There's so much more to Valentine's Day snacks than boxes of chocolates and candy. If you're looking for something easy, festive and bite-sized, we've got you covered.
1/30
Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
From the Recipe Creator:
These luscious cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled strawberry: 41 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 27mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
When you want that cheesecake flavor without that post-cheesecake sugar crash, try one of these bite-sized treats. The recipe calls for almond extract, but I sometimes use vanilla extract.
2/30
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea. —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 33 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
Meringue is every bit as tasty as a cookie, but it’s lighter, airer and naturally gluten-free because it’s made with egg whites instead of flour. You’ll need a pastry bag with a #1M star tip to complete this recipe as pictured, but feel free to play around with other tips to create a different look.
3/30
Air-Fryer Steak Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Sirloin steak is seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, then tossed in the air fryer until perfectly cooked. After that, each piece gets a nice slather of garlic butter for a juicy, flavorful bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 281 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
Yep, you can cook steak in the air fryer! And because it cooks in under 10 minutes, it makes the perfect, high-protein snack to tide you over until that special Valentine’s Day dinner.
4/30
Cheesecake Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Satisfy your cheesecake craving with these bite-sized delights! The party favorites are perfect for a holiday celebration. —Esther Neustaeter, La Crete, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 141 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Sometimes I don’t want an entire piece of cheesecake, I just want one bite … or maybe three. These little bite-sized treats are perfect because they’re covered with chocolate so they don’t even require a fork. They also freeze well and are easy to transport if you’re taking your Valentine’s Day snacks on the road.
5/30
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now with a busy family, I need quick bites, and my spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers at snack or supper time. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 144 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Ham and cheese create a classic combination, but this recipe makes it much more sophisticated. Sliced ham and creamy Brie are wrapped in buttery puff pastry and finished with a dollop of apricot preserves. If you want to get extra-fancy, make puff pastry from scratch instead of using the store-bought stuff.
6/30
Pizza Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
These little treats taste a lot like rolled-up pizza. With crispy pepperoni and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, what’s not to love? —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 776mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
It’s not really love unless you know your partner’s favorite pizza toppings, right? Show them how much you care by customizing these cute pizza pinwheels with their favorites. This recipe can be made with plain cheese, mushrooms and olives, pepperoni, or even ham and pineapple.
7/30
Zippy Shrimp Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
These flavorful skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear. —Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 57 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
Gluten-free, pescatarian and keto lovebirds will fall for these quick and easy bites. The chili powder and hot pepper sauce add a strong kick to the grilled shrimp, so ease up on those ingredients if you aren’t a fan of spicy food.
8/30
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and I used to make the traditional bacon-wrapped jalapenos at cookouts. I decided to sweeten them up a bit with dates. Bacon-wrapped dates are also more kid-friendly. —Susan Hinton, Apex, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
These blue cheese-stuffed dates are sweet, salty and creamy. Instead of blue cheese, try goat cheese or a whole almond for a bit of crunch.
9/30
Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an interesting spin on bruschetta. The creamy ricotta cheese spread is an ideal complement to the sweet, minty strawberry topping. —Laura Stricklin, Jackson, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 89 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Just think of this dish as dessert bruschetta. For a romantic twist, I like to arrange the strawberry slices into little heart shapes.
10/30
Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
A tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 89 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Your Valentine’s Day date will think you hired a private chef to whip up these elevated snacks, but they’re actually incredibly easy. They’re ready to eat in only 30 minutes! Make an extra batch of the shallot and Dijon mustard dipping sauce to save for sandwiches and french fries.
11/30
Roasted Chicken and Brie Holly Mini Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the idea for this perfect party appetizer from my favorite sandwich at a local restaurant. I re-created the delectable combination of sweet fig, roasted apple, melted Brie and tangy garlic mayonnaise in a quick appetizer with bright red cranberries and green spinach to give it a holiday twist. These scrumptious bites take only about 20 minutes but taste as if you spent hours. You can also make them a few days in advance, then warm them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds before serving. —Terri Gilson, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini sandwich: 98 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
I love appetizers that I can make in advance so I don’t have to rush around the kitchen when my guests arrive. Just pop these cute little bites in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds and they’ll taste as good as new.
