Father’s Day Dinner Ideas: 65 Delicious Recipes to Make for Dad
Updated: Jun. 14, 2023Skip the necktie and World's Greatest Dad shirt; instead, treat Dad to one of these hearty and tasty Father's Day dinner ideas!
Father’s Day is a perfect day to cook something special, whether you’re firing up the grill for a traditional meat-and-veggies feast or simmering a favorite comfort food on the stove. Our best Father’s Day dinner ideas show off bold flavors, crowd-pleasing ingredients and, yes, a bit of indulgence. It is dad’s day, after all. Pair that perfect gift with a delicious dinner and make this Father’s Day one to remember.
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Favorite Barbecued Chicken
The secret to this popular barbecue chicken recipe? Homemade sauce. While we love store-bought barbecue sauce, there are advantages to a from-scratch recipe, including the ability to adjust the spice level to your liking. Plus, the sauce is simple to make, using ingredients you probably already have.
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Scrum-Delicious Burgers
These mile-high burgers are seriously special. Rather than layering on toppings, the recipe calls for making a rich sauce of mayo, shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon and mushrooms, and dolloping it onto the beef patties midway through cooking. The result is an ooey gooey burger packed with flavor—even when you use lean beef.
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Simple Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
Need a tasty, simple marinade in your repertoire? Bookmark this one, which tastes great on almost any meat and poultry. Taking the extra time to let pork chops marinate pays dividends in flavor and tenderness. Serve with your favorite grilled side dish.
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Chimichangas
Sure, it’s super popular, but you don’t have to grill on Father’s Day. Southwestern food is always a crowd-pleaser. These spicy chimichangas can be fried for extra decadence or baked for simplicity.
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Grilled Marinated Ribeyes
Love barbecue and grilled steak? You don’t have to choose: This recipe tenderizes ribeye in a smoky barbecue-inspired sauce. For maximum flavor, set up the marinade the night before cooking. Don’t forget to make a tasty Father’s Day dessert to follow up this tasty dish.
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Margarita Chicken
Love sweet-sour margaritas? Try this marinated chicken recipe, which uses frozen margarita mix as a base for a tangy marinade. Keep an eye on the clock: This is a quick marinade, needing only two to four hours to take on the flavor. Use the time to make a fun party appetizer!
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Mini Meat Loaf Sheet-Pan Meal
Want to make dad happy? Make a meat loaf just for him—a mini one, that is. Baking single-serving-sized meatloaves speeds up the cooking time and looks fancier on a plate than a jagged slice. Serve with a big scoop of mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
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Southern Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is one of the best comfort foods of all time. Indulge dad with a big pan of creamy, cheesy noodles. Use two of your favorite cheeses, but don’t skip the Velveeta, which gives the sauce it’s rich, silky texture.
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Herb Garden Grilled Chicken
Did you know you can grill a whole chicken? Cook the bird over indirect heat to seal in juices and win that tasty grilled flavor. Have extra space on the grill? Prep a grilled vegetable platter for a delicious side.
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Spinach Tomato Burgers
These burgers have a secret ingredient: spinach dip. The tangy, popular sauce mixes right into the meat, adding flavor and moisture. One of our tips for making the best burgers is key here—don’t overwork the meat as you mix in the sauce, or it will toughen.
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St. Louis-Style Pizza
If you haven’t tried St. Louis pizza, you should! Its cracker-thin crust is topped with a unique type of cheese called Provel. This regional food favorite is a blend of provolone, Swiss and white cheddar that melts at a low temperature, so it stays gooey long after it’s out of the oven. You can make the Provel mix yourself if you can’t find it at the store.
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Teriyaki Beef Roast
Spending Father’s Day out on the town? Start the day with a tasty brunch, then pop this beef roast in the slow cooker. Asian-inspired flavors put a contemporary twist on the classic recipe. It’ll be ready when you come back home for dinner.
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Easy Crab Cakes
If dad’s a seafood fan, you can’t go wrong with crab cakes. This easy recipe calls for a simple breading and canned crab meat. You can bake or fry the cakes, but don’t broil them, which will burn the outside before the inside of the cakes warms through.
