65 Father's Day dinner ideas your dad will love
If you’re not sure what to get for Dad this Father’s Day, a home-cooked meal is always a good place to start. We have a great lineup of dinner recipes to do just that. Each tried-and-true recipe is as steadfast and dependable as the father figure in your life. While none of them are too difficult to make, we can guarantee that each and every dish is worthy of dad.
You can count on plenty of grill-ready recipes for Father’s Day, when the weather for outdoor grilling is the most cooperative. You can expect more than the standard burgers and hot dogs. We have flavorful recipes for barbecue chicken, bone-in steaks and pork chops, sticky glazed baby back ribs and all kinds of ripe, seasonal summer vegetables. Each of these is primed and ready for grill time, so Dad doesn’t need to lift so much as a pair of tongs.
Many of these Father’s Day dinner recipes can be made indoors too. Our oven-baked sheet-pan clambake features a flavorful broth, while a whole bone-in pork shoulder cooks low and slow in a countertop slow cooker. Even iconic surf-and-turf and plates of steak frites can be made in the comfort of your kitchen. If you’re looking for something a little simpler, we have plenty of easy pasta recipes to choose from. There are ones packed with meaty sausage and cheese, and others cooked with fresh farmstand vegetables, such as sweet corn and zucchini. Either of them is sure to show the whole family some love on this special day.
Ina Garten's Filet Mignon with Mustard and Mushrooms by Ina Garten
What dad doesn’t like to be surprised with a decadent steak dinner? These tender filets are cooked with meaty mushrooms and coated in a glossy mustard sauce.
Sheet-Pan Clambake by Alejandra Ramos
Since Father’s Day falls conveniently during clambake season, why not embrace it with this sheet-pan variation? Smoky sausage, shrimp, mussels, and clams all cook with plenty of butter and seasoned broth for a summer meal.
Rib-Eye Steak with Cacio e Pepe Smashed Potatoes by Elena Besser
A perfectly cooked rib-eye steak is always a fan favorite, but it’s not even the most exciting part of this dish. The bone-in steak is paired with crispy, cheesy smashed and roasted potatoes inspired by cacio e pepe pasta.
Easy Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches by Elena Besser
These sandwiches make good use of store-bought rotisserie chicken, so you’ll have plenty of time to whip up a homemade barbecue sauce and classic coleslaw. The barbecue sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, while the creamy slaw cools everything down.
Chicken Paillard Saltimbocca by Elena Besser
This simplified version of Saltimbocca is ideal for family gatherings. Instead of wrapping the prosciutto and sage around chicken cutlets, simply sear the chicken and garnish with crisped ham and herbs.
Paccheri with Sausage, Fennel and Pine Nuts by Elena Besser
This cozy pasta dish is easy enough for any ordinary weeknight, but its flavors are worthy of a special dinner for Dad. Fennel adds a touch of sweetness, though you can have your choice of sweet or spicy Italian sausage.
Bobby Flay's Eggplant Milanese by Bobby Flay
If an Italian-American dinner is the order of the day, this recipe won’t disappoint. Eggplant stands in for chicken to make this a meatless dish that’s topped with sautéed mushrooms and Parmesan cheese.
Sweet Corn Mac and Cheese with Bacon by Elena Besser
This stovetop macaroni and cheese is a lighter, seasonal take on the classic comfort dish. Sweet summer corn and smoky bacon bits add flavor and texture to the creamy pasta.
Slow-Cooked Baby Back Ribs with Peach-Honey Nectar by Matt Abdoo
This hands-off recipe produces fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs that are sweet, sticky and savory. Prep the dry rub and peach-honey glaze the night before to save some time on Father’s Day.
Zucchini Pasta with Pistachios and Parmesan by Elena Besser
Vibrant green ingredients add so much flavor to this simple pasta dish. Tender roasted zucchini lends some sweetness, basil adds something fresh and pistachios make for a crunchy topping.
Bobby Flay's Steak Frites with Blue Cheese Butter by Bobby Flay
Bring the steakhouse to Dad’s kitchen with this steak frites recipe. Paprika-rubbed rib-eye steaks are paired with thin and crispy French fries and homemade blue cheese-chive butter for a celebratory dinner.
Pappardelle 'Carbonara' with Asparagus and Herbs by Elena Besser
This not-so-traditional carbonara is made with bacon instead of guanciale for ease, but the flavors are still spectacular. Toss in some seasonal asparagus and fresh herbs to lighten things up.
Teriyaki Pork Burgers with Spicy Slaw by Will Coleman
These burgers are loaded with flavorful ingredients including teriyaki sauce, chili crisp and furikake seasoning. The East Asian-style patties pair perfectly with crunchy coleslaw and mirin-fried eggs.
