How to Have a 'Cook Together' Date Night on Video Call

Why Cooking Together Virtually Works

Virtual cooking dates combine multiple relationship-building elements: collaboration, creativity, and shared experiences. When you cook together over video call, you're not just making food—you're creating memories, learning about each other's preferences, and building intimacy despite the distance.

Studies show that couples who engage in novel activities together report higher relationship satisfaction. Cooking virtually introduces novelty while maintaining the comfort of your own space. Plus, you both get to enjoy a delicious meal at the end.

Step 1: Choose Your Video Platform

The right video platform can make or break your cooking date. Here's what to consider:

Best Platforms for Cooking Dates

• Zoom: Excellent video quality, gallery view lets you see each other's cooking stations, free for calls up to 40 minutes
• FaceTime: Perfect for Apple users, very stable connection, can prop up your phone easily
• Google Meet: Great for Android users, up to 60 minutes free, screen sharing for recipes
• Discord: Ideal for longer sessions, screen sharing, and can play background music together

Pro tip: Test your setup 30 minutes before your date. Check lighting, audio, and find the best angle to show both your face and cooking area.

Step 2: Select Your Recipe Together

Choosing what to cook is part of the fun. Consider these factors:

Recipe Selection Criteria

• Skill level: Match the difficulty to whoever is less experienced
• Time commitment: Allow 1-2 hours total including prep and cooking
• Equipment needs: Ensure both of you have necessary tools
• Dietary restrictions: Account for any allergies or preferences
• Timing synchronization: Choose recipes with similar cooking times

Perfect Recipes for Virtual Cooking Dates

Beginner-Friendly:

• Homemade pizza (customize your toppings)
• Pasta carbonara or aglio e olio
• Stir-fry with rice
• Tacos or burrito bowls
• Simple risotto

Intermediate:

• Homemade sushi rolls
• Pad Thai
• Chicken tikka masala
• Homemade dumplings
• Shakshuka with fresh bread

Desserts:

• Chocolate lava cakes
• Tiramisu
• Homemade cookies
• Crepes with various fillings
• Panna cotta

Step 3: Shop and Prep Together

Turn grocery shopping into part of your date experience:

Synchronized Shopping

• Create a shared shopping list using Google Docs or Notes app
• Video call while shopping (if comfortable in public) or share photos of interesting finds
• Challenge each other to find the best looking ingredients
• Discuss any ingredient substitutions you might need

Pre-Date Preparation

Do some prep work before your call to maximize quality time together:

• Wash and organize all ingredients
• Measure dry ingredients if possible
• Set up your cooking station within camera view
• Have all tools and equipment ready
• Pre-heat oven if needed (set a reminder)

Step 4: Set the Mood

Create a romantic atmosphere even through a screen:

Ambiance Tips

• Lighting: Good kitchen lighting is essential, but add candles (safely away from cooking) for romance
• Music: Create a shared Spotify playlist or use Discord to play music together
• Dress up: Wear something nice (even if it's just the top half). Maybe matching aprons?
• Pour a drink: Open a bottle of wine, make cocktails, or prepare special beverages together
• Set the table: Even though you're apart, set a nice table for one with placemats, napkins, and flowers

Step 5: Cook Together

Now for the main event. Here's how to make it smooth and fun:

Cooking Tips for Video Dates

• Designate a chef leader: One person can read the recipe while both cook
• Stay synchronized: "Ready for the next step?" becomes your new catchphrase
• Show and tell: Hold up ingredients and finished stages to the camera
• Adjust your pace: The less experienced cook sets the pace—no rushing
• Troubleshoot together: If something goes wrong, laugh it off and problem-solve as a team
• Taste test together: Season your dishes simultaneously and discuss flavors

Keep the Conversation Flowing

Don't just focus on cooking—this is still a date:

• Share cooking memories from childhood
• Discuss your favorite restaurants and cuisines
• Talk about future meals you want to cook when together
• Share cooking disasters and funny kitchen stories
• Discuss what you love about cooking (or don't love)

Step 6: Dine Together

Once your meals are ready, transition from cooking to dining:

Virtual Dinner Setup

• Move your laptop/tablet to your dining area
• Position the camera so you can see each other while eating
• Do a "cheers" with your drinks
• Take photos of your finished dishes and share them
• Give each other ratings and constructive feedback
• Savor the meal slowly—no need to rush

Make it special by dimming the lights, lighting candles, and treating it like a restaurant date. You can even create a "menu" beforehand with a funny description of your dish.

