20 Easy & Impressive Date Night Recipes (2024)

Every single one of these 20 easy date night recipes is a delicious dish suitable for date night with your girlfriends, family, or your S.O.! From fun new recipes like vegetarian sushi to mouth-watering classics like chocolate chip cookie skillets, you’re sure to find some delicious ideas in here!

Easy Recipes sure to Impress on Date Night

For me, part of the fun of cooking is cooking for other people. I love finding those recipes where you can actually see the other person’s eyes light up as they clear the plate of whatever you made.

All 20 of these recipes are inarguably delicious, with clear, easy-to-follow instructions and bursting with flavor. And while some of these recipes are easier than others, they’re all entirely worth it.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a romantic meal, or a “let’s make dinner” project for your next night in, at least one of these recipes is begging to be made. Happy cooking!

1. Heart Beet Ravioli

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Looking for a date night dinner challenge? Learn how to make pasta at home! These Heart Beet Ravioli are perfect to make with someone special, and the stuffing is so delicious.

2. Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

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Risotto might be one of my favorite date night dishes, and this Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto is no exception. It’s incredibly simple to make, but looks and tastes extra fancy!

3. Sweet Chili Vegan Lettuce Wraps

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Still doing Whole 30, or just generally trying to stay healthy? These SweetChiliVegan Lettuce Wraps are packed with flavor and crunch to make a light and fresh meal!

4. Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

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While nothing can beat mama’s lasagna, this Roasted Vegetable Lasagna is such a fun twist on the classic. It’s full of colorful vegetables and fresh tomato sauce!

5. Tuscan White Bean Soup

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Prepping a five-course meal, you overachiever you? Start off with this Tuscan White Bean Soup! It comes together quickly, and offers a creamy and flavorful texture loaded with healthy ingredients!

6. Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese

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I’m not sure I can make this Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese for two, because I’ll probably end up eating it all. The white wine, garlic and cream sauce is sure to put some smiles on!

7. Sheet Pan Veggie Tacos

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These Sheet Pan Veggie Tacos are such an easy way to load up on vegetables, filled with roasted mushrooms, onions, and potatoes! The best part is that while the oven does the work, the only thing you have to worry about is picking out your taco fixings.

8. Bruschetta

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Create that fancy restaurant feel with this easy fresh Bruschetta. Made with fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and spread on a warm slice of perfectly crisp toasted bread, you definitely won’t hear any complaints from this one!

9. Veggie Pot Pies with Puff Pastry Crust

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One of my favorite things about these Veggie Pot Pies with Puff Pastry Crust is how deceptively easy they are! Maximum flavor and presentation points for this one!

10. Pear, Brie, and Rosemary Flatbreads

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You will never catch me saying no to a flatbread! These Pear, Brie, and Rosemary Flatbreads are topped with such a heavenly combination of ingredients, and look deliciously impressive, despite how easy they are to make!

11. Lentil Bolognese

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This comforting Lentil Bolognese is the ultimate healthy comfort food for a date night in. It’s loaded with veggies and lentils, and easy to make to impress your date!

12. Ratatouille

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Might I suggest pairing dinner and a movie? You already know which one I’m going to suggest. Watch and make Ratatouille for a comforting and delicious dinner by layering thin-sliced vegetables on a bed of flavorful sauce. Make Remy proud!

13. Easy Vegetarian Sushi

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Another cooking challenge, coming right up! These Easy Vegetarian Sushi are stuffed with sweet potato tempura and the delicious sushi vegetables we know and love, but made in the comfort of your own home! Which person can make the prettiest rolls?

14. Spaghetti with Homemade Tomato Sauce

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Impress with the classics – spaghetti! This Spaghetti with Homemade Tomato Sauce is made with fresh market tomatoes and a delicious blend of spices, perfect to pair with a glass of wine or the Bruschetta from above!

15. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet (For Two!)

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Looking for a warm, gooey dessert that’s ideal for sharing? This Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet with have you two fighting with spoons for the last bite of melted milk chocolate.

16. Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

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These Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes are super soft and fluffy, and topped with a delicious healthy-ish coconut cream cheese frosting. And how appropriate is this color for the month of February?!

17. Healthy Apple Crisp

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Want to wake them up with breakfast in bed? This Healthy Apple Crisp is both delicious and nutritious, and the smell of your house while it bakes is better than any candle you’ll light!

18. Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

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The way to everyone’s heart this season: chocolate. This Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart has a crispy crust filled with luscious chocolate and hazelnut ganache and topped off with roasted hazelnuts. It also freezes well to make it last all week long.

19. Vegan Lava Cake

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Does this one even need an introduction? This Vegan Lava Cake is fluffy yet flourless and filled with a mouth-watering liquid chocolate center. Might want to make two, because I don’t think this one will be shared willingly!

