:
Wrap a half a piece of bacon around each scallop and place four or so on a skewer. Repeat with remaining skewers. Brush scallops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place scallops on a medium/hot grill. Keep an eye on them because they will cook quickly and you don’t want to burn them. Grill for about 2 – 3 minutes per side. Take them off the grill when they are about 80% done.
Add the peach bourbon BBQ sauce during the last moments of cooking or when the cooking is complete for added flavor.
These also make great appetizers if you’re having a party.
Next Recipe:
Crab and Shrimp Sauce over pasta
2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and cubed
1 red bell pepper, cubed
1/2 lb. lump crabmeat
1 lb. medium shrimp
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pkg. Knorr Alfredo sauce mix
Parsley, oregano, salt and pepper to taste
Brown garlic; add tomatoes and peppers and sautee a few minutes. Add crabmeat, shrimp, parsley, and spices. Simmer approximately 10 minutes.
Mix alfredo sauce according to directions on package and add to crab/shrimp mixture. Serve over linguini
Hope you enjoy these as much as we do.:)
Also here is a very quick and easy dessert idea that I served last year as well.
1 package of raspberry jello
1 package of Dr. Oetker chocolate mousse (brown box located in the pudding/jello aisle.
Whipped cream; Redi whip will do
Chocolate shavings
Four deep wine glasses
Prepare the jello the day before and divide into four glasses
The morning of prepare the mousse and spoon over the jello.
When ready to serve, put a dollop of cream on top and garnish with chocolate shavings.
Melissa F
Thanks Stephanie – sounds devine! And we like the chocolate mousse too!
Jessica Fisher
It all sounds yummy!
Stephanie M.
Thanks, Jessica. I’m not sure if you are seafood eaters but I bet you would all love the dessert. At Halloween time, you can make orange jello and lime at St. Patrick’s Day.
Stephanie M.
My favorite romantic dinner has always been and will always be chicken parmesan with spaghetti and garlic bread. I’m with you on that. We have gone out a few times but to us, we like it better at home. This year I was planning on making spaghetti and meatballs and then watching Lady and the Tramp but we are re doing our den and installing a new kitchen floor so with the construction, there’s no TV or DVD player in the den right now. We had our annual Valentine’s dinner party last Saturday night so for this year, that’s going to have to be it. When it’s all over, I’m planning on a date night picnic on the living room floor with a blanket, Hawaiian CD, candles, and picnic foods. Part of the reason we like staying home on Valentines Day is so we are not rushed and I can plan on something nice right here. A couple of years ago, I planned a scavenger hunt for hubby. I put little stuffed bears all over the house that held clues which led to several surprises. Another time, I moved our coffee table out of the living room and set up a card table with a table cloth, candles, flowers and red dinner dishes right by the front window. But staying home with a romantic meal is always the way for us. 🙂
Jessica Fisher
You are so cute!!! I love all your ideas. We are currently in various stages of illness. But, if we’re well by Sunday it will be chicken parmesan. 😉
Stephanie M.
Oh I hope you’re all better very soon and that you can enjoy your lovely Italian dinner!! 🙂
June
Yum, those all look great! I’m a fish fan 🙂 I’ve discovered wild caught cod it’s amazing and its fresh! I made it with halved Brussel sprouts sauted in oil or butter with scallions add a chopped sweet potatoe after I softened it in the microwave browned it all removed it cooked fish in that pot then put everything back in and added 1-2 cups of coconut milk salt & pep. The taste was amazing I can’t wait to make it again. Try it! It’s worth it!
Jessica Fisher
Wow! That sounds great!
Elizabeth
Steak with a pan sauce is my husband’s favorite, but we both love rack of lamb plus asparagus roasted in the rendered lamb fat left in the pan for super fancy days.
Jessica Fisher
Sounds delish!