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Barbecued Chicken Pizzas
Every element of this pizza is made on the grill. Start by searing chicken breasts, then grill the pizza dough while slicing the chicken and prepping the ingredients. Pizzas cook in minutes on the grill, so move fast!
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Cheesy Meatball Sliders
Not only are they a delicious restaurant copycat, but meatball sliders are also a definite crowd-pleaser. The recipe is very flexible. Make meatballs from scratch (they’re baked, not slow-cooked), or use frozen meatballs. You can even prepare the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Tangy Barbecue Sandwiches
Hosting a crowd this Father’s Day? Make this easy slow cooker recipe of barbecue beef. Serve it buffet-style with buns, slaw and sides. If dad loves french fries, we have a whole collection of super fun fry recipes to pair with these sandwiches.
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Mushroom Pasta Carbonara
A creamy pasta dish studded with sauteed mushrooms and bacon is hard to beat. Serve this with a fresh salad and a basket of dinner rolls to create an Italian restaurant vibe at the dinner table.
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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf
This super-tender and moist meatloaf proves that simple meals can be best. Somewhat unusually, the loaf is cooked in a slow cooker, but this lends to the tenderness of the meat. Pair with a buttery heap of mashed potatoes and green beans or snap peas for a bit of crunch.
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Shredded Barbecue Chicken over Grits
If Father’s Day feels a bit chilly where you live, warm up classic BBQ chicken by serving it atop a bowl of grits. Stir fresh or frozen corn kernels into the grits to give it a more summery feel.
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Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos
Does dad love tacos and bourbon? Then this recipe’s failproof. Don’t skip the homemade chopped salsa, which is zesty and fresh. Finish with a glass of bourbon out on the deck.
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Beef Brisket
In Texas, it’s tradition to smoke a brisket until it’s fork tender and mouthwateringly savory. This recipe aims for the same result, but in the oven. Some of the sauce ingredients may surprise you (Coca-Cola and soy sauce?), but together they lend a sweet, spicy, smoky flavor that’s unbeatable.
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Easy Shrimp Alfredo
A simple classic, shrimp Alfredo needs no improving, but you can definitely adapt the recipe to suit dad’s taste. Add chopped tomatoes and basil, mushrooms, fresh or frozen spinach or a decadent scattering of pine nuts over the top.
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Crispy Fried Chicken
This fried chicken recipe is worth learning how to deep fry at home. As a bonus, the chicken tastes great hot or cold, so bring it on a Father’s Day picnic or serve fresh and piping hot!
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Meat-and-Potato Casserole
There’s nothing wrong with an old-fashioned supper! This hearty casserole is really a whole meal unto itself, but a fresh green salad or boiled corn on the cob would be delicious as a side. Make sure to prepare the potatoes as directed, as they take longer to cook than the other ingredients.
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Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken
Apples and barbecue sauce are a surprisingly natural pairing; the sweet-tart apple balances the sweet-smoky sauce. Slathered in this marinade, the roast chicken comes off the grill almost lacquered and crispy. Pair with your favorite summer side dish.
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Pork Schnitzel with Dill Sauce
Inspired by classic German cuisine, this crispy, juicy pork schnitzel is delicious. The dill sauce adds a creamy tang that cuts the richness of the meat. Serve on buns if you prefer a more casual option.
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“Secret’s in the Sauce” BBQ Ribs
Not all ribs have to cook on the grill. These ribs cook in the slow cooker until the meat melts off the bone. The other secret? Using storebought barbecue sauce gussied up with a few pantry ingredients. Make it a full meal by following one of our Father’s Day menus.
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Garlic-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Make a one-pan dinner, and you won’t need to spend much time cleaning up the kitchen this Father’s Day. This roast chicken wins top marks for tenderness.
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Skillet-Grilled Catfish
Putting a dash of cornmeal into a breading mix adds a pleasant bite to the texture, as well as the warm flavor of yellow corn. A dash of Cajun-inspired spice gives pizzazz to the mild white fish. Serve the catfish on a platter garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
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Hearty Ragu Bolognese
This triple-meat sauce is sure to please dad. The secret to a great ragu is a long, slow simmer, so make sure you start cooking early in the day to enjoy by dinnertime.
