Ready to elevate your date night? Dive into 20+ of Ina Garten’s most swoon-worthy dishes, perfect for a candlelit evening. From decadent mains to sultry desserts, each recipe is designed to make your evening unforgettable. Let the Barefoot Contessa guide you to a night of love and flavor!
1. Ina Garten Lobster Bisque Recipe
Treat yourself to a touch of luxury with this Lobster Bisque recipe, a rich and creamy blend of succulent lobster and velvety smoothness. This indulgent soup is loaded with tender lobster meat, aromatic veggies like onions and carrots, and a subtle smokiness from smoked paprika.
The combination of white wine, cognac, and heavy cream gives it a divine, creamy texture that’s pure perfection. Serve it in small cups for an elegant appetizer or add extra lobster chunks on top for a show-stopping touch!
2. Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin With Gorgonzola Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this show-stopping beef tenderloin paired with a decadent gorgonzola sauce. A tender, center-cut beef tenderloin is generously seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper before being roasted to perfection, resulting in a juicy, pink-centered finish.
The star of the dish is the rich, creamy sauce made with gorgonzola, cream cheese, and fresh green onions, offering a tangy, velvety contrast to the beef. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Serve it alongside roasted veggies or a crisp side salad for a dinner that’s sure to impress your guests!
3. Ina Garten Roasted Shrimp With Feta
Elegant yet easy? This roasted shrimp dish is perfect for any day. It’s packed with succulent shrimp, tangy feta, and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. The shrimp stay tender, the feta adds a nice crunch, and the breadcrumb topping gives it a golden, buttery finish.
Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and some crusty bread on the side for a meal that feels like a special occasion.
4. Ina Garten Seared Tuna & Avocado Rolls
Elevate your gathering with these Seared Tuna & Avocado Rolls – a dish that’s sure to impress. Fresh sushi-grade tuna is seared to perfection and mixed with creamy avocado, a squeeze of zesty lime, and a touch of heat from jalapeño.
Pile this flavorful mix into toasted hot dog buns for a delightful texture contrast. The buttery buns, silky avocado, and bold flavors of soy and lime create a perfectly balanced bite. Take it to the next level by serving with a drizzle of chipotle mayo and some tangy pickled shallots – it’s that extra wow factor your guests will love!
5. Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese
Indulge in a creamy, dreamy dish that brings together the richness of buttery lobster and the comfort of mac ‘n cheese. A blend of Gruyère and sharp cheddar creates a velvety bechamel sauce, loaded with tender chunks of lobster.
Al dente pasta is smothered in this cheesy goodness, then topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crunch for the perfect finish. Serve it bubbly and hot, paired with crusty bread on the side for dipping into that irresistible sauce.
It’s a luxurious spin on a classic comfort food favorite!
6. Ina Garten Salmon Lentils
Elegant and easy to make, this Salmon Lentils dish is perfect for your next dinner party. This hearty meal starts with French green lentils, cooked to perfection with sautéed onions, leeks, garlic, and fresh thyme.
The lentils are tender and full of earthy flavor, while the salmon, seared to a crispy crust and roasted to juicy perfection, adds a rich, indulgent touch. Serve it with a generous portion of lentils and a salmon fillet on top for a restaurant-quality meal.
This dish looks fancy, but it’s actually easier to make than you might think!
7. Ina Garten Grilled Halibut
Wow your dinner guests with this easy yet elegant grilled halibut recipe! The real showstopper here is the compound butter, packed with bright lemon zest, fresh herbs, and just a touch of sweetness. Every bite offers tender, flaky fish topped with a rich, buttery crust that’s perfectly charred from the grill.
Pair it with a crisp summer salad or some grilled veggies for a meal that’s simply perfect.
8. Ina Garten Roast Chicken With Croutons
Looking for a show-stopping main dish? This golden-brown roast chicken is sure to impress at any dinner party. Loaded with fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic, and onion, and seasoned with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder, this bird is packed with flavor.
Roasted on a bed of buttery baguette slices, it creates irresistible golden croutons. The result? Juicy, herb-infused chicken paired with a rich, buttery pan sauce made with white wine, stock, and a touch of butter.
Serve it with a crisp Bistro Salad and a side of Dijon mustard for the perfect special-occasion meal.
9. Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Caponata
Eggplant just got a serious upgrade! Roasted to perfection, this caponata is packed with sweet roasted red peppers, briny olives, and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. The mix of creamy eggplant, crunchy pine nuts, and a burst of tangy lemon juice is pure magic.
Serve it with toasted pita triangles for a snack that’s absolute perfection.
10. Ina Garten Mushroom Lasagna
Take your pasta game to the next level with this Mushroom Lasagna—it’s a rich, creamy masterpiece! Layered with tender portobello mushrooms, a decadent homemade white sauce, and a blend of buttery, cheesy goodness, this dish is pure comfort.
Each bite offers a perfect mix of earthy mushroom flavor and velvety creaminess that will keep you coming back for more. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner party—your guests will thank you!
11. Ina Garten Balsamic Roasted Baby Peppers
These bite-sized peppers are perfect for snacking or as a quick side. They’re super easy to make and packed with flavor. Just toss baby peppers with olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and a sprig of fresh thyme, then roast until tender.
