Father’s Day dinner ideas are a wonderful way to celebrate the special man in your life with a memorable meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or preparing a more intimate meal, the focus is on making the evening enjoyable and relaxing. Classic choices like grilled steaks, barbecued ribs, or hearty burgers are always a hit, reflecting the comforting and robust flavors many fathers love. For those who enjoy something more adventurous, dishes like seafood feasts, homemade pizzas, or a slow-cooked roast can make for an impressive spread.
Complement the main courses with delicious sides like creamy mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Don’t forget a mouthwatering dessert – a rich chocolate cake, apple pie, or cheesecake could be the perfect sweet ending to the meal. Whether you’re cooking together, setting up a backyard barbecue, or dining out, the goal is to make Dad feel appreciated with a dinner that celebrates his favorite flavors.
Father’s Day Dinner Ideas
Here’s a list of 100+ Father’s Day dinner menu ideas, ranging from hearty mains to delicious sides and sweet desserts:
Main Course Ideas
- Grilled Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter
- BBQ Ribs with Homemade Sauce
- Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Smoked Brisket
- Grilled Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter
- Classic Beef Wellington
- Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili Lime Marinade
- Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon
- BBQ Chicken with Corn on the Cob
- Grilled Swordfish Steaks
- Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken
- Baked Ziti with Sausage and Meatballs
- Chicken Parmesan
- Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce
- Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Sage
- Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
- Roasted Rack of Lamb
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
- Homemade Lasagna
- Baked Cod with Panko Crust
- Grilled Veggie and Tofu Skewers (for vegetarian Dads)
- Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter
- Classic Meatloaf
- Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
- Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoky BBQ Glaze
- Shrimp and Grits
- Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce
- Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sliders
- Grilled Steak Fajitas
- Cajun Blackened Fish Tacos
- Chicken Fried Steak
- Grilled Veggie and Sausage Skewers
- Balsamic-Glazed Beef Kebabs
- Ribeye Steak with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Slow-Cooked Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce
- Veal Parmesan
- Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Beef Brisket with Tangy BBQ Sauce
- Grilled Portobello Mushrooms (vegetarian option)
- Steak and Potatoes with Creamed Spinach
- Pulled Pork Nachos
- Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach and Cheese
- Grilled Salmon with Dill Sauce
- Meatball Subs with Mozzarella
Side Dishes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Coleslaw with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
- Creamed Spinach
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Butter
- Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme
- Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives
- Caesar Salad
- Green Bean Almondine
- Oven-Roasted Carrots with Maple Glaze
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary
- Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Aioli
- Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil
- Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon
- Cornbread with Honey Butter
- Garlic Bread
- Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Feta
- Classic Potato Salad
- Grilled Bell Peppers with Balsamic Vinegar
- Rice Pilaf with Almonds and Raisins
- Greek Salad with Kalamata Olives
- Cucumber Salad with Dill and Sour Cream
- Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon and Parmesan
- Creamy Risotto with Mushrooms
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
- Spinach and Strawberry Salad
- Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic and Parmesan Polenta Fries
- Mediterranean Hummus and Veggie Platter
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage
- Grilled Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa
Dessert Ideas
- Classic Chocolate Cake
- Apple Pie with Cinnamon Ice Cream
- Lemon Meringue Pie
- Cheesecake with Fresh Berries
- Brownie Sundaes
- Chocolate Lava Cake
- Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pecan Pie
- Red Velvet Cake
- Banana Cream Pie
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Peach Cobbler
- S’mores Brownies
- Tiramisu
- Key Lime Pie
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Salted Caramel Pudding
- Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
- Homemade Fruit Sorbet
- Cherry Clafoutis
- Bourbon Pecan Pie
- Molten Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream
- Triple Chocolate Mousse
- Fruit Tart with Pastry Cream
- Almond Cake with Raspberry Sauce
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
- Mousse Cake with Fresh Fruit
Beverage Ideas
- Classic Mojito
- Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Whiskey Sour
- Beer Flight (perfect for a BBQ or grill night)
- Lemonade with Fresh Mint
- Iced Tea with Lemon and Sugar
- Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir)
- Blueberry Mint Cooler
- Margarita on the Rocks
- Spiked Iced Coffee
- Ginger Ale with Lime
- Pina Colada
- Sangria with Fresh Fruit
- Moscow Mule
- Mint Julep
- Dark and Stormy
- Craft Beer (locally brewed)
- Bloody Mary
- Apple Cider (for a cozy fall-inspired dinner)
- Gin and Tonic with Cucumber
These Father’s Day dinner menu ideas are sure to impress, whether you’re celebrating with a casual barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or a gourmet feast.
