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Whether you're celebrating with your significant other for the first time or the tenth, you've probably already given some thought to your Valentine's Day dinner ideas. You'll be hungry by the time the sun sets, whether you've spent the whole day together, or you've just come back from the best date night ever. These recipes are perfect for ending the night on a delicious note or they can serve as your date night — cooking together is a super fun way to spend your time.
You can show your favorite valentine love with DIY Valentine's gifts, pink cocktails, fruit salad, or you can whip up a fancy-schmancy (and romantic) dinner. You can try the same recipe until it's just right, or experiment with a different pick every night of February. No matter what your favorite cuisine is, there's something for everyone.
Here are our favorite Valentine's Day dinner ideas for a date night meal to remember.
What is a good Valentine's Day dinner?
A good Valentine's Day dinner is anything that is delicious and romantic, and that will change for every couple (or if you're alone!). V Day is always a good excuse to cook up a steak if you and your partner eat meat, but pasta or seafood are also great ideas. Or go for a surf and turf dinner that incorporates all of them. You can also add aphrodisiacs into the menu, but whatever you pick, don't forget dessert!
What is the Valentine's Day menu?
Your Valentine's Day menu is totally up to you and your partners' tastes. You can check out what's local to your area if you want to have a menu that reflects this time of year in your state. In terms of courses, you can opt for dinner and dessert or go all out with an appetizer, entrée, drinks, and dessert.
What to make for a romantic dinner at home?
Here are some popular Valentine's Day foods you can consider making:
- Steak
- Seafood
- Chocolate
- Pasta
- Sushi
- Wine
- Fish
- Crème brûlée
- Strawberries
Sous Vide Steak
Prepare to swoon over this simple sous vide steak. Pair it with a baked potato and steamed veg. (via Brit + Co)
Coffee Rubbed Steak With Chili Lime Butter
Nothing says high class quite like a well-cooked steak. Take it from the pros and cook it medium-rare for the most intense flavor. We love the classic steak and baked potato combo, but feel free to shake things up with a different side. (via Brit + Co)
Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka
Image via Half Baked Harvest
You know we love vodka cocktails, so we are all about some vodka pasta! It's a 30-minute recipe topped with basil pesto and loads of your favorite cheese and you can add some red pepper flakes for some extra spice if you want. Swap the vodka for broth or water if you don't want to cook with alcohol. It'll taste just as good! (via Brit + Co)
Smoked Salmon Poke Bites
For charcuterie board fans or those of us who'd rather much on apps than have a full-blown dinner, these poke bites are cute, delicious, and have us dreaming of summer. Pickled ginger, avocado, and red onion take this recipe to a new level. Yum! (via Brit + Co)
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
A soup that's delicious *and* features veggies, cheese, and pasta all in one? Count us in. Just put everything in your slow cooker and let it come together while you finish getting ready. (via Brit + Co)
Roasted Salmon Nicoise
This one-pot wonder is great for any day of the week. Salmon, potatoes, olives, and green beans (along with some other delicious ingredients) come together to create a flavorful combo that you'll daydream about until you can eat it again. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Butternut Squash
A healthy, colorful dish like this butternut squash recipe makes for a great dinner recipe for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Plus it makes for an awesome winter comfort food. (via Brit + Co)
Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon is a great Valentine's Day dinner idea for anyone who works long hours and doesn't want to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen. Plus it's healthier than your other frying options! Not a fan of salmon? Try chicken or potatoes for other yummy options. (via Brit + Co)
Apple-Onion Pork Chops And Cheesy Crushed Potatoes
This recipe from Rachael Ray has some of the most interesting and captivating flavors we've tasted in a long time, and with meat, fruit, dairy, and starches, you're eating a lot of the food groups. (via Brit + Co)
Red Sauce Rigatoni Recipe
All you need for this delicious date night recipe is sausage, canned tomatoes, and pasta. And don't forget your favorite cheese, of course. This is a great option for having a fancy dinner at the dining table or curling up on the couch for a romantic movie. (via Brit + Co)
Charcuterie Board
