Figuring out the perfect Father’s Day menu can be a daunting task. A father’s favorite foods could be as complex—or as simple—as the man himself. Since Dad’s Day so perfectly coincides with beautiful June weather, you should take his place at the grill (and at the bar) to give him a well-deserved day off. Even if he tries to backseat-grill while you carefully flip burgers. Put together a menu he won’t forget with these options, from cocktail hour to delicious dessert.
Photo: Ted Cavanaugh
Whiskey Sour
Father’s Day wouldn’t be Father’s Day without giving proper respect to cocktail hour. Switch up Dad’s typical Jack and Coke by starting him off with a whiskey sour, which features bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. He’ll love it—just like he loves “what you’re doing with your hair now.” (You haven’t changed your haircut in years.)
Photo: Ted Cavanaugh
Mojito
Dad not a whiskey or bourbon fan? Then make him a refreshing mojito that reminds him of his all-inclusive cruise to the Bahamas last year. You might have to pronounce the name to him a few times, “MO-HEE-TOE!” But he’ll dig it.
Photo: Peden & Munk
Whole Corn on the Grill
If your grill is on for the entreés, you might as well use it for the appetizers too. Dad taught you to be a productive member of society, after all. If he’s a vegetarian, he’ll appreciate these grilled whole, in-husk corn on the cob smothered with a spring-onion butter.
Photo: Ted Cavanaugh
Sweet and Spicy Bacon Kebabs with Scallion-Ginger Relish
These spicy-sweet kebabs make for an addicting Father’s Day appetizer, even if he tells you “he saw that on Chopped.” You’ll also teach Dad a valuable lesson: Bacon is even better when it’s grilled.
Photo: Eva Kolenko
“The Greatest” Deviled Eggs
Rather save the grill for dinner? No problem, since you’ll knock his socks off with “The Greatest” deviled eggs of all time, the not-secret-anymore recipe from Hillstone restaurant. No way he’ll be able to have just one.
Photo: Ted Cavanaugh
Sweet Onion–Marinated Skirt Steak
If Dad wants steak for dinner, this recipe features a quick 20-minute marinade. It has sweet onions, brown sugar, and vinegar and is the perfect complement for skirt steak—like socks and sandals.
Photo: Alex Lau
Ultimate Veggie Burger
Or you could turn things around and surprise him. Just take a look at these ultimate, and we mean it when we say ultimate, veggie burgers. Even a meat-loving Dad would devour these beauties.
Photo: Peden & Munk
Grilled Halibut Niçoise With Market Vegetables
Any parent would appreciate this showstopper of an entrée. Run to the market in the morning and pick out Dad’s favorite fresh veggies, even if you have to call your mom from the store to confirm he’s “pro-eggplant.” Almost anything will work in this versatile salad.
Photo: Vincent Cross
Giant Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Nothing quite says “I love you, Dad” more than serving him a huge chocolate chip cookie in a cast-iron skillet.
Photo: Linda Xiao
BA’s Best Strawberry Shortcake
If Dad’s more into lighter, fruity, pillowy bites of sweet perfection, look no further than our best strawberry shortcakes—it’ll remind him of his youth, before you dropped in and changed everything.
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