There's so much more to Valentine's Day snacks than mountains of gooey chocolate. If you're looking for something light, easy and bite-sized, we've got you covered.
30 Valentine’s Day Snacks to Share the Love
Updated on Jan. 02, 2025
1/30
Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These luscious cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled strawberry: 41 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 27mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
When you want that cheesecake flavor without that post-cheesecake sugar crash, try one of these bite-sized treats. The recipe calls for almond extract, but I usually swap in vanilla extract when I need a nut-free alternative.
2/30
Black Bean Brownies
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You’d never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 167 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
These brownies are sweet and taste decadent, but they have a surprising secret ingredient: canned black beans. No one will be able to taste the black beans, but they allow the brownies to be higher in protein and fiber.
3/30
Chicken Nuggets
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Nothing says “I love you” like breaded bite-sized chicken nuggets alongside homemade dipping sauces. The recipe calls for pan-frying the nuggets in a skillet, but you could easily use your air fryer or make baked chicken nuggets instead.
4/30
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.
Meringue is every bit as tasty as a cookie, but it’s lighter, airer and naturally gluten-free because it’s made with egg whites instead of flour. You’ll need a pastry bag with a #1M star tip to complete this recipe as pictured, but feel free to play around with other tips to create a different look.
5/30
Cheesecake Bites
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
49 squares
From the Recipe Creator:
Satisfy your cheesecake craving with these bite-sized delights! The party favorites are perfect for a holiday celebration. —Esther Neustaeter, La Crete, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 141 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Sometimes I don’t want an entire piece of cheesecake, I just want one bite … or maybe three. These little bite-sized treats are perfect because they’re covered with chocolate so they don’t even require a fork. They also freeze well and are easy to transport if you’re taking your Valentine’s Day snacks on the road.
6/30
Air-Fryer Steak Bites
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sirloin steak is seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, then tossed in the air fryer until perfectly cooked. After that, each piece gets a nice slather of garlic butter for a juicy, flavorful bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 281 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
Yep, you can cook steak in the air fryer! And because it requires only a fraction of the oil, this recipe creates a healthy, high-protein snack you’ll want to make again and again. For a vegetarian version, try using cubed tofu to make air-fryer tofu steak bites.
7/30
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 pastries
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now with a busy family, I need quick bites, and my spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers at snack or supper time. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 144 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Ham and cheese create a classic combination, but this recipe makes it much more sophisticated. Sliced ham and creamy Brie are wrapped in buttery puff pastry and finished with a dollop of apricot preserves. If you want to get extra fancy, make puff pastry from scratch instead of using the store-bought stuff.
8/30
Pizza Pinwheels
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
These little treats taste a lot like rolled-up pizza. With crispy pepperoni and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, what’s not to love? —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 776mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
It’s not really love unless you know your partner’s favorite pizza toppings, right? Show them how much you care by customizing these cute pizza pinwheels with their favorites. This recipe can be made with plain cheese, mushrooms and olives, pepperoni, or even ham and pineapple.
9/30
Zippy Shrimp Skewers
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These flavorful skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear. —Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 57 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
Gluten-free, pescatarian and keto lovebirds will fall for these quick-and-easy bites. The chili powder and hot pepper sauce add a strong kick to the grilled shrimp, so ease up on those ingredients if you aren’t a fan of spicy food.
10/30
Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
25 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
A tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 89 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Your Valentine’s Day date will think you hired a private chef to whip up these elevated snacks, but they’re actually incredibly easy. They’re ready to eat in only 30 minutes! Make an extra batch of the shallot and Dijon mustard dipping sauce to save for sandwiches and french fries.
11/30
Roasted Chicken and Brie Holly Mini Bites
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
24 mini sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the idea for this perfect party appetizer from my favorite sandwich at a local restaurant. I re-created the delectable combination of sweet fig, roasted apple, melted Brie and tangy garlic mayonnaise in a quick appetizer with bright red cranberries and green spinach to give it a holiday twist. These scrumptious bites take only about 20 minutes but taste as if you spent hours. You can also make them a few days in advance, then warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving. —Terri Gilson, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini sandwich: 98 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
I love appetizers that I can make in advance so I don’t have to rush around the kitchen when my guests arrive. Just pop these cute little bites in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds and they’ll taste as good as new.
