22 Valentine's Day Breakfast, Dinner and Dessert Ideas the Whole Family Will Love
If you have kids and live with your significant other you may be squinting your eyes at Valentine's Day this year...not sure what to make of it. In most parts of the world, a romantic dinner out is going to be difficult, or really cold, or just plain risky. So that leaves you home with the kiddos—again. Welcome to Valentine's Day 2024.
Since barricading the children in their rooms is frowned on by parenting experts, you may as well figure out how to rope them into the holiday, and get a little cooking help while you're at it. Have them assist you in the making of your Valentine's Day breakfast, dinner, dessert, plus anything sweet you plan on baking for the occasion. They can also take part in the planning of the V-Day menu, the serving of the meal and if you're luck, the washing of the dishes. Nothing says "I love you" more than a clean kitchen.
Related: 10 Easy Valentine's Day Chocolate Bark Recipes
How helpful they can be of course depends on their ages and their comfort level in the kitchen. Getting your child to feel comfortable cooking pays dividends as they get older. So, whatever their age, get them in there, and give them tasks that make them feel purposeful and successful. And until you are confident that your child is adept at any assignment, supervise the heck out of them, especially when sharp tools and heat are part of the equation.
Easy Family-Style Recipes for Valentine's Day
Keep in mind that cooking with kids is a bit of an adventure. Allow for experimentation, know it will get messy and enlist their help when it comes time for clean-up. This might not be the most romantic Valentine's Day you've ever had, but maybe it will be the most delicious, thanks to these 22 family-style Valentine's Day recipes.
There's everything from yummy Stuffed Crepes and Biscuit Egg Sandwiches for breakfast, to Fettuccine Alfredo, Lobster Tails and Chicken Paprikash for dinner. Then there's Pretty in Pink Valentine’s Day Cookies and Old-Fashioned Fudge to end the night on a sweet note. Happy Valentine's Day!
Related: 15 Valentine's Day Breakfast Ideas That Seriously WOW
Parade
et the message across with conversation hearts you (and the kids) can make for all your sweeties. Make several batches using different food coloring for a rainbow of hearts.
Get the recipe: Easy No-Bake Cereal Hearts
Parade
Nothing brings pasta together (and family) like the perfect homemade sauce.
Get the recipe: Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo
Pam Beth
These lovely Pretty in Pink Valentine’s Day Cookies are fun to make with the kids for any occasion.
Get the recipe: Pretty in Pink Valentine’s Day Cookies
Katie Workman
These sweet breakfast crepes—or blintzes—are stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, topped with berry sauce, and surprisingly easy to make. Kids will have fun making the filling and folding up the crepes.
Get the recipe: Creamy Stuffed Breakfast Crepes
Katie Workman
Breakfast in bed (or just a special breakfast) is a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day. There are two things at the center of every great breakfast sandwich: eggs, and melty, flavorful cheese.
Get the recipe: The Best Biscuit Sandwich
Parade
Heart-shaped chocolate is nestled into peanut butter cookies for a cute Valentine's Day's treat.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Sweetheart Peanut Butter Cookies
Katie Workman
With a quick brush of pesto and a sprinkle of cheese refrigerated crescent rolls become something extra special. Rollin up the crescent rolls is a good kid activity.
Get the recipe: Pesto Crescent Rolls
Parade
Jalapeno-infused syrup adds just a hint of heat to this Valentine’s Day sipper from by Beth Ritter Nydick and Tara Roscioli. This one is for the grownups!
Get the recipe: The Kiss
Katie Workman
An eclectic and interesting blend of herbs, spices, citrus and maple syrup makes this a very memorable salmon dish. Let the kids help make the marinade.
Get the recipe: Dedie's Herbed Salmon
Katie Workman
This fudge recipe is straight up simple, smooth and creamy and with basically three ingredients.
Get the recipe: Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge
Katie Workman
A bit of cinnamon and pure chile powder turn these crinkley chocolate cookies into something very special.
Get the recipe: Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Katie Workman
This refrigerated biscuit recipe is so simple but unbelievably delicious and sophisticated. Your kids can even help pick the cheeses!
Get the recipe: Three Cheese and Prosciutto Stuffed Biscuits
Katie Workman
If you are feeling splurgy, a juicy, sweet lobster tail is hard to beat for Valentine's Day.
Get the recipe: Perfect Broiled Lobster Tail
Katie Workman
A savory bread pudding, or strata, is great way to make a hearty breakfast for a family.
Get the recipe: Savory Challah Bread Pudding
Katie Workman
Remember the scene in When Harry Met Sally when Harry says in that funny voice, “Waiter, there is too much pepper in my paprikash.” The Nora Ephron classic would be a good Valentine's Day movie to watch with this dish!
Get the recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Katie Workman
Cute and fun and delicious, these are also sometimes get called Egg Puffs or Puffles. This one may be more for the kids than for you!
Get the recipe: Bubble Waffles
Katie Workman
The Instant Pot makes creamy risotto super simple to make and also faster than you would imagine, and it's fun to play with a new appliance with the kids. This version has savory mushrooms, bright green peas and a nice amount of Parmesan.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
Katie Workman
A simple perfectly cooked piece of filet mignon is one of the most indulgent and romantic dinners around.
Get the recipe: Perfect Filet Mignon
Katie Workman
These fun change-of-pace tacos feature plump bites of shrimp in a tangy, saucy tomato mixture. Warm up some tortillas and let the whole family top as they wish!
Get the recipe: Shrimp Tacos
Katie Workman
Buttery, cheesy, garlicky, this is the oh-my-god cheesy garlic bread of your dreams.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Garlic Bread
Katie Workman
This silky dip is very family-friendly and has a touch of sweetness from honey.
Get the recipe: Creamy Avocado Dip
Katie Workman
This chicken dish is simple, lush and total comfort food at its best. Even better: dinner in 30 minutes!
Get the recipe: Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
