I’m totally into crafting a menu that has both flair and flavor, celebratory food in my book. That’s why it’s so exciting for me to hand over these 18 ideas for food that makes your Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day party not just a cute occasion but a full-on culinary event.

Picture serving up Heart Beet Hummus with a long swoopy plate that lets your guests see what lies within: golden beets cut in a “heart” shape. And then there are Rose Petal Ice Cream Sandwiches—I mean, seriously!

Is that even a thing? And yet it is, and they’re heavenly.

To my mind, Chocolate Avocado Mousse Cups are about as far from the typical “healthy dessert” as one can get, and they shouldn’t stay a secret—those “mousses” are for sharing. 

The 18 Best Valentines and Galentines Day Party Food Ideas

1. Heart Beet Hummus Platters

Heart Beet Hummus Platters, made with chickpeas, roasted beets, and tahini, is ideal for Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day party food. I love how the colorful dish finds a balance between taste and texture to impress party guests.

The base of hummus paves the way for the health benefits of beets to take center stage.

Ingredients

1 medium beet, roasted and peeled
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Take the roasted beet and chop it into small chunks before putting it in a food processor.

2. Add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil to the food processor.

3. Combine the components until smooth, adding some water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve with assorted veggie sticks and pita bread.

2. Rose Petal Ice Cream Sandwiches

In my opinion, ice cream sandwiches made with rose petals would be a charming and elegant treat to serve during the Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day parties. They would be perfect for a delightful celebration because who wouldn’t want to stop and savor the delicately floral taste of ice cream made from heavy cream, vanilla extract, and dried rose petals?

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup food-grade dried rose petals
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, mix together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and rose petals. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator for no less than 2 hours.

2. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, ready the ice cream maker, then churn the cold mixture until it achieves the texture of soft-serve ice cream. Scoop the partially frozen contents into a container and place it in the freezer to complete the firming process.

3. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and softened butter and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter to cut out small cookies.

4. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely, and then serve by placing a scoop of rose petal ice cream between two cookies.

3. Chocolate Avocado Mousse Cups

I adore crafting Chocolate Avocado Mousse Cups when I’m in the mood for a decadent yet nutritious dessert. This treat beats the Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day party food competition because it offers an indulgent, creamy texture on par with any dairy-based dessert yet is completely plant-based.

It combines ripe avocados, cocoa powder, and honey (or maple syrup), plus some optional garnishes like chocolate shavings to take it over the top.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (can adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup almond milk or milk of choice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Dark chocolate shavings or berries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

2. Combine the components and process them until they are smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary.

3. Sample the mousse and tweak the sweetness, if necessary, by folding in additional honey or maple syrup.

4. Spoon the mousse into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with dark chocolate shavings or berries.

4. Raspberry Rosé Macarons

I adore Raspberry Rosé Macarons for the elegance they lend to party food on Valentine’s and Galentine’s Days. Made from a base of almond flour, powdered sugar, and raspberry liqueur, these deceptively simple confections are as stunning as they are delicious.

Ingredients

Almond flour
Powdered sugar
Egg whites
Granulated sugar
Raspberry extract
Pink gel food coloring
Rosé wine

Instructions

1. Make the macaron shells by sifting almond flour and powdered sugar together. In another bowl, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue along with the following: raspberry extract and a small amount of pink gel food coloring until the batter flows in thick ribbons.

2. Using a piping bag, create small, circular mounds of batter on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow the formed circles to sit until they form a skin on the surface; this will take about 30 to 60 minutes and will depend largely on the humidity in the air.

3. Your oven should be set to 300°F (150°C) to bake the macarons for 15 to 18 minutes. They must be allowed to cool all the way before they can be removed from the baking sheet.

4. Prepare the filling by simmering rosé wine in a saucepan until it has reduced to a thick consistency. After it has cooled, combine it with a classic buttercream base. Pipe the rosé buttercream in between the macaron shells to create a sandwich. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the assembled macarons for 24 hours before serving.

5. Heart-Shaped Sushi Rolls

Sushi rolls shaped like hearts are perfect for Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day party food. They’re made with love, and with the food, you can taste the love.

Sushi is one of the longest obsessions I’ve had. After learning culinary skills from my mother and working in various restaurants, I finally decided to craft my own sushi at home.

