34 Galentine’s Day Food Ideas for an Unforgettable Party

Updated on Dec. 13, 2024

Friends as great as yours deserve Galentine's Day food ideas that match their level of incredible. Full of dips, small bites, mini desserts and colorful cocktails, this list of delicious eats will make you and your friends wish it was Galentine's Day every day.

Galentine’s Day, an unofficial holiday celebrated on Valentine’s Day eve, is an ode to gal pals in all their glory. The BFF-centered holiday was invented by Amy Poehler’s character in Parks and Recreation, and viewers loved the idea so much that they brought the idea off screen and into their lives.

While Leslie Knope celebrates the holiday with classic brunch recipes (namely waffles and mimosas), there are no rules when it comes to what you actually serve. If you’re hosting your own Galentine’s Day party this year, these Galentine’s Day food ideas are a great way kick off the celebrations.

Fizzy drinks, gloriously cheesy dips and pink food ideas are just a few of our suggestions for easy hosting and delicious snacking. And don’t worry if a few friends have dietary restrictions; we kept them in mind when making this list!

1/34

Strawberry Mimosa

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a tasty twist on the classic mimosa. To make refreshing strawberry mimosas friendly for kids or mamas-to-be, substitute lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for the champagne. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 112 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.

For Lesley Knope, Galentine’s Day is centered around a boozy brunch. If you’re taking the breakfast approach at your party, these ruby-red mimosas (thank you, fresh strawberries!) add a themed twist to the classic brunch beverage.

2/34

Deviled Eggs

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

Deviled eggs are a crowd pleaser for any party, Galentine’s or not. Our recipe creates the classic deviled eggs everyone knows and loves, and we’ve also included fun variations if you want to serve an assortment.

3/34

Queso Fundido

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Dig in to this one-skillet dip and enjoy the gooey cheese and the spicy kicks from chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 161 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.

Queso fundido is a hearty, chorizo-y dip that borderlines on full meal. With three different cheeses—goat cheese, Monterey Jack and spicy pepper jack—and an assortment of vegetables, it’s truly irresistible. Just be sure you have enough tortilla chips.

4/34

Appetizer Blue Cheese Logs

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 cheese logs (1-1/4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator: Three kinds of cheese and some curry powder make this cheese log a little more lively than most. Swipe it on your favorite cracker with a drizzle of honey for a sensational snack. —Ethel Johnson, North Saanich, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 196 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

If you’re a little tired of a charcuterie board but love the idea of elevated cheese, a gourmet cheese log is what you’re looking for. Ours is made with pungent blue cheese, cream cheese, sharp cheddar and even unexpected curry powder for a flavorful appetizer. Roll it in chopped pecans and set out the best honey and an assortment of crackers.

5/34

Stuffed Mini Peppers

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper half: 48 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

These stuffed mini peppers are cousins to the party food-favorite jalapeno poppers. They have all the same ease, cheese and crunch, but are much less spicy. Serve hot sauce or spicy salsa on the side for anyone that’s missing the kick of heat.

6/34

Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 3 hours 15 min
Servings 4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 213 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.

Slow-cooker recipes are both low-fuss and highly delicious—perfect for those hosting any type of party. This deeply savory dip only needs three to four hours in the slow cooker, then it’s ready to enjoy. Feel free to use a nonalcoholic or gluten-free beer or cider if needed.

7/34

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
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.

One-bite apps are a necessity at any party, and bacon-wrapped anything is gone within the first hour. AKA, these bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes—seasoned with cayenne and ground cinnamon—are sure to be a hit. This is the perfect recipe for anyone needing a gluten-free and dairy-free appetizer, too.

8/34

Marshmallow Fruit Dip

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 min
Servings 5 cups (40 servings)
From the Recipe Creator: You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 56 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

A vibrant fruit tray with a homemade marshmallow fruit dip offers something a little lighter. Feel free to use all pink and red fruits to fit the theme, like strawberries, raspberries, cherries, figs and Pink Lady apples.

9/34

Cotton Candy Champagne Cocktails

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You’ll love these whimsical champagne cocktails. The cotton candy melts away, leaving behind its pretty pink color. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 cocktail: 125 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

These Champagne cocktails are pure magic on a day filled with love and friendship. Buy a small container of pink cotton candy from the store and a bottle of Champagne (even the best cheap champagne will do). Pour the Champagne, pop bits of cotton candy on top and watch the magic happen. This is a memory-making cocktail, for sure.

10/34

Baked Crab Dip

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 5 cups
From the Recipe Creator: We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 100 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.

Seafood lovers will stand over this crab dip all night, tortilla chip or crunchy veggie in hand. Use immitation or real lump crab meat, and bake it in a bread bowl a la Panera or in an oven-safe dish.