Recipes
Grilled Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye steaks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat grill to high heat.
- In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Grill steaks for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Top with garlic butter before serving.
BBQ Ribs with Homemade Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Season ribs with salt and pepper.
- Wrap ribs in foil and bake for 2 hours.
- Mix remaining ingredients for the sauce.
- Grill ribs over medium heat, basting with sauce, for 15 minutes.
Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Place pork and onion in a slow cooker.
- Combine BBQ sauce, vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder; pour over pork.
- Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred and serve on buns.
Smoked Brisket
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs beef brisket
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Rub brisket with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Smoke at 225°F for 10-12 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F.
- Let rest for 1 hour before slicing.
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp fresh dill
Instructions:
- Brush salmon with olive oil and season with salt.
- Grill over medium heat for 4-6 minutes per side.
- Mix butter, lemon zest, and dill; top salmon before serving.
Classic Beef Wellington
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 lb puff pastry
- 1/2 lb mushrooms, finely chopped
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Sear tenderloin on all sides and let cool.
- Spread Dijon mustard over beef and top with mushrooms and prosciutto.
- Wrap in puff pastry and brush with egg.
- Bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes.
Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs prime rib roast
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix garlic, herbs, and olive oil; rub over roast.
- Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 325°F and cook to desired doneness.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili Lime Marinade
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic.
- Marinate shrimp for 30 minutes.
- Thread shrimp on skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon
Ingredients:
- 4 filet mignon steaks
- 4 slices bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Wrap bacon around steaks and secure with toothpicks.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side.
BBQ Chicken with Corn on the Cob
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 ears of corn
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Grill chicken over medium heat, basting with BBQ sauce.
- Grill corn for 10-15 minutes, brushing with butter.
Grilled Swordfish Steaks
Ingredients:
- 4 swordfish steaks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Brush swordfish with olive oil and season with garlic powder.
- Grill for 4-6 minutes per side.
Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp rosemary
Instructions:
- Stuff chicken with lemon and garlic.
- Rub with olive oil and rosemary.
- Roast at 375°F for 1.5 hours.
Baked Ziti with Sausage and Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 lb meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Cook pasta; combine with sausage, meatballs, and marinara.
- Top with cheese and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Bread and fry chicken.
- Top with marinara and cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot, minced
Instructions:
- Sear tenderloin; roast at 425°F until medium-rare.
- Simmer wine, butter, and shallot for sauce.
- Serve tenderloin with sauce.
Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Sage
Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp sage
Instructions:
- Mix apple, breadcrumbs, and sage.
- Stuff pork chops; sear and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1 cup parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions:
- Grill steak for 5 minutes per side.
- Blend parsley, oil, and garlic for chimichurri.
Roasted Rack of Lamb
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of lamb
- 2 tbsp rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Rub lamb with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil.
- Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Hollow peppers; stuff with beef, rice, and sauce.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups marinara
- 1 lb lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella
Instructions:
- Layer noodles, beef, ricotta, and marinara.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
Baked Cod with Panko Crust
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions:
- Mix panko, oil, and lemon zest.
- Press onto cod and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Grilled Veggie and Tofu Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 block tofu
- 1 zucchini
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions:
- Marinate tofu and veggies in soy sauce.
- Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes.
Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Split tails; brush with butter and garlic.
- Broil for 10 minutes.
Classic Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients and shape into a loaf.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef strips
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Sauté beef and mushrooms.
- Add broth and sour cream; simmer for 10 minutes.
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoky BBQ Glaze
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Grill chicken; glaze with BBQ sauce and paprika.
Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 cup grits
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Cook grits in broth; stir in cheese.
- Sauté shrimp and serve over grits.
Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 duck breasts
- 1 cup cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup red wine
Instructions:
- Sear duck until crispy.
- Simmer cherries and wine for sauce.
Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sliders
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slider buns
Instructions:
- Cook chicken with BBQ sauce in a slow cooker.
- Shred and serve on buns.
Grilled Steak Fajitas
Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak strips
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 tsp fajita seasoning
Instructions:
- Sauté steak, peppers, and onions.
- Serve in tortillas.