Every Father’s Day, I think about the meals my dad made for us. The smell of grilled meats and the laughter at the table were the best. This year, I want to make a special feast for him.
I will share my top 11 Father’s Day recipes with you. These dishes will make your dad’s day unforgettable. You’ll find BBQ classics and gourmet dishes like seared duck breast with cherry sauce.
Each recipe has a list of ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re an expert or new to cooking, these dishes will make your celebration special.

Table of Contents
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are a fun and tasty way to start Father’s Day. This recipe combines juicy chicken and colorful veggies. It’s perfect for a fun outdoor party. Plus, it’s easy to make and will impress everyone.
To make these tasty grilled chicken skewers, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
First, mix olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, add the cubed chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
After that, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Add your favorite veggies for color and taste.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill when it’s ready. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning them now and then. The chicken should be cooked through and reach 165°F. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a memorable Father’s Day meal.
BBQ Brisket Tacos
BBQ brisket tacos are my top pick for Father’s Day. They mix tender brisket with fresh toppings. It’s a hit at summer gatherings, bringing everyone together.
To start, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs beef brisket
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup coleslaw (optional)
- BBQ sauce for serving
Season the brisket with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Slow-cook it until it’s tender. Then, shred it and put it in warm tortillas. Add coleslaw for crunch and BBQ sauce for flavor.
These brisket tacos are a great choice for Father’s Day. They show off my favorite BBQ recipes. Sharing them with family makes the day special.
Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that warms the heart. It’s great for Father’s Day because it’s full of cheesy goodness and meat. The pasta, sauce, and cheese mix together to make a taste that everyone loves.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Ziti pasta | 1 lb |
Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Ground beef or Italian sausage | 1 lb |
Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
As I make my baked ziti, the smell fills the air. It’s a sign that our Italian dish is ready. The cheese and sauce make it a hearty, memorable meal. It’s perfect for Father’s Day with family.
Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce
For gourmet Father’s Day meals, I choose a duck breast recipe. It’s elegant and delicious. Seared duck breast with cherry sauce is a perfect mix of flavors.
This dish highlights the tender duck meat. It also uses a tasty cherry sauce that goes well with it. Here’s what you need:
- 2 duck breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
First, season the duck breasts with salt and pepper. Then, sear them in a hot pan until the skin is crispy. For the sauce, mix cherries, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a saucepan. Let it simmer and thicken while the duck cooks.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are a great choice for Father’s Day. They are tender, slow-cooked pork with BBQ sauce. This makes a tasty filling for hamburger buns.
I love this recipe because it’s easy and full of flavor. Here’s what you need for this tasty meal:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns for serving
First, season the pork with salt and pepper. Put it in a slow cooker with onion and vinegar. Cook on low for 8 hours.
When it’s almost done, shred the pork with two forks. Mix it with BBQ sauce. Serve it on warm buns for yummy BBQ sandwiches.
Chicken and Waffles
On Father’s Day, I love to treat my family to a special brunch. Chicken and waffles are perfect for this. They mix savory and sweet flavors in a comforting way.
This dish is great for Father’s Day brunch ideas. It’s not just tasty but also festive.
To make these tasty chicken and waffles, I use a simple recipe. The crispy fried chicken goes well with fluffy waffles. It’s a favorite comfort food of mine.
- Marinate 2 lbs of chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs) in 1 cup of buttermilk for at least two hours to keep the meat juicy.
- Prepare the breading by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Fry the marinated chicken until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve alongside warm waffles, either store-bought or made from scratch.
- Drizzle with maple syrup for that perfect finish.
I serve this dish with bright sides like fruit or a simple salad. Chicken and waffles fill the belly and warm the heart. It’s a cherished family meal on special days.
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a favorite in Southern cooking. It’s perfect for Father’s Day dinner. This dish is hearty and comforting, great for family meals.
The recipe is simple but full of flavor. Creamy grits go well with seasoned shrimp and smoky bacon. A few fresh ingredients make a dish that shows off Southern cooking.
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
Grits | 1 cup |
Water or chicken broth | 4 cups |
Cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
Bacon, chopped | 4 slices |
Onion, diced | 1/2 |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Try this shrimp and grits recipe for Father’s Day dinner. It’s comforting and joyful. It’s a dish that shows the heart of Southern cooking.
Grilled Sausages with Peppers and Onions
Grilled sausages with peppers and onions are a tasty choice for Father’s Day. They are easy to make and everyone loves them. The sausages’ bold flavors mix well with the sweet peppers and onions.
To make this dish, you’ll need:
- 1 lb assorted sausages (Italian, bratwurst)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, heat the grill to medium-high. Then, mix the peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the sausages and the pepper-onion mix on the grill.
Flip the veggies and sausages often. This helps them cook evenly. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the sausages.
This dish is not just tasty. It also looks great. It’s perfect for Father’s Day barbecues.
Baked Salmon with Herb Crust
Baked salmon with an herb crust is a top pick for healthy Father’s Day meals. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. Salmon is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a special meal.
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, heat your oven to 375°F. Then, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place the salmon on a baking sheet and spread the herb mix on it. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s flaky.
This recipe is not just tasty but also healthy for Father’s Day. Serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s good for you.
Pork Schnitzel
Pork schnitzel is a favorite in German food. It makes any meal warm and satisfying. It’s perfect for Father’s Day dinner ideas, making it a great choice for the family.
To make this classic dish, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb pork loin, sliced thin
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
The dish is simple yet flavorful. The pork loin is coated in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs. This makes it crispy. Frying it in vegetable oil gives it a golden-brown look.
Serving pork schnitzel is fun. Try it with potato salad or sautéed veggies for a full meal. It’s not just a dinner; it’s a taste of German culture for any special day.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan is a favorite for many. It’s a mix of crispy chicken, melted mozzarella, and rich sauce. It’s perfect for Father’s Day.
I start with two thin chicken breasts. I coat them in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This makes the outside crispy and the inside tender.
After baking, I add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Then, I broil it until the cheese is bubbly and brown. This adds great flavor.
Before serving, I sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Chicken parmesan is a hit at any meal. It’s a dish that brings everyone together.