40 Easy Father's Day Recipes to Celebrate Dad

Plan the perfect menu for Father's Day with inspiration from these tasty, guy-inspired appetizer, main and dessert recipes.

May 27, 2021

By: Morgan Faulkner, Farima Alavi, and Maria Conti

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A Delicious Spread for Dad

Instead of making a restaurant reservation this year, whip up Dad a meaningful meal from scratch for Father's Day. Whether hosting a backyard barbeque for Dad, surprising him with breakfast in bed or just treating him to a homemade dinner, we have a tasty recipe for every meal such as pulled pork quesadillas, beer margaritas, stout pancakes, bacon-flavored cookies and more.

Cowboy Breakfast Skillet

Start Father's Day off right by serving Dad breakfast in bed. This Tex-Mex-inspired breakfast gets its flavor from jalapenos, beans and fire-roasted tomatoes.

Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Cowboy Breakfast Skillet

From: Kristin Guy

Pub-Style Pretzels + Beer Cheese

Make your dad feel as if he's hanging out at his favorite pub by serving these freshly baked salty pretzels, homemade beer cheese sauce and his beer of choice.

Get the Recipe: Pub-Style Pretzels and Beer Cheese Sauce Recipe

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Inspired by the Lowcountry classic, this hearty, oven-baked feast features potatoes, corn, spicy turkey sausage and succulent shrimp for an easy-to-make meal Dad (and everyone) will love.

Get the Recipe: Easy + Delicious Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil Recipe

From: Chelsea Faulkner

Applewood Bacon Shortbread Cookies

This may look like bacon, but it's actually a shortbread cookie. The buttery flavor of the shortbread complements the applewood smoked salt seasoning that adds a bacon-like flavor to the cookie.

Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies That Taste Like Bacon

From: Heather Baird

Spicy Pulled-Pork Empanadas

Pulled pork gets a Cuban kick with these easy empanadas. Use leftover pulled pork or start from scratch for an on-the-go tasty dish.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Pulled Pork Pie Crust Empanadas Recipe

Handheld Chicken & Waffle Cones

Chicken and waffles, anyone? A sweet waffle cone makes the perfect edible vessel for your favorite chicken nuggets. Drizzle with maple syrup or dipping sauce for a clever handheld snack.

Get the Recipe + More Ideas: 5 Genius Low-Waste, Handheld Party Foods

Grilled Mexican Corn

Make this Father's Day extra festive with this flavorful Mexican grilled corn recipe. Generously season ears of corn with butter, spicy ancho chili powder, fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of salt before throwing them on the grill.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Mexican Corn Recipe

From: Kristin Guy

Cajun-Bacon-Ranch Mini Burgers

This delicious cheeseburger recipe pulls out all the stops for Dad with crisp-cooked bacon, homemade Cajun seasoning and a creamy, ranch dressing drizzle. Pair the baby burgers with an ice-cold brew for maximum enjoyment.

Get the Recipe: Bacon and Ranch Cajun Baby Cheeseburgers

Asian Chicken Pasta Salad

This summer cookout staple is given a tasty twist thanks to bowtie pasta and shredded chicken breast seasoned with ground ginger, sesame seeds and soy sauce. Fresh tomatoes, cilantro and chopped green onion are mixed into the dish to provide a healthy garden touch.

Get the Recipe: Amazing Asian Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Barbecue Baby Back Ribs

Be sure to pick up extra napkins at the store before serving these delicious, albeit messy, baby back barbecue ribs. The good news? The entire recipe is confined to a slow cooker so you won't have to worry about any saucy splatters on the grill.

Get the Recipe + More Ideas: 50 Fall Slow Cooker Recipes for a Crowd

Chile + Lime Roasted Cashews

Lime juice and chile pepper give these roasted nuts a flavorful kick — perfect for snacking on before the main meal.

Get the Recipe: Chile and Lime Roasted Cashews Recipe

Barbecue Pulled Pork Quesadilla

This delectable dish combines shredded barbecue pork, pepper jack cheese, chunky corn salsa and fresh spinach in a crispy flour tortilla for a quesadilla unlike any other. Serve with fresh guacamole and chipotle ranch dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Get the Recipe: Barbecue Pulled Pork Quesadillas

A Shot of French Fries

Serve these salty French fry shots as an easy-to-tote appetizer at your Father’s Day cookout. Fill shot glasses with hot sauce-spiked ketchup or grated garlic horseradish, and serve crispy fries on top.

