30 Better-Than-Restaurant Recipes for Couples Who Are Done Paying for Overpriced Meals
Date night shouldn’t mean draining your bank account! Are you and your partner tired of shelling out big bucks for mediocre meals at restaurants? We hear you! It’s time to reclaim your kitchen and create culinary masterpieces that are tastier, healthier, and way more affordable. Get ready to impress each other (and maybe even yourselves!) with these restaurant-quality recipes that are surprisingly easy to make.
Say goodbye to overpriced wine lists and crowded dining rooms, and hello to cozy nights in with delicious, homemade food. These recipes are perfect for date night, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a fancy weekend brunch. So, grab your apron, your significant other, and let’s get cooking!
Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Nothing beats a classic! This creamy tomato soup is elevated with roasted tomatoes and a touch of basil. Perfect with grilled cheese croutons (recipe included!).
Chicken Marsala Recipe
Skip the Italian bistro and make this rich and savory Chicken Marsala at home. It’s easier than you think, and the mushroom-wine sauce is divine.
Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This hearty and comforting Beef Stroganoff will warm you up on a chilly evening. Serve over egg noodles for a complete meal.
Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Impress your date with this quick and easy Shrimp Scampi. Garlic, butter, and white wine create a truly irresistible sauce.
Pasta Carbonara Recipe
This classic Italian pasta dish is rich, creamy, and surprisingly simple to make. The secret is in the egg yolks and freshly grated parmesan.
Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Spice things up with these sizzling Chicken Fajitas! Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy a fiesta in your kitchen.
Homemade Pizza Recipe
Forget delivery! Making your own pizza is a fun and delicious activity for couples. Get creative with your toppings and enjoy a pizza night in.
Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe
Indulge in this decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese. It’s the perfect splurge for a special occasion (or just because!).
Steak Frites Recipe
Recreate a French bistro classic at home with this Steak Frites recipe. A perfectly cooked steak paired with crispy fries is always a winner.
Salmon with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
For a healthy and delicious meal, try this Salmon with Roasted Vegetables. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe
This creamy and comforting Butternut Squash Risotto is perfect for fall evenings. The sweet and savory flavors are simply irresistible.
Pork Tenderloin with Apple Glaze Recipe
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this flavorful Pork Tenderloin with Apple Glaze. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Taco Night Extravaganza Recipe
Make every Tuesday taco night with a taco bar, loaded with toppings and a choice of fillings. Great for a casual and fun evening.
French Onion Soup Recipe
The epitome of comfort, French Onion Soup is a labor of love that’s rewarded by a bowlful of flavor and gooey cheese.
Pad Thai Recipe
Bring the flavors of Thailand into your kitchen with homemade Pad Thai. It’s a surprisingly easy dish to master.
Mushroom Wellington Recipe
A vegetarian showstopper! This Mushroom Wellington will impress even the most ardent meat-eaters. Perfect for special occasions.
Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Comfort food at its finest! This Chicken Pot Pie is packed with tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with a flaky crust.
Beef Bourguignon Recipe
This classic French stew is rich, hearty, and perfect for a cold winter evening. It’s a labor of love, but worth every bite.
Lasagna Recipe
A crowd-pleasing classic! This lasagna is layered with pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Roasted Chicken Recipe
Master the art of roasting a chicken! This simple recipe yields a juicy and flavorful bird that’s perfect for Sunday dinner.
Homemade Sushi Recipe
Embark on a culinary challenge with homemade sushi. While requiring some practice, the end result is both impressive and delicious.
Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce Recipe
Elevate your meal with tender lamb chops served with a refreshing mint sauce. A sophisticated and flavorful dish.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
A great appetizer for any at-home date night, this cheesy dip is best served warm with crusty bread or tortilla chips.
Crème brûlée Recipe
End your meal with a classic dessert, the rich custard base contrasting with a crispy caramelized sugar topping.
Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe
Decadent individual chocolate cakes with a molten chocolate center. A perfect dessert for sharing.
Lemon Bars Recipe
Tart and sweet, these lemon bars are a refreshing dessert option, especially after a heavier meal.
Tiramisu Recipe
Another classic Italian dessert. The coffee flavor is a lovely accompaniment to a shared meal.
Key Lime Pie Recipe
Another tart dessert option. The graham cracker crust complements the lime filling well.
Brownies Recipe
End the night with chewy brownies, a classic favorite, best served with a scoop of ice cream.
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
The ultimate comfort dessert. Warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies are always a win.