31 dazzling dishes for date night at home

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Date nights at home offer a unique charm that no restaurant or movie theater can match. It’s the familiar surroundings, the personal touches, and the freedom to set the mood exactly how you want it. With just a bit of planning, your living room can become the perfect romantic getaway filled with laughter, love, and memories.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love.

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs on a black platter.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Loaded with flavor and a kiss of smoke, these elote corn ribs are as impressive looking as they are delicious! WIth a kick of spice and ready in a jiffy, there’s every reason to try these tonight!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Ninja Grill Smoky Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Ninja Grill Smoky Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

It doesn’t get much more flavorful than this! Smoky chops cooked on the Ninja Woodfire Grill are then topped with a grilled pineapple salsa. A taste of the tropics in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Ninja Grill Smoky Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce

Ninja Woodfire Grill Wings with Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauce on a white plate.
Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Ready in no time, these smoky, saucy wings are good eating! Crispy wings with a touch of smoke are slathered in a whiskey-infused sauce making these some of the best wings around!
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce on pasta.
Authentic Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Thick, rich, and infused with flavor, this Bolognese Sauce is cooked low and slow the traditional way. Perfect over al dente pasta, this amazing authentic recipe is to good to miss. It freezes like a dream, too!
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Imagine juicy, marinated chicken breasts topped with ooey gooey cheese and flavorful garlicky and basil-infused tomato bruschetta. That’s what this easy grilled recipe is all about, and with this much flavor in every bite, you’re sure to become a fan!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You know about au gratin potatoes, but this fun twist makes them individual size and everybody gets their own fair share of crunchy cheesy bits! So creamy, tender, and flavorful – Au Gratin Potato Stacks are going to become a new favorite!
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Shrimp & Corn Chowder

Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle in a bowl.
Shrimp & Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm up your date night at home with a bowl of creamy shrimp and corn chowder. This comforting dish combines tender shrimp and sweet corn in a velvety broth that’s sure to impress. Easy to make yet bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect choice for a cozy evening in. Serve with crusty bread and watch the smiles appear!
Get the recipe: Shrimp & Corn Chowder.

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cool nights call for hot, comfort food, and there’s not much better than this Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes. The fresh pop of tomatoes and creamy ricotta play really nicely together in this hearty, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s as good as a side as it is an entree.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with plenty of sweet shrimp and oodles of garlic, do your pizza differently! This flavor-packed pizza is an easy fix, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Chicken Marsala Meatballs in a black dish.
Chicken Marsala Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Do your meatballs differently! These Chicken Marsala Meatballs have all the flavor of the restaurant classic dish but in fun-to-eat meatball form! What would you serve with these tasty meatballs!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Corn Fritters

Corn fritters in a black cast iron pan.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corn Fritters with Jalapeno & Cheddar are creamy, spicy, and corny on the inside and crispy on the outside. A quick and easy bite that’s perfect on game day or any day! Share if you dare!
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you only make one soup, make it this one! Better than the Olive Garden restaurant original, this Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi soup has a few twists that makes it even MORE flavorful and delicious!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Seafood Stuffed Salmon on a circular white plate.
Seafood Stuffed Salmon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Flaky salmon stuffed with a seafood-rich stuffing is what this restaurant-quality dish is all about. Infused with flavor, the stuffing is herbaceous and the whole dish is delish from start to finish!
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Made entirely in your Instant Pot, this easy meal has a thick, rich, and smoky gravy that transforms humble chicken thighs into a delish dinner!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised Beef Short Ribs with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Braised Beef Short Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Indulge in the tender and flavorful braised beef short ribs, a restaurant classic now made in the comfort of your home. Each bite melts in your mouth, bursting with rich, savory goodness. Paired with your favorite side, it’s a dish that turns any meal into a special occasion. Elevate your dinner game and enjoy a gourmet experience right at your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Spicy Pork Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Meaty pork tenderloin on top of a crispy round of bread with a creamy lime crema on top? You betcha, and these are so good, one bite just won’t be enough!
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Big, meaty chicken thighs are cooked with onions and garlic to make a wholesome and delicious dish, and that gravy? OMG!!! It’d make an old shoe taste great – but serve it on mashed potatoes instead!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Spaetzle

A plate of Authentic German Spaetzle garnished with parsley.
Spaetzle. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spaetzle is a delicious German treat, often described as tiny dumplings. Made from a simple batter, they’re soft, chewy, and perfect with sauces or gravies. This classic German cuisine staple brings a comforting, homey touch to any meal. Dive into the rich tradition with every tasty bite!
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle

Seafood Chowder

Seafood chowder with a sprig of dill, a delicious stew recipe.
Seafood Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into a rich and creamy seafood chowder for your next date night. Filled with a medley of ocean treasures, this dish promises a taste adventure in every spoonful. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, setting the mood for a memorable evening. Light some candles, serve with fresh bread, and enjoy a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Love seafood? Lighten things up with this veggie and flavor-packed Mediterranean Cod dish!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Lean steak is marinated in chilis and spices to create a flavor-packed explosion in every bite! Super easy and pretty easy to make, this is a great meal when you want flavor without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed red peppers on a white plate.
Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into a delightful blend of fresh seafood nestled inside perfectly roasted bell peppers. These seafood-stuffed bell peppers are a treat for the senses, combining vibrant colors with tantalizing flavors. Easy to prepare yet impressively elegant, they’re the ideal centerpiece for your date night dinners. Share a plate with your loved one and savor a meal that’s as special as the moment.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze on a round platter.
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Infused with flavor from the smoke and the added sweet and spicy tang of the glaze, these chicken wings are good eating! Easier to make than you might think, too!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip in a black bowl with crackers nearby.
Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy, tangy, and with a spicy kick, Artichoke Jalapeno Dip is the perfect party pleaser! And, it’s crazy easy to make – grab some crackers and get dipping today!
Get the Recipe: Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Turtle Brownies

A piece of Turtle Brownie with ice cream on a plate.
Turtle Brownies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Seriously the best Turtle Brownies on the planet! I’ve been making these brownies for more than 2 decades and they’re still the most recommended dessert in my house! Treat your family to these amazing brownies today!
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Lobster Chowder

A bowl of lobster chowder with bread on the side.
Lobster Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Loaded with tender and sweet chunks of lobster, don’t wait for a trip to the coast to enjoy an amazing bowlful of Lobster Chowder!
Get the Recipe: Lobster Chowder

Spinach & Brie Dip

Spinach & Brie Dip in a casserole dish surrounded by pita wedges.
Spinach & Brie Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Move over boring cheese, elevate your favorite spinach dip with brie! This Spinach and Brie Dip is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so fabulous! Grab your favorite dippers and get scooping!
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Brie Dip

Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers

Smoked Pork & Pineapple Kabobs on a plate for serving.
Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the perfect combo of smoky pork and sweet pineapple on a stick! These skewers are a fun and tasty treat for any occasion. The juicy pork pairs beautifully with the tangy pineapple, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re at a backyard BBQ or a family picnic, these smoked pork & pineapple skewers are the ultimate food-on-a-stick!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love

Do your salad differently and add big, bold Southwestern flavors to your salad! A hint of lime, some chipotle, and cotija cheese transform this classic salad into a show-stopping side!
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

In the mood for seafood? There’s nothing faster, easier or tastier than garlicky Shrimp Scampi! Ready in minutes, this classic restaurant dish is so good there won’t be any leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Made in 1-dish and baked in the oven, this delish dish features juicy chicken breasts, tons of veggies, and tangy feta. It’s about as easy and good as dinner can get!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

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