53 Father’s Day Dinner Ideas for a Memorable Celebration

Coming up with ideas for Father’s Day dinners can feel tricky, but once you’ve got the menu set, you’ll be ready to host a low-stress, low-key gathering—or a big extended-family bash to remember. Below you’ll find lots of options for a casual Father’s Day barbecue or an elegant feast at home, with a few of our favorite recipes for ribs and other meaty mains, grilled chicken, seafood, and sides. Fire up the grill, get out the lawn games, and don’t forget to save room for a slice of summery cake—in Dad’s favorite flavor, of course.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Liza Jernow1/53Spicy Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Chicken Wings
Father’s Day dinners should be fun—and these grilled wings are definitely party-worthy. Don't skip the crunchy onions and fresh lime squeezed on top.
Food styling by Olivia Mack Anderson, Photo by Chelsea Kyle2/53Shrimp and Chorizo Mixed Grill
This crowd-pleasing mixed grill features lots of fresh asparagus, taking advantage of the early summer produce. The accompanying cilantro-lime dressing and creamy green dipping sauce are bound to become easy favorites.
Photo by Shutterstock3/53Beer Can Chicken
If Dad has always wanted to try this classic, make it for him this year in your backyard. Add on his favorite side dishes—and crank up his favorite tunes.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne4/53Our Favorite Mac and Cheese
We've made a lot of mac and cheese here at Epicurious. And this version is still our favorite of all time.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton5/53Tacos de Gobernador
These juicy shrimp, poblano, and cheese tacos are flavored with a bit of diced bacon. Serve with salsa and a good, cold beer.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell6/53Make-Ahead Instant Pot Grilled Ribs
These prep-ahead ribs make life easy if you're hosting the whole extended family for a Father’s Day meal.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Kim7/53Buldak-Style Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
These spicy chicken drumsticks get a beautiful char on the grill.
Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Liberty Fennell8/53Classic Sole Meunière
Going for French restaurant vibes this year? Impress everyone with this old-school buttery fish dish, which only takes 15 minutes from start to finish.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich9/53Double-Stack Mushroom and Chicken Cheeseburgers
A towering burger, topped with gooey Muenster, shredded lettuce, and curry mustard.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Nathaniel James, Food Styling by Simon Andrews10/53Grilled Leg of Lamb With Garlic and Lemon
Butterflied boneless leg of lamb cooks evenly, so you can be sure it'll be a juicy rosy color throughout. Serve with lemony potatoes or grilled asparagus.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Laura Rege11/53Grilled Ratatouille Pasta Salad
Two crowd-pleasing dishes come together in this Father's Day recipe.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton12/53Easy Pasta Salad
This tangy, bright pasta salad can be made with any short or round pasta—or even tortellini if you prefer.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food Styling by Simon Andrews13/53Sticky Grilled Chicken
Molasses, pomegranate juice, and apricot jam lend a deliciously sweet-tart, barbecue sauce–like glaze to this grilled chicken recipe from Gourmet.
Donna Turner Ruhlman14/53Rosemary-Brined, Buttermilk Fried Chicken
A giant platter of this chicken—freshly fried and hot or, honestly, cold after a stint in the fridge—will certainly make Dad's day.





Kendra Vaculin

The Editors of Epicurious
