Romantic dinners are a great way to show your partner how much you care. A home-cooked meal speaks volumes and is the perfect way to set the mood for an evening of quality time together. Here are some recipe ideas to inspire a wonderful dinner for two.
A classic steak dinner is always a good option for a special meal. Ribeye or filet mignon are excellent cuts of beef for a romantic dinner. Serve the steak with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus for a complete plate. A bold red wine is ideal to pair with the steak. For dessert, a simple dish of ice cream or fresh berries and whipped cream is all you need.
Seafood like lobster tail or crab legs feels luxurious and special. Serve the seafood with garlic bread to soak up the flavorful butter. A crisp white wine pairs nicely with most seafood. As a first course, a fresh seafood salad or cioppino, a seafood stew, are perfect options. For dessert, a lemon tart or key lime pie provides a bright, citrusy finish to the meal.
Pasta is a classic, comforting meal that also works well for a romantic dinner. A homemade Bolognese sauce tossed with pappardelle noodles is a hearty, flavorful option. Serve a simple salad before the pasta and garlic bread alongside. For dessert, tiramisu, an espresso-soaked cake, is a traditional Italian choice. A bold Italian red wine stands up well to the rich flavors of the Bolognese sauce.
Chicken cordon bleu is an impressive, retro dish that makes for an unforgettable meal. Pound chicken breasts thin, then bread and sauté until golden brown. Serve the chicken with rice or potatoes and a vegetable like green beans. A crisp white wine or a light red pairs well with chicken. For dessert, a classic French dish like crème brûlée or profiteroles is ideal.
A surf and turf of lobster and steak is the ultimate indulgence. Serve both proteins with drawn butter, béarnaise sauce, and your choice of side dishes. With a meal this lavish, keep dessert simple. Fresh berries, chocolate truffles or cheese and port are perfect options. A full-bodied red wine and a crisp white wine allow you to pair each component of this special surf and turf meal.