If there’s ever a time to skip the salad and load up a plate like it owes you money, it’s Father’s Day. These 35 stick-to-your-ribs recipes don’t hold back on flavor or satisfaction. From main courses that command attention to sides that know their place, this collection doesn’t leave much room for complaints. Except maybe from whoever forgot to bring seconds.
Hot Reuben Dip
If Father’s Day had a signature dip, this would be it. Hot Reuben Dip brings the same satisfaction as a full sandwich without the need for a plate. It’s messy in the best way and disappears before you even get to the second round. Great for grabbing, scooping, and pretending you’re not eating as much as you are. No one’s judging, it’s Father’s Day, not salad club.
Get the Recipe: Hot Reuben Dip
Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork
Brunch doesn’t need to be polite. Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork is the kind of morning-after meal that makes everyone grateful there’s still coffee and a second helping. It sticks to your ribs and clears the fog like only real food can. Dad’s not asking for avocado toast; he wants something that bites back. This gets the job done without any small talk.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
You'll get ad-free recipes like:
- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!Dill Pickle Dip
This isn’t some delicate little dip that hides behind a chip. Dill Pickle Dip has bite, and it’s not afraid to use it. Tangy, punchy, and unapologetically bold, it’s the kind of starter that makes people crowd the table. It doesn’t need much to impress, just a spot next to the drinks and some sturdy chips. Dad’s going back for more whether he admits it or not.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Dip
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
There’s nothing subtle about a steak cooked right and served with zero apologies. Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri bring the kind of flavor that doesn’t wait for compliments. It’s bold, fast, and gone quicker than anyone will admit. Perfect for dads who don’t want small talk with their meals, just a solid plate and a quiet moment. Everyone else can fight over the leftovers, if there are any.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
Air Fryer Irish Nachos
These are the kind of nachos that pull their own weight and don’t need a commercial break to finish. Air Fryer Irish Nachos land somewhere between snack and meal, which works perfectly for Father’s Day grazing. They show up crispy, loaded, and with a vibe that says “don’t bother with a fork.” They hold the table until the mains show up and might just steal the spotlight. Dad won’t care, as long as he’s got first pick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Irish Nachos
Grilled Corn Guacamole
Guacamole that plays well with grilled corn doesn’t sit quietly on the side. Grilled Corn Guacamole shows up ready to be the favorite guest at the table. It’s the kind of dish that keeps disappearing, even when no one admits they’re still hungry. Scoop after scoop, this one earns a spot next to everything else. By the end of the day, it might be the only thing people ask for again.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole
Blueberry Shortcake
Desserts on Father’s Day don’t need to be fancy, just solid and worth the calories. Blueberry Shortcake checks both boxes and throws in a little nostalgia for good measure. It doesn’t try too hard, but it always vanishes faster than expected. It’s the kind of ending that makes Dad lean back in his chair with a quiet nod. That’s the signal he’s full… for now.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake
Italian Broccoli Salad
This is the broccoli dish that doesn’t get pushed to the side. Italian Broccoli Salad has enough bold attitude to hold its own among ribs, steak, or anything grilled. It’s crunchy, satisfying, and just the right kind of unexpected. Perfect for balancing the heavy stuff without making it feel like a tradeoff. Even Dad might admit it was a good call.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli Salad
Texas BLT
Some sandwiches are more of a challenge than a snack. Texas BLT lands right in that sweet spot between “messy” and “completely worth it.” It’s stacked, bold, and tough to put down once it starts. This is the kind of BLT that doesn’t whisper, it walks up and takes a seat at the table. Dad won’t ask for seconds, he’ll just build another one.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Big flavor doesn’t need much explaining when it comes straight off the grill. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter bring the heat and the attitude without any small talk. They’re meant for plates that can handle a little weight and people who came to eat. Perfect for Father’s Day when expectations are high and appetites are higher. Serve them first, or everything else will get ignored.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Texas-Style Carne Asada
