Whether your idea of a romantic meal is steak au poivre, mac and cheese or an all-dessert feast, the best Valentine’s Day recipes are all about indulgence. And while there are few things sexier than a good cheese pull, that doesn’t mean your menu has to be ultra-rich and heavy (though we’ve got a fabulously meaty lasagna recipe for you, if that is your bag).

So, to help out all the happy couples — or single food-lovers looking to indulge in some tasty self-love — we compiled some of our all-time favorite romantic recipes. Along with Valentine's Day dinner recipes and dinner ideas for two, there's sweet-tooth satisfying Valentine's Day treats like homemade peanut butter cups, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and Valentine's Day cookies, cookies and more cookies. Kick off the morning with a hearty sheet pan breakfast bake (or better yet, some homemade French toast) and finish it off with a perfectly seared NY strip steak, or a vegan bolognese or cauliflower steak if you’re leaning plant-based. We also highly recommend throwing in a couple of Valentine’s Day cocktails if you want to really class things up.

Most of these recipes take a little extra time to make, but they’re well worth the time and effort — a bit like finding the right person to share your life with.

For the spiciest valentines, serve this perfect steak with a creamy pepper sauce.

Get the Steak Au Poivre recipe.

No, it's not cheesy — it's deliciously chocolatey and will win over anyone's heart.

Get the Heart-Shaped Cake recipe.

RELATED: 22 Heart-Shaped Foods That Will Delight Everyone on Valentine's Day

Cozy-up with your boo and a bowl of warm, comforting curry.

Get the Coconut Curry Chicken recipe.

Cozy up on the couch with your valentine and a mug of this chocolatey delight.

Get the Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe.

The ruffled pasta shape turns this super-easy recipe into something special.

Get the Mushroom and Thyme Campanelle recipe.

Spend a few extra minutes in the morning serving up fluffy, crisp French toast for your special someone.

Get the French Toast recipe.

RELATED: 30 Delicious Valentine's Day Breakfast Ideas for the Most Romantic Morning Ever

Serves this simple, tasty side with your steak dinner.

Get the Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon recipe.

You and your sweetie will fall in love with this gorgeous cut of steak.

Get the New York Strip Steak recipe.

A little bit of luster dust (an edible powder made for decorating) combined with vodka makes a pretty-in-pink "paint" to decorate these cutest-ever cookies.

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Get the Heart-Shaped Cookies recipe.

Fancy-up your usual spuds with crispy hasselback potatoes topped with scallion butter.

Get the Hasselback Potatoes recipe.

Impress your sweetheart with the creamiest-ever risotto that — shh! — takes no effort at all.

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Get the Instant Pot Risotto with Parmesan recipe.

Pull out all the stops on V-Day with this extra-buttery take on French toast.

Get the Twice-Baked Citrus-Almond Brioche recipe.

Cookies are red, violets are blue, these double-chocolate treats are perfect for you...and your boo!

Get the Red Velvet Cookies recipe.

Treat your partner to a hearty morning spread that will keep them full 'til Valentine's Day dinner.

Get the Sheet Pan Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake recipe.

The classic combo is ideal for date night.

Get the Rigatoni with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe recipe.

These citrusy raspberry rolls are the best way to wake up on February 14th.

Get the Raspberry Swirl Rolls recipe.

Classic lasagna piled high with juicy ground pork, sauce, and cheese would make anyone fall in love.

Get the Lasagna with Meat Sauce recipe.

A red cranberry-raspberry sauce swirled into creamy cheesecake makes these bars perfect for Cupid's big day.

Get the Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars recipe.

Enjoy this salty-meets-sweet tart as an appetizer, or as the main course (if you're saving room for a Valentine's Day dessert, that is).

Get the Pear, Bacon, and Blue Cheese Tart recipe.

This is what your Valentine really wants to find in a heart-shaped box.

Get the Sea-Salted Nut Butter Cups recipe.

Breakfast in bed, anyone? For a super original brunch idea, try this Turkish egg and tomato bake.

Get the Shakshuka recipe.

Behold: the easiest Valentine's Day dessert that everyone wants with their bouquet of roses.

Get the Chocolate-Covered Pretzels recipe.

The fruity and earthy combo of apples and mushrooms makes for an unexpected and delicious dish.

Get the Chicken with Sautéed Apples and Mushrooms recipe.

This recipe yields 65 mini donuts, so you can enjoy these leftovers for days with friends and family.

Get the Blueberry-Cardamom Donut Holes recipe.

This hearty dish is sure to impress your partner this V-day — plus, it's actually much easier to make than it looks.

Get the Beef Wellington recipe.

For another show-stopping beef meal, try this easy spin on prime rib. The cream gravy with roasted garlic and horseradish is unforgettable.

Get the Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib recipe.