11/34

Slow-Cooker Pizza Dip

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 2 hours 15 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit, and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup dip: 68 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

I love how unexpected this slow-cooker pizza dip is for a party. Made with beef, sausage, Parmesan, peppers and tomatoes, it really does taste like pizza. It’s also a great excuse to make fresh garlic bread, in case you were looking for one.

12/34

Blue Cheese Potato Chips

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 215 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

I love this fun twist on nachos. It’s hard to ignore a fresh-out-the-oven tray of kettle-cooked potato chips, melty blue cheese, crumbled bacon and pungent green onions. Set it out on the coffee table for casual snacking while you and the gal pals sit and chit chat.

13/34

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 2 dozen
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.

The rose-shaped pink meringues are begging for their Galentine’s Day debut. Their strawberry flavor pairs perfectly with their chocolate-dipped accent.

14/34

Swiss Cheese Bread

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 30 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 187 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

Buttery, cheesy and deeply savory, this pull-apart cheese bread only gets better if you serve it with marinara sauce for dipping. You can dress it up with any cheese, too, like cheddar or Gruyere.

15/34

Butter Cookies

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 35 min
Servings about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This great butter cookie recipe is a favorite of my nephews, who love the creamy frosting. —Ruth Griggs, South Hill, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 157 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

This dessert doubles as a fun Galentine’s Day activity to do with your friends! Before the party, bake these heart-shaped cookies, whip up a few different frosting colors and gather a variety of sprinkles. Let everyone decorate their own cookies, then plate them up on a tray and enjoy.

16/34

Cannoli Dip

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 min
Servings 1 quart
From the Recipe Creator: Based on the Italian pastry I grew up with, this sweet and creamy dip is perfect for a dessert buffet or any time you're craving something sweet. The ingredients are easy to adjust to make a variety of different versions. Try making it into a cherry almond, pistachio or even chocolate flavor! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 2 Tablespoons: 64 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Yes, dessert dips exist, and a cannoli dip is one of the most popular! This dip is so easy to whip up that it hardly takes any effort at all. I like to serve it with strawberries, broken waffle cones or cannoli shells, graham crackers, pizzelle cookies or Pirouette cookies.

17/34

Roasted Eggplant Spread

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup spread: 84 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

This roasted eggplant spread is a true flavor bomb. Almost-caramelized eggplants, peppers and red onions are pureed with heavy aromatics to make this chunky vegan spread. Serve it with only lightly salted crackers as to not throw off the perfect balance of flavors.

18/34

Taco Tater Skins

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they're also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 153 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.

Loaded potato skins have met their match with this Mexican-inspired version. Serve it with salsa and sour cream, and these handhelds will be a hit with your BFFs.

19/34

Olives and Cheese

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 25 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.

For those scrolling for the easiest recipe in here, stop right there! This marinated olive cheese ring is it. Arrange cheese slices on a plate, fill in the gap with olives and cover everything with an aromatic sauce.

20/34

Brownie Batter Dip

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 min
Servings 2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I’m all about the sweeter side of dips, and this brownie-batter variety fits in with my life’s philosophy: Chocolate makes anything better. Grab some fruit, cookies or salty snacks and start dunking. —Mel Gunnell, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 118 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

“Those who aren’t cannoli fans should try our brownie dip instead (because who doesn’t like brownies?). Made with cream cheese, cocoa, confectioners’ sugar and a hint of vanilla, it’s beautifully creamy and chocolatey.

21/34

Soft Giant Pretzels

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 pretzel: 193 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.

Giant pretzels aren’t just for Oktoberfest. With an ice cold lager, a nice mustard and a good cheese dip (hello, beer and cheese fondue on slide 29), they make an excellent party app any time.

22/34

Jalapeno Popper Spread

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 239 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.

This spread lets you enjoy the flavor of jalapeno poppers without tediously slicing, filling and baking individual jalapenos. Instead, serve with curvy corn chips so they can pick up a nice chunk of this warm, cheesy dip.

23/34

Sicilian Nachos

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 55 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Crispy bread replaces the classic tortilla chips and savory meat sauce tops things off. This hearty appetizer easily doubles as a main dish. Add a salad and you have dinner. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 212 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.

Take your favorite aspects from nachos, bruschetta and bolognese, and you’re left with this sheet tray of hearty, cheesy and tomato-y bread bites. Replace the bread with a gluten-free baguette if needed.

24/34

Garlic-Parmesan Cheese Ball

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 min
Servings about 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 98 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

I love making cheese balls for parties because you have to make them in advance, freeing up time for last-minute hot dishes and cocktail-making when guests arrive. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try pecans or almonds instead.

25/34

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 20 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This simple snack is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini pizza: 29 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

If some of your besties are following the keto diet, they (and everyone else!) will love and appreciate these low-carb zucchini pizzas. You could use eggplant, portobello mushrooms or mini keto pizza crusts, too.

26/34

Homemade Guacamole

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.

Nothing beats a bowl of homemade guacamole. If you want to go the extra mile, make your tortilla chips from scratch, too, and set out an array of salsas and a queso dip.