Ingredients:
Sushi rice
Nori (seaweed sheets)
Fresh salmon or tuna, thinly sliced
Avocado, sliced
Cucumber, julienned
Soy sauce
Pickled ginger (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the sushi rice according to the package directions. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

2. Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Evenly spread a layer of sushi rice over the nori, stopping about an inch from the top edge.

3. Place slices of salmon or tuna, avocado, and cucumber in a straight line across the center of the rice.

4. Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi tightly into a roll. To help form the heart shape, first, use the bamboo mat to create a point on one end of the roll. Once you’ve made the point, create an indentation on the side opposite the point to achieve the heart shape.

5. Cut the roll into portions, then serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger, if you wish.

6. Pomegranate Sparkle Cocktails

For Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day parties, I adore making Pomegranate Sparkle Cocktails. I combine pomegranate juice, lime juice, and sparkling wine to create a colorful cocktail.

I garnish the drinks with pomegranate seeds and mint. They might not be healthy, but in no way are they just basic cocktails.

These are colorful cocktails packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 cup sparkling wine or champagne
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• Juice of 1 lime
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a pitching or shaker, combine juice from pomegranates, simple syrup, and lime juice. Mix well.

2. Fill glasses with ice cubes. Then pour the juice mixture over the ice.

3. To finish each glass, pour in the bubbly. Stir very gently to incorporate.

4. If desired, before serving, garnish with mint leaves and pomegranate seeds.

7. Vegan Lavender Cookies

I love crafting Vegan Lavender Cookies using a blend of all-purpose and almond flours, coconut oil, and lavender. They are perfect for adding to Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day party food spreads and bring an aromatic and slightly floral taste to the festivities.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Your oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C), and you need to line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, add the all-purpose flour, almond flour, dried lavender, and salt. It is essential to mix them well.

3. In another bowl, combine melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk this together until it is completely mixed. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The end result should be a thick dough.

4. Using a tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, placing it about 2 inches apart from other dough mounds. With your fingers, gently flatten each mound. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely, light golden brown. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool before devouring.

8. Pink Ombre Deviled Eggs

I love making Pink Ombre Deviled Eggs for Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day parties. They consist of hard-boiled eggs flavored with beet juice, rich mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard for a beautiful, bright appetizer.

Ingredients

Hard-boiled eggs
Beet juice (for dyeing)
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Apple cider vinegar
Salt
Black pepper

Instructions

1. The hard-boiled eggs should be peeled and sliced in half lengthwise. The yolks should be removed and stored in a medium bowl.

2. Submerge the egg whites in varying concentrations of beet juice to prepare the pink ombre effect. For a gradual ombre, use a lighter solution for a short soak and progress to deeper concentrations of beet juice for deeper shades.

3. For the filling, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper with the yolks until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill the dyed egg whites with the yolk mixture, making sure to arrange it in a gradient pattern so that the eggs have an ombre effect. The key to this is to really get your mixture down into the egg whites so that they not only taste good but also look good in half-moon cross-section.

9. Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

Bruschetta with strawberries and balsamic vinegar makes for a perfect Valentine’s or Galentine’s party appetizer. Fresh strawberries are combined with balsamic vinegar and basil and then slathered onto toasted baguette slices.

It’s such a simple dish with such fantastic flavor. Of course, my love for this appetizer has more to do with olive oil than with abbreviating balsamic.

Ingredients

Fresh baguette, sliced
Fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
Balsamic vinegar
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sliced baguette on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

2. In a bowl, mix together the diced strawberries, chopped basil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss and combine well.

3. Place a spoonful of the strawberry blend onto each of the toasted baguette rounds. Drizzle a bit more balsamic vinegar on top if you’d like. Serve at once.

10. Cherry Blossom Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats in the shape of cherry blossoms add a whimsical note to Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day celebrations. They’re simply gorgeous and delicious.

They’ve got the classic Rice Krispie Treat recipe at their core (butter, mini marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal) plus some pink accents that make them decidedly festive for the holiday and not just something you might see at a summer picnic.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups crispy rice cereal
Pink food coloring
Cherry blossom or sakura extract (optional)

Instructions

1. In a big pot, melt the butter at low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continually until they are completely melted and smooth.