Image via SocietySocial and QueenBrieCLT/Photography Demi Mabry
There's something so sophisticated and stylish about having a charcuterie board anytime of year, but especially on Valentine's Day. You can make it a red, pink, and white color scheme with fruit, dried flowers, and cheese, or try your hand at a breakfast-for-dinner board with heart-shaped pancakes, berries, and chocolate. (Via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken
Quick, easy, and delicious, what's not to love about this chicken recipe?! Tomato-y, buttery chicken goes great with flavorful naan and white rice. Sprinkle with cilantro before you serve. (via Brit + Co)
Zucchini Noodles
If you're avoiding regular pasta, try zucchini noodles instead of regular for a healthy take on your favorite dishes. Serve with pesto, olive oil and vinegar dressing, or Alfredo sauce to make a creamy pasta. (via Brit + Co)
Cauliflower And Burrata Valentine's Day Recipe
Photo via Half Baked Harvest
This dish might be geared for summer picnics, but it will also make a great option for your winter nights in. Change up the spices and seasonings depending on what your favorite flavors are, or make a couple different mixes and try them all! (via Brit + Co)
Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts
Photo via Half Baked Harvest
Okay so donuts don't technically count as an option for dinner but you can definitely make them for dessert! (Especially if you've already had your fill of lobster tails or pasta). You can even add some espresso to the chocolate glaze for a mocha taste. (via Brit + Co)
Cauliflower Rice Sushi
Not only does sushi make for a yummy Valentine's Day dinner for you and your S.O. but the actual construction of the sushi sounds just as great! Swap regular rice for some DIY cauliflower rice but feel free to keep your favorite fillings and sauces. (via Brit + Co)
Stuffed Avocado
Another great option for a smaller, finger food dinner, stuffed avocados make for a tasty and filling dish. You can also leave out the shrimp to make this an easy meat-free recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Crock-Pot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup with Curry Roasted Acorn Squash
We're huge fans of ramen noodle meals and know this is one Valentine's Day dinner idea that can't be topped. Call us biased, but you'll find it hard not to be once you get a taste of this caramelized blend of pork, open face-egg, and jalapenos. (via Brit + Co)
Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce
Get your hands messy with this appetizing and flavorful recipe! With ingredients like tomato paste, garlic cloves, and red wine, your taste buds will be satiated. (via Brit + Co)
Creamy Cajun Mushroom Pasta
Looking for Valentine's Day dinner ideas that are healthy and won't put a dent in your budget? Try your hand at this creamy Cajun mushroom pasta! (via Brit + Co)
Puff Pastry Breakfast Egg Tarts
Eating breakfast for dinner seems to stir up our inner little girl, so we're sharing this delish recipe with you! (via Brit + Co)
Chicken Piccata
Chicken is always a pretty safe option when cooking dinner, but this recipe dresses it up into something extra delicious. (via Culinary Hill)
Duck Confit Salad
Make your Valentine something extra fancy with this confit salad. Not only is this Valentine's Day dinner elegant but it also features pomegranates and avocados, so we can't say no. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Strawberry & Cream Croissant French Toast
Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest
Whether you're making brunch or having brunch for dinner, this is a great French toast-croissant hybrid. Swap the drizzle of maple with a chocolate drizzle to make it extra Valentine-esque. Serve with white wine or champagne. (via Brit + Co)
Crispy Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
With classic Cuban flavors, this mouthwatering pork recipe is juicy and moist. Pro tips: Spring for a high-quality meat source from your local butcher or farmers’ market, and marinate the pork overnight to make this top-notch recipe even tastier. (via The Food Charlatan)
Shrimp and Gnocchi With Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
If you’re both eating garlic, then you won’t have to worry about dreaded “garlic breath” after. Shrimp and gnocchi are already amazing on their own, but put them together for a powerhouse meal that everyone will want. You'll want to grab some red wine to go with this one. (via Damn Delicious)
Beef And Lamb Shwarma Wraps
If you prefer something a little more casual (or just love handheld food), try out these amazing wraps. Make your own tzatziki if you're feeling adventurous. (via Forks and Foliage)
Soul-Warming French Onion Pot Roast
Strawberry Ravioli With Balsamic and Basil
