18 Date-Night Recipes for a Cozy Meal at Home

Red Sangria

Citrusy, sweet, and strong, this sangria is an ideal accompaniment to your date-night meal.

Pomegranate Rouge

A subtly sweet and lightly tart drink perfect for every occasion.

Appetizers

Oysters Rockefeller

For better and brighter oysters Rockefeller, lose the spinach and cream, prepare the topping in stages, then serve as a stand-out appetizer.

Classic Creamy Carrot Soup

Roasted carrots, simmered carrots, and carrot juice bring forth sweetness in this comforting appetizer.

Ukoy (Filipino Shrimp and Vegetable Fritters)

These crisp, juicy shrimp and vegetable fritters are paired with a spiced vinegar for dipping.

Mains

Sole Meunière

This classic preparation is quick, easy, and arguably one of the best ways to serve delicate fillets.

Moussaka

A classic Greek dish made of rich, hearty layers of potato, eggplant, and tomato-based meat sauce, blanketed in creamy béchamel.

Goong Pad Nam Prik Pao (Thai Stir-Fried Shrimp With Chile Jam)

A savory-sweet Thai stir-fry made with shrimp, oyster mushrooms, long beans, and nam prik pao.

Malloreddus Alla Campidanese (Sardinian Ridged Pasta With Saffron and Pork Ragù)

Tuck into this rich Sardinian dish of homemade semolina pasta swathed in a hearty pork ragù.

Braised Chinese-Style Short Ribs

These fork-tender ribs are braised with soy sauce, orange, and 5-spice powder for a comforting meal that's bursting with flavor.

Pasta alla Gricia

Guanciale, black pepper, Pecorino Romano, and pasta come together in a study of delicious minimalism.

Salads and Sides

Trevisano Radicchio Salad With Satsumas, Pistachios, and Calabrian Chile Vinaigrette

Forget winter with this bright and citrusy chicory salad. The dressing brings together satsumas, pistachios, and Calabrian chile and takes the salad to the next level.

Chinese Eggplant Salad

A bright and spicy side dish, this salad is served cold and can stand on its own when eaten with flavorful stir-fries and braised meats.

Lyonnaise Potatoes

A buttery union of crisp potatoes and meltingly tender onions—perfect next to meat dishes like steak or ribs.

Sous Vide Glazed Carrots

Sous vide carrots are intensely flavorful and perfectly cooked—every time.

Desserts

Basque Cheesecake

Basque cheesecake boasts a creamy center and a deeply caramelized "burnt" top and bottom, thanks to a high-temperature bake—no crust required.

Eggless Chocolate Mousse

The creamy toffee notes of homemade condensed milk set this recipe apart from the custardy, yolk-rich profile of traditional chocolate mousse. 

Ginger Spice Brownies

A complex blend of spices complements the rich chocolate in these brownies and adds warmth.