5 Date Night Dinners to Make with Your Sweetie This Valentine’s Day

Because the way to someone's heart is through their stomach, right?

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I’ve had some pretty interesting Valentine’s Day dinners: There was the one year I watched a woman turn down a marriage proposal in a restaurant full of patrons — definitely not what the guy had in mind.

Another time my childhood crush and I got stuck on the New York City subway for two miserable hours, missing our reservation at one of our favorite cafes.

And last year I spent Valentine's Day in Penn Station’s Shake Shack, so you can make of that what you will…

By far though, the best Valentine’s Day dinner I’ve ever had didn’t take place in a swanky restaurant or uptown bar, but rather, my very own kitchen. And from now on, it's where I plan to spend every February 14.

If you haven’t booked a reservation yet, or simply want to avoid eateries altogether, having an at-home date night with your partner is a fun and romantic alternative. Just grab a bottle of wine, turn on some sappy music and whip up one, or all, of these delicious plates. Because roses and chocolates are great, but carbs and lava cakes are so much better.

Valentine’s Day was made for chocolate and these decadent cakes from Giada De Laurentiis are bursting with melted chocolatey goodness. When plating, top each warmed cake with a teaspoon of Frangelico and fresh berries for a bold end to the night.

Food Network Kitchen’s Valentine's Pizza for Two for NEW FNK, as seen on Food Network.

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Food Network Kitchen’s Valentine's Pizza for Two for NEW FNK, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Renee Comet

Renee Comet

Give your valentine a pizza-your-heart with this adorably delicious treat. Using store-bought pizza dough will save you time, so forming the dough and cutting the pepperonis with your S.O. can be a memorable labor of love.

Food Network Kitchen’s Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt

Food Network Kitchen’s Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt

Photo by: Matt Armendariz

Matt Armendariz

This cheesy multi-layered lasagna creation is sure to put everyone in the mood for romance. To form the whimsical dish, layer cooked pasta sheets in a heart-shaped Bunt pan. Then add layers of a creamy ricotta mixture and chunky meat sauce. It’s a dish you’ll both want to call yours for years to come.

Food Network Kitchen’s Steakhouse Sheet Pan Dinner for Two, as seen on Food Network.

Food Network Kitchen’s Steakhouse Sheet Pan Dinner for Two, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

You and your bae may swear off restaurant dining altogether after making this actually-affordable surf-and-turf dinner equipped with buttery creamy potatoes, garlicky shrimp, cheesy creamed spinach and juicy New York strip steak. Simply load everything on a single sheet pan and turn the oven on; it’s a dinner that’s completely meant to be.

Food Stylist: Anne Disrude 
Prop Stylist: Leslie Siegel

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Food Stylist: Anne Disrude Prop Stylist: Leslie Siegel

Photo by: Andrew McCaul

Andrew McCaul

Absolutely no judgement will be passed if you and your sweetheart skip dinner altogether and decide to eat a few ramekins of this shortcut creme brulee instead. Simply top premade chocolate pudding with a heaping tablespoon of raw sugar, and use a kitchen torch to melt the top. It’s a fun, quick and easy way to see literal sparks fly.

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