If you’re going for bold, don’t hold back. Texas-Style Carne Asada doesn’t try to be fancy, it just gets the job done with flavor and confidence. It’s the kind of meal that turns a backyard into a real event. Perfect for dads who know their way around a grill, or just know how to clear a plate. Once it hits the table, things get real quiet, real fast.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
There’s a reason some meals feel like a reward. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins brings out the kind of comfort food that makes grown adults act like it’s Sunday supper again. Thick, hearty, and absolutely no-nonsense, it’s the dish that tells Dad to stay seated. Every bite feels like it’s doing something important, even if it’s just reminding people to slow down. Don’t be surprised if someone asks for the recipe and calls it “ours” later.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Pizza Pasta Salad
Cold pasta with attitude is a whole category of its own. Pizza Pasta Salad doesn’t just play backup, it takes the spotlight with zero hesitation. It’s got all the comfort of something carb-heavy, without the wait time. Ideal for cookouts, Father’s Day spreads, and second servings before the grill’s even cooled. If it comes in a big bowl, it still won’t be enough.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
There’s nothing subtle about a pasta dish that shows up ready to compete with the grill. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings the kind of comfort that doesn’t need an introduction. It’s hearty, reliable, and just a little over the top in a good way. Perfect for the dad who wants dinner that shows up with some swagger. It’s not fancy, it’s just too good to skip.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
This is what happens when dinner doesn’t hold back. Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers brings bold flavor, big bites, and enough attitude to fill every plate twice. It’s a no-nonsense kind of meal that doesn’t need a special occasion, but definitely suits one. Father’s Day or not, this one gets requested again before the dishes are even done. Serve it hot and step aside.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters
These are the kind of appetizers that turn heads and clear fast. Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters bring sharp flavor and big energy to the first round of the day. They’re quick, punchy, and more addictive than anyone expects. Dad won’t need convincing to grab a second or fourth. Serve them early, or risk being asked why you didn’t.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
There’s nothing subtle about this one, and that’s the whole point. Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken brings serious flavor and no shortage of attitude to the plate. It’s bold, messy, and totally worth needing a napkin. Great for dads who don’t want “safe”, just something that hits like a proper meal. You might want to make more than you think you need.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
This one doesn’t pretend to be light, and that’s exactly the point. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo delivers rich, no-excuses flavor that fills plates and keeps them full. It’s great for the dad who skips small portions and wants dinner to mean something. It’s creamy, solid, and leaves no room for anything but a nap afterward. If it makes it to leftovers, someone probably hid it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Some dinners don’t need rebranding, they just need a big plate. Diner Style Salisbury Steak is old-school in the best way and never skimps on comfort. It’s built for hungry people and unapologetic portions. Serve it to Dad and watch him forget about every fancy new food trend. Some classics don’t need fixing, they just need forks.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts
Grilled chicken doesn’t have to be forgettable, especially when it brings some punch. Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts show up with enough flavor to hold their own on any table. They’re reliable, satisfying, and perfect for dads who want real food without the fluff. Nobody leaves the table wondering what they just ate, it’s clear, solid, and gone fast. Second helpings aren’t optional, they’re expected.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts
Scrambled Eggs with Cream Cheese
These eggs don’t mess around with fluff or filler. Scrambled Eggs with Cream Cheese are thick, rich, and built to sit heavy in the best way. They’re perfect for Father’s Day mornings that require real food, not just something to hold the coffee. A fork’s involved, and nobody’s mad about it. Dad might not say much, but a clean plate speaks loud enough.
