Father's Day is not only a day to celebrate dad, but the day is also the perfect excuse to throw an early summer barbecue and make Dad's Day unforgettable. Sure, Memorial Day is the ultimate barbecue summer kick-off, but there doesn't need to be a limit on enjoying friends and families in great weather (and with great food). Plus, it's June and aside from a potential vacation, there's not too much else going on, which makes it a great time to have such an event.
Now, the best part about a barbecue is that it can go in two directions: traditional or fancy (though vegetarian barbecue recipes are always nice to have!). The traditional party has burgers, dips, and pies. The fancier outing can have the same thing but with a twist, like sliders and grilled corn. No matter the style or kind of barbecue, there are dishes will work with any of them. Our mission was to find them to help throw one heck of a time.
How does one choose the right dishes for a barbecue? The good news is that it doesn't matter too much. Because lots of picnic-type dishes appeal to both kids and adults. That's why they're so fun in the first place. It's a laid-back type of event and the food can be a reflection of that. The food is also 100% capable of having twists.
In this line up of barbecue recipes, we tried to find dishes that cater to all kinds of palates, from more evolved to traditional. But that doesn't mean there can't be a combination of both. Is there any good reason potato salad and pineapple crostini can't go together? Sounds like a delicious party to us. So pick one, two or a few and then get to worrying about other Father's Day necessities like a gift that will put a smile on his face.
Tomato Tartlets
For a refreshing and filling snack, tomato tartlets are the way to go, and they last well on a deck or patio. The recipe from Country Living includes Manchego in its version. Get the recipe here.
Lobster Rolls
Is it summer without lobster rolls? Bring it to the Father's Day barbecue for party attendees to feel like they're relaxing by the bay. It's a perfect treat to make beforehand or set out to have guests make their own. Get the Food Network recipe here.
Watermelon & Feta Salad
Keep the cookout fresh and light with a sweet and savory watermelon feta salad. It's a side or appetizer that's quick to make and easy to eat. Get the Tori's Kitchen recipe here.
Raspberry Cobbler With Ice Cream
Summer is raspberry season, so it's important to take advantage with a raspberry cobbler (and ice cream!) dish as a fresh and satisfying dessert. This old-fashioned berry cobbler recipe from Genius Kitchen has rave reviews.
Mini Sandwiches
Why go fancy when lots of dads crave simplicity? Italian deli sandwich bites can accomplish that in a tasty way. Any kind of sandwich will do — from ham to veggie to cheese — but this Italian bite recipe from Parade goes hard prosciutto.
Pineapple Chutney Crostini With Cream Cheese
There's just something so satisfying about bite-sized appetizers that can be popped in one's mouth. This is especially true for pineapple chutney crostini recipes like this one from Taste of Home. Add cream cheese, as in the photo, for an even creamier texture.
Chicken Kebab With Bell Pepper
Chicken kebabs, and kebabs in general, are a barbecue specialty. They can be pre-prepped or thrown on the grill and like these chicken ones, can be made alongside peppers or other veggies. Get the Dinner at the Zoo recipe here.
Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Chocolate and oatmeal cookie bars are an easy and grab-able treat for both kids and adults (the big kids). There's so many different recipes, but this one from Wine and Glue blends the ingredients seamlessly.
Mini Crescent Hot Dog Platter
If there's a ball game going on, even if it's whiffle ball, there should definitely be hot dogs present. While big hots dogs work, mini hot dogs make great barbecue appetizers. And the crescent roll bun really steps up the overall flavor. Check out this recipe from Food Network.
Baked Macaroni & Cheese
No one can go wrong if mac and cheese is a party food option. Make sure the dads get the cheesy love they deserve in the form of gooey baked mac and cheese. The Chunky Chef has a cheesy recipe here.
Strawberry Mango Pepper Salsa
Salsa is already a delicious party dip and a great way to incorporate a Latin flair. But it can and does have a summer twist: Wow barbecue attendees with a strawberry mango pepper salsa that brings heat and sweet to one yummy bowl. Check out the recipe from Two Peas & Their Pod.
Pork Ribs
Father's Day. BBQ. Ribs. Need we say more than that? If ribs are on the menu (which we'd recommend if meat eaters are invited) than having them grilled makes a perfect main dish that isn't just burgers. Get the recipe from My Recipes here.
Three Pulled Pork BBQ Mini Sandwich Sliders
Go big at barbecues or go home, right? OK that may not be the exact quote, but its kinda true and yummy. Serve pulled pork from a slow cooker using the recipe from AllRecipes.
Cheeseburger Sliders
OK, it really can't be a barbecue without burgers. We know we gave other meat ideas before, but the truth is people (especially kiddos) really do love the classics, burgers being part of that. It is possible to switch it up with cheeseburger sliders with this recipe at Cookies and Cups.
Cookie Dough Dip With Pretzels & Graham Crackers
Barbecues are basically synonymous with good, indulgent food and that includes the sweets. Keep on with the party dip theme by whipping up a cookie dough dip that can be served with Nilla wafers or pretzels. Recipe from Just a Taste here.
Potato Salad
No matter what anyone says, potato salad is always a good picnic, barbecue, or summer party idea. There's a way to put personal touches on it and A Spicy Perspective has a fun spin on a basic recipe.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Don't underestimate veggies as a barbecue dish. Stick them on a skewer then throw 'em on the grill for crispy, flavorful sides to the meat (and potatoes.) Here's a yummy recipe from AllRecipes.
Grilled Sweet Corn
It's corn season, baby. And what better way to celebrate than with grilled corn on the cob. Make it party-style by inserting wooden kebab sticks in one end for guests to hold and walk around with. get the recipe from Simply Recipes here.
Fresh Banana & French Cream Pie
Apple pie is fun but it can wait until July 4. Change up the pie game with a banana cream pie that everyone will love — we're talking crumble crust and whipped topping — with a recipe from Mon Petit Four.
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
It's not a party if there isn't some sort of Buffalo chicken recipe there. The dish is served at sports games like the Super Bowl, but why not have it at a cookout, too? This Buffalo Chicken pinwheel or rollup recipe from Sugar Apron puts a fun spin on it.
