Recipes

37 Father’s Day Dinner Ideas for a Seriously Great Meal

Party steak with scallion salsa, fully loaded smashed potatoes, an unbeatable blueberry pie, and more recipes to celebrate the dads in your life.
By Joe Sevier and Kelly Vaughan
Cajunspiced chicken thighs topped with fresh peach salsa on a dinner plate beside summer cocktails
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Sean Dooley, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua

Looking for Father’s Day dinner ideas that feel special without requiring a restaurant reservation? This collection of recipes includes everything Dad actually wants to eat: grilled steaks, juicy pork chops, seafood dinners, pasta recipes, tacos, crowd-pleasing sides, and cocktails too.

Whether you’re planning a big backyard cookout or a low-key family meal, these Father’s Day recipes strike the right balance between impressive and totally doable. Some recipes are perfect for spending the afternoon by the grill; others come together in 30 minutes or less. Round out the menu with seasonal salads and sides, easy desserts, and a strong drink or two. Dad deserves it.

  • Plate with three carne asada tacos and a bowl of salsa verde over a pink background
    Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Judy Kim.
    1/37

    Carne Asada Tacos

    Tacos are one of the easiest Father’s Day dinner ideas for feeding a crowd. Citrus-marinated flank or skirt steak cooks quickly on the grill and tastes especially good loaded into warm tortillas with salsa and avocado.

    View Recipe
  • Grilled Swordfish With Tomatoes Recipe
    Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jaime
    2/37

    Grilled Swordfish With Tomatoes

    Sturdy swordfish steaks are among the easiest fish to throw on the grill. And when they’re topped with a summery mix of saffron-spiked tomatoes and olives, it’s even better for Father’s Day.

    View Recipe
  • A heaping plate of grilled chicken interspersed with a range of colorful vegetables.
    Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams
    7/37

    Grilled Buttermilk Chicken With Summer Salad

    Dry buttermilk powder gives grilled chicken the tenderness of a long marinade without the overnight wait, making it ideal for easy yet impressive Father’s Day dinners.

    View Recipe
  • This image may contain Food Dish Meal Plant Platter and Produce
    Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Amy Wilson
    8/37

    Grilled Brisket With Scallion-Peanut Salsa

    Brisket may require advance planning, but that’s exactly what makes it such a rewarding centerpiece. The scallion-peanut salsa adds freshness, crunch, and serious special-occasion energy.

    View Recipe
  • Two lobster rolls on a platter with a plate of potato chips sitting behind
    Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne, Prop Styling by Graylen Gatewood 
    9/37

    BA’s Ultimate Lobster Rolls

    This recipe combines the best of Maine- and Connecticut-style lobster rolls, with melted butter and mayo, plus buttery, toasted buns.

    View Recipe
  • Smothered pork chops in potlikker gravy on a white plate.
    Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Micah Morton, prop styling by Stephanie Yeh
    10/37

    Smothered Pork Chops in Potlikker Gravy

    For a comforting dinner that feels straight out of a Southern Sunday supper, these smothered pork chops deliver rich gravy, tender meat, and deeply savory flavor.

    View Recipe
  • Cajunspiced chicken thighs topped with fresh peach salsa on a dinner plate beside summer cocktails
    Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Sean Dooley, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua
    11/37

    Cajun Chicken With Peach Salsa

    This festive Father’s Day dinner idea comes together in under 30 minutes and is packed with summery stone-fruit flavor to balance the spicy chicken.

    View Recipe
  • burger on top of textured surface behind teal cloth
    Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.
    12/37

    Crispy Golden Shrimp Burgers

    Golden-fried shrimp patties, crunchy cabbage, wasabi mayo, and buttery brioche buns make this one of our most Dad-pleasing recipes.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Food Food Presentation Plate Brunch and Bread
    Photograph by Scott Semler, Food Styling by Drew Aichele, Prop Styling by Maggie DiMarco
    13/37

    Gingery Pork Stuffed Tomatoes

    Everything Dad loves about pork dumplings—ginger, garlic, scallions, and a savory filling—gets tucked into peak-season tomatoes, making for a satisfying summer dinner.

    View Recipe
  • ribs with greens and limes on white plate with large serving spoons and forks on linen background
    Photograph by Joe Lingeman, food styling by Pearl Jones, prop styling by JoJo Li
    14/37

    No-Grill Lemongrass and Soy Ribs

    Saucy, sticky baby back ribs simmered with lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, and fish sauce bring big cookout energy to Father’s Day—no grill required.

    View Recipe
  • This image may contain Spaghetti Food Pasta Meal and Dish
    Marcus Nilsson
    15/37

    BA’s Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

    For a cozy Father’s Day dinner that doesn’t involve grilling, these deeply savory meatballs and rich tomato sauce are hard to beat. Add garlic bread and red wine to complete the meal.

    View Recipe
  • Bowl of bibimbap with side of kimchi and a glass of beer on a yellow background.
    Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca
    16/37

    Bibimbap

    This colorful Korean rice bowl rewards a little extra effort with savory-sweet beef bulgogi, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and spicy gochujang. It’s a memorable dinner idea for dads who love bold flavor.

    View Recipe
  • Fish tacos with salsa greens and avocado
    Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Olivia Mack McCool
    17/37

    Family-Style Fish Tacos

    These crowd-pleasing fish tacos skip the fryer and the grill, relying on slow-roasted fish for tenderness. Add crunchy cabbage slaw and plenty of lime wedges for an easy Father’s Day dinner that everyone will love.