RELATED: 25 Best Side Dishes for Prime Rib to Round Out Your Holiday Feast

You don't need an air fryer to make this zesty, Asian-inspired dish, but using one will get your meatballs golden brown and extra crunchy.

Get the Gingery Pork Meatballs recipe.

Because you can eat as much sugar as you'd like on Valentine's Day. It's an unspoken rule.

Get the Strawberry Cheesecake Flapjacks recipe.

Not only does this cult-favorite Trader Joe's seasoning make your avocado toast taste incredible, but it's also an easy way to upgrade this simple salmon recipe.

Get the Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon recipe.

Get your Dutch oven ready, you'll need it for this creamy French dish. Instead of a traditional Burgundy wine, this recipe calls for a lighter and softer rosé.

Get the Coq au Vin Rosé recipe.

RELATED: 27 Best Dutch Oven Recipes: Cozy Dinners and Decadent Desserts

Who can resist a hands-off meal? If you have a Sous Vide machine, then you know how simple and easy it is to make everything from chicken to eggs — including juicy, impossible-to-overcook steaks.

Get the Sous Vide Steak recipe.

The quicker it bakes, the better it tastes (well, for these fudgy brownies at least).

Get the Valentine's Day Brownies recipe.

Forgot to run to the grocery store? Have no fear, you can make this simple yet satisfying pasta with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Get the Creamy Broccolini Pasta with Chile Breadcrumbs recipe.

We'll let you in on a little secret: crushed Ritz Crackers are the key to a seriously crunchy topping!

Get the Spinach and Artichoke Mac & Cheese recipe.

Yes, you would be making these raviolis from scratch — but it's worth it for this rich, creamy mushroom filling.

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Get the Lemon-Ricotta Ravioli with Creamy Herbed Mushrooms recipe.

Grilled tomatoes and a side salad add some light, fresh flavor to this steak dinner.

Get the Seared Steak with Blistered Tomatoes recipe.

You'll get plenty of leftovers out of this citrusy, lemon flavored roasted chicken.

Get the Lemony Herb Roast Chicken recipe.

Your significant other will never guess how "Easy-Peasy" this tasty seafood ziti was to make.

Get the Easy-Peasy Shrimp Ziti recipe.

With clams, shrimp and squid, this savory seafood is much easier to make than it looks.

Get the Easy Seafood Paella recipe.

You can easily recreate this Vietnamese favorite with your handy dandy Instant Pot.

Get the Instant Pot Pho with Chicken recipe.

These cozy cups of soup will warm both hearts and souls. To make the Cupid croutons, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter on bread, then toast — that's it!

Get the Tomato Soup with Cupid Croutons recipe.

If your sweetheart is also a plant-lover, this vegan recipe will make them feel extra appreciated — because nothing says “I care” quite like a gooey, golden-brown tray of lasagna.

Get the Vegan Lasagna recipe.

Whether you’re looking for a great plant-based main dish or you’re planning to load up on dessert, this cauliflower steak is a great option.

Get the Chimichurri Cauliflower Steaks recipe.

RELATED: 24 Easy Vegetable Side Dishes That Go with Any Main

We bet the vegan in your life has never had a vegan bolognese like this before. This recipe layers in tons of umami richness with ingredients like mushroom bouillon and white wine for a meaty, yet shockingly meat-free sauce.

Get the Vegan Bolognese recipe.

RELATED: 70 Vegan Recipes So Good, You’ll Forget About Meat and Cheese

Buttery polenta gets topped with an ultra-meaty mix of mushrooms in this hearty vegetarian main. It’s also great for sharing (or eating straight from the pot by yourself).

Get the Polenta with Mushrooms recipe.

RELATED: 40 Best Mushroom Recipes That Are Packed with Natural Flavor

Shrimp is an elegant but deceptively easy protein to cook with — especially if you buy it frozen. We hope your date loves garlic!

Get the Roasted Garlicky Shrimp recipe.

Roasting kale and mushrooms makes for an effortless side dish that just so happens to feel super elegant.

Get the Roasted Kale and Mushrooms recipe.

RELATED: 45 Different Ways to Eat Kale When You Can't Get Enough Leafy Greens

Cuddle up with a personal-size pie...and your beau.

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Get the Creamy Chicken Potpies recipe.

From making your own dashi to preparing all the different toppings, this is hardly the Top Ramen dinner you remember from grad school. But the extra work is worth it — particularly if you’re looking to impress your partner (or your crush).

Get the Shoyu Ramen recipe from Delish.

Flavorful, fall-off-the-bone-tender short ribs are the ultimate special occasion food. Plus, this slow cooker recipe is super hands off, so you can spend more time focused on your date.

Get the Slow-Cooker Short Ribs recipe from Delish.