Easy Father's Day Recipes + Cocktails

From healthy options to sweet treats, try our easy recipes and cocktails that any dad will love.

By: Farima Alavi and Maria Conti

Related To:

Cowboy Breakfast Skillet

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

MAKE THIS: Tex-Mex Cowboy Breakfast Skillet

From: Kristin Guy

Loaded Kettle Chips Bar

Give your favorite guy the gift of endless options this Father’s Day. Start dad’s celebration cookout with a fully-loaded kettle chip bar. Load a large serving vessel with classic kettle chips, and stock the station table with mouthwatering toppings like homemade barbecue seasoning, Sriracha and fresh blue cheese crumbles.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Cajun-Bacon-Ranch Mini Burgers

Around here, we consider these miniature burgers a Father’s Day menu mainstay. This drool-worthy 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.

MAKE THIS: Bacon and Ranch Cajun Baby Cheeseburgers

Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Our crispy fried chicken and golden-baked waffle sliders will start Dad's day off with a satisfying mix of sweet-and-savory flavors that will keep him stuffed and happy well into the afternoon.

MAKE THIS: Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Grilled Mexican Corn

Spice-up Dad’s side dish this year with our crowd-pleasing grilled Mexican corn recipe. Coat the ears of corn in authentic flavor using butter, ancho chili powder, fresh lime juice and creamy Cotija crumbles. Serve with classic carne asada tacos and a pitcher of refreshing watermelon margaritas.

MAKE THIS: Grilled Mexican Corn Recipe

From: Kristin Guy

Vegan Burrito Bowl

Father’s Day fiesta, anyone? Celebrate Dad with a festive and flavorful dinner party with a build-your-own burrito bowl station. Offer guests a base of black beans, brown rice and tofu (or grilled chicken and steak for non-vegetarian dads), and provide fresh toppings like homemade pico de gallo, avocado slices and wood-fired corn salsa.

Pop's Popcorn Bar

Give Pops the popcorn bar of his dreams. Recreate our 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 with a curated candy topping section, too. Color-coated chocolate candies are guaranteed to please.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Southern Shrimp + Grits Bites

Invite Dad to sit back and enjoy the summer heat with a stout cocktail and healthy helping of our bite-sized Southern shrimp and grits. The party-ready recipe calls for a muffin tin to create perfect, pre-portioned bites ideal for small family gatherings and crowded cookouts, alike. Trust us, Dad will rave about the killer combination of creamy cheddar grits, grilled jumbo shrimp and crispy bacon tomato salsa for days.

MAKE THIS: Make Shrimp and Grits in a Muffin Tin for Bite-Sized Southern Goodness

Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Satisfy Dad’s sweet tooth with our easy air-fryer churro recipe. Make a batch of our go-to homemade churro batter, and pipe onto a baking sheet in 3-inch lengths. Stick in the freezer for about 20 minutes or until the batter is firm. Throw the firm batter into your air-fryer for 5-7 minutes, and remove once golden brown and fragrant. Coat with butter, then roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

See More Photos: 10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Make in an Air Fryer

Pub-Style Pretzels

Make your dad feel as if he's hanging out at his favorite pub. Serve these delicious, salty pretzels with beer cheese sauce and his beer of choice.

MAKE THIS: Pub-Style Pretzels and Beer Cheese Sauce Recipe

A Shot of French Fries

Shots that won’t lead to a debilitating hangover? Yes, please. Serve our 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.

Air-Fried Pickles

Fried pickles for Father’s Day? That’s a no brainer, friends. Serve Dad a healthy alternative to traditional, deep-fried pickles with our air-fryer recipe. Coat thick-cut dill pickle chips in beaten eggs and panko bread crumbs, then toss in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to whip up his favorite homemade ranch dressing for a creamy and cooling dipping sauce.

See More Photos: 10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Make in an Air Fryer

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

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

MAKE THIS: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

From: Heather Baird

Refreshing Ginger + Grapefruit Bourbon Sour

Bring a tart summer twist to Dad’s drink of choice with our ginger grapefruit bourbon sour. Whip up a big batch of this spiked citrus drink to wow the crowd at your outdoor Father’s Day event. Serve over ice, and garnish with fresh grapefruit and lime wedges.

MAKE THIS: Big-Batch Cocktails: Ginger Grapefruit Bourbon Sour

Toast to Dad

Hosting a sophisticated celebration? Start the evening with an appetizer of build-your-own bruschetta bar. Provide guests with a basket of perfectly-crisp bread to use as their base, and offer a variety of toppings like garlic-roasted tomatoes, fresh berries, goat cheese, avocado, chocolate hazelnut spread, honey and prosciutto.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

You’d be hard-pressed to find a recipe more mouthwatering and/or appropriate for Father’s Day than our fall-off-the-bone, baby back ribs. Did we mention this recipe is made in a slow cooker, with root beer? You’re welcome.

See More Photos: 10 Fall Slow Cooker Recipes for a Crowd

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.

MAKE THIS: Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza Hand Pies

Stout Pancakes

Start his day off right with a sweet and salty breakfast. The secret ingredient in these pancakes — stout!

MAKE THIS: Irish Stout Pancake Recipe

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.

MAKE THIS: Ale and Pretzel Soft Caramels Recipe

Blue Moon Beer Cupcake

The main ingredient in this cupcake recipe is Blue Moon beer. The orange-amber flavor adds a tangy twist to the sweet taste of the cupcake.

MAKE THIS: Beer Cupcake Recipe

Father's Day Treats

Deck out Dad’s favorite rice treats with adorable icing decorations personalized to his interests. Get the kids involved and recreate our tasty putting green, lawn mower and dapper tie treat for dad. Whip up our rice treat recipe or save yourself time (and clean-up) and use store-bought sweets, instead.

