25+ Fun and Easy Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes for the Whole Family

22 hours agoLast Updated: January 10, 2025

19 minutes read

valentine's day family fun dinner recipes

Valentine’s Day is not just for couples; it’s a perfect occasion for families to come together and celebrate love in all its forms.

One of the best ways to create lasting memories on this special day is by sharing a meal with your loved ones.

While fancy dinners and heart-shaped desserts are wonderful, there’s something extra special about cooking together and making the day interactive and fun.

This collection of 25+ Valentine’s Day family fun dinner recipes brings together a variety of delicious dishes that are sure to make everyone smile.

From heart-shaped pizzas to colorful pasta dishes, these recipes allow your family to enjoy quality time in the kitchen and around the table, all while creating a festive atmosphere filled with love and laughter.

Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or looking to make your Valentine’s meal extra special, these recipes offer something for every taste and age.

They are not only delicious but also interactive and easy enough for everyone to participate in.

Cooking and eating together is a wonderful way to build traditions, and these family-friendly meals are sure to become favorites year after year.

Get ready to create meaningful moments with your loved ones and enjoy some seriously tasty food with these fun Valentine’s Day dinner recipes!

25+ Fun and Easy Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes for the Whole Family

This Valentine’s Day, why not mix things up and create a fun, memorable experience with your family?

The 25+ Valentine’s Day family fun dinner recipes in this article will help you do just that.

Whether you’re crafting personalized pizzas, preparing a comforting roast, or decorating your own heart-shaped treats, each recipe is designed to bring a little extra joy to the table.

These meals not only encourage family involvement but also promote a sense of togetherness, making the celebration more meaningful.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic gestures—it’s about love in all its forms.

By making these recipes together, you’re not only celebrating the love between family members but also building traditions that can be passed down through generations.

So grab your apron, gather the kids, and enjoy a Valentine’s Day dinner that everyone will cherish for years to come.

Heart-Shaped Homemade Pizza

This heart-shaped homemade pizza is a fun and interactive family meal that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. Kids will love getting involved in shaping the dough and adding their favorite toppings. Whether you prefer classic cheese or a loaded veggie pizza, this recipe allows for customization, making it a delicious and personalized dinner option for the whole family.

Ingredients

1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup pepperoni or vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions, olives)
1 tbsp olive oil
Dried oregano and basil (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll the pizza dough out on a floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or freehand a heart shape with a knife.

Transfer the heart-shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border for the crust.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and add your toppings.

Drizzle a little olive oil over the edges of the crust and sprinkle with dried oregano and basil for extra flavor.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and slice to serve.

This heart-shaped homemade pizza is an easy and fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family. The kids will love making their pizzas and choosing their toppings, and everyone will enjoy a delicious, custom meal. Whether you’re looking for a casual family dinner or something to serve before a movie night, this pizza is sure to bring smiles all around.

Valentine’s Day Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce

A creamy tomato pasta is a comforting and rich dish, ideal for a Valentine’s Day dinner that the whole family can enjoy. The creamy tomato sauce is velvety and slightly tangy, offering the perfect balance to your favorite pasta. This recipe is quick, easy, and versatile, allowing you to add heart-shaped pasta for an extra special touch.

Ingredients

12 oz of pasta (penne, spaghetti, or heart-shaped pasta for fun)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and dried basil, letting it cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Serve with freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

This Valentine’s Day pasta with creamy tomato sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. The creamy, tangy sauce pairs beautifully with the heart-shaped pasta for a festive, family-friendly dinner. It’s a great way to show love through food while keeping things easy and fun for everyone to enjoy.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Love

These stuffed bell peppers are an ideal Valentine’s Day meal that the whole family will love. Filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground turkey, and seasonings, these peppers are both nutritious and delicious. The colorful bell peppers bring a festive touch, and the heart-shaped cutout on top adds a creative flair that makes the dinner extra special.

