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35 Best Father's Day Dinner Recipes That Are All Dad-Approved

Your #1 guy deserves a tasty celebration.

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fathers day dinner ideas
Antonis Achilleos

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There are so many ways to make Dad feel special on Father's Day, but nothing really compares to a good meal. That's all Ladd Drummond wants for the holiday, according to Ree: "a delicious plate of food." Whether you fire up the grill for a big backyard bash or make it a low-key dinner that's just for him, planning the perfect Father's Day dinner menu is just as important as his Father's Day gift. In fact, a steak dinner might just be a gift in itself!

Check out the Drummond family Father's Day menu from years past—it's a great source of inspiration for any steak-loving dad. Try Ladd's tips for grilled tenderloin and serve it with crispy ranch potatoes or the a simple grilled flank steak that you can serve with practically any topping and side. You can choose from cowboy-approved favorites, like Father's Day BBQ ideas, or opt for a fun twist on restaurant-style meals like surf and turf.

Of course, you'll find plenty of summer recipes like pasta salads, grilling recipes, and more. It's a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the weather! Serve it up with his favorite brand of beer and a Father's Day dessert to finish, especially if Dad has a sweet tooth. No matter which direction you choose, these Father's Day dinner ideas will show him just how much you care. After all, your #1 guy deserves a tasty celebration.

1

Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken

dr pepper bbq chicken fathers day dinner
C.W. Newell

Ladd's favorite drink of all time is Dr Pepper. So it stands to reason why Ree would have it on hand and turn it into something even more delicious. Here, she turns it into a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.

Get Ree's Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken recipe.

SHOP GRILL TOOLS

2

Spicy Queso Burgers

spicy queso burger fathers day dinner
Ryan Liebe

Another Ladd favorite? Topping his burgers with queso. If the dad in your family likes a spicy kick, he'll love the added chorizo mixed in and the pickled jalapeños on top.

Get Ree's Spicy Queso Burgers recipe.

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3

Steak Fajitas

steak fajitas fathers day dinner
Ryan Liebe

There's something so special about a sizzling plate of fajitas. But did you know you can skip the restaurant reservation and make them yourself on the grill? Dad will be so impressed.

Get Ree's Steak Fajitas recipe.

4

Linguine with Clam Sauce

linguine with clam sauce fathers day dinner
Stacy Allen

This is the first meal Ree ever made for Ladd! Granted, he's not a seafood guy (oops)... but if Dad is, he'll love this classic. It comes together in just 20 minutes.

Get Ree's Linguine with Clam Sauce recipe.

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5

Marry Me Chicken

marry me chicken fathers day dinner
C.W. Newell

A chicken dinner so good, he'll want to marry you all over again. Now that's a sign of love and appreciation. The secret ingredient is sun-dried tomatoes―they're making a comeback!

Get Ree's Marry Me Chicken recipe.

SHOP COOKWARE

6

Steak Diane

steak diane fathers day dinner
Antonis Achilleos

No dad will ever turn down a juicy, pan-fried steak. But when it's topped with a creamy sauce, he'll know just how special he is! Serve it with sautéed green beans or creamed spinach.

Get Ree's Steak Diane recipe.

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7

Ranch Slaw

ranch slaw fathers day dinner
David Malosh

You can't go wrong with creamy coleslaw, but this variation takes things to the next level. Toss it with the homemade buttermilk ranch dressing and it's sure to become Dad's favorite side.

Get Ree's Ranch Slaw recipe.

8

Grilled Corn on the Cob

grilled corn on the cob fathers day dinner
Will Dickey

When fresh corn is in season, you'll want to cook it up just right! This method ensures tender kernels with just the right amount of char. Don't forget the garlic-chive butter!

Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.

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9

Cowboy Steak

cowboy steak fathers day dinner
Caitlin Bensel

You'll impress any cowboy with this thick-cut steak. You can make it either on the grill or in a skillet. But whatever you do, you'll want some extra ranch butter for the top.

Get the Cowboy Steak recipe.

10

Surf and Turf

surf and turf fathers day dinner
Danielle Daly

Treat Dad to a fancy sit-down dinner with this classic combination of steak and seafood. Little does he know how easy it is to make! The secret is to prep the ingredients in advance.

Get the Surf and Turf recipe.

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11

Grilled Swordfish

grilled swordfish fathers day dinner
Antonis Achilleos

All you need is a bit of citrus to make grilled swordfish shine. But since this is Dad's special day, go ahead and top the fish with a flavorful pineapple salsa, too.

Get Ree's Grilled Swordfish recipe.

12

Country-Style Ribs

country style ribs fathers day dinner
Caitlin Bensel

You don't need to be a pitmaster to make these sweet and saucy ribs. They cook up right in your oven with your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce!

Get the Country-Style Ribs recipe.

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13

Beer Can Chicken

beer can chicken fathers day dinner
Will Dickey

If Dad is a beer drinker, grab a can from the fridge and make an entire chicken that's both flavorful and moist. A light lager works best. You can roast it or grill it!

Get the Beer Can Chicken recipe.

14

Caesar Salad

caesar salad fathers day dinner
Caitlin Bensel

Looking for the perfect side dish for your Dad's steak dinner? A classic Caesar salad is always a hit. The creamy, garlicky dressing is easy to whip up right in the blender.

Get the Caesar Salad recipe.

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15

Beef Kebab Marinade

beef kebab marinade fathers day dinner
Caitlin Bensel

If you're hosting a crowd for Father's Day this year, kebabs will make it easy to serve everyone at the party. You can even marinate and assemble the skewers the night before for easy entertaining.

Get the Beef Kebab Marinade recipe.

SHOP SKEWERS

16

Brisket Tacos

brisket tacos fathers day dinner
Caitlin Bensel

You can't go wrong with a big batch of brisket for Father's Day. But this year, why not serve it as tacos instead? Everyone can build their own with a brisket taco bar that's fit for a king.

Get the Brisket Tacos recipe.

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17

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

bacon ranch pasta salad fathers day dinner
Caitlin Bensel

Anyone who's a fan of homemade ranch dressing will love putting it to use in this creamy pasta salad. Oh, and there's plenty of bacon, too.

Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.

18

Grilled Pork Chops

grilled pork chops fathers day dinner
Will Dickey

Show Dad that you learned from the master with these impressive pork chops featuring beautiful grill marks. A marinade keeps them juicy and moist.

Get the Grilled Pork Chops recipe.

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19

Creamed Corn

creamed corn fathers day dinner
Caitlin Bensel

When fresh, sweet corn is in season, there's nothing better than this simple side dish. Just add butter, onions, and milk, plus fresh basil to garnish.

Get the Creamed Corn recipe.

20

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

slow cooker pulled pork fathers day dinner
Caitlin Bensel

Making meltingly tender pulled pork is easier than ever thanks to your slow cooker. Pile it onto slider rolls or even pretzel buns with mustard.

Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

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