• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sweetphi logo

  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Five Ingredient Fridays
    • Reader Recreations
  • About
    • About & Contact
    • Partnerships
  • Cookbooks
  • Life
    • Love Lists
    • Catching up with the Kelnhofers
    • Travel
  • Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Meals for Date Night

Jan 30, 2019 · 53 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, please see my privacy policy for details.

I’m sharing some of mine and Nick’s favorite meals for date night recipes! Valentine’s Day. Do you love it? Do you hate it? The opinion in our household is that, no matter what, it’s a great excuse to take a break and spend some time with your loved ones.  Since my family has expanded to include Ben, Nick and I like to have a date night in on Valentine’s Day.  It takes away all of the stress of planning, plus you can eat in your PJs if you’d like.  Win-win! We’ve actually always stayed in on Valentine’s day.

We cook up one of our favorite date night meals and spend some quiet time together.  It is simply glorious.  In case this sounds like the kind of Valentine’s Day you’d like to have, you will love these recipes!

The best meals to have an amazing date night

  1. 5 Ingredient crock pot pork roast potatoes recipe – for when date night is also a weeknight, this is a great set it and forget it date night meal.  It’s super hearty and since February is always frigid, it’s a great meal for those cold nights.
  2. White wine garlic chili shrimp, 15 minute dinner – A super easy date night in is made even a bit fancier with this quick dinner recipe.  It’s best served with a baguette.  Yum!
  3. Mushroom and wine sirloin steak sandwiches – this dish is extra special to me because it started as a Valentine’s Day tradition.  Nick loves to cook this dish and I love to let him 🙂
  4. Meal delivery for special occasions – If you’ve followed along with me at all, you know I love meal delivery services. I even compared some of my favorites here.  Since meal delivery services often assist me in making tasty dinners, I figured why not for Valentine’s Day!?  The whole meal in the photo is delicious, BUT the star is the amazing blue cheese butter that I am still dreaming about!
  5. Balsamic mushrooms with arugula and cheesy polenta – if you’re looking for a recipe for a vegetarian date night, this is the one for you.  The medley of mushrooms used is the perfect compliment to the polenta.
  6. 5 Ingredient chocolate cake for two – No dinner is complete without dessert and this recipe for two is ideal for Valentine’s Day.  It is only five ingredients so you probably don’t even need to make a special trip to the store.
  7. Spinach salad with soft boiled eggs, bacon and a mustard vinaigrette – Nick and I’s favorite salad that makes us feel even a tad fancy.
  8. Blue cheese mac n’ cheese – when you’re looking for a decadent and romantic dish, try this mac n’ cheese.  The best part is that you can enjoy it for many nights to come because the recipe makes quite a lot!

Other recipes you might enjoy:

  • 5 Ingredient Pear Crumble For Two
  • 5 Ingredient Baked Chicken and Sweet Potatoes for Two
  • Steak Fajita Tacos for Two

I’d love to know: what do you cook for special occasions or date night? 

 
 
 

Blog Posts, Valentines Day date night, date night food, date night in, dessert, dinner, dinner for two, food blogger, foodblogger, main meal, Recipes, sweetphi, sweetphi blog, sweetphiblog, valentine's day, valentines day recipes, what to cook for date night

Did you make this recipe? Hashtag with us! Be sure to follow/tag @PhiliaKelnhofer and hashtag #sweetphiblog – we love to see what you’re cooking up!”

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lorena Keech says

    February 23, 2019 at 12:57 pm

    Either scallops or shrimp. My husband loves both,

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 28, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      Yum, both are so fancy

      Reply
  2. Steven Epstein says

    February 22, 2019 at 4:55 pm

    Potato, Squash, and Goat Cheese Gratin .

    Reply
  3. Margie Berry says

    February 22, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    Hi! I am a sucker for anything Pumpkin all throughout the year with pumpkin cake being my all-time favorite.

    Reply
  4. Margaret Whittle says

    February 22, 2019 at 8:09 am

    Maine Lobster Tails with a Filet on the side. Spinach salad with homemade garlic croutons and creme brulee for desert, of course

    Reply
  5. Amy C. says

    February 22, 2019 at 6:41 am

    My family would love steak or salmon and twice baked potatoes for a special meal at home.