20. Vegan Double Chocolate Chia Mousse

Last, but very much not least, this Vegan Double Chocolate Chia Mousse. Loaded with rich chocolatey flavor but made with wholesome ingredients, it’s the perfect treat to end the day with on the couch.

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20 Easy & Impressive Date Night Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What should I cook to impress my date? ›

Date night recipes
  • Vanilla panna cotta. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  • Next level spaghetti carbonara. ...
  • Steak Diane. ...
  • Quick honey & garlic pork chops. ...
  • One-pan sirloin steak & creamy mushroom sauce. ...
  • White chocolate & cardamom tart with raspberry dust. ...
  • Baked sea bass with lemon caper dressing. ...
  • Chicken & mushroom wellington.

How do you make a romantic dinner special? ›

Whether you're serving a roasted rack of lamb or silky, rich pasta, a romantic dinner for two can make an ordinary evening a little more special. Go big with pan-roasted lobster or steak frites, or try your hand at homemade pizza.

How do you make a date really special? ›

Below are nine tips to add a little something extra to your evening out.
  1. Go on a tour of your relationship. ...
  2. Get a car and driver. ...
  3. Start it off with a spa day. ...
  4. Plan your second honeymoon. ...
  5. Make it a surprise. ...
  6. Keep the devices turned off. ...
  7. Exchange love letters. ...
  8. Make it an overnight.
Feb 25, 2016

How do you make a perfect date night? ›

Planning Your Perfect Night
  1. Coordinate Schedules. First and foremost, you and your date need to find a time that works for both of you. ...
  2. Create an Itinerary. ...
  3. Build the Evening Around an Event. ...
  4. Avoid Busy Times. ...
  5. Remind Your Date. ...
  6. Record Your Favorites. ...
  7. Update Your Budget. ...
  8. Think Through Transportation.
Aug 28, 2021

What is a good first date meal to cook? ›

27 Amazing First Date Dinner Recipes & Date Night Dinner Ideas
  • Garlic butter chicken bites with lemon asparagus. ...
  • Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta. ...
  • Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells. ...
  • Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken | Serve cold in summer or hot in winter! ...
  • Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil.
Feb 16, 2018

How do you spice up date night? ›

Fun date night ideas...
  1. Outdoor cinema picnic. During the warmer months, enjoy a film with added romance. ...
  2. Bowling date. Wait, bear with us. ...
  3. Luxe dinner in the city. Is there anything better than a fancy dinner in the city? ...
  4. Stargazing. ...
  5. Board game night. ...
  6. Drive-in movie night. ...
  7. Cheese and wine night. ...
  8. Comedy night.
Feb 21, 2024

How can I impress a guy at dinner? ›

12 Ways to Impress a Guy on a Date
  1. Dress to impress.
  2. Wear a sexy scent.
  3. Make plenty of eye contact.
  4. Smile at him often.
  5. Laugh at his jokes.
  6. Find little excuses to touch him.
  7. Compliment him.
  8. Ask him open-ended questions.

How do you make a special meal? ›

Lively conversation makes a meal feel special, so set down the cell phones and select a topic. For example, go around the table and have everyone tell a favorite joke, share a beloved holiday moment, or say three things they're thankful for.

What do you cook for someone on a date? ›

Gourmet pastas, rich roast meats, luxe seafood, punchy pizzas, refreshing co*cktails and decadent chocolate desserts are all included. With these easy but impressive recipes, you can turn any evening into a memorable celebration of love, all from the comfort of home.

How do I make my dinner date not awkward? ›

Ways To Make Dinner Dates Less Awkward
  1. Keep it casual. Lacheev/Getty Images. ...
  2. Choose a quiet place. Thomas Northcut/Getty Images. ...
  3. Address the awkward silence. SynthEx/Shutterstock. ...
  4. Order the same food. Olexandr Chornyi/Shutterstock. ...
  5. Sit next to each other. ...
  6. Know your wines. ...
  7. Get tactile. ...
  8. Eat date-friendly foods.
Nov 25, 2022

How can I impress a date with dinner? ›

10 Tips for Pulling Off a Successful First Date Dinner
  1. Choose a relaxing dining venue. ...
  2. Look stylish while staying comfortable. ...
  3. Always be on time. ...
  4. Turn off your phone and keep it out of sight. ...
  5. Start a conversation and make eye contact. ...
  6. Order food that's easy to eat. ...
  7. Mind your manners. ...
  8. Drink slowly and avoid getting drunk.
Jul 20, 2017

Is cooking for someone a good date? ›

Cooking for someone you're seeing in the early stages of dating can be a great way to make a good impression. Or a clear sign that you're hooked.

Is cooking a good date idea? ›

If you're trying to get up close and personal with someone and create a more intimate vibe, cooking together is a great date idea. Working together to create something delicious is rewarding AND helps you bond. It's a win-win. You can impress each other with your kitchen skills.

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