See More Photos: One Dessert — Three (Easy) Father's Day Treats

White Negroni Cocktail

This cocktail is the perfect drink for the trendy, sophisticated dad. Unexpected bitters give it a punch of flavor.

MAKE THIS: White Negroni Cocktail Recipe

From: Kristin Guy

Grilled Citrus Herb Branzino

For a healthy treat, give Dad grilled citrus herb branzino for dinner. The fish is packed with citrus flavor; serve it with parsley radish salad for a colorful summertime meal.

MAKE THIS: Grilled Citrus Herb Branzino Recipe

From: Kristin Guy

Chocolate Tea Biscuit Cake

This chocolate cake is fit for royalty. The tea biscuits and rich chocolatey flavor resemble Prince William's groom cake — your dad will love being treated like a prince.

MAKE THIS: Chocolate Biscuit Cake Recipe

Sourdough Stuffing With Parmesan and Leeks

The vegetarian dad will be getting seconds of this sourdough stuffing recipe. The bread absorbs the perfect amount of flavor from the Parmesan and leeks.

MAKE THIS: Sourdough Stuffing With Parmesan and Leeks

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.

MAKE THIS: Texican Tailgate Cocoa Freeze Cocktail Recipe

Beer Cheese Dip

This year, give Dad the perfect snack to accompany his favorite beer. This beer cheese dip gets its spicy flavor from horseradish sauce. Serve it with pretzel sticks or on top of toasted crostinis as an appetizer.

MAKE THIS: Beer Cheese Recipe

From: Sam Henderson

Greek Chicken-Stuffed Pita

Who doesn't love a pita-bread sandwich? Serve this chicken recipe with tzatziki sauce made with nonfat Greek yogurt for a healthier approach Dad will thank you for.

MAKE THIS: Chicken-Stuffed Pitas Recipe

Frozen Mint Julep

The Southern dad will love this mint julep cocktail. Make it in the blender with ice for a refreshing summer treat.

MAKE THIS: Frozen Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

Salt-Encrusted Branzino

Making branzino may seem overwhelming, but even a novice cook can successfully make this recipe. The encrusted salt gives the fish its flavor without drying it out.

MAKE THIS: Salt-Encrusted Branzino Recipe

From: Kristin Guy

Stout Caramel Corn

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

MAKE THIS: Salted Stout Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Baked Piña Colada Doughnuts

The glaze on these doughnuts is infused with pineapple juice for an extra-flavorful bite. Bake them instead of frying for a healthier treat.

MAKE THIS: Piña Colada Baked Doughnuts Recipe

From: Sam Henderson

Frozen Orange Cocktail

This cocktail gets its potency from orange-flavored French liqueur and vanilla-infused vodka. Orange sherbet adds a rich, fruity flavor, masking the taste of the alcohol.

MAKE THIS: The Steve-O 3-O Favo-O-Freeze Cocktail Recipe

Coca-Cola Cupcake With Salted PB Frosting

Soda gives this cupcake its rich, full flavor. Top it with salted peanut butter frosting for a sweet-and-salty bite.

MAKE THIS: Coca-Cola Cupcake With Salted Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Applewood Bacon Shortbread Cookies

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

MAKE THIS: Shortbread Cookies That Taste Like Bacon

From: Heather Baird

Bloody Mary With a Twist

Carrot juice gives this classic Bloody Mary recipe a fun twist. Add cherry tomatoes and yellow pepper slices as garnishes for a delicious treat Dad will love to drink while relaxing.

MAKE THIS: Wed Wabbit Cocktail Recipe

Chicken and Sausage Pasta

This chicken and sausage pasta gets its spiciness from Creole-inspired sauce. Dad won't be disappointed with this hearty meal.

MAKE THIS: Spicy Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe

From: Chrissy Barua

Irish Mexican Coffee

Surprise Dad with Irish coffee topped with whiskey-infused whipped cream. Just make sure he doesn't operate any heavy machinery after drinking this warm cocktail.

MAKE THIS: Irish Mexican Coffee With Whiskey Whipped Cream

Nacho Dip

This hearty dip is packed with flavor. Whipping up this dip is easy — all it requires is mixing!

MAKE THIS: Irish Nacho Dip Recipe

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Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Photo By: Kara Lydon, RD

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

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Photo By: Heather Baird, SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Sam Henderson

Photo By: Heather Baird, SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Sam Henderson

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Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

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Easy Father's Day Recipes + Cocktails

Related To:

Cowboy Breakfast Skillet

Loaded Kettle Chips Bar

Cajun-Bacon-Ranch Mini Burgers

Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Grilled Mexican Corn

Vegan Burrito Bowl

Pop's Popcorn Bar

Southern Shrimp + Grits Bites

Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Pub-Style Pretzels

A Shot of French Fries

Air-Fried Pickles

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Refreshing Ginger + Grapefruit Bourbon Sour

Toast to Dad

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Pizza Hand Pies

Stout Pancakes

Ale Pretzel Caramels

Blue Moon Beer Cupcake

Father's Day Treats

White Negroni Cocktail

Grilled Citrus Herb Branzino

Chocolate Tea Biscuit Cake

Sourdough Stuffing With Parmesan and Leeks

Cocoa Freeze Cocktail

Beer Cheese Dip

Greek Chicken-Stuffed Pita

Frozen Mint Julep

Salt-Encrusted Branzino

Stout Caramel Corn

Baked Piña Colada Doughnuts

Frozen Orange Cocktail

Coca-Cola Cupcake With Salted PB Frosting

Applewood Bacon Shortbread Cookies

Bloody Mary With a Twist

Chicken and Sausage Pasta

Irish Mexican Coffee

Nacho Dip

Shop This Look

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