    Reply
  6. Tamara B. says

    February 16, 2019 at 12:19 pm

    On special occasions and date nights my husband and I always cook up some of our favorites. During the week we tend to eat very lean & healthy so spoiling ourselves with a delicious meal is always exciting! We’ll cook up crab legs, shrimp, calamari, baked potatoes, roasted asparagus, and olive oil & garlic brushed crusty bread.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 18, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      I love that! And wow do your fancy meals sound amazing 🙂

      Reply
  7. Linda Bick says

    February 16, 2019 at 11:27 am

    Lobster 🦞crab 🦀 or shrimp 🦐 ! So sweet!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 18, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      Yum to all of those 🙂

      Reply
  8. Erika Estrada says

    February 16, 2019 at 6:54 am

    My special occasion go-to meal would be pretty much anything with shrimp. I’ve always loved shrimp and finally got better at cooking it properly! I love a nice shrimp with pasta, marinara, pesto scampi, or just straight up coconut shrimp!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 18, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      I love shrimp too, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  9. Rebecca S. says

    February 15, 2019 at 6:01 pm

    Some kind of fish, usually salmon or halibut.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 18, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      Yum, I love a good seafood dish for special occasions

      Reply
  10. Minica M says

    February 15, 2019 at 8:10 am

    We like to make beef tenderloin with a creamy mustard sauce. Side dish always varies

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 18, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      Oh yum, beef tenderloin sounds like a great special occasion meal!

      Reply
  11. Amber says

    February 15, 2019 at 6:38 am

    we love pepperoni lasagana or vwggie qirh lasagna with red peppers grewn peppers mushrooms. My husband loves it.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 18, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      sounds amazing!

      Reply
  12. Tori says

    February 9, 2019 at 11:34 pm

    I currently don’t have a kitchen so lately I will cook a lot of chicken because it’s easier and having to use more than one pan on a hot plate is a struggle lol

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 12, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      Ha, I’ve been through that! Hang in there.

      Reply
  13. VICKIE says

    February 9, 2019 at 8:29 am

    Love making salmon with Tom Douglas’s Rubbed with Love for salmon !! Have made it for others and everyone always loves it !! So easy and YUMMY !!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 12, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      Sounds delicious!

      Reply
  14. Steven Epstein says

    February 8, 2019 at 7:17 pm

    Seafood Paella Recipe on an Open Fire

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 12, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      Oh wow, that does sound romantic and amazing!

      Reply
  15. Sara Williams says

    February 8, 2019 at 11:12 am

    Our favorite special meal is one we cook together every New Year’s Eve. It’s Crab Pasta with Prosecco and Meyer Lemon Sauce. Here’s the link if you’d like to try it sometime. It’s AMAZING!

    https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/crab-pasta-prosecco-meyer-lemon-sauce

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm

      That sounds so amazing!

      Reply
  16. Elizabeth says

    February 8, 2019 at 9:52 am

    My husband and I like to stay in on Valentine’s Day. I’m keeping the tradition of making chicken marsala. We love it and it’s the only time I make it during the year.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 12, 2019 at 2:01 pm

      What a nice tradition, I love that!

      Reply
  17. Gayle Thom says

    February 8, 2019 at 9:20 am

    I like to make curry for Valentine’s Day.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 12, 2019 at 2:01 pm

      Oh yum, love a good curry dish!

      Reply
  18. Sharon says

    February 8, 2019 at 7:08 am

    A lamb roast with roasted veggies, and maybe a dessert from the local French patisserie.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 12, 2019 at 2:02 pm

      Oh yum, that sounds amazing!

      Reply
  19. jberry says

    February 1, 2019 at 2:54 pm

    Lamb. Cooking for holidays or crowds, I’ll grill leg of stuffed with garlic & rosemary. “Date night”, slow braised shank or quick seared loin chops. Lamb begs for potatoes, usually smashed red with a sharp flavored cheese & fresh herbs. Veg, whatever is green & in season, brussels sprouts, asparagus, swiss chard…

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:35 am

      Oh my goodness does that sound good!!

      Reply
  20. Jeffrey says

    February 1, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    I like making homemade pizza for special occasions. My whole family enjoys it and I’ve come to love the process of making the dough and creating strange combinations of toppings.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:35 am

      Oh I love that, such a special thing to make for the whole family to enjoy

      Reply
  21. Wendy B says

    February 1, 2019 at 10:29 am

    A special occasion dinner might be ribs or salmon or a no-meat risotto. Also for 3 different occasions this year, my husband or I made a brown sugar bundt cake.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:36 am

      Ok brown sugar bunt cake sounds ammmmmazing, definitely need to make one.

      Reply
  22. Lisa Burkhart says

    February 1, 2019 at 9:34 am

    Our go to date night dinner is cheese fondue in front of the fireplace with a nice glass of white wine. Dipping warm crusty bread and apples..Yummy. Usually followed chocolate lava cakes..

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:36 am

      I love that, cheese fondue is one my of faves!

      Reply
  23. Monica M says

    February 1, 2019 at 8:22 am

    We like to make Beef Tenderloin – it is my favorite (as long as it’s not cooked to long).

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:37 am

      Agreed, you have to cook it right!

