Valentine’s Day Romantic Dinner Recipes

Heading out to a packed restaurant for an overpriced meal? Over it! The best way to celebrate Valentine's Day is by staying in and throwing together a romantic meal for two. Not only does your night feel more personal - you can choose romantic dinner recipes perfectly tailored to your tastes - it gives you an opportunity to spend more quality time cooking and enjoying the meal with your Valentine.

The perfect Valentine's menu can be simple to prepare or even made partially in advance for stress-free cooking on V-day. So pick up a few candles to set the mood, and begin developing your Valentine dinner ideas with this round-up of romantic recipes.

STUFFED MUSHROOMS

These bite-sized mushrooms make an elegant start to any Valentine’s meal, offering rich flavor in a charming little package. Filled with a savory blend of cheese and herbs, including fan-favorite McCormick® Perfect Pinch® Italian Seasoning, and topped with crunchy panko, they’re a date-night recipe that’s a cozy prelude to a night in.

BAKED LOBSTER TAIL RECIPE

Few dishes say “special dinner” like lobster tails. Here, they're brushed with a silky butter sauce infused with lemon and herbs, including McCormick Freeze-Dried Chives, McCormick Garlic Powder and McCormick Paprika. The recipe includes directions to prep the tails, but to skip a few steps, ask your butcher or fishmonger to help out so you can focus on the fun part—cooking and sharing.

PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS WITH GARLIC BUTTER

If you’re looking for a Valentine dinner idea that screams gourmet but is far less intimidating than you would imagine, these scallops hit the mark, just like Cupid’s arrow. A quick sear brings out their natural sweetness, while a compound butter adds a bright, luxurious finish.

FILET MIGNON

This is a romantic dinner ideas classic for a reason—simple to prepare, yet effortlessly impressive. Seasoned with an ideal blend that includes McCormick Sea Salt Grinder, McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper, McCormick Garlic Powder, McCormick Whole Rosemary Leaves and McCormick Whole Thyme Leaves, each steak sears to a tender, flavorful crust. Looking to really up your game? Serve it with the lobster or the scallops for a restaurant-worthy surf and turf.

MARRY ME CHICKEN

(Internet) legend has it this creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken earned its name when the dish inspired a spur-of-the-moment marriage proposal—so consider yourself warned. Tender cutlets simmer in a rich Parmesan cream sauce infused with McCormick Garlic Powder, McCormick Oregano Leaves and a touch of heat from McCormick Crushed Red Pepper for a dish that’s every bit as irresistible as its reputation.

STUFFED SHELLS

Dining with kids? We got you! Whether they’re not yet into fancier fare or you don’t want to splurge on your petite gourmands, this comfort dish is one you’ll all fall in love with.

GARLIC MASHED POTATOES RECIPE

Creamy and buttery, these pair perfectly with any of the mains, whether you’re serving surf or turf. Just a touch of McCormick Garlic Powder gives them a little extra flavor without being too overpowering and ruining the vibe.

CHEESY SCALLOPED POTATOES

Here’s another spud option: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes bake in a velvety, cheesy sauce until golden and bubbling. This side brings a subtle richness and elegant presentation that’s tasteful enough for a romantic dinner.

AIR FRYER BAKED POTATOES

The air fryer delivers perfectly golden skins in a fraction of the usual time, while the interiors stay light and fluffy. Offer a variety of toppings so your special someone can customize to their heart’s content.

LEMON-ASPARAGUS RECIPE

Elevate fresh asparagus spears with a drizzle of melted butter infused with a medley of herbs, a hint of heat and a splash of lemon. The result? Love at first bite.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON

Like any perfect couple, Brussels sprouts and bacon bring out the best in each other. Here the roasted sprouts and savory, crisp bacon deliver a sophisticated side.

ESPRESSO MARTINI

This upscale pick-me-up adds a touch of style to an at-home Valentine's Day dinner. Homemade rich vanilla syrup, featuring McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, adds just the right amount of flavor to the bold espresso and smooth vodka.

CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES

Treat your sweetheart to juicy, ripe strawberries dipped in rich, melted chocolate with a splash of McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract. Toppings like sea salt, chopped nuts, sprinkles or drizzled contrasting chocolate add a playful touch.

SOFT AND CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies are a timeless way to someone’s heart, with crispy edges, soft centers and pockets of melty chocolate. For a little extra oomph, dust with sea salt for that sweet/salty perfection and serve fresh from the oven.