Rumor has it that Ina Garten’s engagement roast chicken is so good, it helped an iconic celebrity couple take the next step. Yep—Emily Blunt swears it played a role in John Krasinski popping the question. But you don’t need a proposal on the horizon to know that a great meal can work a little magic.
We’d like to think that no matter where you’re at in the love game—whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or your fifteenth—a home-cooked dinner is always a winning move. So this year, we’re skipping the reservation-making and instead cooking restaurant-worthy meals right at home.
In that spirit, we’ve put together four different menus tailored to every stage of a relationship. Maybe it’s your first night in and you want to impress without totally stressing. Or maybe you and your longtime love have perfected the art of a cozy meal for two. Whatever the vibe, we have a menu to match.
First Valentine’s Days can be nerve-racking, but a carefully prepared meal can set the perfect tone. These recipes are simple enough to keep you from panicking, but special enough to make an impression. Most of the dinner can be prepped in advance so you have time to relax (or pace nervously, just being real) until your date arrives. It’s also a classic, crowd-pleasing dinner which is great if you’re not totally sure of their tastes just yet. Serve it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal.
Whether you’ve already proposed or are thinking of doing so, this menu is sure to seal the deal. These recipes balance elegance with a certain level of ease. A classic roast chicken? Always a good move (just make sure to plan ahead for the buttermilk brine—love may be spontaneous, but good chicken needs time). Or, if you prefer steak, go all in on a rainbow peppercorn crust. To really take it over the top, finish with a citrus-flecked crème brûlée.
By now, you’re comfortable, so this menu leans into deeper, cozier flavors with just the right amount of flair. Little cornish game hens make the perfect date-night duo—especially in this tagine take, which is bursting with warming spices. Serve with a side of citrusy couscous, red-wine mushrooms, and finish strong with some lava cakes.
If you’ve done the fancy dinners and over-the-top surprises, here’s a meal that feels special without the fuss. The main dishes do the heavy lifting, with the meat, potatoes, and veggies all cooking together. And, each dish can be dressed up or down—like the winter citrus salad. Stick with just radicchio, or add nuts and cheese to take it up a notch. Same with the salmon, which comes with two homemade sauce options for an easy upgrade.
For dessert, lean into the theme with a strawberry chocolate shortcake, or keep it simple (but just as indulgent) with double chocolate espresso cookies.
What’s your favorite dish to cook for a special night in? Share a recipe or let us know in the comments!