      Reply
  24. Ashley H. says

    February 1, 2019 at 7:52 am

    Here lately my go-to dish for special occasions has been Carolina pulled pork. It’s about a 36+ hour process between brining and cooking, but it’s well worth it!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:38 am

      That sounds SO good, I bet it’s incredible after 36 hours

      Reply
  25. Kim Henrichs says

    February 1, 2019 at 7:23 am

    I like a good take out swap like homemade orange chicken – and then silly dessert such as ice cream sandwiches.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:38 am

      Oh I love that Kim- the other day we had ice cream sandwiches and they were soooo good lol

      Reply
  26. Susan Craig says

    February 1, 2019 at 7:08 am

    My husband did the cooking for special occasions. He was an amazing cook. I have been teaching myself some plant-based recipes lately. I think your idea of using a meal service is a great one.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:39 am

      It sounds like he was a special person, thank you for sharing your comment. And I really do love meal delivery for special occasions, it’s just nice to not have to think about it

      Reply
  27. Mary W says

    February 1, 2019 at 6:35 am

    When we have guests for dinner or a special occasion, I like to make a menu of dishes that I have never tried. Weird – I know! One that was recently very popular was a new to me dessert. I made double chocolate brownies with chocolate chips and topped it with a cheesecake layer. Some guests even had two helpings and the few brownies left were even better the next day.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:40 am

      I’d have two helpings of those brownies, they sound so good

      Reply
  28. Leanne G says

    February 1, 2019 at 6:23 am

    My husband is better than I am at cooking fancy dinners for date night. He doesn’t follow recipes, but might use one for inspiration.
    We weren’t as cold as you here in Eastern Nebraska, but schools were closed Wednesday. The weekend forecast says 40s and maybe 50 degrees! Looking forward to that!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:41 am

      Hope you’re staying warm, I sure am looking forward to warmer weather

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Catching Up With The Kelnhofers-26 - Sweetphi says:
    January 25, 2021 at 7:56 am

    […] For more ideas, head over to this post of some of my favorite date night meals. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Sweetphi - Philia Kelnhofer - food blogger head shot image

Welcome to the SweetPhi blog, I’m Phi! I live in Milwaukee, WI. I’m a busy working mom (and cookbook author x2) to boy-girl twins and a toddler.

I am all about helping make mealtime a little easier and sharing inspiration for those with a busy lifestyle!

Learn More

This Month's Most Popular

Related Posts

  • 1 Love List-35; looking ahead to summer and giving back
  • 2 What to Make with Anchovies (and anchovy breadcrumbs recipe!)
  • 3 Catching up with the Kelnhofers-80
  • 4 Meal Plan, 2/22/21 - 2/28/21
  • 5 Meal Plan, 2/15/21 - 2/21/21

Get the exclusive content you crave straight to your inbox.

 