2. To the melted marshmallow mixture, add a few drops of pink food coloring and some cherry blossom extract. Stir until you have an evenly distributed color and flavor that you like.

3. In a hurry, incorporate the rice cereal into the mixture of melted marshmallows and food coloring to create an even coating.

4. Pack the concoction into a buttered 9×13-inch pan. Let it cool, then slice it into squares or, for a themed twist, use a cookie cutter in the shape of our national flower.

11. Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

I have a deep fondness for Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites on Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day. They consist of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, cream cheese, and red food coloring.

These deliciously tiny portions are even more festive than traditional red velvet cake because they are portable. They are perfect for a Valentine’s party.

Ingredients

1 cup of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreo)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring

Instructions

1. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to warm up. Prepare a mini muffin pan by lining it with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Then take a scant teaspoon of that mixture and press it into the bottom of each muffin cup lined with a paper liner. This will form a crust.

3. In another bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar until they are smooth. Insert the egg into the mixture and add the vanilla extract, blending everything well. Gradually mix in the red food coloring, taking your time to stir it in and get an even color throughout.

4. Put the cream cheese mixture on the crusts in the muffin tin so that it hovers just below the lip of each liner. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating for 1 hour (or more) and serving.

12. Heart-Shaped Focaccia Art

I adore making Heart-Shaped Focaccia Art, a heavenly dish for any Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day get-together. The all-purpose flour, olive oil, and cherry tomatoes may sound like typical Italian ingredients, but it’s the rosemary that takes this dish to the next fragrant level.

The dish is truly a work of art, with all the ingredients creating a visual and flavorful masterpiece.

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast with warm water, and allow to sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. Put the dough into a bowl that has been oiled lightly, then cover the bowl. Let the dough sit in a warm area free from drafts for about 1 to

1.5 hours. During this time, it should rise to an amount that is at least double what it was when you first placed it in the bowl.

3. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to preheat. Once the dough is ready, you’re going to get a little physical with it—don’t be afraid to channel your inner baker. Punch down the dough to deflate it, then turn it out onto a work surface that’s lightly dusted with flour. Roll the dough into a heart shape that’s about an inch thick, and get as even a thickness as you can. It helps if you visualize the heart shape as you work and maintain a little bit of firmness in the dough.

4. Olive oil should be drizzled on the formed dough, and then a little salt should be added to the salt that is already part of the dough. And then I can bake the formed dough, which is now “Savory Salt and Pepper Knot,” in a preheated oven at 350°F. for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove it from the oven, and let it cool slightly before serving.

13. Beetroot Pizza Hearts

I love preparing Beetroot Pizza Hearts for Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day parties. This awesome recipe uses beet puree, all-purpose flour, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, making for perfect little beet pizzas in a heart shape.

Whether you’re spending the day with a significant other or friends, these are a great way to celebrate love of all kinds.

Ingredients
Beetroot puree
All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Olive oil
Salt
Mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, toss together the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, the active dry yeast, and the beetroot puree. Combine until a dough forms.

2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 5-7 minutes until it is smooth. Put the dough in a bowl that has been oiled, and cover it. Let it rise for 1 hour.

3. Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll the dough into a thickness of 1/4 inch, and using a cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes.

4. Position the hearts on a baking sheet, bathe them in olive oil, scatter mozzarella across their surfaces, and thrust them into the inferno known as your oven. After 10-12 minutes, the bubbly cheese should beckon you closer, thus entitling you to burn your fingertips as you remove the sheet and serve the messy masterpieces.

14. Passionfruit Tartlets

These Passionfruit Tartlets delight me. They are a perfect blend of passionfruit pulp and sweetened condensed milk.

They are perfect for Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day party food. I could not recommend them enough as a delightful blend of near and far, sweet and tart.

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
2 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup passionfruit pulp (fresh or canned)
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Your oven should be at 350°F (175°C) when you start. Flour and powdered sugar go together in a mixing bowl. Then, cold, cubed butter gets added, and it gets rubbed into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. Cold water is stirred in, and a dough forms.

2. Take the dough, and on a floured surface, roll it out until smooth. Use a cutter to make circles that are large enough to fit tartlet tins. Press the dough into the tins, being careful to mold it into any difficult-to-reach places; then trim any dough that hangs over the edge. The next step is important: Prick the base with a fork in several places, and then bake for 12-15 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven until golden and crisp. Allow to cool completely before filling.

