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Valentine’s Date Night Recipes

You don’t have to make reservations and go out to dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day properly. Save some money and make it extra special by cooking a romantic meal at home! This collection is featuring the best fancy main dishes, sides, desserts, and cocktails from some of the top food bloggers in the country!

Seafood Bisque

Seafood Bisque. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This Seafood Bisque is rich and full of flavor, showcasing a variety of seafood. It’s a luxurious dish perfect for seafood lovers and those looking to prepare a special, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Bisque

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish, highlighting the classic combination of garlic, olive oil, and pasta. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a quick, easy, and delicious meal. The dish’s simplicity showcases the rich flavors of its few ingredients, making it a staple for any pasta lover.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter

Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Combining shrimp and udon noodles with a miso brown butter sauce, this recipe offers a fusion of Japanese and Western flavors. It’s a great choice for those seeking a comforting noodle dish with a rich, umami-packed sauce, blending the best of both culinary worlds.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter

Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese

Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Check out this Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe! It is a luxurious take on the classic comfort dish. It incorporates fresh smoked lobster tails into a homemade mac and cheese, using a lobster base for added flavor. The smoking process brings a unique smoky taste to the dish, elevating it to a gourmet level. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or impressing guests, combining the comforting qualities of mac and cheese with the elegance of lobster.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese

Traeger Grilled Lobster Tail

Traeger Grilled Lobster Tail. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A luxurious and simple way to prepare lobster tail, grilled to perfection. It’s an elegant choice for a special occasion or a gourmet meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Lobster Tail

Lasagna Stuffed Shells

Lasagna Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Lasagna Stuffed Shells is a unique combination of two Italian favorites. This recipe involves stuffing jumbo pasta shells with a mix of cheeses and topping them with meat sauce. It’s an efficient alternative to traditional lasagna, easier to portion and quicker to assemble. This dish is perfect for large gatherings or meal prepping, and can be adapted to various dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or adding different meats to the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Stuffed Shells

Braised Beef Shank Tacos

Braised Beef Shank Tacos. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Offering a unique taco experience, this recipe uses braised beef shank for a rich and tender filling. It’s a gourmet take on tacos, perfect for those who love to explore different cuts of meat.
Get the Recipe: Braised Beef Shank Tacos

Perfect Grilled Filet Mignon

Perfect Grilled Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A guide to grilling a perfect filet mignon, ensuring a tender and juicy steak. It’s ideal for a special dinner or treating yourself to a gourmet meal.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Grilled Filet Mignon

Traeger Grilled Steak Sandwich

Traeger Grilled Steak Sandwich. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This steak sandwich recipe, cooked on a Traeger grill, combines the savory taste of grilled steak with the convenience of a sandwich. It’s a great option for a fulfilling meal that’s both easy to make and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Steak Sandwich

Smoked Beef Shank Thor’s Hammer

Smoked Beef Shank Thor’s Hammer. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe highlights the rich flavor of beef shank, slowly smoked to enhance its natural taste and tenderness, making it a great choice for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Shank Thor’s Hammer

Perfect Grilled Tomahawk Steak

Perfect Grilled Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A guide to grilling the perfect tomahawk steak, this recipe ensures a juicy, flavorful steak with an impressive presentation.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Grilled Tomahawk Steak

Traeger Irish Beef Stew

Traeger Irish Beef Stew. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A hearty and comforting dish, this Irish beef stew is prepared with a smoky flavor, adding a unique dimension to the classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Irish Beef Stew

Blackstone Filet Mignon with Lobster

Blackstone Filet Mignon with Lobster. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This luxurious dish combines tender filet mignon with succulent lobster, cooked on a Blackstone. It’s an elegant choice for a special dinner or celebration.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Filet Mignon with Lobster

Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels

Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A creative spin on appetizers, combining the smoky flavor from a Traeger grill with the creamy richness of artichoke dip, all wrapped up in a pinwheel form. Perfect for gatherings where a unique, finger-friendly snack is desired.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels

Philadelphia Roll Sushi Tower

Philadelphia Roll Sushi Tower. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

An innovative take on sushi, this recipe arranges Philadelphia roll ingredients in a tower form. It’s a visually striking and tasty twist on traditional sushi rolls.
Get the Recipe: Philadelphia Roll Sushi Tower

Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Smoked Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This smoked pork tenderloin recipe offers a tender, flavorful main dish with the added depth of smokiness, ideal for a special dinner or barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Blackstone Sweet Chili Shrimp