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1 lb ground turkey (or beef)

1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

1/2 onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Sauté the onions until soft, then add the ground turkey. Cook until browned.
Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine, then cook for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Stuff the bell peppers with the rice and turkey mixture, pressing down gently to pack them in.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
Cut a heart shape out of the tops of the bell pepper lids and place them on top of the stuffed peppers.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

These stuffed bell peppers with love are a fun, nutritious, and heartwarming dish for Valentine’s Day. The heart-shaped cutouts and colorful peppers make this meal visually appealing and perfect for a family gathering. Filled with a hearty mixture of rice and turkey, this recipe combines flavor and festive charm that will have everyone coming back for more.

Valentine’s Day Meatball Sliders

These Valentine’s Day meatball sliders are a perfect way to enjoy a fun, bite-sized family meal. Soft slider buns are loaded with tender, flavorful meatballs and topped with melted cheese and marinara sauce. It’s a great recipe to serve as part of a casual Valentine’s Day dinner, and the mini size makes them perfect for little hands to enjoy.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg

2 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

12 slider buns
1 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut (roughly 1 inch in diameter).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce onto each bun, then place a meatball on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Top with the other halves of the buns and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Valentine’s Day meatball sliders are a fun and flavorful option for a family dinner. They’re bite-sized, making them easy for kids to handle, and the melted cheese and savory marinara sauce create a comforting, delicious flavor that’s perfect for the occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a small gathering, these sliders will bring joy to the table.

Heart-Shaped Chicken Tenders with Sweet Honey Mustard Dip

These heart-shaped chicken tenders are not only adorable but also a tasty and healthy option for Valentine’s Day. The chicken is breaded and baked to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Mustard Dip:

1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey

1 tbsp mayonnaise

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut the chicken tenders into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or freehand a heart shape with a knife.
In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken heart into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Place the breaded chicken hearts onto the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
Meanwhile, mix together the honey mustard dip by combining Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise in a small bowl.

Serve the chicken tenders with the honey mustard dip on the side.

These heart-shaped chicken tenders with honey mustard dip are a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The crispy, golden chicken paired with the sweet and tangy dip makes for a tasty combination that kids and adults alike will enjoy. It’s an easy, yet special, dish to make for the holiday, and the heart-shaped chicken adds a charming, festive touch.

Valentine’s Day Pancake Skewers

Valentine’s Day pancake skewers are a creative twist on the classic breakfast dish. These mini pancakes are stacked on skewers with fresh fruits and served with a sweet dipping sauce, making them perfect for a fun family brunch or dinner. The heart-shaped pancakes and colorful fruit bring a cheerful touch to the meal, making it a perfect way to celebrate love as a family.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pancake mix (or homemade pancake batter)
1 cup milk

1 egg
1 tbsp melted butter
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup banana slices

1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Prepare the pancake batter according to the package instructions, adding milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Heat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, pour a small amount of batter inside the cutter to create heart-shaped pancakes. Cook until golden on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.

Once cooked, remove the pancakes and set aside to cool slightly.
Thread the pancakes onto skewers, alternating with slices of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries.
Serve the pancake skewers drizzled with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Valentine’s Day pancake skewers are a playful and delicious way to enjoy breakfast for dinner. The heart-shaped pancakes paired with fresh fruits and maple syrup make for a fun and festive meal that everyone will love. Perfect for a family gathering, these skewers are both easy to make and full of flavor, creating a memorable Valentine’s Day experience.

Valentine’s Day Taco Bar

A Valentine’s Day taco bar is a festive and interactive way to enjoy dinner with the family. This customizable meal lets everyone build their own tacos, choosing from a variety of proteins, toppings, and salsas. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved and create a personalized meal that suits everyone’s tastes. Add a little love to the meal by using heart-shaped tortilla chips for a fun and festive touch.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
12 small soft flour or corn tortillas

1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced onions

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup salsa (mild or hot, depending on preference)
1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup guacamole
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
Heart-shaped tortilla chips for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning with water according to the package instructions. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and seasoned.
While the meat is cooking, prepare the taco toppings by chopping the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and other desired toppings.
Warm the tortillas in the oven or on a dry skillet.
Arrange all the taco fillings in separate bowls, setting up a taco bar for everyone to customize their tacos.
Serve with heart-shaped tortilla chips for added Valentine’s Day fun.