27/34

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This festive dip is a snap to make, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish. Thanks to its hint of sweetness, both kids and adults will gobble it up. —Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 76 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.

Five simple ingredients, and no cooking at all, make this the easiest, quickest dip of all time. The bits of dark red cranberries are perfectly on theme for Galentine’s Day, too!

28/34

Party Cheese Bread

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 55 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You can't go wrong with this cheese bread recipe. The cheesy, butter bread is so simple to make but the taste is sinful. Plus it looks fantastic, and people just flock to it! It's better than the usual garlic bread with pasta, too. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 237 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.

How stunning is this party cheese bread? It’s just as fun to make as it is to pull apart and eat! Stuff it with different cheeses if you prefer another type: cheddar, Swiss and mozzarella are perfect here.

29/34

Beer & Cheddar Fondue

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This great-tasting beer cheese fondue is my mom's favorite, so I make it for her birthday every year. I like to serve this cheddar cheese fondue recipe with apple slices, rye bread cubes, and chunks of carrots, mushrooms, celery, zucchini, squash and broccoli. —Amanda Wentz, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 221 calories, 16g fat (12g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.

Break out your fondue pot, melt together cheese and beer, and add in aromatics. That’s all it takes to make this beer and cheese fondue that people will obsess over all night. Be sure you have enough accompaniments for dipping!

30/34

Mini Pizza Bites

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 40 min
Servings 32 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator: Served hot or cold, these little pizzas are wonderful. Their small size makes them ideal for an after-school snack or a kid-friendly party. Plus, they’re so easy to make that little ones can help you in the kitchen! —Jane Jones, Cedar, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 pizza cup: 75 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.

Nostalgia meets modernity with these mini pizzas that remind me so much of the Bagel Bites I grew up with. Make the elevated version at home with crescent dough, pizza sauce, mozzarella and turkey pepperoni.

31/34

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 20 min
Servings about 9 strawberries
From the Recipe Creator: A bumper crop of berries turned into a real treat when I dipped them in chocolate! I like to make these chocolate-covered strawberries before dinner and put them in the fridge, so they're ready when we're finished eating. My family can't get enough of these chocolate strawberries. —Valerie Gee, Depew, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 strawberry: 57 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a Valentine’s Day staple, but your gal pals deserve all the best, too. Dip fresh strawberries in dark, milk or white chocolate and decorate with pink and red sprinkles to fit the holiday.

32/34

Puppy Chow

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 15 min
Servings 13 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.

Who can resist handfuls of chocolate and peanut butter puppy chow? Make a batch for your best friends and watch it disappear.

33/34

Tanghulu

Skill Level Intermediate
Servings 16 strawberries
From the Recipe Creator: Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese dessert. This version is made with strawberries, but other firm fruits, like grapes and cherries, are also used. Make sure you use firm strawberries that are completely dry. —Michelle Yang, Detroit, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 candied strawberry: 101 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 26g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Glossy, shiny and gorgeously ruby red, tanghulu are simply fresh strawberries that have been dipped in melted sugar and left to harden. Arrange them in a vase like they’re a bouquet of flowers. Your besties will love this one!

34/34

Chicken Pot Stickers

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 55 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they're steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 pot sticker with 1 tsp. sauce: 39 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

A good Galentine’s Day food spread has a variety of flavors on the table. These chicken pot stickers—filled with mushrooms, chicken and aromatics—add a ton of flavor and make a fun dipping snack.

Galentine’s Day Food Ideas FAQ

When is Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is February 13th. In 2025, Galentine’s Day falls on a Thursday, which is just before President’s Day weekend kicks off! If you’re not keen to host a Thursday night party, see if your gal pals would rather get together Friday, Saturday or Sunday night. Hosting Galentine’s Day a few days after the holiday is no biggie.

How do you host a Galentine’s Day party?

Inspired to plan a Galentine’s Day party yourself? Pick a date that works for your squad, send out official invites, plan the menu and decorate your space with pink and red everything. Once guests arrive, turn on the tunes that you and your friends normally enjoy, and start shaking and pouring any Galentine’s Day cocktails. Sit around and play classic sleepover games, watch a rom-com or just talk and connect with one another.

If you want a more hands-on activity, set up a heart cake decorating project. Before the party, bake a bunch of mini heart cakes, whip up red, white and pink frosting and gather Valentine’s Day sprinkles and piping bags. Set up a station for each person and decorate your heart-shaped cakes together. It doubles as a party favor, too!

What do you bring to a Galentine’s party?

Ask the host if they need any missing pieces filled in, like decorations, appetizers or mini desserts. Even if the host says no, you can still bring a bottle of wine as a thank you. I also love to give my friends Galentine’s Day gifts to show how much I appreciate them. It can be anything as simple as a homemade card to a genuine, thoughtful item that’s true to them. Either way, never show up empty-handed to a party.