12/30
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 appetizer: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Caramelized sweet potatoes pair fantastically with salty, crunchy bacon. And since the sweet potatoes here are cut into bite-sized cubes, you can decide to eat just one … or ten!
13/30
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I converted these blondies to be gluten free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were craving brownies one night, and these cakelike treats hit the spot. They are a fantastic spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 176 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
This recipe uses gluten-free all-purpose baking flour, but the blondies taste indulgent enough to serve to anyone (even if your date isn’t gluten-free). If you’re throwing a completely gluten-free Valentine’s Day celebration, pair these blondies with other gluten-free dessert recipes.
14/30
White Chocolate Truffles
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I use this white chocolate truffle recipe to make homemade holiday gifts. The candies are so easy to make and look so pretty in a gift box. —Gloria Nolan, Peoria, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 truffle: 62 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Skip the candy shop and go straight to your pantry, where you probably already have most of the ingredients to make these irresistible truffles. The whole recipe is ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
15/30
Brownie Bourbon Bites
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate and chopped pecans flavor these simple, spirited treats. Make a double batch so you can give some as gifts and savor the rest! —Paula Kirchenbauer, Newton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 110 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
These delicious bites take only 10 minutes to bake, so they’ll be ready to devour in no time. If you don’t want to use the bourbon called for in the recipe, one reader suggests swapping in coffee.
16/30
Caprese Tomato Bites
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil in these bite-sized appetizers. Each bite gives you a taste of summertime. —Crystal Williams, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 tomato half: 18 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
These little stuffed tomatoes are kind of like mini salads, but they’re much cuter. They’re also low-carb and gluten-free to boot.
17/30
Bruschetta with Prosciutto
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A crowd-pleaser any time of year, this savory appetizer is perfect for get-togethers. —Debbie Manno, Fort Mill, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 33 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Traditionally, bruschetta is made by topping grilled bread with tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs. This recipe adds some flair with prosciutto, sweet onion, balsamic vinegar and hot pepper sauce.
18/30
Honey Champagne Fondue
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This special champagne fondue has wonderful flavor from Swiss cheese and a hint of sweetness from honey. It clings well to any kind of dipper. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 256 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
This extra-special fondue recipe is perfect for a romantic date night at home. If you don’t have a fondue pot, you can use a small slow cooker.
19/30
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker: 23 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
It’s easy enough to buy crackers from the store, but it may be even easier to make your own with just a few basic ingredients. Best of all, you can use any kind of cookie cutter you want—we suggest hearts, of course.
20/30
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crabmeat
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender crab-stuffed mushrooms with their crispy golden toppings are always popular at parties! The crab filling is a delicious special-occasion treat. Serve them while they're warm. —Nancy Aiello, Bloomery, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Crabmeat, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and fresh parsley are stuffed into fresh mushrooms and baked in the oven for 20 minutes. It’s such a delicious snack, you may want to serve it again for dinner.
21/30
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Strawberries
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
I was enjoying a salad with strawberries and blue cheese when the idea hit me to stuff the strawberries and serve them as an appetizer. It worked out great, and the flavors blend so nicely. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed strawberry: 36 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
If you’re a fan of tangy, creamy blue cheese, you’ll love it even more when it’s stuffed inside a sweet, juicy strawberry. This recipe also includes pecans, which can be omitted for a nut-free option.
22/30
Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an interesting spin on bruschetta. The creamy ricotta cheese spread is an ideal complement to the sweet, minty strawberry topping. —Laura Stricklin, Jackson, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 89 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Just think of this dish as dessert bruschetta. For a romantic twist, I like to arrange the strawberry slices into little heart shapes.
23/30
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Each of these treats is a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill and fix ahead, these bites add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled strawberry: 70 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
If your one-and-only love enjoys cake but it’s just the two of you this Valentine’s Day, consider making these 30-minute cheesecake bites. They’re much quicker and easier than baking an entire cheesecake, and they’re much lighter too.
