Galentine’s Day, a celebration of female friendship, has gained popularity thanks to its mention in Parks and Recreation. Observed on February 13th, it’s a perfect occasion to gather your besties for a night of laughter, bonding, and of course, delicious food! Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a lavish brunch, this guide will help you craft the ultimate Galentine’s Day menu.
1. Brunch Classics with a Twist
Brunch is the ultimate Galentine’s Day meal—indulgent, fun, and perfect for sipping mimosas with your besties. Here are some elevated takes on classic brunch dishes:
Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes
These pancakes bring dessert to the breakfast table!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk the wet ingredients separately and combine with the dry mix.
- Fold in the chopped strawberries.
- Cook pancakes over medium heat and serve with whipped cream.
Heart-Shaped Avocado Toast
Elevate your classic avocado toast with a heart-shaped cutout and gourmet toppings.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 poached eggs (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut bread slices into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Mash avocados with lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Spread avocado mix on toast and drizzle with olive oil.
- Top with a poached egg for extra richness.
Raspberry Bellinis
No brunch is complete without a signature cocktail!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 bottle of prosecco
- ½ cup peach juice
Instructions:
- Blend raspberries and sugar until smooth.
- Pour a spoonful of raspberry puree into each champagne flute.
- Add peach juice and top with prosecco.
2. Appetizers and Small Bites
Finger foods make socializing easy while keeping everyone satisfied.
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
A light and refreshing appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Skewers
Instructions:
- Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Mini Spinach and Feta Tarts
These bite-sized pastries are packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut puff pastry into small squares and press into a mini muffin tin.
- Mix spinach, feta, egg, and cream, then fill pastry cups.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Pink Deviled Eggs
A festive, colorful twist on a classic!
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs, hard-boiled
- 1 cup beet juice
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions:
- Peel hard-boiled eggs and soak them in beet juice for 30 minutes.
- Slice eggs in half and remove yolks.
- Mix yolks with mayo and mustard.
- Pipe filling back into eggs and sprinkle with paprika.
3. Main Course Delights
For an elegant Galentine’s dinner, these dishes bring sophistication while remaining fun and flavorful.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
An indulgent dish that pairs well with white wine.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Sauté shrimp in butter until pink.
- Add garlic, cream, cheese, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss pasta in sauce and serve.
Heart-Shaped Margherita Pizzas
A fun and delicious DIY dinner activity.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
- Roll dough into heart shapes.
- Spread marinara sauce and top with cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes.
- Garnish with basil before serving.
4. Desserts That Steal the Show
End the night on a sweet note with these irresistible treats.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Mini cheesecakes dipped in chocolate for a rich, romantic treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup melted dark chocolate
- 6 strawberries, chopped
Instructions:
- Mix graham crackers with butter and press into mini muffin tin.
- Blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then fold in strawberries.
- Fill crusts and freeze for an hour.
- Dip in melted chocolate and chill before serving.
Pink Velvet Cupcakes
A Galentine’s twist on the classic red velvet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Pink food coloring
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs and food coloring.
- Mix dry ingredients separately and combine with wet mixture.
- Bake for 18 minutes and frost as desired.
5. DIY Dessert Bar
Set up a fun, interactive dessert bar where guests can customize their treats.
Chocolate Fondue Station
Set out bowls of:
- Marshmallows
- Strawberries
- Pretzels
- Pound cake cubes
Melt dark, milk, and white chocolate for dipping.
Cupcake Decorating Table
Provide:
- Mini cupcakes
- Frostings in pink, red, and white
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, and heart-shaped candies
6. Signature Drinks
Pair your food with festive cocktails and mocktails.
Rosé Sangria
A fruity, refreshing drink for the occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle rosé wine
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup brandy
- 1 cup mixed berries
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a pitcher and chill for an hour.
- Serve over ice.
Strawberry Lemonade Mocktail
A non-alcoholic option that’s just as festive.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups lemonade
- ½ cup strawberry puree
- Club soda
Instructions:
- Mix lemonade and strawberry puree.
- Top with club soda.
Final Thoughts
Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating friendship, and what better way than through delicious food? Whether you go all out with a themed dinner or keep it simple with snacks and cocktails, the key is to enjoy the moment with your favorite people. So grab your girls, set the table, and indulge in a fabulous feast!
7. Galentine’s Day Table Setting & Atmosphere
Creating the perfect ambiance for your Galentine’s celebration enhances the experience. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, cocktail party, or full-course dinner, setting up a beautiful and inviting space is essential.
Decor and Table Setting Ideas
- Color Theme: Stick with romantic and fun hues like pink, red, and gold. A pastel color palette can also create a chic and elegant vibe.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh flowers like roses, peonies, or tulips make beautiful centerpieces.
- Candlelight & Fairy Lights: Add soft lighting with candles or fairy lights to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
- Themed Tableware: Use heart-shaped plates, fun cocktail glasses, and cute napkin holders to tie everything together.
- Personalized Place Cards: Write each guest’s name on a cute card with a fun or sentimental note about your friendship.
Photo-Worthy Backdrops
Set up a dedicated photo booth area with:
- A balloon arch in pink, red, or metallic gold
- A glittery backdrop or streamers
- Fun props like oversized heart sunglasses, boas, and “Besties Forever” signs
8. Fun Activities to Complement the Food
Besides indulging in delicious treats, plan engaging activities to make the night even more memorable.
DIY Cocktail or Mocktail Station
Let guests create their own signature drinks with a variety of ingredients:
- Base spirits (vodka, rum, gin)
- Mixers (juices, soda, tonic water)
- Fresh fruit, edible flowers, and herbs for garnish
Friendship Bracelet or DIY Gift Station
Provide beads, charms, and string so everyone can make custom bracelets or keepsakes for each other.
Rom-Com Movie Marathon
Classic films to watch:
- Legally Blonde
- Clueless
- Bridesmaids
- Crazy Rich Asians
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Karaoke or Lip Sync Battle
Set up a mini stage or karaoke app and let your guests belt out their favorite girl power anthems.
9. Party Favors & Take-Home Treats
Send your guests home with small tokens of appreciation.
Edible Favors
- Customized Cookies: Decorate sugar cookies with icing and edible glitter.
- Mini Champagne Bottles: Tie a cute ribbon around individual bottles.
- DIY Hot Cocoa Jars: Layer hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips in mason jars.
Self-Care Goodies
- Mini Spa Kits: Include face masks, bath bombs, and a small candle.
- Personalized Scrunchies or Socks: Cozy and fun keepsakes to remember the night.
10. Wrapping Up the Perfect Galentine’s Celebration
A well-planned Galentine’s Day celebration is all about love, laughter, and good food. Whether you’re keeping it casual with a brunch or going all out with a fancy dinner and activities, the most important thing is celebrating the amazing women in your life.
So pop the bubbly, indulge in delicious bites, and toast to the friendships that make life sweeter!
Happy Galentine’s Day!