3. Take the passion fruit pulp and sweetened condensed milk and combine them in a separate bowl. This will become the filling of the tartlet. Once the mixture is combined due and appears to be well-blended, spoon it into the cooled tartlet shells, one by one.

4. Refrigerate the tartlets for a minimum of one hour before serving to permit the filling to set. They are a most delightful treat to be enjoyed with friends and loved ones.

15. Edible Flower Cupcake Bouquets

Make beautiful Edible Flower Cupcake Bouquets for Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day. Cupcakes are a great way to celebrate these days when you might want to have some kind of small party.

They’re not too huge, and they allow for individual servings. If I’m being totally honest, though, I’m not always a super fan of the cupcake.

But when I found these recipes, I thought they looked good enough that I wanted to try them. And when I made them, I realized that part of the problem is that a lot of cupcake recipes out there don’t use very high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
Edible flowers (such as pansies, violas, or nasturtiums)

Instructions

1. Your oven should be set to 350°F (175°C), and a cupcake tin should have paper liners placed in it.

2. In a big bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Slowly combine the flour and milk, mixing alternately between the two, until the batter is smooth and well-blended. Evenly distribute the batter among the cupcake liners.

4. Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick put into the middle comes out clean. Let cool all the way before frosting with flowers you can eat.

16. White Chocolate Raspberry Bark

White Chocolate Raspberry Bark is a delightful treat I adore making for Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day parties. Creamy white chocolate.

Vibrant freeze-dried raspberries. Unsweetened shredded coconut.

These are the ingredients that make this visually stunning and delicious dessert possible.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried raspberries
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper and setting it aside. Take a microwave-safe bowl and add the white chocolate and the coconut oil to it. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.

2. Combine the vanilla extract and a tiny amount of sea salt with the melted chocolate. Pour this mixture onto the baking sheet you’ve already prepared. Using a spatula, work the melted chocolate into an even layer across the baking sheet.

3. As soon as the chocolate has melted, evenly distribute the freeze-dried raspberries and shredded coconut over it. Press down lightly.

4. Let the chocolate set all the way at room temperature, or if you’re in a hurry, pop it in the fridge for a bit. Then, when you’re ready to serve, break the chocolate into pieces.

17. Rose-Infused Lemonade Spritzers

I love 17. Rose-Infused Lemonade Spritzers for both Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day gatherings.

This delightful drink combines organic rose petals, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and club soda and is garnished all fancy with fresh mint.

Ingredients:
Rose petals (organic, edible)
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sugar
Water
Club soda
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Begin with a basic recipe for simple syrup, infusing it with rose flavor. In a medium saucepan, mix together 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1/4 cup of rose petals. Let steep until the syrup has cooled, then strain to remove the petals.

2. Mix in a pitcher 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with the rose-infused syrup. Adjust taste and sweetness by adding more water or syrup if necessary.

3. Add 2 cups of club soda to the mixture just before serving to achieve a truly refreshing fizz. The drink is most delightful when poured over ice cubes, and fresh mint leaves add a touch of upscale elegance.

18. Sweet Heart Churro Bites

If you’re looking for food ideas for a Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day party, consider sweet heart churro bites. They are delightful little treats I enjoy making and share with friends.

Easy to do in assembly-line fashion, these take just a few minutes to mix and roll. The only challenge is working quickly, both to prevent the dough from cooling too much and drying out (which makes it hard to roll), and to keep the oil hot enough that the dough puffs up in the frying pan without browning too quickly.

Ingredients

1 cup water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying
Cinnamon sugar for coating

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, mix water, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Take it off the heat and stir in the flour until it forms a ball.

2. In a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat oil for frying (about 375°F/190°C). Use a heart-shaped piping mold to create heart-shaped churros, or pipe using a star tip, into the hot oil.

3. Churros should be fried until they are golden brown, for about 2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out of the oil, and let them drain on paper towels.

4. Cinnamon-sugar-rimmed churros are the perfect sweet treat! While the dough is fried and finished with a shake of cinnamon sugar, there’s nothing stopping you from going the extra mile and topping the churro itself with even more cinnamon sugar (P.S. Not all churro recipes use this amount of sugar).