Herb-Crusted White Fish with Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts by Kevin Curry
If steak and potatoes aren’t your thing, this light and bright white fish is sure to satisfy. A lemony herb paste is used to coat the fish before baking, and everything is served with fresh asparagus, Brussels sprouts and crispy fried capers.
Creamy Garden Zucchini Pasta by Alejandra Ramos
While zucchini and tomatoes are at their peak, put them to good use in this simple seasonal pasta. Yogurt and pasta water make it creamy, while fresh herbs and lemon zest finish it with something fresh.
Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Thighs with Sweet Chili Sauce by Matt Abdoo
Sweet and spicy is the name of the game here. Sweet chili sauce, sambal oelek and lots of spices pair with a hot honey barbecue rub to add bold flavor to grilled chicken thighs. Use the same seasonings for other meats such as pork chops or chicken breasts.
Grilled Shrimp Po'Boy by Alexis deBoschnek
Sandwiches are delicious for any meal, but this summery one is hearty enough for Father’s Day dinner. Pile plump Cajun shrimp, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and homemade remoulade sauce into toasted rolls and dinner is served.
Brown Sugar & Soy Glazed Pork with Elote Salad by Matt Abdoo
The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce gives boneless pork chops a delectable sweet and salty flavor. Pair them with a grilled corn salad inspired by Mexican street corn for a summer feast fit for the whole family.
Mojo Chicken with Avocado Salad by Alejandra Ramos
A simple chicken dinner is just the thing to show your appreciation for the father figure in your life. Here, chicken breasts are marinated with garlic, herbs and citrus and paired with an avocado salad inspired by the flavors of guacamole.
Butter-Basted Pork Chops by Gaby Dalkin
All it takes is some garlic, butter and woodsy herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and sage, to create big flavor. The buttery sauce is used to baste pork chops as they cook so every bite is as juicy as the last.
Easy Lasagna by Alexis deBoschnek
If you’re cooking for a crowd, this easy lasagna recipe is a great option. To cut down on time, use store-bought marinara instead of homemade, a combination of ground beef and spicy sausage for the meat layer and a mixture of ricotta and mozzarella cheese instead of bechamel.
Cajun Surf and Turf with Fajita Roasted Vegetables by Kevin Curry
No need to choose between steak and seafood for Father’s Day. Pair garlic and herb-basted sirloin steaks with Cajun coffee-rubbed shrimp and some of your favorite spice-roasted vegetables.
Fennel Fried Chicken With Strawberry Rhubarb Sweet and Sour Sauce by Erin French
Strawberries and rhubarb are a match made in heaven, and they work equally well in savory and sweet dishes. The fruits create a sticky tangy sauce that coats brined fried chicken pieces, which are battered in a duo of cornflake crumbs and ground fennel seeds.
Nashville-Style Hot Grilled Chicken by Emily Connor
These saucy grilled chicken thighs have all of the spicy flavor of a classic Nashville-style fried chicken sandwich. The key is to brine the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce before grilling. Don’t forget the pickles for serving!
Carne Asada with Chorizo, Jalapeños and Grilled Quesadillas by Rick Martínez
Fire up the grill! Each component of this satisfying recipe is bringing the heat. Marinated steak, fresh chorizo whole jalapeño peppers and scallions are grilled to perfection. The melty quesadillas are also toasted over the flame for a delicious charred flavor.
Shrimp Scampi with Bucatini by Drew Barrymore and Pilar Valdes
A light and fresh pasta dish will always be a hit at the dinner table. Cook juicy shrimp with butter, garlic and white wine and toss them lemony, herby pasta.
Grilled Chicken Marbella by Emily Connor
Old-school chicken Marbella is made by stewing chicken pieces in a sweet and sour broth with briny olives and dried fruit. For this version, the chicken is marinated in a similar sauce and grilled for a summer dinner. Serve it over bowls of mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
Porchetta-Style Pork Burgers by Emily Connor
Traditionally, porchetta is seasoned with herbs, fennel and garlic and wrapped in fat before being cooked low and slow. Here, we add all of those same flavors to juicy pork burgers — serve them with crispy bacon, cheddar and all of the usual burger toppings.
Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Potatoes and Tzatziki by Theodora Kaloudis
Feed the whole family with this tender, juicy leg of lamb. It’s roasted alongside herb-crusted potatoes and served with a quick homemade yogurt sauce.
Easy Yogurt-Marinated Pork Tenderloin by Ali Rosen
Not only does this herb and garlic yogurt marinade add flavor to pork tenderloin — it also helps keep the meat moist and tender. The best part? The whole recipe is made using only six ingredients.
Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Tomato Bruschetta by Joe Isidori
Everyone loves bruschetta, but it’s not the best option for a dinner entrée. Instead of toasted bread, pile the tomatoes and basil on top of golden brown breaded chicken cutlets for a hearty fresh meal.
Spicy Lobster with Linguine and Mint by Martha Stewart
Lobster is definitely fit for a special occasion such as Father’s Day. When paired with fresh tomato sauce, linguine and chopped mint, it’s a light yet hearty summer pasta.
Bobby Flay's Grilled Pork Chops with Jalapeño Pesto by Bobby Flay
Pesto is a crowd favorite, and this homemade one has quite the kick. The usual suspects — fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese — are blended with spicy roasted jalapeños. Drizzle as much as you like over tender grilled pork chops.
Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks by Becca Jacobs
Want to make Dad a modern steak dinner but you’re worried about cooking the meat properly? Rib-eye steaks will cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to double check the interior temperature of the steaks before serving.
Spanakopita Pasta with Buttery Garlic Breadcrumbs by Theodora Kaloudis
Everything you love about spanakopita — the delicious savory Greek pastries — can be found in this pasta, including spinach, feta cheese and fresh dill. Buttery panko breadcrumbs are sprinkled on top to mimic the texture of flaky phyllo dough.
Lidia Bastianich's Ossobuco alla Milanese by Lidia Bastianich
This osso bucco recipe is the epitome of Italian decadence. Veal shanks and aromatics simmer on the stove until the meat is falling off the bone and the marrow is tender.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs by Becca Jacobs
When oven or stovetop space is limited, the air fryer is a great option for cooking proteins. These chicken thighs are seasoned simply with lemon, garlic and rosemary, so they go with just about any side dish you can imagine.
One-Pan Shrimp Fra Diavolo by Riley Wofford
A simple pantry ingredient — crushed pepper flakes — is responsible for packing a lot of heat in this shrimp dish. Serve it with warm bread so people can tear it and dip it into the tomato-based sauce.
Peach-Glazed Barbecue Ribs by David Rose
Juicy summer stone fruit is used in this glossy barbecue glaze, which transforms pork spareribs. A dry rub made with smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder and onion powder adds just enough savoriness to the sweet ribs.
Blackened Shrimp Burgers with Lime Tartar Sauce by Riley Wofford
Once regular old cheeseburgers have lost their luster, try out these shrimp burgers for Dad. The patties are flavored with blackening seasoning and fresh garlic, and the toasted buns are spread with a zesty lime mayo.
Grilled Double-Cut Pork Chops with Maple-Pecan Butter by David Rose
Double the pork chops, double the fun — each juicy chop has two bones worth of meat. The sweet and toasty maple-pecan compound butter can be melted on top of other rich meats or even used for sweet treats like waffles and pancakes (minus the chives and pepper, of course).
Gnocchetti Sardi with Sausage and Pomodoro Ragu by Stefano Secchi
Sardinian gnocchetti have a similar texture to the Italian potato dumplings known as gnocchi. Serve the ribbed pasta with a rich homemade tomato sauce cooked with crumbled fennel sausage.
Capellini with Spicy Tomato Crab Sauce by Lidia Bastianich
It’s a wonder that so much flavor can be found in such a quick and simple recipe. Thin capellini and crab meat both cook through quickly in a simple San Marzano tomato sauce that allows the simple ingredients to shine.
Martha Stewart's Grilled Korean-Style Short Ribs by Martha Stewart
Short ribs are usually braised for hours to break down the meat, but these flanken ribs only need a few minutes on the grill to become tender. Marinating them in a Korean-style sauce adds so much umami-rich flavor.
Baked Gnocchi Alla Vodka by Nina Elder
What could possibly make a gooey baked pasta dish even more indulgent? Gnocchi and vodka sauce. Don’t worry — the vodka cooks out of the sauce, so it’s suitable for the whole family.
Air Fryer Pork Chops by Becca Jacobs
By cooking pork chops in the air fryer, the meats’ interior remains moist and juicy, while the exterior caramelizes around the edges. You can season the chops however you like — this recipe uses smoked paprika, salt and brown sugar for a sweet and smoky kick.
Bobby's Flay's Cast-Iron Steak with Brown Butter & Blue Cheese by Bobby Flay
Cast-iron cooktops are one of the best ways to prepare steak, especially a special cut such as a porterhouse. Top the steak with butter, blue cheese and fresh thyme leaves before popping it under the broiler for a few minutes.
