It’s impossible to count all the things our dads do for us, but it’s easy to whip up five ways to say, “thank you!” We picked 25 of our most popular, dad-approved recipes to mix and match for the ultimate Father’s Day menu. Whether it’s all-American or internationally inspired, meat fresh off the barbecue or something vegan-friendly, these recipes are a foolproof way to show dad the love from appetizer through dessert.
Get the party started appetizers
Cuban-Style Black Bean Dip with Plantain Chips
Kick off your Father’s Day meal with the tropical vibes of this five-ingredient black bean dip that comes together in 10 minutes. Jarred sofrito and smoky cumin add flavor depth to mashed black beans served with crumbly cotija cheese and plantain chips for dipping.
Get the recipe: Cuban-Style Black Bean Dip with Plantain Chips
Mini Buttery Shrimp Rolls
This two-bite riff on lobster rolls is worthy of a special occasion, yet surprisingly easy to make. Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and fresh chives dress up ready-to-eat frozen shrimp served inside half of a buttery, toasted hot dog roll.
Get the recipe: Mini Buttery Shrimp Rolls
Grilled Okra with Seasoned Salt
These unexpectedly flavorful skewers will turn anyone into an okra lover. Grilling transforms the nutritious, budget-friendly veggie into a crispy, smoky bite dusted with paprika and cumin-spiked salt.
Get the recipe: Grilled Okra with Seasoned Salt
Crab Imperial Dip
Take a quick Father’s Day trip to the Maryland shore with this dunk-able version of crab imperial. Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard add a savory touch to a gooey baked dip with chunks of crab and two kinds of cheese.
Get the recipe: Crab Imperial Dip
Teriyaki-Glazed Cocktail Franks
Show dad he’s top dog with a sweet-savory appetizer destined for the cookout hall of fame. Mini cocktail franks slathered in teriyaki sauce become irresistibly caramelized after five minutes on the grill.
Get the recipe: Teriyaki-Glazed Cocktail Franks
The main event
Green Chili Cheeseburger
Burgers are a no-brainer for dad’s big day, but they don’t have to be boring. A duo of green chilis adds mild kick to these cheeseburgers with melty white American inspired by a New Mexico diner classic.
Get the recipe: Green Chili Cheeseburger
Pulled Oyster Mushroom Sandwiches
Show your old man some new tricks with this plant-powered play on pulled pork. Stacked sandwiches with tender shreds of roasted oyster mushrooms, barbecue sauce, and crunchy slaw will satisfy even diehard barbecue lovers.
Get the recipe: Pulled Oyster Mushroom Sandwiches
Peruvian-Style Drumsticks with Spicy Green Sauce
A one-two punch of creamy yogurt marinade and herby green condiment crank up the flavor on these chicken drumsticks. Whip up a double batch of the spicy cilantro-garlic sauce (it’s make-ahead-friendly and keeps in the fridge for days) for a versatile complement to any grilled meat or fish.
Get the recipe: Peruvian-Style Drumsticks with Spicy Green Sauce
Cherry Cola Spareribs
A three-ingredient spice rub and two-step cooking method make these fall-off-the-bone ribs a dream for BBQ lovers. The oven does most of the work for cola and fresh cherry-glazed pork spareribs that get a smoky finish on the grill.
Get the recipe: Cherry Cola Spareribs
Easy Smoked Ribs
Instead of smoking these baby back ribs for hours, this recipe lets your oven do the hands-off cooking, then finishes them on the grill for the same smoky flavor in a fraction of the time.
Get the recipe: Easy Smoked Ribs
Sides to steal the show
Mozzarella, Tomato, and Plum Salad
Classic caprese tastes even better with the addition of ripe, juicy stone fruit. Thick slices of sweet plum (or swap in peaches or nectarines) pair perfectly with summer tomatoes, mild mozzarella, and peppery arugula.
Get the recipe: Mozzarella, Tomato, and Plum Salad
Pennsylvania Dutch Chow Chow
Capture summer in a jar with this veggie-loaded chow chow that serves double duty as both a light side and chunky condiment. Keep the combo of pickled cauliflower, corn, peppers, and two kinds of beans in the fridge for up to a month to add zing alongside (or on top of) burgers, sandwiches, grilled steak, and beyond.
