Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home Ideas

No matter what those Valentine’s Day Scrooges say, you can never have enough reasons to celebrate love and friendship. And although many of us wouldn’t care to admit it, there is something about the cheesy sparkly heart and cupid decorations, and red and pink-frosted goodies that get us hyped up for the 14th.

However, even Valentine’s Day fans have to admit that going out to eat for a dinner date with that special someone is a hassle. The reservations, the traffic, the waiting – it all puts a damper on the romance of the evening.

But, hey, there’s another option… and you don’t have to forego your romantic dinner. Get all the ingredients sent to you (or even the whole meal – no prep needed) and have a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner in the comfort and coziness of your own home.

Thank goodness we live in a time with excellent meal kit services!

Why Use a Meal Kit Service This Valentine’s Day?

There are three ways you can use a meal kit service to make the perfect Valentine’s Day meal, just the way you want it.

1.      You can surprise your date with a meal prepared for him or her.

With meal kit services, you don’t have the worry about the fact that you aren’t a Top Chef to make a delicious and impressive meal. All the ingredients get shipped to your door, and you follow the easy step-by-step directions to make it just in time. When she shows up at the door, her jaw will drop seeing the candlelight dinner and spread you’ve set up for you two to enjoy.

2.      You can make it an experience by cooking together.

Just imagine – you set up a dinner date to make the Valentine’s Day meal together. You don’t have to worry about making sure you have everything on the shopping list or adding too much or too little of a particular ingredient.

All the ingredients get sent to your door, so when your date shows up, you can just focus on the cooking while enjoying a glass of wine and some smooth music. It’s a different way to enjoy each other’s company, and it offers the opportunity for many Instagrammable moments (or sweet memories – whichever is your thing).

3.      You can have ready-made meals sent to your door to spend that extra time on other activities.

No muss, no fuss. Many meal kit services, like Fresh and Easy by Home Chef, offer ready-made meal options for you to stick in the oven or on the grill. Within minutes, your meal is ready for you to enjoy while sharing an intimate conversation or while watching your favorite show on Netflix.

4.      You can share Valentine’s Day dinner with your friends

Who says you have to be in a relationship to enjoy Valentine’s Day? In some countries, Valentine's Day is called “The Day of Love and Friendship” – so why not celebrate people you appreciate in other ways? You can order your meal prep for 2, 4, or 6 people, so feel free to invite your besties to enjoy making and eating a meal together while you remind yourselves you don’t need to be in a relationship to love and appreciate yourself and others.

Valentine’s Dinner Ideas Using Meal Kit Services

Here are five ideas for what to order with meal kit services for your romantic dinner.

1. Sirloin Steak with Mushroom Duxelle Cream by Home Chef

This is not for those who like to eat salad on their dates. This tender sirloin steak is topped with what is called a “duxelles” sauce you’ll make yourself (over the meal you can offer the interesting tidbit that duxelles is chef’s jargon for “a mixture of mushrooms, herbs, shallot and butter”). Additionally, it's paired with peas and fingerling potatoes for a hearty, filling meal that you didn’t have to spend an hour in line to enjoy. Since the sauce is made with a tad of white cooking wine, the steak would pair nicely with a lovely Sauvignon Blanc.

source: HomeChef.com

2. Oven-Ready Sriracha Chicken with Sesame Broccoli and Peppers by Home Chef

Do you like the idea of enjoying a freshly-made romantic dinner at home but aren’t into the thought of stressing out to cook before your date? This oven-ready option is perfect for you. This tangy and spicy chicken dish is accompanied by broccoli florets, and you don’t even need to worry about finding a pan. Take it out of the fridge and stick it in the oven for a freshly-prepared meal ready in 30 minutes. If you aren’t worried about carbs, pick up a fresh baguette to accompany this meal.

source: HomeChef.com

3. Maple-Glazed Squash with Figs by Green Chef

For the plant-based meal, this is a great choice. The mix of sweet and savory flavors compliment each other perfectly. Furthermore, the unusual ingredients offer ample opportunity for commentary (or simply “mmm”s and nods.”) If you like, enjoy this meal with a rosé or Merlot to complement the fruity flavors of the dish.

source: GreenChef.com

4. Tuscan Pork Sausage and Pepper Spaghetti by Hello Fresh

Anyone who has ever seen Lady and the Tramp will feel their heart will skip a beat at the sight of spaghetti. Yes, it is slightly messy, but it is inherently romantic. This pasta is unlike any other, thanks to the Tuscan Pork Sausage rather than the classic meatballs. Best of all, it is easy to make, and it will be on the table in 30 minutes. Pair it with the red wine of your choice and top it all off with some dark chocolate bites.

source: HelloFresh.com

5. Mini Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Sticky Sauce & Rice by Dinnerly

Looking for something a little less formal or something you can order to enjoy with your friends? These Mini Meatball lettuce wraps are a great hands-on meal that will keep you busy while the conversation is flowing. Have these lettuce wraps as the whole meal or as your contribution to a Valentine’s potluck with friends. This is also a great option if you and your significant other are the types that want to curl up together in front of the television this Valentine’s Day. After all, each lettuce bite fits neatly on an appetizer plate and doesn't require a fork or knife. This versatile option will be sure to impress and satisfy, no matter who your Valentine’s companions are.

source: Dinnerly.com

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Take the pressure off going out this Valentine’s day and enjoy a romantic meal together within the comfort of your own home. Meal kit services take the pressure off shopping for ingredients. Even better, we’ve helped you out even more by picking out some of our favorite meals for you to choose from.

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Top 5 Meal Delivery team!