Strozzapreti with Salsa Pomodoro by Stefano Secchi
Homemade pasta is easy to prepare and it always makes a good impression. Pair it with a simple stewed tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Stuffed Pork Loin Roast by Theodora Kaloudis
One skillet does double-duty in this recipe — it’s used to cook the filling for the pork loin, as well as sear and bake the roast. The cheesy filling is studded with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, garlic and baby spinach.
Bacon Cheeseburger with Caramelized Tomato and Onion Jam by Will Coleman
Picture the best restaurant cheeseburger you’ve ever had. Good news — you can make a similar one at home. The burger patties are nothing fancy, but each cheese-crusted bun is topped with creamy blue cheese spread, onion jam and candied bacon strips.
Turkey Burgers with Jam-Dijon Mustard by Will Coleman
If you want something a little lighter without compromising on flavor, these turkey burgers fit the bill. Don’t forget the special sauce — it features fruit jam mixed with Dijon mustard, onion powder and cracked black pepper.
Fried Cajun Shrimp and Pimento Cheese Grits by Will Coleman
This recipe is all of the best that southern cuisine has to offer. Shrimp marinates in buttermilk for just a few minutes before it’s battered in a Cajun cornmeal mixture, fried and served over creamy pimento cheese grits.
Foil-Packet Sticky Jerk Chicken Wings by Will Coleman
Chicken wings without the mess that comes with frying? Yes, please. Serve these jerk-marinated wings with a sweet and spicy fresh pineapple and habanero hot sauce.
Lemon Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drizzled with Honey by Elizabeth Poett
Brining chicken drumsticks in lemon, garlic and rosemary before frying gives them a bright and fresh flavor, which is a welcome compliment to savory onion powder and paprika. Once the chicken comes out of the frying pan, drizzle everything with a generous squeeze of sweet honey.
Kansas City-Style Oven-Glazed Ribs by Matt Abdoo
Barbecue styles vary by region, but Kansas City has some of the best in the country. The dry rub for these pork spare ribs is made with smoky ingredients such as Hatch chile powder, brown sugar and paprika. The barbecue sauce follows suit — molasses and brown sugar add sweetness and ketchup and vinegar add some tang.
Ina Garten's Crispy Mustard Chicken and Frisee by Ina Garten
Roasted chicken and potatoes hit the spot every time. This dish is flavored with lemon and Dijon mustard, and is served over a bed of slightly bitter chicory greens, which wilt just a hair under the heat.
Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Chimichurri Sauce by Matt Abdoo
It’s all about the herb- and spice-rubbed steak in this recipe, but the vibrant green chimichurri sauce really livens everything up. Serve the steak with a simple side dish of roasted potatoes or sautéed vegetables.
Seared Scallops with Tzatziki by José Andrés
Scallops have a mild, buttery flavor, so they pair particularly well with this spice mix made with Urfa pepper, pink peppercorns, sumac and dried rose petals. Serve them over a generous smear of herby Greek yogurt-labneh spread.
Seared Scallops with Tzatziki by José Andrés
Each element of this recipe is delicious on its own, but they’re even better when put together. Thick-cut pork chops are breaded, pan-fried and served on a bed of smoky, spicy bacon and tomato sauce.
Saucy Shrimp alla Vodka by Lidey Heuck
This simple shrimp dish is made using mostly pantry staples, such as canned tomatoes, dried spices and tomato paste. For a more impressive presentation, leave the tails on the shrimp — they’re completely edible and make the dish feel more elegant.
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork by Casey Barber
If Dad is a barbecue fan, they’ll love this family-friendly pulled pork recipe. The bone-in pork shoulder is rubbed with spices and cooked low and slow in the slow-cooker with beer and barbecue sauce. Serve it as is, or pile the pork into toasted buns with coleslaw.
Bobby Flay's Chicken Parmigiana by Bobby Flay
Bring an Italian-American flair to Father’s Day dinner with this tried and true chicken Parmesan. Each chicken cutlet is fried until crisp and golden and served with lots of cheese, tomato sauce and fresh greens.
Lidia Bastianich's Spaghetti with Clams and Zucchini by Lidia Bastianich
This summer seafood pasta is equal parts simple and celebratory. Littleneck clams only need a few minutes to steam, and zucchini cooks super quickly when sautéed.
Classic Parmesan Risotto by Kelly Vaughan
It’s important to have a few good side dishes during any family get together. Creamy, cheesy risotto is easy to make, but you can add other ingredients to dress it up — basil pesto or seasonal vegetables are great options.
Fully Loaded Hot Dogs by Matt Abdoo
What would a summertime celebration be without hot dogs? These franks are loaded to the brim with meaty brisket and bean chili, slow-cooked pulled pork, Texas-style cheese sauce and lots of other fixings. They’re over-the-top and perfect for serving to Dad.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