Get the recipe: Pennsylvania Dutch Chow Chow
Bacon and Cheddar Loaded Potato Salad
A few flavorful additions are all you need to transform store-bought potato salad into a decadent side dish for dad. Fully cooked bacon and shredded cheddar help get this hearty, cookout-ready recipe on the table in 10 minutes.
Get the recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Loaded Potato Salad
Air Fryer Squash Curly Fries with Za’atar
Use a spiralizer for these irresistibly crispy curls that are a snap to make in the air fryer. Earthy za’atar seasoning adds Middle Eastern-inspired flavor to breaded tendrils of zucchini and summer squash served with a lemony yogurt sauce for dunking.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Squash Curly Fries with Za’atar
Texas Caviar
This dish from the heart of Texas packs a punch of plant-powered protein. The combo of two kinds of beans, crunchy veggies, fresh cilantro, and garlic is delicious alone or scooped onto tortilla chips.
Get the recipe: Texas Caviar
Raise Your glass
Spicy Micheladas
Bloody Mary goes to the beer hall in this summery cocktail with a kick. Chili powder, hot sauce, and Worcestershire amp up the flavor of tomato or veggie juice mixed with Mexican lager.
Get the recipe: Spicy Micheladas
Arnold Palmer with Mint Simple Syrup
This summer refresher tastes as good sitting in the backyard as it does out on the links. Fresh, homemade lemonade combined with black tea and a mint-infused simple syrup is a celebration-worthy spin on Arnold Palmers.
Get the recipe: Arnold Palmer with Mint Simple Syrup
Citrus Kombucha Mocktail
This fizzy, citrusy mocktail has the added benefit of good-for-your-gut probiotics. Ginger kombucha and lemonade with a twist of lime and cucumber is a refreshing sip dad can enjoy morning, noon, or night.
Get the recipe: Citrus Kombucha Mocktail
Big Batch Mint Julep
Get your Father’s Day party off to the races with this big batch version of Derby Day’s official drink. A homemade mint simple syrup adds delicious , refreshing flavor to Kentucky bourbon over crushed ice topped with a splash of sparkling water.
Get the recipe: Big Batch Mint Julep
Sweet Tea Rum Slush
This island-inspired sipper made with sweet tea, lemonade concentrate, and orange juice concentrate freezes to slushy perfection inside a resealable bag. For a grownup version, just add dad’s favorite rum of choice.
Get the recipe: Sweet Tea Rum Slush
Sweet finale
Cookie Cheesecake Bars
This mashup of two all-star desserts is easy to pull off, thanks to a couple of store-bought helpers. Refrigerated cookie dough forms the crust for luscious bars with creamy no-bake cheesecake filling, fresh raspberries, and drizzled chocolate.
Get the recipe: Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Pretzel Sundaes with Microwave Caramel Sauce
Sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, these yummy sundaes have it all. Let dad pick his favorite ice cream, then top with walnuts, crushed pretzels, and homemade caramel that’s a snap to make in the microwave.
Get the recipe: Pretzel Sundaes with Microwave Caramel Sauce
Chocolate-Vanilla Swirl Cupcakes
Chocolate and vanilla cake batter and two kinds of icing make these eye-catching cupcakes twice as nice. The dramatic towers of twisted frosting are easy to make using a plastic bag fitted with a piping tip.
Get the recipe: Chocolate-Vanilla Swirl Cupcakes
Pineapple-Strawberry Skewers
If dad’s cutting down on sugar, these colorful grilled fruit skewers are the perfect little treat. A light honey glaze and char from the barbecue transform chunks of pineapple and strawberry into satisfying dessert kabobs.
Get the recipe: Pineapple-Strawberry Skewers
Mango-Lemon Bars
End Father’s Day on a bright note with sunny yellow lemon squares that pack double the fruit flavor. Fresh or frozen mango adds a tropical twist to jammy, sweet-tart bars that come together with 10 minutes of prep.
Get the recipe: Mango-Lemon Bars