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Tacoritos
Never heard of tacoritos? The idea is simple: Prep a meat and bean filling for tacos, then layer the tortillas into a casserole dish, slather with a garlicky chili sauce, and bake until it bubbles.
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Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
Simple is best in this chicken with white wine cream sauce. It’s exceptional alongside roasted carrots and roasted or mashed potatoes.
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Tasty Pork Ribs
Country-style ribs are meaty and full of flavor, and the homemade sauce makes it easy to adjust the seasonings to your liking. The Cajun flavor makes it a natural to serve with a Southern-inspired side.
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The Ultimate Fish Tacos
Since mahi mahi is so mild, this marinade only takes a half hour. The grill time is also short. Throw the corn tortillas on the grill for a bit to make them more pliable.
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Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken
If dad loves Italian food, try this simple slow cooker chicken recipe. Cook whole breasts in a seasoned tomato sauce, then slice and fan over a bowl of pasta. Serve with a basket of crusty Italian bread and a shower of Parmesan cheese.
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Rhubarbecue
Rhubarb is still in season on Father’s Day! It might seem strange to put rhubarb in a barbecue sauce, but its sour, tangy, slight berry sweetness is delicious with any meat.
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Parmesan Pork Tenderloin
A Parmesan cheese crust makes pork tenderloin extra special. The trick? Use grated Parmesan, not freshly shredded, so the cheese will stick.
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Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas
Need a quick dinner on Father’s Day? Make these green chile quesadillas with rotisserie or even leftover chicken. Pair them with a side of beans and chips and guacamole.
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This classic recipe deserves a comeback! Upgrade the dish by making meatballs from scratch or adding chopped mushrooms to the pan.
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Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Does dad love shellfish? Dish up this creamy, Creole-spiced shrimp pasta. Because shrimp cook quickly, it’s a fairly speedy recipe to pull together; perfect to make after a long day out on the links. (Make sure to start the day with a delicious Father’s Day breakfast.)
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The Best Baby Back Ribs
Treat dad to baby back ribs! At the store, look for ribs that are pink and red rather than pale with plenty of white marbling throughout (the fat lends flavor and makes for a tender rib). This recipe sits in a marinade overnight and then goes through a rub before grilling for a flavor-packed experience.
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Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter
Corn isn’t technically dinner, but it’s often everyone’s favorite part. This side dish goes with just about everything grilled. You can even finish off the meal with a grilled dessert.
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Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato
Up your burger game! These gourmet burgers are stuffed with crumbled goat cheese, which ensures that they’re super juicy and deliciously savory. If dad doesn’t like goat cheese, swap it for provolone or fresh mozzarella.
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Balsamic Steak Salad
Summertime is the best time for produce, so take advantage of fresh ingredients on Father’s Day. A perfectly grilled and seasoned steak is an ideal topper for a salad. The sharp vinaigrette cuts the richness of the steak, while crumbled bleu cheese adds umami.
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Big John’s Chili-Rubbed Ribs
These ribs don’t stint on flavor! The sauce is Asian-inspired, brimming with ginger and umami soy sauce, while the ribs themselves are rubbed with smoky cumin and paprika. Serve for a spin on your same-old rib recipe.
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Grilled Brats with Sriracha Mayo
It might be illegal to leave brats off a list of Father’s Day dinner ideas. This recipe is for spice lovers. If you want even more flavor (and a bit less fat), pre-boil the brats in beer before grilling.
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Feta-Dill Chicken Burgers
Here’s a heart-healthy dinner option that doesn’t hold back on flavor. Mixing feta cheese into the ground chicken adds flavor and moisture to the burgers. Serve these burgers with rosemary sweet potato fries.
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Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri
Steak is delicious with so many sauces, but chimichurri is one of the best. Packed with fresh green herbs, piquant citrus and minced onion, the sauce is super lively and bright—perfect for summer. It’s ideal for anyone who likes a burst of flavor without any heat.