12/30
Red Velvet Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
These convenient and quick red velvet brownies are made with a box of red velvet cake mix and five other basic ingredients. Topped with cream cheese frosting, they have all the classic tang and subtle cocoa flavor that red velvet is known for. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 520 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 457mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
13/30
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Caramelized sweet potatoes pair fantastically with salty, crunchy bacon. And since the sweet potatoes here are cut into bite-sized cubes, you can decide to eat just one … or ten!
14/30
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies
From the Recipe Creator:
I converted these blondies to be gluten-free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were craving brownies one night, and these cakelike treats hit the spot. They are a fantastic spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 176 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
This recipe uses gluten-free all-purpose baking flour, but the blondies taste indulgent enough to serve to anyone (even if your date isn’t gluten-free). If you’re throwing a completely gluten-free Valentine’s Day celebration, pair these blondies with other gluten-free dessert recipes.
15/30
White Chocolate Truffles
From the Recipe Creator:
I use this white chocolate truffle recipe to make homemade holiday gifts. The candies are so easy to make and look so pretty in a gift box. —Gloria Nolan, Peoria, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 truffle: 62 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Skip the candy shop and go straight to your pantry, where you probably already have most of the ingredients to make these irresistible truffles. The whole recipe is ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
16/30
Caprese Tomato Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil in these bite-sized appetizers. Each bite gives you a taste of summertime. —Crystal Williams, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 tomato half: 18 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
These little stuffed tomatoes are kind of like mini salads, but they’re much cuter. They’re also low-carb and gluten-free to boot.
17/30
Brownie Bourbon Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate and chopped pecans flavor these simple, spirited treats. Make a double batch so you can give some as gifts and savor the rest! —Paula Kirchenbauer, Newton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 110 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
These delicious bites take only 10 minutes to bake, so they’ll be ready to devour in no time. If you don’t want to use the bourbon called for in the recipe, one reader suggests swapping in coffee.
18/30
Bruschetta with Prosciutto
From the Recipe Creator:
A crowd-pleaser any time of year, this savory appetizer is perfect for get-togethers. —Debbie Manno, Fort Mill, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 33 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Traditionally, bruschetta is made by topping toasted bread with tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs. This recipe adds some flair with prosciutto, sweet onion, balsamic vinegar and hot pepper sauce.
19/30
Honey Champagne Fondue
From the Recipe Creator:
This special champagne fondue has wonderful flavor from Swiss cheese and a hint of sweetness from honey. It clings well to any kind of dipper. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 256 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
This extra-special fondue recipe is perfect for a romantic date night at home. If you don’t have a fondue pot, you can use a small slow cooker.
20/30
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
From the Recipe Creator:
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker: 23 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
It’s easy enough to buy crackers from the store, but it may be even easier to make your own with just a few basic ingredients. Best of all, you can use any kind of cookie cutter you want—we suggest hearts, of course.
21/30
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crabmeat
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender crab-stuffed mushrooms with their crispy golden toppings are always popular at parties! The crab filling is a delicious special-occasion treat. Serve them while they're warm. —Nancy Aiello, Bloomery, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Crab, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and fresh parsley are stuffed into fresh mushrooms and baked in the oven for 20 minutes. It’s such a delicious snack that you may want to serve it again for dinner.
22/30
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Strawberries
From the Recipe Creator:
I was enjoying a salad with strawberries and blue cheese when the idea hit me to stuff the strawberries and serve them as an appetizer. It worked out great, and the flavors blend so nicely. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed strawberry: 36 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
If you’re a fan of tangy, creamy blue cheese, you’ll love it even more when it’s stuffed inside a sweet, juicy strawberry. This recipe also includes pecans, which can be omitted for a nut-free option.
23/30
Spicy Almonds
From the Recipe Creator:
We like to venture out into the mountain range that surrounds our family cabin. These nuts never taste better than when we enjoy them together at the peak of an amazing hike. Almonds are extremely nutritious, and when dressed up with a wonderful blend of spices, they go from ordinary to awesome! —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 230 calories, 20g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
These almonds taste amazing—and they smell amazing too. Just pop them in the oven a few minutes before your Valentine’s date arrives and get ready for oohs and aahs.