A Valentine’s Day taco bar is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to engage the whole family in the meal-making process. Everyone can choose their own fillings and toppings, making it an easy dinner to prepare and enjoy. The heart-shaped tortilla chips add a special touch, perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day with a fun and flavorful twist!

Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms

These Valentine’s Day stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer or side dish for a cozy family dinner. The mushrooms are filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then baked until golden and bubbly. They’re bite-sized, making them perfect for little ones and grown-ups alike. The addition of a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives them an irresistible, rich flavor.

Ingredients

12 large white or cremini mushrooms
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems, setting the caps aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Stuff each mushroom cap with the cream cheese mixture, pressing gently to fill the cavity.
Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or side dish.

Valentine’s Day stuffed mushrooms are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that adds a touch of elegance to your meal. The creamy filling combined with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms creates a comforting, savory bite that will impress the whole family. These stuffed mushrooms are perfect for a special meal and will surely become a favorite Valentine’s Day recipe.

Valentine’s Day Meatloaf Cupcakes

These Valentine’s Day meatloaf cupcakes are a fun and creative way to serve a classic dish. Each individual meatloaf is shaped into a cupcake form and topped with mashed potato “frosting.” They’re easy to serve and fun to eat, making them a great option for a family dinner that feels festive yet comforting. The combination of hearty meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead of time)
1/4 cup grated cheese (optional for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each muffin cup.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Scoop the meat mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 of the way full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf cupcakes are fully cooked through.
While the meatloaf cupcakes are baking, prepare the mashed potatoes. You can make them from scratch or use instant mashed potatoes.
Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Spoon or pipe mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf cupcake to create the “frosting.”
Optional: Sprinkle with grated cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serve warm.

Valentine’s Day meatloaf cupcakes bring a fun twist to a traditional comfort food favorite. The individual servings make them perfect for portion control, and the mashed potato frosting adds a playful element to the dish. This recipe is perfect for a cozy, family-friendly Valentine’s dinner that’s as delicious as it is festive.

Valentine’s Day Pizza Hearts

Valentine’s Day pizza hearts are an easy and fun way to celebrate the holiday with a homemade pizza twist. Using pre-made pizza dough or a simple homemade recipe, shape the dough into heart shapes and top with your favorite pizza toppings. These personal-sized pizzas make a great family meal and allow each person to customize their own heart-shaped pizza. It’s a delicious, festive, and interactive dinner that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other toppings of choice (mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Olive oil (for brushing)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using store-bought pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to become more pliable.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or freehand to cut the dough into heart shapes.
Place the heart-shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each heart-shaped dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then add your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, vegetables, or olives.
Brush the edges of the dough lightly with olive oil to promote golden, crispy crust.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden.
Remove from the oven, add fresh basil leaves for garnish if desired, and serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Valentine’s Day pizza hearts are a simple yet delightful way to celebrate with your family. The heart-shaped pizzas are customizable, allowing each family member to top their pizza just the way they like it. The individual servings make this meal perfect for a casual yet fun dinner, and the homemade touch adds an extra layer of love to the meal.

Valentine’s Day Fruit Kabobs

These Valentine’s Day fruit kabobs are a refreshing, healthy, and fun way to enjoy dessert. The colorful mix of fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, and grapes is perfect for a light, fruity treat after a Valentine’s Day meal. You can even add marshmallows or a drizzle of chocolate for a sweet finish. These kabobs are simple to make and a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
1 banana, sliced
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 cup green grapes
1/2 cup red grapes
1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
1/4 cup dark or white chocolate (optional for drizzling)
Heart-shaped cookie cutters (optional, for shaping fruit)

Instructions

If desired, use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut the strawberries or pineapple into heart shapes for a festive touch.
Thread the fruit and marshmallows onto wooden skewers, alternating between strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and grapes.
If using, melt the chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the assembled fruit kabobs, or dip the tips of the fruit in chocolate for a sweeter treat.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Valentine’s Day fruit kabobs are a fun, vibrant, and healthy dessert option that everyone will love. The mix of fresh, colorful fruits and optional chocolate drizzle offers a sweet yet nutritious way to end the meal. They’re easy to make, fun to assemble, and make for an Instagram-worthy treat that’s perfect for the whole family.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic treat for Valentine’s Day, and they’re easy to make at home. With fresh, juicy strawberries dipped in rich, melted chocolate and topped with colorful sprinkles or crushed nuts, these treats make for a luxurious and festive dessert. They’re perfect for the family to enjoy together or as a special treat to share on the day of love.

