Whether you’re looking for something fancy, fun, or simple, here are 20 date night recipes to get you started.
While Rich and I love going out, it’s not always an option. Sometimes it’s finding a sitter, other times it’s just that we don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting ready and leaving the house! We’ve gotten into the habit of doing fun date nights at home after the kids are in bed. Sometimes we make dinner together, other times it’s just dessert or drinks. To help you do the same, I’ve compiled a list of 20 date night recipes to fit whatever you’re feeling! Fancy or simple, I’ve got a recipe for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you make a date night at home?
Tailor it for you and your partner, but just do things together! Whether that means you make a meal together, watch a movie while having a picnic on the floor, try a new activity. Just have fun with it!
What is your go-to dinner recipe for a date night?
My husband loves seafood, and we have fond memories of going out when we lived in Boston, so we’ll make baked Dijon salmon or baked scallops frequently.
What meal is good for a first date?
I’d keep it simple for a first date, maybe just do dessert or make cocktails!
Eat It, Like It, Share It!
Did you try any of these recipes and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.
20 Date night Recipes
Crab Linguine in a White Wine Garlic Sauce
20 minutes
Sweet snow crab legs are tossed with linguine in a light and fragrant white wine garlic sauce. The perfect crab linguine in 5 easy steps.
Try: Crab Linguine in a White Wine Garlic Sauce Pin
New England Baked Scallops with Panko
30 minutes
A classic New England favorite, easy to make baked scallops are tossed in butter and coated in a lemon and garlic panko topping then baked.
Try: New England Baked Scallops with Panko Pin
Lemon Basil White Wine Spritzer
10 minutes
This light and refreshing white wine spritzer is made with bright lemon juice and basil simple syrup. The ultimate cocktail for happy hour on the deck or backyard entertaining!
Try: Lemon Basil White Wine Spritzer Pin
Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt
3 hours 15 minutes
These chocolate truffles with sea salt are the perfect balance of sweet with a hint of savory, using coffee to naturally enhance the chocolate flavor.
Try: Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt Pin
Baked Dijon Salmon
37 minutes
Wild salmon baked in a delicious Dijon sauce and crusted in panko breadcrumbs, all ready in under 20 minutes.
Try: Baked Dijon Salmon Pin
Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo With Linguine
25 minutes
An easy 15 minute dinner recipe, this spicy shrimp pasta is made with tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes and linguine.
Try: Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo With Linguine Pin
Chocolate Martini
5 minutes
If you're looking for a dessert cocktail, look no further than this cool, creamy chocolate martini recipe made with Irish cream, chocolate liqueur and vodka.
Try: Chocolate Martini Pin
Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds
13 minutes
The easiest appetizer you’ll ever make, this warm baked brie with honey and sliced almonds is a crowd favorite and takes just minutes to make.
Try: Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds Pin
Garlic Soy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
55 minutes
This flank steak recipe contains a winning blend of Worcestershire, soy sauce and spices.
Try: Garlic Soy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak Pin
Easy Beef Bourguignon
2 hours
Beef bourguignon is a warm and comforting French stew made with large chunks of beef and vegetables that are stewed in red wine, beef broth, and herbs. The ultimate crowd-pleaser, this make-ahead dish is ideal for entertaining.
Try: Easy Beef Bourguignon Pin
Easy French 75 Cocktail Recipe
5 minutes
The ultimate celebratory cocktail recipe, the French 75 is bright, refreshing and effervesacent. Made with just three simple ingredients including gin, champagne and lemon juice.
Try: Easy French 75 Cocktail Recipe Pin
Sautéed Salmon with Tomatoes and White Wine
20 minutes
This flavor-packed seafood recipe is made with salmon sautéed with garlic, onion, white wine and tomatoes. Ready in under 20 minutes, this salmon recipe is ideal for busy weeknights but elegant enough to serve company.
Try: Sautéed Salmon with Tomatoes and White Wine Pin
Beef Bolognese
40 minutes
This hearty and comforting beef bolognese recipe is made with ground sirloin, fragrant aromatics, carrots and red wine. Always a family favorite, this easy pasta sauce is ideal for prepping ahead or freezing for later!
Try: Beef Bolognese 
Frozen Yogurt Covered Strawberries
15 minutes
The ultimate summer snack or dessert, whole strawberries are covered in creamy vanilla yogurt then frozen until firm. Perfect for keeping cool!
Try: Frozen Yogurt Covered Strawberries Pin
Jalapeño Moscow Mule
10 minutes
A spicy twist on the traditional Moscow mule recipe, this version is made with gin, jalapeños and ginger beer. The perfect drink that’s zesty, spicy and not too sweet.
Try: Jalapeño Moscow Mule Pin
Broiled White Fish with Mango Salsa
25 minutes
Broiled white fish is topped with a sweet, tangy and slightly spicy mango salsa. This recipe works well with any firm, mild white fish!
Try: Broiled White Fish with Mango Salsa Pin
Parmesan Crusted White Fish
30 minutes
This quick and easy seafood dinner recipe is made with a garlicky parmesan crusted white fish broiled until light, flaky, and crispy.
Try: Parmesan Crusted White Fish Pin
Vegan Chocolate Espresso Mousse
20 minutes
Cool, creamy, and full of rich chocolate flavor, you won’t miss the added fat and calories in this lightened up vegan chocolate mousse recipe.
Try: Vegan Chocolate Espresso Mousse Pin
Herbes de Provence Grilled Porterhouse Steak
20 minutes
Herbes de Provence grilled porterhouse steaks use the French herb, mashed together with fresh garlic, kosher salt, olive oil, and black pepper to create the ultimate grill rub.
Try: Herbes de Provence Grilled Porterhouse Steak 
Sparkling Pomegranate Mimosas
5 minutes
A seasonal twist on the classic mimosas, pomegranate juice and sparkling wine come together to create the perfect brunch cocktail recipe.
Try: Sparkling Pomegranate Mimosas Pin
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