Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or nothing at all, the following totally impressive but completely approachable recipes will make your date night stand out from the rest. Be sure to read through each recipe carefully, as some require advance preparation or specialty groceries you can’t always find at your local superstore. But once your food’s on the table, all you’ll need is some mood lighting and music to bring together the perfect date night dinner!
Lobster Risotto
The hardest part of this recipe from Food & Wine is gathering the ingredients! We recommend ordering saffron through reputable spice trades like Diaspora Co. or Spicewalla and visiting your local fishmonger to get the freshest lobster possible. Plan for this meal at least a week in advance to make sure you have everything you need!
Roast Chicken with Schmaltzy Croutons and Greens
The star of this Goodtaste original dish is the ultra-savory croutons, which soak up all the delicious roast chicken juices and fat while cooking. Sourdough works best for the croutons, and for an even crunchier bite, let your loaf sit out a day or two before assembling this recipe.
Pasta with Red Wine Ragù
If your wine cellar is overflowing, this is the perfect dinner to make for your next special occasion! This Goodtaste’s pasta entrée actually uses an entire bottle of wine, and because the flavor is so concentrated, it’s best to pick a bottle you enjoy drinking. There are tons of great, affordable options to be found at your local H-E-B!
Steak Frites with Sauce Verte
Food52’s spin on this French bistro classic is a great choice for when you’re sick of eating hamburgers. It’s elevated yet simple and extremely filling! If you prefer fries with big flavor, double or triple the amount of garlic this recipe calls for.
Best Linguine and Clams
This Bon Appétit recipe looks intimidating, but break this luxurious dish down into three parts—clams, pasta, and breadcrumbs—and it won’t feel so daunting. This is another great opportunity to work with your local fishmonger to find the freshest, most flavorful clams available in your area.
Cod en Papillote with Blood Orange and Fennel
Blood orange and fennel are both in season in the winter, so this is an ideal dish to make for Valentine’s Day! You can also easily scale this Goodtaste recipe up to feed four. Don’t be afraid to sub in halibut or any other flaky white fish if cod isn’t available.
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