Ingredients

12 large fresh strawberries, washed and dried
1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzling)
1/4 cup crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts, optional)
1/4 cup colorful sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark or milk chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and completely melted.
Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, covering about 2/3 of the berry. Gently shake off excess chocolate and place the dipped strawberry onto the prepared baking sheet.
If desired, roll the dipped strawberries in crushed nuts or sprinkles to decorate.
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in the same way and drizzle over the chocolate-covered strawberries for a pretty finish.
Allow the chocolate to harden by letting the strawberries sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerating them for 10-15 minutes.

Valentine’s Day chocolate-covered strawberries are the ultimate sweet treat to share with loved ones. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfectly suited for the holiday. The combination of juicy strawberries and rich chocolate is irresistible, and adding your favorite toppings or drizzles makes them extra special. Perfect for sharing with the family or gifting to someone special!

Valentine’s Day Spaghetti with Meatballs

This Valentine’s Day, make a classic family favorite with a twist by serving spaghetti and meatballs in the shape of hearts! The hearty meatballs are perfectly seasoned and paired with rich marinara sauce and spaghetti, making for a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish brings everyone together for a delicious dinner that’s both festive and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce
1 lb spaghetti pasta
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Heart-shaped cookie cutter (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Optionally, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the cooked spaghetti into heart shapes.
Serve the spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce, garnished with fresh basil.

Valentine’s Day spaghetti with meatballs brings a comforting and heartwarming touch to your family meal. The heart-shaped pasta and tender meatballs are a festive and fun way to make a classic dinner feel extra special. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, making it perfect for celebrating love with your loved ones.

Valentine’s Day Mac and Cheese with Bacon Hearts

This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese gets an upgrade for Valentine’s Day with crispy bacon in the shape of hearts! The smooth cheese sauce, combined with al dente pasta and crispy bacon, makes for a decadent and delicious dish. It’s a fun way to elevate a classic comfort food while adding a festive twist with heart-shaped bacon pieces.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 lb bacon
Heart-shaped cookie cutter (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
While the mac and cheese is cooking, fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Let it cool, then use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the bacon into heart shapes.
Serve the mac and cheese topped with heart-shaped bacon pieces for a festive, savory touch.

Valentine’s Day mac and cheese with bacon hearts is a perfect way to combine indulgence and fun on this special day. The creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon hearts create a dish that’s as delicious as it is cute. It’s a great way to bring a little extra love to your family’s favorite comfort food!

Valentine’s Day Roast Chicken with Red Potatoes

For a cozy and elegant Valentine’s Day dinner, a roast chicken with red potatoes is a perfect option. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic herbs and roasted to perfection, while the red potatoes add a deliciously crispy and flavorful side. This dish is simple enough to prepare but special enough to make the evening feel extraordinary. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a romantic dinner with your family.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb red potatoes, quartered
1 lemon, halved
4 garlic cloves, smashed
Fresh rosemary and thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the whole chicken in a roasting pan.
Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves and smashed garlic cloves.
Arrange the quartered red potatoes around the chicken in the roasting pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
Roast the chicken and potatoes for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are golden and crispy.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Serve the chicken with the roasted potatoes, garnished with fresh herbs.

Valentine’s Day roast chicken with red potatoes is an elegant yet comforting dish that will bring warmth to your family dinner. The tender, flavorful chicken and crispy potatoes are a perfect pairing that’s easy to prepare but feels special enough for the holiday. Whether you’re having a quiet dinner at home or a small celebration, this dish will help make the occasion memorable.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!

22 hours agoLast Updated: January 10, 2025

19 minutes read