Step 7: Clean Up Together (Optional)

Some couples enjoy staying on the call even during cleanup:

• Chat about the experience while washing dishes
• Make it a game—who can clean their kitchen fastest?
• Transition into another activity like watching a show together

Bonus Ideas to Enhance Your Cooking Date

Theme Nights

• International cuisine: Pick a different country each month
• Decades dinner: Cook a popular dish from the 50s, 60s, 70s, etc.
• Breakfast for dinner: Make elaborate breakfast foods together
• Mystery basket: Each person chooses 3-4 ingredients the other must incorporate
• Childhood favorites: Recreate dishes from your childhood

Take a Virtual Cooking Class

For a more structured experience, consider joining an online cooking class together. Many services offer couple-friendly options:

• Cozymeal offers live virtual cooking classes with professional chefs
• Sur La Table provides interactive online cooking sessions
• MasterClass features celebrity chef courses you can follow together
• Airbnb Experiences offers unique cooking classes from around the world

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Technical Difficulties

• Poor connection: Have a backup plan using phone call if video drops
• Bad camera angle: Stack books or use a phone stand to get the right height
• Kitchen echo: Use headphones with a microphone for better audio

Cooking Challenges

• Different cooking speeds: The faster person can help troubleshoot or do prep for another recipe
• Missing ingredients: Have a substitution guide handy or embrace creative alternatives
• Kitchen fires (hopefully minor!): Safety first—pause the date if needed

Making It a Regular Tradition

Turn cooking dates into a regular part of your long distance relationship:

Creating a Schedule

• Set a recurring date—first Saturday of the month, etc.
• Alternate who chooses the recipe
• Keep a shared document of recipes you want to try
• Take photos and create a digital cookbook of your virtual cooking dates
• Set goals like cooking through a specific cookbook together

Document Your Journey

• Create a shared Instagram or blog to document your cooking adventures
• Rate each recipe and keep notes for next time
• Build a collection of "our recipes" that you can make when finally together
• Make a video montage of your cooking dates

Benefits Beyond the Meal

Virtual cooking dates offer unique advantages for long distance relationships:

Relationship Building

• Teamwork: Cooking together requires communication and coordination
• Patience: You'll practice patience as you work at different paces
• Problem-solving: Kitchen challenges require creative solutions together
• Learning: Discover new things about each other's tastes and habits
• Future planning: Discuss meals you'll cook when you're finally in the same kitchen

Personal Growth

• Develop cooking skills you can use throughout life
• Expand your culinary horizons and try new cuisines
• Build confidence in the kitchen
• Learn about nutrition and healthy eating together

Final Tips for Success

• Start simple: Your first cooking date doesn't need to be elaborate
• Focus on fun: If the food doesn't turn out perfect, laugh about it
• Be present: Put away phones and distractions during your date
• Communicate clearly: Speak up about timing, issues, or if you need help
• Take breaks: If something needs to simmer, take a moment to just chat
• End on a sweet note: Always include dessert or a special treat
• Plan the next one: Before ending the call, schedule your next cooking date

Conclusion

Virtual cooking dates are one of the most engaging and rewarding activities for long distance couples. They combine creativity, teamwork, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal—even when miles apart. Whether you're making a simple pasta dish or attempting an elaborate five-course meal, the memories you create together in the kitchen will strengthen your bond and give you stories to share for years to come.

The beauty of cooking dates is their repeatability and endless variety. Every week can bring a new cuisine, technique, or culinary adventure. So grab your apron, fire up that video call, and get ready to create something delicious together.

Looking for more virtual date ideas? Check out our guides on watching movies together online, playing games as a couple, and virtual wine tasting experiences.