The summer season is all about backyard BBQs, block parties, and cookouts. Although Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer, shortly after Memorial Day falls Father’s Day, which is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill for some Father’s Day food and snacks. If you are attending or hosting a Father’s Day celebration, here are some Father’s Day recipe ideas for all of the dads in your life.
Brats, Hot Dogs, and Sausages
Father’s Day is best served with any type of meat that goes into a bun. Think of links like brats, hot dogs, and sausages like German sausages, Italian sausages, or Polish sausages. Keep your Father’s Day simple and throw them all on the grill then let guests decide. Have a topping bar or station set up and let the crowd dress their culinary creations any way they like. Although a few grill marks are all you need to make these selections mouthwatering, here are a few recipes to reference for some cooking inspiration.
● Air Fryer Brats
● Jaime Dogs – Gluten-Free and Keto Brats
● Midwestern-Style Beer Bratwurst
● Sausages Braised with Cider and Smoky Bacon
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are great for graduation parties, football tailgates, and a simple snack while waiting for the main course. Consider serving a platter of grilled chicken wings for appetizers or snacks while your guests wait for their Father’s Day fare. You can also marinate the chicken wings in a globally inspired cooking sauce for a bite of international flavor.
● Chicken Wings with Spanish Style BBQ Sauce
● Free Range Chicken BBQ Wings
● Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
● The Best Grilled Chicken Wings
● The Healthiest Chicken Wings
● Vietnamese Chicken Wings
Fish
You may not think of fish for Father’s Day, but if you have pescatarians in your life or want to channel some lighter summer fare, think of things that come under the sea. Grilled scallops, shrimp, and wild-caught salmon make a sensational seafood plate. Grilled shrimp kabobs are great as are salmon burgers. Check out some of these delicious seafood dishes and add them to your Father’s Day menu.
● Air Fryer Salmon Burgers
● Paleo Tequila Lime BBQ Shrimp
● Teriyaki Pineapple Shrimp Kabobs
● Thai Salmon Burger
Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers
Backyard burgers are a staple at any BBQ or cookout. Burgers, cheeseburgers, and turkey burgers are all delicious options, especially for Father’s Day crowds. Put together a topping bar for guests to dress up their burger or cheeseburger with their favorite elevated toppings. Not sure what type of beef to select, here is the best meat for burgers.
● Asian Pork Burgers with Broccoli Slaw
● Cajun Grass-Fed Burgers with Caramelized Onions
● Everything French Onion Burgers
● Hawaiian Turkey Burgers
● Heavenly Elk Burgers with the Works
● Island Style Teriyaki Pork Burgers
● Pulled Pork Bacon Burgers
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork is another great backyard BBQ option. Whether you choose from mini pulled pork sliders or individual sandwiches, pulled pork is a delicious option for family and friends for Father’s Day. If you cannot decide between burgers or pulled pork, try this recipe for Smokey Bacon Burgers with Sherry Caramelized Onions. Not sure what type of pork to purchase? Here is the best cut of pork to use for pulled pork.
Ribs
Another delicious Father’s Day recipe idea is grilled ribs. Baby Back Ribs and Coleslaw is the perfect combination. You can also whip up BBQ Baby Back Ribs with a savory and sweet BBQ sauce, Fall Off the Bone Baby Back Ribs, or Grilled BBQ Beef Rack Ribs. If you want to give your ribs a sweet twist, try this recipe for Baby Back Ribs with Thyme Peach Sauce.
Steaks
Steaks are the ultimate Father’s Day dish, but with a variety of cuts, it can be difficult to choose. Choose from Bone-In French Ribeyes, Filet Mignons, New York Strip Steaks, Ribeye Steaks, or Sirloin Steaks. No matter what cut of steak you choose for Father’s Day, a grilled steak is a Father’s Day meal fit for a king. Throw in a pinch of steak seasoning or all-purpose seasoning for an additional layer of mouthwatering flavor. If you want to add a little something extra, throw in some seafood options and make it a surf and turf. Bon appetit!
Wild Game
For the dads with a wild side, give them a spread of wild game. Think of things like bison, elk, or rabbit burgers or crispy duck wings. The more exotic the better!
No matter what you decide to grill up for Father’s Day, guests will enjoy being together with family, friends, and good food. Happy Father’s Day everyone!

Meet The Author
Ashley Martens is a Health and Wellness Writer based in Chicago, IL. With a background in digital marketing coupled with her knowledge of general nutrition and a lifelong passion for all things health, wellness, fitness and nutrition, Ashley offers a healthy alternative to traditional writing. You can learn more about Ashley and her writing on her portfolio.