Life

Last-Minute Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas

by Kaitlyn Wylde

Suggestion: This Valentine's Day, skip the dinner reservations and cook your bae a delicious meal from the comfort of your own home. It might sound a little unadventurous and basic, but the truth is, you can make it as romantic as you want! You're in control of the vibes when you do things on your own turf — so turn your apartment into a romantic wonderland, if your heart desires.

You can still get dressed up, you can still light candles and eat on a table cloth and make the night feel romantic. And you can do so without the hassle of a prix fixe menu that doesn't have what you want, and the uncomfortable reality that all of your dinner mates are making out between bites.

And the truth is, it doesn't matter what kind of chef you are. No matter what you make for your boo, it will be appreciated. But do follow a recipe, Valentine's Day is not the time to improvise and go off-book. Check out some of these super easy and fancy AF recipes that will make your boo feel loved and well-fed:

Eggplant Charred Frittata

Big Girls, Small Kitchen

Perfect for the vegetarian couple, this breakfast-for-dinner style meal is super easy to make. Check out the recipe on Big Girls, Small Kitchen.

Sloppy Joe Noodles

A Spicy Perspective

Sloppy Joe sandwiches are delicious, but let's be real, they're not great date foods. Skip the buns and put it in a bowl with this hearty recipe by A Spicy Perspective.

10 Minute Salmon

A Farmgirl's Dabbles

If you're pressed for time, but have your heart set on making a fancy dish, this is your go-to recipe, thanks to A Farmgirl's Dabbles.

Wild Rice, Mushroom & Sausage Casserole

A Farmgirl's Dabbles

This healthy, heavy meal will fill up even the hungriest lovers, and the best part is that it's pretty good for you. Check out the recipe on A Farmgirl's Dabbles.

Grilled Steak Salad

A Farmgirl's Dabbles

The perfect dish for the health-conscious meat lovers. This salad is complex enough for dinner but easy enough to whip up after a long day of work. Check out the simple recipe on A Farmgirl's Dabbles.

Gnocchi With Lemon Alfredo Sauce

A Cozy Kitchen

Oh, you fancy huh? This easy-to-follow recipe from A Cozy Kitchen will seriously impress your boo. You'll also be seriously impressed with yourself, TBH.

Pumpkin & Jalapeno Raclette Mac & Cheese

A Cozy Kitchen

Yes, you read that right. All of your favorite things in one steamy, creamy, cheesy, spicy, pot. Don't be overwhelmed by all of the ingredients, you can do this. Check out the recipe on A Cozy Kitchen and master this dish.

Fish Tacos

A Cozy Kitchen

Easy enough for a kid to make, fancy enough for an adult to enjoy. If your boo loves tacos, make him these fulfilling fish tacos with the help of this recipe by A Cozy Kitchen.

Fancy AF Pizza

A Cozy Kitchen

Don't order in, don't reheat, make your own pizza, it's not that hard. And don't make any pizza, make this super adult fancy pizza with goat cheese and figs and bacon, because drool. Check out the recipe on A Cozy Kitchen.

Lasagne For Two

A Cozy Kitchen

Don't worry about making a whole dish of lasagna, just follow this super easy recipe from A Cozy Kitchen and make the perfect amount for a Valentine's Day date.

Parmesan Baked Chicken

Averie Cooks

Amp up your chicken game with this cheesy, crunchy, delicious recipe from Averie Cooks. It's the perfect romantic dinner for two.

Beef Chili

Averie Cooks

If you have a slow cooker, you're going to love this recipe from Averie Cooks. It's more than enough for dinner, plus you'll have leftovers for later.

Taco Pie

Averie Cooks

Had you at "taco" right? Taco lovers rejoice: this cheesy, gooey beef taco pie will win Valentine's Day. Check out the recipe on Averie Cooks.

A Serious Salad

Averie Cooks

If a bowl of lettuce doesn't inspire the romantic in you, try out this recipe from Averie Cooks. It's got maple-roasted butternut squash, quinoa, cranberries, and roasted veggies.