Get the Recipe: Scrambled Eggs with Cream Cheese
Black Bean & Corn Salad
Some sides sneak up on you, and this is one of them. Black Bean & Corn Salad looks like a backup plan, but it plays like a headliner. It’s crisp, bold, and knows exactly when to show up. Toss it on the table and let people figure it out one scoop at a time. Dad might call it “that stuff”, but he’ll still eat half of it.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean & Corn Salad
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
These shrimp don’t waste time with introductions. Southern Style Pickled Shrimp are punchy, fast-moving, and built to disappear. They’re great straight out of the fridge and even better when you’re not trying to impress anyone. Perfect for dads who like snacks with a little kick and zero fluff. Put them out, and keep an eye on the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles
Potato salad never needed reinventing, just seasoning and the right bite. Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles shows up cold, confident, and just sharp enough to stand out. It doesn’t fight for attention, it earns it. This one’s made for paper plates and big spoons, not compliments. Dad’s already planning to keep the leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles
Easy Watermelon Salsa
Light doesn’t mean boring when it lands with this much punch. Easy Watermelon Salsa is fresh, fast, and the kind of side that sticks around long after the chips are gone. It’s the perfect counterbalance to heavier mains without pretending to be delicate. Put it out early, or it won’t last past the first round. Dad might not call it his favorite, but he’ll keep going back.
Get the Recipe: Easy Watermelon Salsa
Copycat Alice Springs Chicken
This one isn’t trying to be complicated, it’s just trying to win dinner. Copycat Alice Springs Chicken is full-flavored, filling, and exactly what a no-fuss Father’s Day calls for. It’s bold enough to hold its own but familiar enough to make everyone feel like they’ve had it before. Great food doesn’t need a speech, it just needs a clean plate. That’s all this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken
Easy BLT Pasta Salad
This isn’t just filler between the main act and dessert. Easy BLT Pasta Salad is hearty enough to stand on its own and loud enough to steal attention. It’s got the crunch, the bite, and the don’t-mess-with-me energy of a proper side dish. Serve it cold, serve it fast, and serve a lot of it. Dad won’t be the only one going back for more.
Get the Recipe: Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
If you’re feeding a crowd, meatballs are never a bad call. Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are hearty, saucy, and totally worth the wait. They hold their own next to any side and stick around just long enough to be requested again. Dad didn’t ask for fancy, he asked for full, and this is the answer. Set it, forget it, and watch it vanish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
The Best Scrambled Eggs Ever
Breakfast should be simple, strong, and served fast. The Best Scrambled Eggs Ever hit all three without overthinking it. They’re creamy without being fussy and rich without feeling heavy. Great for dads who just want something good on the plate and time to sit with their coffee. If he says nothing, that’s the compliment.
Get the Recipe: The Best Scrambled Eggs Ever
Reuben Sliders
Sliders aren’t always filler, sometimes they’re the main event. Reuben Sliders bring serious sandwich energy in a grab-and-go package. They’re salty, sharp, and impossible to stop at one. Set them out before the grill gets hot or alongside the big stuff, they hold their own either way. Dad’s probably already reaching for another before anyone else finishes the first.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
These mushrooms may be bite-sized, but they pack enough flavor to fill the room. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are sharp, rich, and gone before anyone can count how many they had. They make great starters or sneaky seconds during the main event. Dad might call them “fancy,” but he’ll still grab a few. Just make sure there’s enough to go around.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
Cheeseballs don’t get enough credit for being crowd favorites. Pecan Bacon Cheeseball makes its case in about three bites and holds the room from there. It’s crunchy, creamy, and built for the center of a snack table. Dad might not say it out loud, but this is what he came for. If there’s any left, someone didn’t do their job.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes
These pancakes don’t mess around with fluff, they’re here to fill the plate and shut down the table. Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes are thick, hearty, and perfect for Father’s Day mornings that call for a real fork. They hold syrup like they mean it and don’t fall apart when things get serious. Dad’s not asking for light and airy, he wants breakfast that stays with him. This does exactly that.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes
Apple-Pecan Baked Oatmeal
This is what happens when oatmeal decides to show up early and prepared. Apple-Pecan Baked Oatmeal isn’t soft or subtle, it’s full-bodied and ready to feed a crowd. Great for slow mornings that still need to feel like something special. Dad won’t ask what’s in it, he’ll just ask for more. If you’re lucky, he might leave you a square.
Get the Recipe: Apple-Pecan Baked Oatmeal
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style
These steak bites don’t whisper, they stomp onto the plate and take over. Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style are rich, satisfying, and just aggressive enough to be memorable. They’re quick, bold, and perfect for any dad who prefers meat to small talk. Serve them hot, and expect silence. That’s how you know they worked.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style