These naturally pink ravioli are packed with decadent flavors and topped with a balsamic reduction for a sweet and savory combo. Plus considering it's Valentine's Day, we'll take all the pink food that we can get our hands on. (via A Beautiful Mess)
One-Pan Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Valentine's Day Dinner Idea
Slow-Cooker Cassoulet
Spinach and Three Cheese Manicotti
Pasta dishes have a certain sensuousness to them, and this indulgent, cheesy manicotti dish cries out for a cozy and lovey-dovey night in. Feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own. Bring on all the bread and garlic butter. (via The Cooking Jar)
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
Creamy Masala Mussels
Mussels are delicate, fleshy, and delicious and lend a hand to any full-bodied sauce. The beer base will require all the bread to sop up every last drop of goodness. (via Drizzle and Dip)
Fettuccine Alfredo Valentine's Day Dinner Idea
Butter Candles
Add a little bit of ~mood lighting~ with these candles that are literally made out of butter. They make the perfect addition to any dinner and are like 2023's version of butter boards. (via Brit + Co)
Galentine's Day Sweet Treat Board
If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your girlfriends, or even going stag, make this colorful and sweet dessert board. You might spoil your dinner but honestly, it's worth it. (via Amanda Wilens)
Paleo Pot Roast
This healthful, Whole30-approved pot roast doesn't skimp on yum factor even though it's made with completely clean ingredients. (via Noshtastic)
Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry
Creamy Vegan Tomato Sauce
This plant-based tomato sauce blends cashews, roasted tomatoes, and onions. It is so good, the non-vegans in your life won't mind eating it too. (via Fit Foodie Finds)
Raspberry Almond Crumb Cake
Let this moist raspberry almond crumb cake help set the tone for sexy activities after dinner. It's full of ooey-gooey goodness that'll leave you and your date's mouths watering. (via Cozy Cravings)
For more Valentine's Day dinner ideas follow us on Pinterest and check out our online cooking classes!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This article has been updated from a previous post.
Additional reporting by Chloe Williams and Jasmine Williams.
Despite being called a "dishwasher," the magical machine sitting in your kitchen isn't just for plates, cups, or silverware. It's also a secret cleaning hack that can handle way more than you might think. Not only is tossing things in the dishwasher a major time-saver compared to handwashing, but it's even more efficient, using less water and energy.
So, the dishwasher is one appliance you shouldn't underestimate, with the ability to clean things like footwear, common household fixtures, and even toys. To get you started, here are 13 items you can surprisingly plop inside for a quick clean.
Scroll to see all the surprising items you actually CAN put in the dishwasher!
1. Waterproof Shoes
Nordstrom
You might have kids who love to explore in their Crocs or dance in muddy puddles while wearing their rain boots. Or maybe you ran through a trail through the woods that really left its mark on your Cloud 5 Waterproof Running Shoes. Plus, plastic flip-flops, a staple in summer footwear, have a knack for accumulating sand, dirt, and other grime during the warmer months.
These waterproof shoes can safely go on your dishwasher's top rack! Just be wary of using detergents that have bleach, as it could lead to material damage or discoloration.
2. Plastic Hairbrushes
Amazon
Hairbrushes don't only collect stray strands of hair. They can also accumulate dead skin, grease, and other grime.
If you realize your plastic brush or comb has seen better days, put it in your dishwasher's utensil container and let it go through a "normal" cycle. Just keep in mind that brushes or combs made from natural materials aren't safe for the dishwasher.
3. Children's Toys
Target
Kids have no problem using and basically abusing their toys. They get tossed on the floor, chewed on, and even taken outside in the dirt. To get rid of germs, plastic items such as building blocks, pretend play kitchen items, bath toys, and even pacifiers and teething rings can be cleaned in your dishwasher.
However, any toys that have small pieces should be placed in a mesh bag. That way, they don't inadvertently damage your appliance.
4. Baseball Caps
Urban Outfitters
Baseball caps are great for shading your face from the harsh summer sun, but they can quickly get dirtied from sweat. Thankfully, the dishwasher can help get them looking as good as new without ruining their shape.
All you have to do is loosely place your cap in the top rack and let it air dry afterward. Or, for those very concerned about their cap's shape, you can buy a cap frame.