24/30
Spicy Almonds
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We like to venture out into the mountain range that surrounds our family cabin. These nuts never taste better than when we enjoy them together at the peak of an amazing hike. Almonds are extremely nutritious, and when dressed up with a wonderful blend of spices, they go from ordinary to awesome! —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 230 calories, 20g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
These almonds taste amazing—and they smell amazing too. Just pop them in the oven a few minutes before your Valentine’s date arrives and get ready for oohs and aahs.
25/30
Banana Beignets
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a little girl, my grandmother took me aside one day and taught me how to make her famous banana beignets. Although we made them during the holidays, they're pretty fantastic any time of the year. —Amy Downing, South Riding, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet: 72 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
You don’t have to travel to New Orleans this Valentine’s Day to get a taste of the Big Easy. This fruity spin on beignets will hit the spot, and they’re actually pretty easy to whip up. You can even freeze some for later!
26/30
Grilled Bruschetta
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to appetizer in the summer when tomatoes and basil can be fresh from the garden. The balsamic glaze takes this bruschetta recipe over the top. I like to use a Tuscan herb or basil-infused olive oil, but it works well with plain olive oil too. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 58 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Some bruschetta recipes call for toasting the bread—or even heating it in the microwave—but there’s nothing like the taste of freshly grilled toast. To elevate this recipe, try brushing the bread with an herb-infused olive oil dip before it hits the grill.
27/30
Mint Baileys Bars
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
64 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This Baileys bars recipe is a combo of two St. Patrick's Day goodies. You can use any type of chips in the brownies, and you can choose to swirl in the cheesecake instead of using it as a separate topping. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 96 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Why wait until St. Patrick’s Day to indulge in these little Baileys treats? There’s no reason you can’t enjoy them a month early! The secret ingredient (besides Irish cream, of course) is Andes creme de menthe baking chips.
28/30
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon and shrimp make a great team in this super-easy party appetizer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 93 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
Bacon-wrapped recipes always make a tasty snack, but be sure to make this one with thinly sliced bacon. If you can’t find it, you can partially cook thick-cut bacon in a pan before wrapping the raw shrimp. Otherwise, the shrimp might overcook before the bacon is done.
29/30
Artichoke-Topped Crab Bites
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my take on crab cakes that I made into finger food for a party. The artichoke mixture on top really complements the crab. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 40 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
These flavorful morsels are similar to something you’d see passed around during a wedding cocktail hour. Only ours have a secret ingredient: pickle juice.
30/30
Cranberry Almond Balls
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Part snack, part dessert and completely delicious, these no-bake energy bites are perfect to keep in the pantry for any time you need a deliciously chewy and nutty treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 ball: 147 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
If you’re snacking before dinner, it doesn’t get easier than these no-bake energy balls with cranberries, oats, almond butter and sliced almonds. And they’re so nutritious, you can even eat them for breakfast the following day.
Valentine’s Day Snack FAQ
What are the easiest Valentine’s Day snack ideas?
The easiest Valentine’s Day snack recipes have hands-off cooking time, meaning you can just pop them in the oven and multitask until the timer rings. If you’re making something like stuffed mushrooms that bakes for 20 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to dip strawberries in chocolate or prepare stuffed dates during the other recipe’s cooking time.
What is a good Valentine’s Day snack for someone who doesn’t like chocolate?
Even if you don’t like chocolate, you can still indulge in a variety of sweet treats on Valentine’s Day. Most red or pink desserts don’t involve chocolate, and you can’t go wrong with sweet and savory strawberry recipes. If you want to eschew dessert altogether, try making quick and easy snacks like puppy chow or spiced nuts.
What are good diabetic snacks for Valentine’s Day?
While most Valentine’s Day desserts aren’t recommended as part of a diabetic diet, there is no shortage of sweet, salty and savory diabetic-friendly snacks to choose from. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, look to diabetic-friendly desserts like sugar-free chocolate fudge.
