Food
Staying In This Valentine’s? Here’s What To Cook Instead
Dinner reservations have long been the default for Valentine’s Day, the curated menus, the softly lit restaurants, the pre-booked time slots. But an unforgettable evening doesn’t have to happen across a restaurant table. Sometimes the most special moments are the ones you create yourself.
This year, more of us are opting out of the restaurant race entirely. Staying in gives you control over the playlist, the lighting, the dress code and, most importantly, the food. No settling for a set menu you didn’t even really want.
Whether you’re hosting a Galentine’s with your best friends, planning a low-key night with your partner, celebrating with your sisters, or consciously choosing a solo evening of self-love, a night at home can feel just as intentional, if not more. The secret is in the details. Soft lighting. A beautifully set table. Drinks in proper glasses. And a menu that feels special enough to mark the occasion without turning your kitchen into a stress zone. Because Valentine’s isn’t really about where you are, it’s about creating a moment. And sometimes the most romantic thing you can do is cook something delicious, pour a drink, and stay exactly where you feel most comfortable.
So if you’re skipping the restaurant chaos and hosting instead, here are the recipes that will make your night feel indulgent, aesthetic and genuinely memorable.
Baked feta with roasted grapes and rosemary
Sweet, oven-roasted grapes paired with salty, creamy baked feta and fragrant rosemary make this Olive Magazine recipe a beautifully simple starter for Valentine’s Day. It’s effortless to prepare ahead, feels indulgent without being fussy, and brings a flavourful, shareable beginning to your stay-in celebration, perfect with warm focaccia for dipping and a glass of something bubbly.
Oysters With Spicy Cucumber & Lime Granita
Turn up the romance with this fresh, fiery twist on a classic. Briny oysters are topped with an icy cucumber and lime granita, finished with a subtle kick of chilli for a perfectly balanced bite, cool, zesty, and just a little bit daring. Elegant yet effortless, it’s the ultimate starter for a Valentine’s dinner made to impress.
Truffle arancini
Indulgently crisp on the outside and lusciously soft inside, these Truffle Arancini elevate classic Italian rice balls with rich truffle and punchy Parmesan. Perfect as an elegant starter or shareable canapé, they bring gourmet flair and irresistible flavour to your Valentine’s celebration.
James Golding’s Courgette Salad with Citrus Ricotta, King Peter Ham and Maple Dressing
Bright, fresh and beautifully balanced, this Courgette Salad with Citrus Ricotta, Ham and Maple Dressing brings together delicate grilled courgette ribbons with creamy lemon‑kissed ricotta, salty slices of ham and a zingy maple‑spiked dressing. A sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts and fresh herbs adds crunch and colour, a light yet elegant starter that sets the tone for a memorable Valentine’s feast.
CHICKEN MILANESE & SPAGHETTI ARRABBIATA
Golden, crispy chicken Milanese served over a rich, chilli-spiked spaghetti arrabbiata, this is comfort food with just the right amount of romance. It’s impressive enough to feel occasion-worthy, but simple enough to cook together at home. Perfect for a cosy date night or a Galentine’s dinner, this Italian classic proves you don’t need a restaurant reservation to create something special.
One-pan sirloin steak & creamy mushroom sauce
A perfectly seared sirloin steak topped with a rich, creamy mushroom and brandy sauce, this one-pan wonder from BBC Good Food is ideal for a cosy Valentine’s night in. Juicy steak, earthy mushrooms and velvety sauce come together for a restaurant-style meal without the fuss of going out. Serve it with buttery mash or chips and share something truly comforting and delicious with someone special (or make it for yourself, it’s that good).
Lobster Risotto
A luxuriously creamy risotto studded with sweet, succulent lobster, this dish is pure indulgence for a romantic Valentine’s dinner. Each spoonful blends perfectly cooked Arborio rice with rich, buttery lobster and a hint of citrus, creating a deeply comforting yet elegant entrée that’s sure to impress.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree
Bold and beautifully plated, this vibrant vegetarian dish features caramelised roasted cauliflower “steaks” served atop a silky sweet potato purée with a whisper of spice, rich, creamy and satisfying with every forkful. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s an elegant and colourful addition to your Valentine’s table that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Cheese grazing board
Create a beautifully abundant and shareable starter with this Cheese Grazing Board, featuring an irresistible mix of gooey baked cheeses, crisp crackers, fresh crudités, pickles and chutneys. It’s a relaxed, elegant way to spark conversation and indulgence at your Valentine’s table, perfect for nibbling together before the main course.
Cheddar and Broccoli Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Comforting and crowd-pleasing with an elevated twist, these creamy cheddar and broccoli potatoes bring warmth and richness to your Valentine’s dinner. Golden, cheesy and perfectly tender, they’re a delicious side that complements any romantic main, simple yet irresistible.
Valentine’s Maple Pavlova
A show-stopping dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Fluffy, crisp-edged meringue is crowned with silky whipped maple cream, fresh berries and a generous drizzle of amber maple syrup, sweet, elegant and perfect for ending your Valentine’s meal on a high note.
Valentine’s Cheesecake
Decadently smooth and rich, this Valentine’s cheesecake brings creamy indulgence to your romantic dessert course. With a buttery base and luscious, perfectly sweet filling, it’s finished with vibrant toppings that make every slice feel like a celebration, a deliciously unforgettable way to end your Valentine’s dinner.
Big Crème Brûlée
A dramatic and indulgent finale to your Valentine’s dinner, this Big Crème Brûlée celebrates the timeless French classic in a generously sized version perfect for sharing. At its heart is a luxuriously smooth, vanilla‑scented custard finished with a signature layer of crisp, caramelised sugar that cracks beautifully with each spoonful, rich, elegant and utterly irresistible.
Maple Praline Truffles
Delight your sweetheart with these decadent Maple Praline Truffles, rich chocolate ganache infused with pure maple syrup and praline, dipped in tempered chocolate and finished with delicate maple flakes. They’re a luxurious, bite‑sized treat that’s both elegant and utterly indulgent, perfect for sharing as a sweet Valentine’s gift or after‑dinner dessert.
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