24/30
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Each of these treats is a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill and fix ahead, these bites add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and they make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled strawberry: 70 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
If your one and only love enjoys cake but it’s just the two of you this Valentine’s Day, consider making these 30-minute cheesecake bites. They’re much quicker and easier than baking an entire cheesecake, and they’re lighter too.
25/30
Banana Beignets
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a little girl, my grandmother took me aside one day and taught me how to make her famous banana beignets. Although we made them during the holidays, they're pretty fantastic any time of the year. —Amy Downing, South Riding, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet: 72 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
You don’t have to travel to New Orleans this Valentine’s Day to get a taste of the Big Easy. This fruity spin on beignets will hit the spot, and they’re actually pretty easy to whip up. You can even freeze some for later!
26/30
Grilled Bruschetta
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to appetizer in the summer when tomatoes and basil are fresh from the garden. The balsamic glaze takes this bruschetta recipe over the top. I like to use an olive oil infused with Tuscan herbs or basil for this. But it's great with just plain olive oil too. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 58 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Some bruschetta recipes call for toasting the bread—or even heating it in the microwave—but there’s nothing like the taste of freshly grilled toast. To elevate this recipe, try brushing the bread with an herb-infused olive oil dip before it hits the grill.
27/30
Mint Baileys Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This Baileys bars recipe is a combo of two St. Patrick's Day goodies. You can use any type of chips in the brownies, and you can choose to swirl in the cheesecake instead of using it as a separate topping. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 96 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Why wait until St. Patrick’s Day to indulge in these little Baileys treats? There’s no reason you can’t enjoy them a month early! The secret ingredient (besides Irish cream, of course) is Andes creme de menthe baking chips.
28/30
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon and shrimp make a great team in this super-easy party appetizer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 93 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
Bacon-wrapped recipes always make a tasty snack, but be sure to make this one with thinly sliced bacon. If you can’t find it, you can partially cook thick-cut bacon in a pan before wrapping the raw shrimp. Otherwise, the shrimp might overcook before the bacon is done.
29/30
Artichoke-Topped Crab Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my take on crab cakes that I made into finger food for a party. The artichoke mixture on top really complements the crab. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 40 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
These flavorful morsels are similar to something you’d see passed around during a wedding cocktail hour. Only ours have a secret ingredient: pickle juice.
30/30
Cranberry Almond Balls
From the Recipe Creator:
Part snack, part dessert and completely delicious, these no-bake energy bites are perfect to keep in the pantry for any time you need a deliciously chewy and nutty treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 ball: 147 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
If you’re snacking before dinner, it doesn’t get easier than these no-bake energy balls with cranberries, oats, almond butter and sliced almonds. And they’re so nutritious, you can even eat them for breakfast the following day.
Valentine’s Day Snacks FAQ
What are the easiest Valentine’s Day snack ideas?
The easiest Valentine’s Day snack recipes have short ingredient lists and are either no-bake or have hands-off cooking time, meaning you can just pop them in the oven and multitask until the timer rings. If you’re making something like stuffed mushrooms that bake for 20 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to assemble a second, sweet snack, like chocolate-dipped strawberries or stuffed dates.
What is a good Valentine’s Day treat for someone who doesn’t like chocolate?
Even if you don’t like chocolate, you can still indulge in a variety of Valentine’s Day treats, including fruit-based snacks, peanut butter blondies and cookies, and spicy mixed nuts. Many red or pink desserts don’t involve chocolate, and you can’t go wrong with quick and easy snacks that are totally savory and feature bacon, seafood, cheese or meat.
What are some Valentine’s Day party snacks for kids?
Kids will love heart-shaped foods and snacks or anything that celebrates red and pink, from red velvet recipes to fruit salads packed with strawberries, raspberries and pomegranate seeds. If the kids have had enough sugar, make some savory snacks that stay with the colors and shapes of the day, like tomatoes and mozzarella skewers or a quesadilla cut into a heart using a cookie cutter.