See More Photos: 10 Simple Shot Glass Recipes to Make Entertaining a Breeze

Triple Bundt Stout Cake

This triple-decker chocolate stout cake is infused with rich dark beer and served with an array of pretzels and nuts on the side for a spread Dad will be talking about for years to come. Simply bake your favorite chocolate stout bundt cake three times and stack them high. Use a standard fluted bundt pan for the bottom two layers, and use a fancy decorative pan for the top layer to add interest and height.

See More Photos: 15 Totally Unique Ideas for Your Groom's Cake

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Spicy, cheesy and indulgent — this buffalo chicken dip checks all the boxes for a Father's Day soiree. Serve with celery sticks, crackers or tortilla chips for dipping.

Get the Recipe + More Ideas: 50 Fall Slow Cooker Recipes for a Crowd

Beer-Glazed Bratwursts

Save the regular hot dogs for a regular Sunday afternoon. For Father's Day, serve juicy beer-glazed bratwursts on a toasty baguette, and top with grainy honey mustard, sauerkraut, cheddar and fresh onions.

Get the Recipe: Beer-Glazed Bratwursts

Beer Margarita

This refreshing beverage brings Dad's two go-to drinks together to create one incredible cocktail concoction. Perfect for a backyard barbecue, this recipe can be made ahead of time in large batches for easy serving.

Get the Recipe: Cocktail to Go: Beer Margarita

Loaded Kettle Chips

Take store-bought potato chips out of the bag for this year's Father's Day barbecue. Create an interactive chip station where guests can top chips with various seasonings, sauces and fresh cheeses.

Get the How-To: How to Set Up a Self-Serve Potato Chip Bar

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Rotisserie Chicken Trick

Fool friends and family at your Father's Day gathering into thinking you are a pro in the kitchen by picking up a juicy rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Shred the meat, and serve on soft butter buns with your famous (read: favorite store-bought) barbecue sauce.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Stout Pancakes

For a grown-up twist on a classic breakfast food, serve these stout pancakes to Dad this Father's Day. The bacon topping provides a perfect sweet and salty bite.

Get the Recipe: Irish Stout Pancake Recipe

Portable Ice Cream Sundaes

Portable sundaes in jars are the perfect hand-held treat. Mix and match your favorite ice cream and toppings ahead of time, then store the lidded jars in the freezer till it's time to party.

Get the Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Portable Ice Cream Sundaes

Crispy Tomato Chips

If you grow a summer garden, chances are you have tons of tomatoes just waiting to be eaten. Take advantage of that summer bounty with these tangy tomato chips — perfect for a crowd.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Tomato Chips Recipe

Blue Moon Beer Cupcake

What better occasion to serve beer cupcakes than Father's Day? This buzz-worthy recipe combines the distinct flavors of Blue Moon with sweet vanilla to yield a treat that's guaranteed to impress Dad and guests alike. Top them with an orange slice and our free, printable "Happy Father's Day" cupcake toppers.

Get the Recipe + Free Printable: Beer Cupcake Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Bring the heat to your Father’s Day cookout with these spicy buffalo chicken wraps. Simply add crispy buffalo chicken tenders to a classic flour tortilla, and top with fresh lettuce, tomatoes and shredded cheese.

Get the Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Stout Caramel Corn

Plan a movie night and serve a delicious popcorn recipe. This salted caramel popcorn — flavored with stout beer — will be Dad's new favorite treat.

Get the Recipe: Salted Stout Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Tipsy Honeysuckle Strawberry Slush

Treat Pops to a grown-up slushie that combines two of the summer season's most iconic flavors: strawberry and honeysuckle (vodka, that is).

Get the Recipe: Tipsy Strawberry + Honeysuckle Slush

From: Chelsea Faulkner

Churros + Chocolate

Sweet churros are cut into bite-sized pieces, skewered and paired with sipping chocolate for a perfect Father's Day party dessert.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Churros and Chocolate Skewers Recipe

Nacho-Stuffed Potato Skins

These loaded nacho potato skins pack a flavorful punch that's perfect for Father's Day. This appetizer tops crispy potatoes with smoked bacon, refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, chipotle guacamole and fresh, chunky salsa. Add a dollop of sour cream on top, or serve with a cool ranch dipping sauce.

Get the Recipe: Nacho-Stuffed Potato Skins

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Nothing shows your love and appreciation like a fully loaded peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie cake. This dreamy dessert proves more is more with a cookie base piled high with marshmallows, peanut butter cups and a sticky, caramel drizzle. Slice it up and serve warm with a classic vanilla bean ice cream.