5. Vacuum Attachments
Amazon
From sucking up dust bunnies under our furniture to tackling crumbs between couch cushions, our vacuums (and, specifically, their attachments) go through a lot.
Instead of handwashing these often-gross items, allow your dishwasher to do the work for you. Plenty of plastic vacuum attachments tend to be dishwasher-safe, but before you throw all of your accessories in for a bath, double-check your owner's manual.
6. Toothbrush Holders
Anthropologie
It's recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months to maintain hygiene. But when was the last time you actually cleaned your toothbrush holder?
Moisture and toothpaste residue can accumulate inside or outside this item over time. Just like a cup, simply turn it upside down, place it on the top rack of your dishwasher, and let it run through a normal cycle.
7. Potatoes
Target
Have you ever been tasked with making mashed potatoes or french fries for a large group only to realize just how many spuds you'd have to wash? You may be shocked to learn that you could've been saving a lot of scrub time all these years.
Potatoes can easily be placed on the top rack and washed on a rinse cycle! Never include any detergent, though.
8. Appliance Knobs
No matter how tidy of a cook you are, the knobs on your appliances, like your stove, are bound to get quite dirty after a while. They're constantly touched, often with sticky or oily fingers, and frequently forgotten about during kitchen cleaning sessions.
Give your appliances a simple refresh by disconnecting their removable plastic or metal knobs and sticking them in your dishwasher's utensil container.
9. Refrigerator Shelves
Amazon
From spilled milk (literally) to crumbs and leaking leftover containers, refrigerator shelves can get sticky, grimy, and downright gross to handwash.
Luckily, you don't have to! They can be sanitized in the bottom rack of your dishwasher, along with your other dishware, for an effortless clean.
10. Gardening Tools
Amazon
Regardless of whether you're a container gardener or prefer growing plants in garden beds, your tools are exposed to dirt, bacteria, and, sometimes, pesticides.
Those with plastic or metal handles can get sanitized on your dishwasher's top rack. Tools with wooden handles, on the other hand, should be washed manually.
11. Microwave Turntable
Amazon
Similar to refrigerator shelves, microwaves take a beating. This appliance reheats everything from bubbling soups to greasy pizza slices, but you don't want your turntable to look like a graveyard of dinners' past.
Instead of going through the hassle of washing this large, awkward item in the sink, place it in your dishwasher alongside your other plates, bowls, and cups.
12. Shower Caddy
Target
Unless you have a built-in shelf in your shower, you probably have a metal shower caddy that hangs over your shower head or door to hold your shampoo, conditioner, and other bath products.
Over time, mold and soap scum will accumulate on your caddy, giving it a dull or dirty appearance. To help this shower accessory become sparkly again, run it through your dishwasher, and remember to dry it off afterward to prevent rusting.
13. Pet Toys & Bowls
Target
Last but certainly not least are plastic pet toys and bowls. The former is constantly chewed on, dragged around your floor, and sometimes even buried in the yard. Meanwhile, the latter is exposed to the bacteria in your furry friend's mouth, kibble residue, and slobber.
Rather than forcing yourself to hand wash these pet accessories, let your dishwasher handle it. Just check the bowl and toy labels to ensure they're machine-wash-safe and don't have any hollow areas where water can get trapped and grow mold.
Looking for more home and cleaning advice? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Galentine’s Day comes but once a year, and it’s one of the holidays we get most excited about celebrating. This year when you’re brainstorming the perfect color scheme for your party or Galentine’s Day brunch, think pink! These 21 pink desserts recipes are the perfect treats to make your celebration feel as special as your friendships.
