A 5-Star Valentine’s Dinner at Home
Image by Zack Marshall
To stay in or go out, that is the ultimate question for V-Day 2023.
Get the fine dining experience at home with these must-try Valentine’s dinner recipes!
A romantic dinner over candlelight is a tried and true way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. And now, you can do it at home!
Get the taste of gourmet from the comfort of your kitchen with Table & Thyme’s latest V-Day-inspired recipes, perfect for a lovely evening in. We cover everything from the entree to the dessert. And we even share ideas for the best drinks to pair with it!
Keep reading to learn more!
Why stay home this Valentine’s Day?
Most people are under the impression that the only right way to spend Valentine’s Day is with an elaborate date night dinner at a restaurant that only takes reservations. While this may be ideal for some, these expectations bring a lot of pressure and stress, making it hard to enjoy what was supposed to be a day filled with love and adoration.
Instead of stressing over Valentine’s Day plans, find the magic at home with a delicious meal!
Staying in not only presents an opportunity to save money but also creates a much more comfortable atmosphere to share with your special someone. It’s much easier to connect and focus on your sweetheart in a place you know rather than in a place filled with people you have never met before.
When you celebrate Valentine’s Day at home, you can spend more time with the person you love in a way that is much more authentic to you. And you can still get dolled up for the occasion!
Are you ready to toss some rose petals, light a few candles, and enjoy each other's company over a dinner made with love? Let’s get cooking!
You will fall in love with these Valentine’s Day dinner recipes!
Table & Thyme has been creating elevated experiences with our artisanal menus since 2019, and this Valentine’s Day is no different.
Romance your partner by showing off your advanced culinary skills thanks to these easy-to-follow recipes courtesy of yours truly!
Image by Tomáš Vydržal
An Enchanting Entree
The main element for the evening of fine dining should be a full-bodied and flavorful protein. For an occasion such as Valentine’s Day, chicken makes for the perfect choice. That is because it’s incredibly versatile and can easily be personalized to satisfy any flavor palette.
It is also because of its unique density.
Chicken is a light protein that is less likely to bring about post-meal-sluggishness, yet still leaves you feeling full and satiated.
Here’s how to make it for your special Valentine’s Day dinner:
Image by Junior REIS
Seared Chicken Breast with Creamy Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach
This hearty chicken breast is blackened in butter and baked in a blend of simple seasonings, bringing out the chicken’s mild flavors. It is paired with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with spinach and garlic, bringing an earthy savoriness to the entree.
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken breast
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- ½ Tablespoon salt
- ¼ Tablespoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
For the sauce:
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 5-8 cups spinach leaves, fresh
- 4 Tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon Sriracha seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Divide the chicken breast by cutting it in half lengthwise.
- Season each side of the chicken breast portions and place them into the skillet. Sear the chicken for approximately 2 minutes. Then, flip and repeat on the opposite side.
- After all pieces of chicken have been seared on both sides, transfer the chicken to a baking pan and place them into the oven to bake for at least 10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a large pot, combine the tomatoes, butter, and spinach over medium-high heat.
- In a separate, smaller pot, add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to melt over low heat. After a few minutes, use a blender to mix the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Pour the smoothed cream cheese mixture into the tomato and spinach mixture and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the seasonings and salt to taste.
- Plate the chicken breast and smother in the tomato and spinach sauce.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tasty Sides
Sides are an essential element to a well-planned meal that complements the entree in appetizing ways. They also provide a flavorful variety to the meal you prepare for your special sweetheart.
Here are 2 side recipes to make your V-Day dinner one to remember:
Image by Mak
Scalloped Baked Potato
These soft and tender potatoes are baked in creamy cheeses and savory seasonings that are a mouthwatering pairing with the entree we shared above.
Ingredients
- 1 russet potato
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ Tablespoon salt
- ¼ Tablespoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
Directions
- Prepare the potato by cutting it into thin slices by hand or using a mandolin. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Add the slices to a pot of water and let boil for around 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the seasonings, 1 cup of cheese, the sour cream, and the mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl.
- After the potatoes have had time to boil, drain the water and add the potatoes to the mixing bowl.
- Stir to coat the sliced potatoes, then transfer to a small, greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the potatoes, and cover and place them into the oven to bake for 15. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Baked Asparagus
Enhance the evening’s menu with a serving of baked asparagus. Marinated and baked in butter and herbs, this bold flavored side is quick and simple to make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, fresh
- ½ Tablespoon salt
- ¼ Tablespoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 3 Tablespoons butter
Directions
- Rinse the asparagus spears and trim to remove the bottoms and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a microwave-safe dish, melt the butter.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange the asparagus spears onto the sheet.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the asparagus and sprinkle with seasonings.
- Bake the asparagus for 10-20 minutes, or until tender.
- Enjoy!
A Dressed Up Dessert
It’s impossible to have a Valentine’s Day dinner without a delicious dessert.
Well, maybe not impossible, but illogical!
Image by Ella Olsson
Raspberry Caramel Brownies
The cherry on top for this Cupid’s Day dinner is not a cherry at all, but instead a plate of rich, moist chocolate brownies topped with sweet caramel drizzle and homemade raspberry puree.
Ingredients
- 1 box of brownies (or prepare with your own brownie mix)
- Store-bought caramel sauce
- 1 package raspberries, fresh
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon water
Directions
- Prepare the brownies according to package instructions (if making your own brownies with mix).
- Meanwhile, set aside 4 raspberries and place the rest of the package in a blender with the sugar and water.
- Blend the raspberries until smooth, creating the puree.
- Once the brownies are done, drizzle with caramel sauce and a spoonful of raspberry puree.
- Garnish each brownie with 2 fresh raspberries and enjoy!
Spread the love this month with Table & Thyme
In addition to our high-end catering services for large scale events, Table & Thyme offers our expertise to-go!
Our Graze Boxes are a delightful way to marry convenience with class and feature a selection of artisanal foods such as crudité, charcuterie, fine-aged cheeses, and so much more.
In the meantime, stick around to learn more useful skills and discover new recipes on our blog. Here are a few articles to take your Valentine’s Day dinner to the next level of amazing:
Pairing Wine Like a Pro with Table & Thyme
16 Easy Homemade Dessert Recipes to Try
Things to Do and Sweet Treats for Valentine’s Day
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