As they roast, the peppers get sweet and caramelized, and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy finish. Serve them warm as a side dish or let them cool for a colorful addition to your charcuterie board.
12. Ina Garten Beef And Barley Soup
Cozy up with this heartwarming Beef and Barley Soup, packed with tender beef, chewy barley, and crisp veggies. Made with beef oxtails, aromatic leeks, carrots, celery, and garlic, this soup slow-cooks to perfection in a rich beef broth.
The pearl barley adds a satisfying bite, while the beef becomes so tender it practically falls apart. Serve it with some crusty bread for the ultimate comforting meal.
13. Ina Garten Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe
Bring Italy to your table with this mouthwatering chicken dish! Juicy chicken breast is topped with crispy prosciutto and fragrant sage, then seared to perfection. The star of the show is the rich, tangy sauce made with white wine and chicken broth.
Each bite is a delightful mix of salty, savory, and herby flavors. Serve it over garlic mashed potatoes for a dinner that’s pure perfection!
14. Ina Garten French Mussel Bisque
Coastal elegance in a bowl, this creamy mussel bisque is packed with fresh flavor. Briny mussels, crisp white wine, and aromatic butter come together in a silky-smooth, indulgent treat. Each spoonful is a wave of rich, velvety goodness with just the right touch of the sea.
Pair it with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a luxurious start to any meal.
15. Ina Garten Roasted Salmon With Green Herbs
This recipe for roasted salmon is as elegant as it is easy to make, turning any dinner into a special occasion. Fresh scallions, dill, and parsley blend with olive oil and lemon juice to create a vibrant, aromatic crust on the salmon.
The result? Tender, flaky salmon packed with fresh herb flavors. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of crisp white wine for a meal that feels like fine dining without the fuss.
16. Ina Garten Gruyère Omelet
Start your day with a touch of elegance using this Gruyère Omelet. Fluffy eggs, melted Gruyère cheese, and a hint of butter come together for a rich, creamy breakfast. Each bite offers a smooth texture and savory flavor.
Pair it with some toasted bread for the perfect morning treat!
17. Ina Garten Ultimate Peach Ice Cream
Sweet, ripe peaches take center stage in this Ultimate Peach Ice Cream—pure summer bliss in every bite! Made with fresh peaches, a hint of Sauternes, and a touch of Grand Marnier, this ice cream is rich and creamy, thanks to a velvety custard base.
Each spoonful is silky-smooth, with a deep, sun-ripened peach flavor that’s anything but basic. Scoop it into cones, layer it in sundaes, or just enjoy it straight from the freezer—this ice cream is a must-make for warm weather.
18. Ina Garten Chocolate Fondue
Indulge in a chocolate lover’s paradise! This luxurious fondue blends grated chocolate, heavy cream, and a touch of coffee for added depth. Silky smooth and irresistibly creamy, it’s the perfect treat for your next gathering.
Dip fresh fruit, fluffy marshmallows, or even slices of cake—whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit. Serve it up at your next party and watch it vanish in no time!
19. Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this rich dark chocolate tart. The crust is made with crushed Nabisco Chocolate Wafers and melted butter, pressed into a tart pan for a crisp, chocolatey base.
The filling features high-quality dark chocolate melted with heavy cream, eggs, and a hint of vanilla, creating a smooth and creamy texture that bakes to perfection. The result is a tart with a silky, slightly jiggly center and a glossy chocolate glaze infused with coffee for added depth.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a touch of sophistication. Let it set, slice into wedges, and serve at room temperature. It’s perfect with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries.
20. Ina Garten Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake
Coffee and chocolate fans, you’re in for a treat! This dessert stacks crisp chocolate chip cookies with a rich mocha mascarpone cream, all perfectly chilled. Each bite offers a delightful mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
The deep, rich mocha flavors will keep you coming back for more. Why not top it with some shaved chocolate for an extra-decadent finish?
21. Ina Garten Italian Plum Tart
Italian Plum Tart is a perfect mix of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Loaded with fresh plums, a buttery crust, and a hint of almond flavor, this tart is simple yet elegant.
The plums are tender and caramelized, while the crust is buttery with a nice crunch. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel, and you’ve got a dessert that’s sure to impress.
It’s the kind of treat that takes dessert to the next level!
22. Ina Garten Red Velvet Frosting
This creamy and delicious frosting is the perfect finishing touch for any dessert. Made with cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar, it’s a delightful mix of tangy and sweet. Smooth and spreadable, it has just the right balance of flavors to make your taste buds happy.
Whether you’re topping cupcakes, layering it in cakes, or using it as a dip for cookies, this frosting is both versatile and mouthwateringly good.
23. Ina Garten Pomegranate Gimlets
Elevate your happy hour with a fresh spin on the classic gimlet. This drink blends crisp gin, zesty lime juice, sweet pomegranate, and a hint of simple syrup for a perfectly balanced mix. It’s tangy, sweet, and smooth, with a vibrant pop of color from fresh pomegranate seeds.
Ideal for your next dinner party or holiday toast.