Blackstone Sweet Chili Shrimp. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe brings a sweet and spicy twist to shrimp, cooked on a Blackstone griddle. The sweet chili sauce offers a unique blend of flavors, marrying the sweetness with a hint of heat, perfect for those who enjoy a balance of flavors. Cooking on the Blackstone griddle adds a distinct charred flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience. This dish is ideal for a quick, flavorful meal or as a standout appetizer at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sweet Chili Shrimp

Blackstone Sturgeon with Lemon Cream Sauce

Blackstone Sturgeon with Lemon Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe showcases the delicate flavor of sturgeon, complemented by a rich lemon cream sauce, cooked on a Blackstone for a perfect sear.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sturgeon with Lemon Cream Sauce

Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Seafood Gumbo Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A hearty and flavorful seafood gumbo, this recipe combines various seafood with rich spices, embodying the essence of Southern cooking.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Traeger Orange Salmon

Traeger Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

The combination of orange and salmon cooked on a Traeger grill results in a dish with a sweet, citrusy flavor and a hint of smokiness, perfect for those who enjoy a fruity twist on grilled fish.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Orange Salmon

Blackstone Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Blackstone Air Fryer Lobster Tails. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A luxurious dish, these lobster tails are cooked in a Blackstone air fryer for a quick and elegant meal. It’s a great way to enjoy lobster with a modern cooking twist.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Chocolate Raspberry Cake. Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

A delightful chocolate raspberry cake recipe that pairs the richness of chocolate with the tangy sweetness of raspberries. Perfect for small gatherings, this cake is both delicious and easy to make, offering a wonderful blend of flavors for chocolate and fruit lovers.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Maple Baked Sweet Potatoes

Maple Baked Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry

A unique recipe that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavor of maple syrup. This dish is not only nutritious but also offers a delightful taste experience, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome yet indulgent meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Baked Sweet Potatoes

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen

This recipe features lamb chops encrusted with pistachios, offering a nutty texture and flavor that complements the tender meat. Paired with a red wine cherry sauce, it creates a sophisticated and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops

Bleu Cheese Steak Crostini

Bleu Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen

An appetizing fusion of savory steak and pungent blue cheese served on crostini. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a bold flavor experience, combining rich and creamy blue cheese with perfectly cooked steak for an unforgettable appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bleu Cheese Steak Crostini

Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin

Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen

A luxurious beef tenderloin recipe where the meat is coated in a balsamic and Dijon mustard crust. This combination provides a tangy and slightly sweet contrast to the rich flavor of the beef, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion or romantic dinner.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin

Valentine Bark

Valentine Bark. Photo credit: Mommy Evolution

A colorful and festive Valentine’s Day treat, this bark recipe combines sweet and crunchy elements. It’s a fun and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or adding a special touch to any Valentine’s celebration.
Get the Recipe: Valentine Bark

Kir Imperial

Kir Imperial. Photo credit: Charming Cocktails

An elegant cocktail that blends champagne with a hint of raspberry, creating a luxurious and bubbly drink. The Kir Imperial is an excellent choice for celebrations or romantic occasions, offering a sophisticated and refreshing taste.
Get the Recipe: Kir Imperial

Hibiscus Vodka Cocktail

Hibiscus Vodka Cocktail. Photo credit: Charming Cocktails

A vibrant and refreshing cocktail that features hibiscus and raspberry syrup, paired with vodka. This drink is not only visually stunning but also offers a delightful combination of floral and fruity flavors, making it a perfect choice for a summer gathering or a relaxing evening.
Get the Recipe: Hibiscus Vodka Cocktail

Strawberry Dump Cake

Strawberry Dump Cake. Photo credit: The Urben Life

This simple yet delicious strawberry dump cake is made with just three ingredients. It’s an effortless dessert option that’s sure to please anyone looking for a sweet and fruity treat with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Dump Cake

Raspberry Cupcakes

Raspberry Cupcakes. Photo credit: Entirely Elizabeth

These raspberry cupcakes are a delightful treat, combining the sweetness of the cake with the tartness of fresh raspberries. They’re perfect for those who love fruity desserts and are looking for something special and visually appealing.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cupcakes

Penne al Salmone with Vodka

Penne al Salmone with Vodka. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine

A delectable pasta dish that features penne tossed in a creamy salmon sauce with a hint of vodka. This dish offers a luxurious and rich flavor, making it a great choice for a fancy dinner at home or a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Penne al Salmone with Vodka

Medium Rare Sirloin

Medium Rare Sirloin. Photo credit: Dishes Delish

These medium-rare sirloin steak filets are marinated and oven-roasted, creating a juicy and flavorful meal. The recipe ensures perfectly cooked steak every time, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying
Get the Recipe: Medium Rare Sirloin

Nicole Johnson

Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.