    View Recipe
  • SheetPan Sausage With Corn Peach and Cucumber Salad with a slotted spoon on a platter
    Photo by Christian Harder
    18/37

    Sheet-Pan Sausage With Corn, Peach, and Cucumber Salad

    Smoky sausage, sweet peaches, crisp cucumbers, and juicy corn make this simple sheet-pan dinner feel especially appropriate for peak summer.

    View Recipe
  • Vegan Tacos on a red plate with ingredients to side
    Photograph by Travis Rainey, Prop Styling by Alexandra Massillon, Food Styling by Luciana Lamboy
    21/37

    Very Good Vegan Tacos

    Crispy-edged soy curls, warm corn tortillas, and plenty of fresh toppings make these surprisingly satisfying tacos an easy Father’s Day dinner idea for vegans and omnivores alike.

    View Recipe
  • Quartered red potatoes sliced Persian cucumbers diced red onions and sprigs of dill tossed in a mustardy vinaigrette.
    Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, Prop Styling by Linden Elstran
    22/37

    Dill Pickle Potato Salad

    Every Father’s Day cookout needs a potato salad. This version stands out for its homemade pickles, fresh dill, and a bright, tangy dressing that Dad will absolutely ask for again.

    View Recipe
  • This image may contain Food Bread and Dip
    Photo by Heidi's Bridge, styling by Anna Billingskog
    25/37

    French Onion Dip

    There’s no reliable shortcut to caramelizing onions—they’ll take time and quite a bit of stirring to reach that deep golden brown color, which equals depth of flavor—so be patient. Dad taught you that patience is a virtue, didn’t he?

    View Recipe
  • A colorful summer salad of corn peppers onions and avocados alongside a cutting board with extra parsley and a small...
    Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Emma Ringness
    26/37

    Grilled Summer Salad With Creamy Miso Dressing

    Father’s Day weekend is prime time for summer produce. This incredibly colorful salad grills corn on the cob and shishitos, then tosses the shucked kernels and charred peppers with juicy cherry tomatoes, avocado, and more.

    View Recipe
  • Grilled red peppers marinated in red wine vinegar Dijon mustard pure maple syrup garlic powder olive oil salt and pepper...
    Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton, Prop Styling by Erica Lutz
    27/37

    Marinated Grilled Peppers

    Blistered grilled bell peppers, creamy torn mozzarella, fresh oregano, and a punchy vinaigrette turn a simple vegetable into a standout side.

    View Recipe
  • Hot Honey Wings recipe
    Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Aneta Florczyk
    28/37

    Hot Honey Wings

    Sticky, spicy, crispy chicken wings are always a great appetizer. Chili crisp and lime juice add extra complexity and just enough heat to the hot honey sauce.

    View Recipe
  • Image may contain Plant Food Dish Meal Vegetable Cauliflower Platter and Pork
    29/37

    Smashed and Loaded Crispy Potatoes

    These crispy smashed potatoes, topped with bacon, sour cream, and cheese, deliver all the best parts of a loaded baked potato in a shareable side-dish form.

    View Recipe
  • Roasted carrots and root vegetables with green salsa on a gold plate
    Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Pearl Jones, prop styling by Marina Bevilacqua
    30/37

    Roasted Roots With Green Salsa

    Dress up a duo of roasted sweet potatoes and carrots with a zippy green salsa made with carrot tops, fresh tomatillos, and charred scallions.

    View Recipe
  • A chocolate cheesecake with an Oreo crust.
    Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht
    33/37

    Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

    A crisp cookie crust, silky chocolate filling, and glossy ganache topping make this cheesecake an especially decadent finish to any Father’s Day dinner party.

    View Recipe
  • Overhead shot of a slice of latticetopped blueberry pie on a plate with a bite removed and a fork resting on the side.
    Photo by Laura Murray, Styling by Anna Billingskog
    34/37

    BA’s Best Blueberry Pie

    A classic blueberry pie brightened with lemon zest feels especially fitting for Father’s Day weekend, when summer berries finally come into their own.

    View Recipe
  • Tangerine juice Patron tequila and Modela Especial in a pitcher of ice and service with lime rounds or wedges and a salt...
    Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Liberty Fennell, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams
    35/37

    Beergarita

    This crowd-pleasing drink brings together two of Dad’s favorites. For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, along with good-quality tequila.

    View Recipe
  • tall yellow cocktail on beige surface in front of yellow painted background
    Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.
    36/37

    Green Tea Arnold Palmer

    This quintessential summer thirst-quencher, traditionally made with unsweetened iced black tea, gets an aromatic twist from jasmine green tea.

    View Recipe
  • Two Whiskey Sour cocktails in rocks glasses with maraschino cherries and orange slices
    Photo by Paul H. Christian, food styling by Michele Figliuolo
    37/37

    Whiskey Sour

    Combine fresh lemon juice, warming bourbon, and a splash of simple syrup into an easy cocktail that pairs especially well with smoky dishes, like any of the grilled Father’s Day dinner ideas above.

    View Recipe
Joe joined the Bon Appétit team in 2022 after climbing the editorial ranks for a few years at Condé Nast’s other food publication, Epicurious. As the senior SEO editor, he works to make sure Google loves all of BA’s cooking stories just as much as you do. Look for his ... Read More
Senior SEO Editor, Cooking
Kelly Vaughan is a freelance food writer, editor, and recipe developer based in Connecticut. Most recently, she was the recipe editor of TODAY.com where she managed digital recipe development and sponsored food franchises. She was previously a staff editor and writer at Food52 and Martha Stewart Living. Her writing has ... Read More
Contributor
Explore Bon AppétitSummerGrilling