31 Father’s Day Food Ideas: Casual and Sit-Down Meals

Father’s Day is the perfect time to spoil your dad and spend quality time together. Instead of going to a restaurant, why not treat them to a tasty homemade feast prepared with love? You don’t need to be an experienced home chef. On this list of Father’s Day food ideas, you’ll find recipes for all skill levels—precisely what you need to make this special day memorable.

Finger food ideas for Father’s Day

Whether you’re just watching a big game or going on an outdoor adventure where a plate and cutlery just won’t do, these tasty finger food options will fill you up.

1. Mahogany chicken wings

You can’t go wrong with chicken wings. This recipe uses molasses, of all ingredients, to make them sticky-sweet.

2. Cherry bourbon chicken wings

On a different note, you can combine bourbon and sour cherries to make saucy, juicy, tender grilled wings.

3. Steak and potato skewers

For a meat-and-potatoes kinda dad, these skewers (with the orange salsa on the side) are bound to be a hit.

4. Scallop and pepper tacos

Swap out the usual meat fillings with scallops and peppers for a fresh, summery twist on a classic.

5. Zesty carnitas tacos

Lime juice, orange juice, and pico de Gallo take this already flavorful carnitas to the next level.

6. Spicy bacon-wrapped scallops

Surprisingly easy to make, this skewered starter or snack combines scallops and bacon ideal for surf and turf lovers.

7. Baked parmesan zucchini fries

These curly fries, made with zucchini and topped with parmesan, are proof that Father’s Day foods can be both nutritious and delicious.

8. Spicy bourbon turkey legs

Although an unlikely combination, adobo sauce, bourbon, and root beer make the best sticky-sweet glazing for turkey legs.

9. Buffalo chicken nachos

Make a tray of loaded Buffalo chicken-style nachos to munch on while catching up with your dad.

10. Deviled eggs

These deviled eggs follow a football theme, but they’re great for any occasion.

Elaborate father’s day dinner ideas

If you’re having your dad over for a full sit-down meal, these recipes have got you covered. They could be on any restaurant’s menu, but don’t be fooled: most are not hard to make.

11. Beer-braised shrimp

Who knew beer and butter could mix so well? Serve these braised shrimp with salad and bread for soaking up the sauce.

12. Bratwursts and sauerkraut

Bratwursts taste even better once simmered in beer and spices. Saurkraut and mashed potatoes work well with it, too.

13. Stout-soaked porterhouse

If you’re wondering “What can I make for Father’s Day lunch?” this recipe is the answer. No meat lover can resist this punchy steak.

14. Lobster-topped tenderloin

Lobster and steak are a winning combination made even better with a side of cheesy Brussels sprouts.

15. Truffled lobster mac and cheese

Refine this all-American classic by adding truffle oil, bacon, and lobster meat.

16. Steak au poivre

This iconic French dish is easier to make than you may think—the secret is in the creamy, tangy sauce.

17. Steak with herbs and butter

If you want a more traditional fancy meal, grilled steak with roasted garlic and fresh herbs is the way to go.

18. Mustard-glazed pork chops

Apricot and mustard are exactly the revamp that pork chops need for a special meal.

19. Turkey burgers with lime mayo

If you think turkey burgers are bland, try these heavily spiced ones. Serve on a bun with oven fries on the side.

20. Slow-cooker short ribs with potatoes

You don’t need to be a good cook to make these tender ribs. Let the slow cooker do most of the work, then take the praise for such a put-together meal.

22. Fresh salmon burgers

Use fresh or frozen salmon to make these juicy patties. Then serve on a bun or on the plate with a side of roasted veggies for a light Father’s Day lunch.

23. Spicy steamed mussels

Turn your kitchen into an upscale restaurant—affordably—by steaming mussels in a spicy garlicky broth and toasting rustic bread to soak up the sauce.

Delicious Father’s Day cake ideas

What’s Father’s Day without something sweet? These cake recipes are a great way to finish off a meal.

24. White chocolate and raspberry cheesecake

Creamy, sweet, and slightly tart from the raspberries, this is a great dessert for dads with a sweet tooth.

25. Chunky brownie cheesecake

Alternatively, you can make this rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cheesecake.

26. Peach blueberry pie

Since Father’s Day happens in June, fresh peaches and blueberries aren’t hard to find. This glorious pie lets the seasonal fruits shine.

27. Rum-raisin bundt cake

The rum adds a pleasant depth of flavor to this spiced bundt cake. It’s even better the next day with breakfast.

28. Carrot cake

The secret to this unique carrot cake is the crushed pineapple and spices.

29. Cranberry swirl coffee cake

Baking this simple, fool-proof cake can be a fun bonding activity to do with dad on his special day.

30. Cream cheese coffee cake

Bake this cake early in the morning and serve with a hot cup of coffee to make Father’s Day even more special from the start.

31. Chocolate angel food cake

Angel food cakes take some time and skill to perfect, but the rich, decadent result is completely worth it.

Take the stress out of planning a special Father’s Day

If you’re cooking several dishes to spoil your old man, you probably don’t want to spend hours looking for all the ingredients you’ll need. Fortunately, you don’t have to. When you order your groceries via Instacart, they’ll be delivered to your doorstep—giving you more than enough time to work on a delicious menu.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Hormel Black Label Thick Cut Bacon (16 oz)

Publix Eggs, Jumbo (12 each)

Foster's Lager Beer (25.4 fl oz)

Original Pork Beer Bratwursts (1 lb)

Napoleon Co. Grille Garlic Cloves (3.5 oz)

Frozen Salmon Portions (per lb)

Fresh Raspberry Red (1 ct)

Naturipe Blueberries, Fresh (18 oz container)

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum (Made with Real Madagascar Vanilla) (750 ml)

Instacart

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