Though we’re all for making or going out to a fancy dinner, then following it up with an elaborate, romantic dessert, you know what we really love? Valentine’s Day snacks we can munch on and share with friends (and lovers)! Whether you’re hosting a big party (or just a party for one 😉), are looking for alternatives to store-bought sweets, or are craving things a little more tongue-in-cheek than regular, in-your-face V-Day fare, we’ve got options here for you. Check out our 35 Valentine’s Day snacks for ideas—these might just be what they had in mind when they said the way to the heart is through the stomach.
We’re of two minds when it comes to snack foods—sweet or salty is the name of the game. If you’ve got a sweet tooth (good time of year for you!), you’ve got it easy. We’ve got heart-shaped sugar cookies, cheesecake-stuffed strawberries, jam-filled love notes, cannoli bites, cookie dough hearts… pretty much any and all sweet treats make for great Valentine’s snacks. We’ve even got a few recipes here to improve upon some of the, shall we say, less desirable store-bought options (ahem, conversation hearts). Check out our conversation heart cookies or our candy heart bark. Hot tip: Kids flip over them.
If you’re more of a savory, umami fiend, it gets a little trickier to find Valentine’s Day-themed snacks, but don’t worry, we’ve managed. Try our honey-garlic cauliflower (for your honey), our bruléed brie crostini (to share with whoever “lights your fire”), our fried Buffalo artichoke hearts (be still our beating…), our air fryer steak bites (better than a fancy dinner), or our pizza roses (make a whole bouquet!). Bonus? These are a great way to take some pressure off if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the overt romance of this hot-and-heavy holiday.
Want even more Valentine’s Day inspiration? Check out our best Valentine’s day cookies, cakes, and co*cktails too.
1
Candy Heart Bark
This chocolate bark only takes about five seconds to make (though it does chill in the fridge to firm up after) and is the best way to eat Valentine's chocolate and candy at the same time.
Get the Candy Heart Bark recipe.
2
Pizza Roses
Make a whole bouquet of these pizza roses for that someone special—they're surprisingly easy to assemble, thanks to crescent roll dough, and will impress any V-Day party guests too.
Get the Pizza Roses recipe.
3
Chocolate Pizza
We start with our favorite homemade pizza dough for this dessert, but you can absolutely use store-bought if that's what you prefer. Add some sliced strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, candy or just leave it at Nutella! The best thing about this easy sweet snack? You absolutely can't mess it up.
Get the Chocolate Pizza recipe.
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4
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Meat lovers alert! Your favorite steak dinner is now the ultimate snack food. Air-fried to juicy perfection and tossed in warm garlic butter, these irresistible steak bites will be the star of your Valentine's Day.
Get the Air Fryer Steak Bites recipe.
5
Edible Cookie Dough
Loaded with mini chocolate chips and all those classic buttery brown sugar vibes, this “naughty” nostalgic treat will transport you and your sweetheart back to childhood with just one bite.
Get the Edible Cookie Dough recipe.
6
Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts
We bet you've heard of Buffalo wings made from cauliflower or tempeh, but what about artichokes? Bonus: Valentine's almost always falls near the Super Bowl, and these are the perfect compromise appetizer. Be still our beating hearts!
Get the Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts recipe.
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7
Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bites
Loved our cranberry brie bites this winter? Let us introduce you to your new favorite year-round snack—pepper jelly adds the perfect sweet and spicy kick, while cream cheese makes these infinitely poppable. Thanks to store-bought puff pastry, they're also SO easy to make.
Get the .
8
Cannoli Bites
There's no debate: The combination of the crunchy exterior and creamy filling of a cannoli is one of the world’s best bites. Unfortunately, that bite is usually a messy thing to navigate, with the shell and filling going in all sorts of directions. That’s where these one-bite wonders come in!
Get the Cannoli Bites recipe.
9
Strawberries 'n' Cream Granola Bars
These strawberries 'n' cream granola bars are so much better than the store-bought kind, not in the least because they're extra festive. Packed with rolled oats, coconut flakes, pepitas, and freeze-dried strawberries for a hit of tart flavor, these are the perfect on-the-go snack.
Get the Strawberries 'n' Cream Granola Bars recipe.
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10
Honey-Garlic Cauliflower
Much like our Parmesan cauliflower bites, these little guys have just enough crunch and flavor to keep us going all Valentine's long. These sticky-spicy bites are a wonderful foil to all the candy and chocolate too!
Get the Honey-Garlic Cauliflower recipe.
11
Nutella Pops
Nutella, whipped topping, and milk combine to create a frozen, fudgy treat that kids and adults will go crazy for. The best part? They only take 15 minutes to create—then you just let this no-bake treat rest in the fridge until firm. You might want to double this recipe—these bite-sized treats go fast.
Get the Nutella Pops recipe.
12
Brûléed Brie Crostini
Got a broken heart this Valentine's? Have you considered lighting something of theirs on fire? We recommend grabbing your kitchen torch to make these crostini. Their crunchy sugar topping gives way to an oozy slice of brie and sweet jam that we think might just make you feel better.
Get the Brûléed Brie Crostini recipe.
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13
Spinach Artichoke Dip
There are a lot of spinach-artichoke dip recipes out there. What’s so special about ours? Well, for one thing, the ratios are perfect. Our recipe contains the perfect proportion of spinach and artichokes, and uses a trifecta of cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream to create ultimate creaminess.
Get the Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.
14
Tiramisu Truffles
Craving a sweet pick-me-up at the end of a romantic meal? These tiramisu truffles are for you. Luscious espresso and mascarpone white chocolate ganache is coated in a crisp chocolate shell for a dreamy bite-sized dessert that’s sure to delight every coffee lover.
Get the Tiramisu Truffles recipe.
15
Antipasto Bites
Fresh tortellini make these the hearty savory snack of our Valentine dreams. If you're not a fan of olives, pepperoncini peppers would be a delicious substitute! Just don't skip those artichoke... hearts!
Get the Antipasto Bites recipe.
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16
Fondue Bites
If you thought fondue belonged in the 1970s, think again! We’ve hauled this retro party classic into the 21st century by turning it into cheesy bite-sized snacks, perfect for popping this Valentine's.
Get the Fondue Bites recipe.
17
Homemade Kettle Corn
This sweet and salty popcorn makes for a deliciously sugary treat that’s perfect for a Valentine's movie night, an afternoon craving, or on the snack table at your holiday party.
Get the Homemade Kettle Corn recipe.
18
Heart Cookies
What could be sweeter than baking the cutest heart-shaped cookies for your special someone (or yourself) this Valentine's? We went with a cream cheese frosting, but feel free to go with buttercream if you like. Dye the frosting any colors you wish or use any sprinkles your heart desires.
Get the Heart Cookies recipe.
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19
Parmesan Bread Bites
If you're a fan of garlic knots, this recipe is basically the bite-sized app version. Covered in gooey cheese, garlic butter, and fresh herbs, these bites are the best for sharing. Drizzle some hot honey over top to really kick up the heat too.
Get the Parmesan Bread Bites recipe.
20
Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
This fun and fruity dessert is the perfect no-bake treat for Valentine's. It's everything you love about cheesecake, in one snackable, poppable bite.
Get the Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries recipe.