15 Start-to-Finish Recipes for a Perfect Valentine’s Date Night With Your Bae

We all love going out for a fancy dinner and a rom-com every now and then, but sometimes staying in is just what the relationship doctor ordered. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, your date-night ideas can include a nice, low-key (or fancy) night at home. Of course, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to treat your sweetie to a romantic dinner — any night would be great for a sweet date. Check out these appetizers, side dishes and main courses for a little meal planning inspo. And don’t worry, we didn’t forget V-Day dessert!

Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Marcona Almonds + Blue Cheese

Serve up a few dates for your date and you can’t go wrong. Fancy appetizers are a great way to kick off any night with that special someone. (via Cooking Divine)

Spicy Breaded Oysters

You know what they say about oysters… They’re the aphrodisiac, and a spicy recipe like this one is sure to get you both a little hot under the collar. (via Brit + Co)

Kale Pesto Crostini

Toast up a few baguette slices and smear them with a nutrient-rich kale-based pesto and tomato slices. Serve this restaurant-quality appetizer with a fruity sparkling white wine to really bring out the flavors. (via Cooking Chat Food)

Mini Chopped Caesar Salad Cups

Salad as a starter may not seem super original… but when’s the last time you served it in an edible cheese cup? This bite-size app is refreshingly delicious and fun to eat. (via Life Is but a Dish)

Roasted Bok Choy

Nobody puts bok choy in the corner. Or you could, while you focused on other aspects of the meal. This super simple side only takes about 10 minutes to roast in the oven, so let it sit patiently until you’re just about done with everything else. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Microwave Risotto

Risotto is notoriously tricky to make, so when your S.O. sees that you went through all the “trouble,” they won’t be able to resist. Little do they know that you made it in under 10 minutes in the microwave! (via Brit + Co)

Honey Garlic Caramelized Carrots

Fancy date night doesn’t mean you have to slave away in the kitchen — after all, there’s hair and makeup to be done. Get that slow-cooked flavor in just 15 minutes with this caramelized carrot recipe that’s sure to be a hit. (via Heartbeet Kitchen)

Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta Over Polenta

Creamy polenta is practically begging to be topped with crispy pancetta and caramelized Brussels sprouts. Just make sure you save room for the main course. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

Orange Rosemary Roasted Chicken Thighs

The aroma that takes over your home when you’re making this dish is enough to make anyone salivate. Plus, once it’s in the oven you’re free to move on to other things: cooking, kissing or cleanup — whichever you prefer. (via The Peach Kitchen)

Miso Marinated Side of Salmon

This miso salmon would be wonderful paired with the bok choy above. The light flavors are slightly sweet, just like your date. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

Lamb Chops With Pesto + Pomegranate Sauce

These gorgeous lamb chops pair perfectly with pomegranate and pesto. Serve with red wine and you’ll win at date night. (via Cooktoria)

Seared Filet With Mixed-Herb Gremolata

If you’re both meat eaters, steak is pretty much always a good idea. Top each filet with a fresh herb gremolata for a flavor-packed main course. (via Good Life Eats)

Strawberry Brownie Lollipops

You can either make your own mini brownies or find a fresh batch at the supermarket (you’ve earned a break). These brownie lollies may look complex, but trust us — they’re super simple. (via Kitchen Mason)

No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

There is something so fun about having your own pre-portioned serving of anything, especially when it’s cheesecake. The no-bake nature of this little guy makes it even more appealing. (via Center Cut Cook)

Bittersweet Chocolate Meringue Nests With Salted Caramel Sauce + Cacao Nibs

If you’ve grown tired of the simple approach to dessert and want to show your date what you can do, this is the way to go. Pro tip: Use a fresh and local organic cream for best results. (via The Spiced Life)