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Baja Pork Tacos
Pork or beef taste delicious slow-cooked in this green chili sauce. For a casual party, set up a taco bar and let everyone make their own tacos. Toppings can go in smaller bowls, while warm sides like rice and beans can be kept over warmers.
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Chicken Potpie Casserole
Is dad a comfort food lover? Treat him to this potpie casserole. The recipe is adaptable to your skill level (and how much time you have to cook!). Use pre-cooked chicken and even pre-made biscuit dough to make it quicker.
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Grilled Green Onion Burgers
Juicy, mile-high burgers are a weekend dinner classic. Put a spin on ’em by adding sweet-tangy hoisin sauce. A mushroom and bok choy topper might seem unexpected, but it tastes absolutely fantastic. Of course, you can top with any veggie you like.
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Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin
Classic doesn’t have to mean boring. Beef tenderloin is about as good as it gets. It’s an expensive cut of meat, so make the meal special and serve with dad’s favorite wine, some delicious dinner rolls and a steakhouse-inspired side dish.
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Cast-Iron Sausage Pizza
Homemade pizza is the best, whether you use a store-bought dough or take the time to make one from scratch. This version cooks in a cast-iron pan, lending a pizzeria quality crisp to the crust.
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Garlic Beef Enchiladas
These highly-rated enchiladas will make a Father’s Day meal that’s both homey and festive. This saucy enchilada recipe works with either flour or corn tortillas, and you can make it your own with the optional toppings.
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Best Ever Beans and Sausage
Serving a crowd on Father’s Day? Make this hearty casserole. Use spicy sausage if you like, or swap out mild (or even hot dogs!) for a more approachable dish for kids.
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Taco Burgers
No need to debate between tacos and burgers with this recipe! Season your ground beef with taco spices, thicken with crushed corn chips and top with salsa for a festive twist on a classic burger.
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Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja
The secret ingredient that sets this ropa vieja recipe apart is apples, in two ways. Apple sauce adds subtle sweetness to the sauce, while a Granny Smith apple adds a tart, acidic flavor that mellows over the long cook time. This is a delightful option when you’re tired of the usual taco night.
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Sweet and Spicy Sloppy Joes
There’s nothing fancy about a sloppy joe—and that’s all right! Treat dad to his favorite comfort food. These sweet sandwiches taste great with grilled or sauteed corn.
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Barbecued Picnic Chicken
As one of our most popular barbecue recipes, we doubt this picnic chicken will leave you with leftovers. If you can, make the sauce one or two days before you plan to serve it, which gives the flavors time to fully develop. Serve with any barbecue side.
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Grilled Salmon Fillet
Sometimes, a citrusy salmon dish is the perfect way to end a warm summer day. Be sure to grill the salmon according to how thick it is so that it doesn’t overcook. The flesh should flake away when you put a fork in it. Pair with seasonal veggies and cilantro-lime rice.
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Steak and Shrimp Kabobs
Want to wow dad? Treat him to homemade surf-and-turf. Shrimp and steak marinate together with veggies until it’s time to grill, making this a simple but special dinner.
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Wisconsin Butter Burgers
Sure, ketchup’s good, but have you ever topped a burger with a generous pat of butter? A Wisconsin tradition, butter burgers might sound just OK, but they’re sneakily tasty. Dress them up with the usual toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, ketchup and mustard.
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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Inspired by sweet and tangy Hawaiian chicken, this recipe is one of our most popular. The glaze tastes delicious on pork, too, if you prefer. Serve with rice and grilled pineapple.
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Chili Coney Dogs
These hot dogs might just transport dad back to his youth! This recipe is a hit with diners of all ages, making it perfect for a multi-generational Father’s Day celebration.
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Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken
Surprise dad with takeout that doesn’t come from a restaurant. This copycat recipe mimics the sweet-sour deliciousness of orange chicken, but it’s made entirely from scratch! Don’t worry, the stir-fry is easy to make at home, and you can even add your favorite vegetables to the wok.
Originally Published: April 17, 2019