Raspberry Meringue Sandwiches
Baking a Moment
These light-as-a-cloud raspberry meringues are sandwiched with whipped chocolate ganache. It’s like each one holds a secret Galentine’s surprise inside. (via Baking a Moment)Strawberry Bundt Cake
Caroline's Cooking
Roasted strawberries are the secret to this moist bundt cake. The freeze dried strawberries in the icing don’t hurt, either. (via Caroline’s Cooking)Ultimate Strawberry Milkshake
The Lucky Pear
You know you’re enjoying a truly epic milkshake when you need to use a straw and a spoon to get down all the goodies. (via The Lucky Pear)Strawberry Cupcakes
Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
Filled with diced strawberries and pink sprinkles, these cupcakes are worthy of a celebration. Best of all, they’re finished off with a colorful swirl of frosting and a gumball for good measure. (via Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt)Pink Ombre Rhubarb Mini Cakes
Lauren Caris Cooks
Mini ombre rhubarb cakes are pretty enough to double as Valentine’s Day decorations. Best of all, thanks to fresh rhubarb compote and rhubarb icing, they’re full of flavor too. (via Lauren Caris Cooks)Ombre Peach Layer Cake
Live for Cake
Marvel at this gorgeous pink dessert recipe: Luscious layers of homemade peach jam are sandwiched by moist vanilla cake. The ombre frosting gives an elegant hint of the fruity surprise hiding within. (via Live for Cake)
Red Love Apple Galette
Eat Little Bird
Even if you love baking, little shortcuts are always appreciated. In this case, blushing red love apples are pretty enough that you don’t need to spend extra time decorating your dessert. (via Eat Little Bird)Raspberry and Pink Lemon Sorbet
Circa Happy
If you’ve been scared to make ice cream at home, this recipe is for you. It takes just a handful of ingredients and is made in the food processor, without any fancy ice cream making equipment. (via Circa Happy)Pink Champagne Macarons
Sprinkles for Breakfast
Nothing screams Galentine’s Day like all things bubbly and pink. That’s why these macarons, made with sparkling moscato, are the perfect pink dessert recipe. (via Sprinkles for Breakfast)
Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats
Dessert For Two
If you’re a fan of the classic Rice Krispies treats, wait until you try these. They’re not just pink — they get an extra boost of flavor from strawberry marshmallow creme. (via Dessert for Two)Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Deliciously Sprinkled
Relive your childhood with these strawberry shortcake bars. And don’t forget: No one’s stopping you from adding any leftover strawberry crumbles to some softened vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. (via Deliciously Sprinkled)Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Lovely Little Kitchen
You’ll see raspberries in a whole new light after tasting this decadent ice cream. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)No Bake Pink Lemonade Pie
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Some Valentine’s Day desserts are a little too rich, but not this pie. It stays nice and light, thanks to the fluffy pink lemonade filling. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)Blood Orange Cookies
Tutti Dolci
These colorful cookies get a citrusy boost thanks to a glossy coating of blood orange icing. But that’s not all — there’s blood orange juice in the cookie dough itself too. (via Tutti Dolci)Pink Champagne Cake
Liv for Cake
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a piece of cake and a glass of Champagne. This treat combines both into one dessert you won’t be able to stop raving about. (via Liv for Cake)Pink Mint Chocolate Bark
I Spy DIY
Peppermint bark isn’t just for Christmas. Here, it gets a Galentine’s Day makeover, thanks to candy melts and pastel nonpareils. (via I Spy DIY)Grapefruit Champagne Mimosa Cupcakes
Baking a Moment
Grapefruit and Champagne cupcakes are the perfect toast to your friends this Galentine’s Day. Don’t be shy — you’ll want to spread extra grapefruit Champagne marshmallow frosting on each one. (via Baking a Moment)Cherry Doughnut Holes
Just So Tasty
When doughnuts taste this good, they do double duty as breakfast and dessert. Just don’t forget a generous coating of two-ingredient icing to make them really special. (via Just So Tasty)Pink Pomelo Rose Tarts
Butter and Brioche
Pomelo and rose make these silky tarts extra-fragrant. For even more pizzazz, each one is topped with a burnished cloud of honey meringue. (via Butter and Brioche)Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
Sally's Baking Addiction
Dark chocolate brownies are made extra-rich with the addition of a cheesecake swirl. There are fresh raspberries on top too, that help balance the ultra-decadent flavor. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)Strawberry Crinkle Cookies
Meatloaf and Melodrama
There’s no need to break your back in the kitchen sweating over a batch of these strawberry crinkle cookies. They’re made with cake mix, so you can spend more time actually enjoying your dessert than making it. (via Meatloaf and Melodrama)This post has been updated.