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25 Best Father's Day BBQ Ideas to Celebrate Your Grill Master

His favorite foods are the best gifts of all.

By
fathers day bbq chicken
C.W. Newell

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Looking for a great way to honor a special guy on a special day? Give Dad a break from his grilling duties and surprise him with a Father's Day BBQ that he's sure to love. That's the way the Drummond family likes to honor Ladd on the holiday. "We usually celebrate Father's Day the same way: Give Ladd an extra hug, tell him an extra 'I love you,' and have a dinner of his favorite foods." And that means firing up the grill for Father's Day dinner featuring BBQ recipes!

Just like every good cookout, these Father's Day BBQ ideas include all the grilled meats you could want—and, of course, the tasty BBQ sides as well. There are hot dog recipes and homemade coleslaw, along with spicy BBQ brisket and creamy potato salad. There are also a few different burger recipes that will feed a crowd. You can get creative with cheese-stuffed burgers and bacon ranch pasta salad or keep things simple with cornbread and classic grilled steaks.

Make a big batch of lemonade or his favorite cocktail and a few Father's Day desserts and he'll really feel the love. Want to take it one step further? Give Dad a shiny new grilling gift to go with his BBQ dinner—it's the gift that keep on giving! He'll certainly appreciate the thought and effort, and he'll love the sticky-sweet ribs you make together even more. 😉

1

Grilled Chicken Wings

fathers day bbq ideas grilled chicken wings
C.W. Newell

When aren't wings a good idea? Making them on the grill keeps them juicy on the inside with just the right amount of char on the outside.

Get the Grilled Chicken Wings recipe.

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2

Spicy Queso Burgers

fathers day bbq ideas spicy queso burger
Ryan Liebe

Ever wonder what Ladd's favorite way to eat a burger is? He tops it with queso! If he likes a little spice, Dad will love the pickled jalapeños, too.

Get Ree's Spicy Queso Burgers recipe.

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3

Perfect Potato Salad

fathers day bbq perfect potato salad
David Malosh

Ree is very picky about her potato salad. If Dad is, too, then this is the recipe to make. It's "the way it should be: fluffy, light, flavorful, and packed with mix-ins."

Get Ree's Perfect Potato Salad recipe.

4

Chili Dogs

fathers day bbq ideas chili dog
Stacy Allen

Take your hot dogs to the next level by slathering them in homemade chili and more fixings. It's way more impressive than just plain old hot dogs

Get Ree's Chili Dogs recipe.

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5

Ranch Slaw

fathers day bbq ranch slaw
David Malosh

It's very easy to make an ordinary bag of slaw mix from the store into an extraordinary side dish. This creamy concoction comes together in just 15 minutes.

Get Ree's Ranch Slaw recipe.

SHOP PLATTERS

6

Steak Fajitas

fathers day bbq ideas steak fajitas
Ryan Liebe

Ordering fajitas from a restaurant feels so fun and special. But do you know what's even better? Making them on the gril at home! Dad will be so impressed.

Get Ree's Steak Fajitas recipe.

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7

Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken

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

Yes, you can use his favorite soda on the grill! Ree's recipe is sweet and tangy with a little spice. The sugar in the sauce caramelizes and becomes a sticky, glossy, flavorful coating.

Get Ree's Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken recipe.

8

Beef Kebabs

fathers day bbq beef kabobs
Caitlin Bensel

Get your meat and your veg on one stick! The easy marinade makes sure everything comes out super flavorful. Then, all you need is a potato or pasta salad on the side to complete the meal.

Get the Beef Kebabs recipe.

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9

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

fathers day bbq bow tie pasta salad
Will Dickey

This pasta salad is loaded with tasty mix-ins: bits of ham, chunks of cheddar cheese, crunchy bell pepper, and colorful peas. It makes a big batch so everyone can dig in.

Get the Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe.

10

Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread

fathers day bbq upside down tomato cornbread
Caitlin Bensel

This gorgeous twist on cornbread will surprise everyone at the table —even Dad. It's tender, savory and slightly sweet thanks to the juicy summer tomatoes.

Get the Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread recipe.

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11

Beer Can Chicken

fathers day bbq beer can chicken
C.W. Newell

Make sure Dad saves a can of beer from the celebration, because it sure does make a flavorful chicken! The best part of grilling a whole bird is that you don't have to flip it while it cooks.

Get the Beer Can Chicken recipe.

12

Grilled Okra

fathers day bbq grilled okra
Caitlin Bensel

Grilling okra is a great way to bring out those smoky flavors. It's quick to cook and bursting with lemon pepper seasoning for that extra zing.

Get the Grilled Okra recipe.

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13

Grilled T-Bone Steak

fathers day bbq grilled t bone steak
David Malosh

Impress Dad with your grilling skills by putting a spice-rubbed T-bone steak on the menu. He'll be asking for this recipe by the end of the night!

Get Ree's Grilled T-Bone Steak recipe.

14

Grilled BBQ Ribs

fathers day bbq grilled ribs
Will Dickey

Ribs are one of those BBQ recipes that you just can't rush, but that's what makes them so good! They're slow cooked, smoky, and fall-off-the-bone delicious.

Get the Grilled BBQ Ribs recipe.

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15

Juicy Lucy

fathers day bbq juicy lucy
Caitlin Bensel

If you thought cheeseburgers were decadent, just wait until you try this burger that's stuffed with a molten center of American cheese! Top with caramelized onions and pickles for the ultimate drool-worthy burger.

Get the Juicy Lucy recipe.

SHOP PLATES

16

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

fathers day bbq bacon ranch pasta salad
Caitlin Bensel

Pasta salads are perfect for barbecues (or any outdoor cookout for that matter) because they're easy to make ahead. Just be sure to keep the bacon on the side until ready to serve—this ensures it stays nice and crispy!

Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.

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17

Cowboy Steak

fathers day bbq cowboy steak
Caitlin Bensel

Looking to impress Dad? This extra thick-cut, bone-in ribeye steak will do just that! Even the butter on top is impressive thanks to the ranch seasoning.

Get the Cowboy Steak recipe.

18

The Best Baked Beans Ever

fathers day bbq baked beans
Danielle Daly

This recipe transforms regular ole cans of pork and beans into a miraculous side dish. They're sticky-sweet and topped with crispy bacon!

Get the The Best Baked Beans Ever recipe.

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19

Classic Cheeseburger

fathers day bbq classic cheeseburger
Will Dickey

Hearty beef patties, melty cheese, and an endless array of toppings will make any Father's Day menu complete. It's a surefire way to please Dad or anyone in the family!

Get the Classic Cheeseburger recipe.

20

Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese

fathers day bbq crock pot mac and cheese
Caitlin Bensel

We love making this mac and cheese for summer cookouts because it doesn't require the stovetop or oven! It all comes together in your handy kitchen appliance.

Get the Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

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