15 Delicious Recipes To Help You Conquer A Man’s Heart
They say that food is symbolic of love when words alone are inadequate.
Got your eyes on an engagement ring? Want to add a new spark to your marriage? There’s no shame in admitting that men like a good cook, and you’re the best one to take on that task. Some call it oppressive, but I call it impressive when a gal has a good grasp on nutrition, cooking, and baking. Homemade meals make you and your man feel healthier, demonstrate your selflessness, and serve as a great way to show off your creativity. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t sweat it! We’ve got you covered with 15 recipes that will keep him coming back for seconds.
1. “Engagement” Chicken
What Is It?
A simple but stellar recipe that could very well replace your man’s rotisserie chicken habit. You’ll need a whole roasting chicken, lemons, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), red onions, dry white wine, chicken stock (highly recommend you sub out for bone broth), a lot of garlic, and a couple more ingredients. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
Before you start to make complicated recipes, mastering the basics will go a long way. If your man eats a lot of chicken, it’s well worth your time to cook the whole bird! Not only could he have white meat and dark meat for days chopped up that he can use in anything from tacos to rice bowls, he can enjoy eating meat straight off the bone.
2. No-Knead Sourdough Bread
What Is It?
If you’ve never worked with sourdough before, this is your sign to start! This near-effortless recipe only requires sourdough starter, water, flour of your choice, and sea salt. Consider investing in a cast iron Dutch oven or placing it on your gift wish list to give this bread its classic crisp. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
Is there anything more glorious than the aroma of freshly baked bread? No man can resist the smell or taste of homemade sourdough! Sourdough is fermented, easier to digest, and way more nutritious than most store-bought bread he’ll come home with. He’ll love it as the base for sandwiches, served alongside soups and stews, or as a vessel for delicious dips and spreads.
3. Pan-Seared Mediterranean Lamb Chops
What Is It?
Not as eager to grill but still want to serve a hearty, meaty meal? This pan-seared recipe is easy to make after marinating in high-quality EVOO, fresh lemon juice and zest, fresh garlic, parsley, and cumin. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
As one of the healthiest cuts of red meat, lamb will satisfy your man’s need for omega-3 fats, iron, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), essential nutrients, and of course, protein! Let’s be honest, what gent wouldn’t want to eat some crisp, seared meat straight off the bone anyway?
4. Basque Cheesecake
What Is It?
This indulgent dessert has a rich aroma reminiscent of browned butter and salted caramel from simple, dairy-focused ingredients like eggs, cream cheese, mascarpone, heavy cream, and vanilla. Sounds a bit too decadent? Your cane sugar can be swapped for erythritol. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
No-bake cheesecakes are delicious but you can get that same calorie-bomb on a date night at the Cheesecake Factory. Make your man an authentic basque cheesecake that’s rich and gooey on the inside while caramelized and lightly scorched on the outside. Like recipe author Rocky from TheWarKitchen recommends, this traditional Spanish style of dessert is best consumed after a full day of refrigeration, so make sure to plan ahead!
5. Pomegranate Braised Short Ribs
What Is It?
Grab some high-quality beef short ribs, bacon, onion, garlic, ginger, pomegranate juice and seeds, among other ingredients, to braise, deglaze, and slow cook a hearty dinner. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
He’ll be enchanted by meat that falls right off the bone, drenched in sweet yet umami flavors. Let it also be known that pomegranate is a powerhouse for male sexual vitality, so this recipe’s use of pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds as garnish wins double the number of points!
6. Candied Pecans
What Is It?
Take yourself over to your favorite natural food store’s bulk bins and load up on some pecans. Pair them with sesame seeds, allulose/golden erythritol/coconut sugar, egg white, cinnamon, flaky sea salt, and a little bit of love, and you’ve got a nutrient-dense, paleo- and keto-friendly snack. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
Be very, very careful: Candied pecans are addictive! He can use them as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, or just snack on them as a low-carb, high-fat, pre-workout treat. Most store-bought candied nuts are made with low-quality sweeteners that likely leave him feeling sluggish and over-indulged, so try making a healthier swap at home.
7. The Sandwich That’ll "Make Him Fall in Love with You"
What Is It?
For this marriage-material sandwich, you’ll need good quality bread, deli meats and bacon, cheese to shred, assorted vegetables, butter, grainy mustard, habanero hot sauce, deli dressing, and seasoning.
Why He'll Love It
He can go downtown and grab a Jimmy John’s sandwich if he wants something average, but if you put some love into what could easily be a simple meal, your man will definitely be satisfied. Toasting bread with butter and spices, grating your own cheese, using fresh vegetables, and adding a spicy component are all winning strategies that TikTok user Jordyn Kaylor Bass suggests in this viral video.