Footer

Are you team ♥️ anchovies, or team 🤢 anchov Are you team ♥️ anchovies, or team 🤢 anchovies? 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I used to be 🤢 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
They sounded kinda gross if you asked me. Canned fish? No thank you. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Then I was part of a cookbook club (remember social activities.. 😭) and I cooked a recipe with anchovy breadcrumbs. It completely changed my perspective and thoughts on them as an ingredient. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Now whenever I encounter someone who is team ♥️ I rave and rave at them about miraculous anchovy breadcrumbs. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
They’re awesome on roasted cauliflower or on pasta 😘
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So I gotta know? Are you team anchovies ♥️ or 🤢?!? 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Head on over to the blog (clicakable link in profile) to read more https://sweetphi.com/what-to-make-with-anchovies-and-anchovy-breadcrumbs-recipe/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#anchovies #anchovy #breadcrumbs #anchovyrecipe  #easyrecipe  #easyrecipes #cookbookclub #foodblogger #milwaukeeblogger #sweetphiblog #seafood #sides #cauliflower #seafoodrecipes
If you have a sweet potato, a can of black beans a If you have a sweet potato, a can of black beans and some simple pantry staples, then you can make these burgers!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These easy weeknight sweet potato burgers are done in 20 minutes, and are SO delicious.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clickable link in profile 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/easy-weeknight-sweet-potato-burger-recipe/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#meatlessmonday  #sweetphiblog #dinner #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #recipes #easydinnerideas #burgers  #vegetarianrecipe #sweetpotatoburger #easydinnerrecipe #mainmeal  #healthy #mainmealrecipes #familydinner #veggieburger #sweetpotatorecipes #foodblogger #instafood  #easyrecipe #meatlessrecipe  #workingmom #healthyrecipe #foodblogeats  #sweetpotato #recipedeveloper #blackbeans #🍠 #toddlermealideas
Reading material in moms office 😍
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We’ve been loving new cookbooks and lots of family time and delicious food on this weeks’ Catching Up With Th Kelnhofers 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/catching-up-with-the-kelnhofers-80/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#cookbookauthor #babyfood  #cookingwithkids #sweetphiblog  #family #familylife #kids #twins #lifeupdates #recipes #easyrecipea  #lifestyleblog #familyfun #twins #boygirltwins #motherhood #reallife #familyof5  #twinmom #twinmomlife #boymom #girlmom #twinsofinstagram #twinstagram #twinmama #lifewithtwins #twinsandatoddler #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #milwaukeemom
Did you know we’re now doing a free weekly meal Did you know we’re now doing a free weekly meal plan which includes the ability to pick and chose which meals, and create a shopping list?!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
5 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner options plus a snack. You can chose what you want to make and then print a shopping list!!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This weeks’ meal plan is live on the blog, I hope you love it 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/meal-plan-2-22-21-2-28-21/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#sheetpanmeals #instantpotrecipes #slowcookerrecipes #crockpotrecipes #mealplan #mealprepsunday  #mealprepideas #freemealplan #soup #familymeals #instayum #easyrecipes #foodphotographer #instafood #foodblogger #midwestblogger  #foodblogeats  #sweetphiblog  #workingmom  #theeverygirlcooks  #theeverygirl  #realfood #eatwelllivewell  #recipedeveloper #familymeals #familydinner #milwaukeefoodblogger  #glutenfreerecipes #healthyeats
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
A delicious dessert that is as simple as can be, t A delicious dessert that is as simple as can be, this 5 ingredient stovetop blueberry crisp will be your go-to fast and easy dessert recipe!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This sweet treat takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish and is an awesome shortcut recipe 🙌🏻⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clickable link in profile 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/5-ingredient-stovetop-blueberry-crisp/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#sweetphi #sweetphiblog #5ingredients #5ingredientrecipe #easyrecipe #recipes #fiveingredients #datenight  #dessert #easydessert #glutenfree #dessertfortwo #blueberrycrisp #glutenfreerecipe⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#fiveingredientfridays #fiveingredientsorless  #5ingredientrecipes  #dessert #foodblogeats  #thekitchn  #workingmom  #theeverygirlcooks  #easyrecipes  #realfood  #blueberrydessert #glutenfreerecipes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Grab a cup of coffee and head on over to the blog Grab a cup of coffee and head on over to the blog for this weeks’ love list!!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clickable link in bio 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/love-list-34-beautiful-chocolates-and-a-cozy-jacket/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#reallife #ceramicmug #coffeemug #coffee #coffeetime #lifefuel #coffeecup #coffeelover #coffeebreak #coffeegram #coffeelove #cookbookauthor #morningcoffee #coffeelife #momlife #workingmom #bosslady #lists  #homemade #pursuepretty  #homeoffice #Workfromhomelife  #sweetphiblog  #foodblogeats  #☕️ #momof3 #recipedeveloper #momoftwins #twinmom #favoritethings
Have you heard about the 'viral' feta pasta recipe Have you heard about the 'viral' feta pasta recipe going around?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I haven't tried that one (yet), BUT I have a similar recipe for you, one I created years and years ago, which I thank the latest fad for helping me remember. This chicken feta spinach tomato pasta is delicious, easy and quick, and SO GOOD!!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This recipe is also the first recipe I made for my husband, so it holds a special place in my heart!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clickable link in bio 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/chicken-feta-spinach-tomato-pasta/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#fetapastarecipe #sweetphiblog #dinner #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #recipes #easydinnerideas #foodblog #food #fetapasta #easydinnerrecipe #fetapastachallenge #mainmeal #mainmealideas #mainmealrecipes #familydinner #supper #supperideas #pasta #chickenrecipe #chicken #foodblogeats #workingmom #familymeals #pastarecipes
What’s your favorite pancake topping?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We’re such a fan of pancakes in this house, I always love hearing topping ideas. Lately mine is cashew butter, banana, cinnamon and maple syrup
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Weekly recap (catching up with the Kelnhofers) is live:
▪️pancakes from my cookbook
▪️lots of couch cuddle time and story time 
▪️night walks in the snow (endless snow)
▪️cake for zoom calls
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/catching-up-with-the-kelnhofers-79/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#pancakes #breakfast #cookingwithkids #sweetphiblog  #family #familylife #kids #twins #lifeupdates #recipes #easyrecipea  #lifestyleblog #familyfun #twins #boygirltwins #motherhood #reallife #familyof5  #twinmom #twinmomlife #boymom #girlmom #twinsofinstagram #twinstagram #twinmama #lifewithtwins #twinsandatoddler #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #milwaukeemom
  • Recipes
  • Baby
  • Cookbook
  • Five Ingredient Fridays
  • Travel

Copyright © 2021 · SWEET PHI