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

From: Heather Baird

Grilled Fruit Skewers

Paired with ricotta and yogurt dips, this summer fruit will have Dad and guests pleased at first bite.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Skewers Recipe

From: Kristin Guy

Shot Glass Raspberry Trifles

Harness the sweet taste of summer with this simple raspberry trifle. Store-bought pound cake makes this beautiful dessert a breeze to make.

Get the Recipe: Shot Glass Raspberry Trifle Recipe

Grilled Carne Adobo Skewers

Take skewers to the next level by marinating the meat in a mouth-watering mixture beforehand. Juicy beef skewers get a surprise kick with a one-of-a-kind sauce made from chiles, assorted spices and zesty lime juice.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Carne Adobo Skewers

Pop's Popcorn Bar

Recreate this dreamy setup and serve popcorn as an appetizer for your outdoor Father's Day dinner. Serve with specialized toppings like garlic salt, Cajun or lemon pepper seasoning. Encourage guests to indulge in a sweet-and-salty mix by incorporating a curated candy topping section.

Get the How-To: Treat Guests to a Self-Serve Popcorn Bar

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Irish Nacho Dip

Flavored with stout beer, this hearty nacho dip is delicious served with potato chips, or turn it up a notch by serving it with French fries or tater tots.

Get the Recipe: Irish Nacho Dip Recipe

Coca-Cola Cupcake + Peanut Butter Icing

This salty-meets-sweet cupcake is infused with everyone’s favorite summer soda and topped with a decadent homemade peanut butter frosting. Polish off these pretty cupcakes with chocolate sprinkles, ground peanuts and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Get the Recipe: Coca-Cola Cupcake With Salted Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Pizza Hand Pies

Make his favorite food easy to eat. These pizza hand pies are great as an appetizer or as a meal. Fill them with his favorite toppings and serve with marinara dipping sauce.

Get the Recipe: Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza Hand Pies

Ale Pretzel Caramels

The surprise ingredient in these soft caramel chews is beer. The distinct ale flavor combined with sweet caramel will have Dad coming back for more.

Get the Recipe: Ale and Pretzel Soft Caramels Recipe

Father's Day Treats

Deck out Dad’s favorite crispy rice treats with adorable icing decorations personalized to his interests. Get the kids involved and create a tasty putting green, cute lawn mower or dapper tie treat.

Get the How-To: One Dessert — Three (Easy) Father's Day Treats

Cocoa Freeze Cocktail

This frozen hot chocolate recipe will be sure to cool off Dad from the summer heat. Add tequila or Kahlua and finely chopped chocolate for a rich flavor.

Get the Recipe: Texican Tailgate Cocoa Freeze Cocktail Recipe

Low-Waste Lettuce Wraps

Ditch the paper plates and serve low-waste apps at Dad's get-together instead. For a super quick and flavorful starter, scoop crowd-pleasing chicken salad onto individual romaine leaves and watch this nutritious snack steal the show.

Get the Recipe + More Ideas: 5 Genius Low-Waste, Handheld Party Foods

40 Easy Father's Day Recipes to Celebrate Dad

Related To:

Shop This Look

A Delicious Spread for Dad

Cowboy Breakfast Skillet

Pub-Style Pretzels + Beer Cheese

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Applewood Bacon Shortbread Cookies

Spicy Pulled-Pork Empanadas

Handheld Chicken & Waffle Cones

Grilled Mexican Corn

Cajun-Bacon-Ranch Mini Burgers

Asian Chicken Pasta Salad

Barbecue Baby Back Ribs

Chile + Lime Roasted Cashews

Barbecue Pulled Pork Quesadilla

A Shot of French Fries

Triple Bundt Stout Cake

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Beer-Glazed Bratwursts

Beer Margarita

Loaded Kettle Chips

Rotisserie Chicken Trick

Stout Pancakes

Portable Ice Cream Sundaes

Crispy Tomato Chips

Blue Moon Beer Cupcake

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Stout Caramel Corn

Tipsy Honeysuckle Strawberry Slush

Churros + Chocolate

Nacho-Stuffed Potato Skins

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Grilled Fruit Skewers

Shot Glass Raspberry Trifles

Grilled Carne Adobo Skewers

Pop's Popcorn Bar

Irish Nacho Dip

Coca-Cola Cupcake + Peanut Butter Icing

Pizza Hand Pies

Ale Pretzel Caramels

Father's Day Treats

Cocoa Freeze Cocktail

Low-Waste Lettuce Wraps

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