8. Avocado Deviled Eggs With Bacon
What Is It?
With this classic appetizer (or high protein snack), we’re swapping out mayo with avocado. You’ll need hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, lemon juice, and herbs and seasonings of your choice. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
When poorly prepared, deviled eggs can be a major turn-off. When made with flavorful, quality ingredients, your man will likely be popping these little bites one after another. Say goodbye to gloppy, store-bought mayo or Miracle Whip mixture, and say hello to heart-healthy fats from avocado. He’ll love the crispy bacon pieces as an extra boost of protein.
9. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Dip
What Is It?
Tangy, creamy goat cheese and sweet, earthy beets come together with high-quality EVOO, balsamic vinegar, raw unfiltered honey, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and seasoning to taste in this quick dip recipe. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
Not only are beets great for male sexual health, but they’re stellar to lower blood pressure and better your man’s athletic performance. Keep a batch of this creamy dip in the fridge so your man can have a healthy snack option ready when he’ll inevitably need to munch in between meals. Bonus: You can customize the color of this delicious dip by swapping red beets for golden beets.
10. Primal Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
What Is It?
Pair the heat from jalapeno peppers with rich, high-quality cream cheese, wrap in nitrate and sugar-free bacon, and garnish with herbs and spices of your choice in this primal-friendly recipe. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
Are your man’s friends coming over to watch the game? This crowd-pleaser is a favorite because it’s equal parts spicy, umami, and creamy. When made with quality ingredients, these primal jalapeño poppers will not only satisfy your man’s taste buds but also serve as a good source of protein and fats.
11. Breakfast Egg Muffins (With Endless Variations)
What Is It?
Prep his favorite meat (or use up dinner leftovers), dice his favorite vegetables, whisk up some eggs and spices of your choice, and then bake in a muffin pan. This recipe has endless variations, like if you pair feta and olives for Mediterranean flare, chorizo and bell peppers for a Latin flare, or ham and swiss for a classic American breakfast. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
Does your man wake up 10 minutes before he has to run out the door to work? Even if he’s not slammed for time or on-the-go, he’ll be very appreciative of having nutritious, protein-forward bites ready for him to simply grab and enjoy.
12. Classic Pesto Aglio Olio
What Is It?
All you’ll need for this one is a great quality pasta, fresh basil pesto, garlic cloves, real EVOO, and parmigiano reggiano to craft this Italian classic. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
Your man is probably no stranger to spaghetti in marinara (easiest bachelor meal ever, right?), so you need to take things to the next level. With the pine nuts, olive oil, and fresh basil, you’ll be giving your man a much needed boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory fats. You can pair with razor thin tenderloin, seared prawns, grilled chicken, or fresh fish.
13. One-Pan Artichoke Chicken With White Wine Sauce
What Is It?
Crispy chicken skin, juicy meat, hearty artichokes, and a wine-based sauce makes for a simple yet elevated recipe that can be ready in less than an hour. See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
This flavorful dinner option is a sophisticated take on the simplest meat out there. You’ll be giving your man a good dose of fats when cooking chicken thighs instead of breasts and an aphrodisiac’s antioxidant boost from the artichokes. Serve on top of his favorite carb, whether that’s crispy, yellow potatoes or steamed white rice.
14. Baked Bison Meatballs
What Is It?
This is a simple meat option taken to a whole new level. All you’ll need is a pound of ground bison, egg, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and assorted herbs and seasoning! See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
Beef meatballs can feel a bit passé, especially if they’re a staple in his freezer. By swapping out beef for bison, you’ll be giving your man a leaner serving of protein, a higher nutrient profile, and delicious new flavors. This keto-friendly recipe is perfect if you’re low on time, as the baked meatballs can be made in less than a half-hour. Pair with his favorite pasta and a homemade (or well-picked store-bought) sauce.
15. Italian Wedding Soup
What Is It?
What’s better than this classic and uncomplicated recipe of homemade grass-fed beef meatballs drowned in soup stock made from chicken (bone) broth, high-quality EVOO, orzo, colorful vegetables, and freshly grated pecorino cheese? See the full recipe here.
Why He'll Love It
Hear the church bells ring! Yes, the name classically comes from the “marriage” of meatballs, vegetables, and greens – not from being served at weddings – but the name alone should signal major heart eyes to your man through his stomach. Level up this recipe by using grass-fed beef, bone broth instead of chicken stock, real extra-virgin olive oil, and grate your own cheese.
Closing Thoughts
Look, I don’t make the rules. There's actually research to prove that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! If a significant population of men feel that good food wins them over, it would be foolish for you to not learn your way around the kitchen. There’s no need to overcomplicate cooking, however, because some of the most delicious recipes are made with simple, but high-quality ingredients. Nurture your man’s heart and soul by starting with his stomach!
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