Does Father’s Day sneak up on you too?
One minute I’m basking in the glow of Mother’s Day, and the next, I’m scrambling to pull together something special for the dad who says he “doesn’t need anything!”
If your guy is anything like mine (low-key, meat-loving, and suspicious of quinoa) then a solid meal might be the real gift.
I’ve rounded up a few easy, no-fuss recipes that feel like a treat without turning your Sunday into a full-blown production.
There’s something here to make Dad’s day feel full in all the right ways!
Beer Can Chicken
If this one doesn’t get made for Father’s Day, it’ll definitely be on your summer BBQ menu!
Rub a whole chicken with oil and your go-to spice mix, making sure to get under the skin.
Crack open a can of beer and pour out about half.
Sit the chicken upright over the can and place it on the grill over indirect heat.
Close the lid and cook for about 75 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F.
Let it rest for ten minutes before carving.
And if you need more dinners, check out these classic Father’s Day dinner ideas.
Grilled Lamb Chops
Marinate lamb chops in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, and salt for at least an hour.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill chops for about 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness).
Let them rest for five minutes so the juices stay put.
Serve the chops with grilled lemon halves and crusty bread.
Sloppy Joes
Brown a pound of ground beef in a skillet with chopped onion and green pepper.
Stir in ketchup, a splash of mustard, a little brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Let it simmer until thick and spoon it onto soft hamburger buns.
I like to toast the buns lightly so they don’t get soggy.
Add pickles or shredded cheese if you want to take it up a notch.
Smoked Ribs
Coat ribs in dry rub and let them sit while you set up the smoker to 225°F.
You can use applewood chips for a mild, sweet flavor!
Smoke the ribs for three hours, then wrap in foil with a bit of apple juice and continue for another two.
Unwrap and brush with BBQ sauce, then smoke for one more hour.
Slice between the bones and pile them high.
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Toss shrimp, corn on the cob (cut into chunks), sliced smoked sausage, and baby potatoes with Old Bay seasoning and melted butter.
Divide into foil packets and seal them tight.
Grill over medium heat for about 15 minutes, flipping once.
Carefully open a packet to check that the shrimp are pink and the potatoes are tender.
Sprinkle everything with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Chicken Parmesan
Pound some chicken breasts until they’re an even thickness, then dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
Fry in oil until golden on both sides.
Lay them in a baking dish, cover with marinara and mozzarella, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
I usually serve it over some classic spaghetti, but garlic bread works just as well!
Add a little fresh basil if you’ve got it.
BBQ Meatloaf
Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, and a spoonful of BBQ sauce.
Shape into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
Slather the top of the loaf with more BBQ sauce and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes.
Let it rest before slicing or it’ll fall apart.
Serve with mashed potatoes or grilled corn.
Steak and Mushroom Skewers
Cut the steak into cubes and marinate in soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil for at least an hour.
Thread the steak onto skewers with whole button mushrooms.
Grill on high heat for about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on how done your guest-of-honor likes it.
Make sure you turn them carefully so the mushrooms don’t split!
Serve with chimichurri or a garlic yogurt sauce.
Chicken Wings Three Ways
Toss some chicken wings with oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of baking powder, then bake at 425°F for 45 minutes, flipping halfway.
Split the wings into three bowls: toss one with buffalo sauce, another with honey garlic, and the third with a dry rub of paprika, garlic powder, and cumin.
I do all three in one batch so everyone’s happy!
Serve with carrot sticks and ranch or blue cheese.
If you’re making them ahead, crisp them up again in the oven before serving.
Blackened Fish Tacos
Coat white fish fillets in a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme.
Cook in a hot skillet for about 3 minutes per side.
Once it’s done, break up the fish and tuck it into warm corn tortillas.
Add some slaw, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or chipotle mayo.
Squeeze fresh lime over the top right before serving.
Korean Beef Bowls
Brown ground beef in a skillet with garlic and a splash of sesame oil.
Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Let everything simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
You can serve it over rice with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
I like to add shredded carrots or quick-pickled cucumbers for extra crunch!
Marinated Pork Tenderloin
Whisk together soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and honey, then pour over pork tenderloin and refrigerate for a few hours.
Sear the pork in a hot pan, then transfer to the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
Let it rest before slicing into medallions and spoon any pan juices over the top.
This tenderloin goes great with roasted vegetables or couscous.
Cheeseburger Casserole
This is a huge favorite in my house!
Cook pasta and set aside while browning ground beef with diced onion.
Stir in ketchup, mustard, and a little cream cheese for that melty texture.
Combine the “sauce” with the pasta, top with shredded cheddar, and bake until bubbly.
Throw some chopped pickles on top right before serving.
Turkey Club Sandwiches
Toast three slices of bread per sandwich, like white, multigrain, or whatever’s on hand.
Layer on some mayo, crisp bacon, turkey slices, tomato, and lettuce.
Stack it tall and cut into triangles with a toothpick in each.
These work well if you’re doing a picnic or patio lunch for Father’s Day.
Serve with kettle chips or a pickle spear.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Slice flank steak thin and marinate briefly in soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little sugar.
Stir-fry some broccoli in a hot pan until bright green, then set aside.
Cook the beef until browned, then add garlic and return the broccoli to the pan.
Pour in a sauce made of oyster sauce, soy, and water, and simmer for a couple of minutes.
I like to serve this stir-fry over rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds!
Chicken and Waffles
Make waffles first so they’re ready to go (store-bought batter works just fine).
Dredge chicken thighs in seasoned flour and fry until golden and crisp.
I like to use buttermilk in the coating for extra crunch.
Stack a piece of chicken on each waffle and drizzle with warm maple syrup.
Add a dash of hot sauce to the syrup if Dad’s into heat!
Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Skewers
Cut zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and halloumi into chunks.
Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then thread onto skewers.
Grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally so nothing burns.
The halloumi should get golden and slightly charred.
Serve with tzatziki or hummus on the side.
Cuban Sandwiches
Layer sliced pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a soft roll or pressed Cuban bread.
Brush the outside with butter and grill on a press or in a skillet with a heavy pan on top.
Cook until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melty.
Cut in half diagonally so you get a full view of those layers.
Serve with plantain chips or coleslaw.
Baked Ziti With Sausage
Brown Italian sausage with garlic and crushed red pepper.
Add a jar of your fave marinara and simmer while you cook the pasta.
Stir the cooked ziti into the sauce along with dollops of ricotta and shredded mozzarella.
Pour it into a baking dish and top with more cheese.
Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Garlic Butter Salmon With Roasted Potatoes
Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 425°F for 25 minutes.
While those cook, mix melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
Spoon the mixture over salmon fillets and add them to the baking sheet for the last 12–15 minutes.
The salmon should flake easily with a fork.
Sprinkle with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Father’s Day Feasts Worth Repeating
If food is the way to Dad’s heart, you’ve got more than a few solid routes to take.
And there’s no need to plan a formal dinner!
Just pick something that smells amazing and fills the plate.
If the kids pitch in or someone grabs him a cold drink while it’s cooking, even better!
Let him sit back while something delicious comes together on the stove, in the oven, or over the grill.
