12 Foods Your Dad (Truly) Wants on Father’s Day

What does Dad want on Father's Day? Sure, probably a nice grilled burger, but what about a shrimp po boy? Or maybe fried chicken? Or maybe even a chocolate cream pie?! We have lots of ideas in this round-up!

By
Carrie Havranek
Carrie Havranek
Carrie Havranek
Carrie has 10+ years experience as a food writer, editor, and recipe developer. She is the author of Tasting Pennsylvania and a contributor to Simply Recipes since 2017.
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Published June 14, 2018
Carrie Havranek
Father's Day Recipe Round-Up

Grilled pork chops and steaks -- and other typical dude foods — are pretty much a gimme for Father's Day. So we polled a bunch of our dad friends and decided to find out what they really want to eat on Father’s Day.

Did they want dude food? Did they want something else? Some of the responses are what you might expect – and we're including a few of those in this round-up as well! -- but a few of the answers might surprise you.

A chef friend told me he wants “a big salad with chicken or fish and a beer." Another dad told me he wants “hot dogs with the grandkids.” (I suspect this is a popular one for its simplicity.)

That being said, we did get some stereotypically meat-centric foods, and that’s ok. It’s all about balance, right?

Dads, what do YOU want this Father's Day?

  • Pan Seared Salmon with Avocado Remoulade

    Salmon with Avocado Remoulade
    Elise Bauer

    There’s something about Father’s Day that calls out for salmon to me, and a few of my dad friends agreed. The remoulade makes it extra special.

  • Slow and Low Country Ribs

    Country style Rib recipe - cooking country ribs slow and low
    Elise Bauer

    This particular cut, from the shoulder, is meant for low and slow heat. Whether you use the oven, a wood fire, a charcoal or gas grill—doesn’t matter, they're all good.

  • Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich

    Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich
    Elise Bauer

    A lot of dads we talked to love a good sandwich, and this one satisfies—it’s not difficult, but still pulls out all the stops. Look for the freshest seafood you can find and don't skip the homemade sauce.

  • Lasagna Bolognese

    Lasagna Bolognese
    Elise Bauer

    It may seem a little kooky to make lasagna in June, but when Dad asks for lasagna, you make lasagna, right? This one is made with both a meat sauce and also a béchamel—the latter of which is just a fancy way of saying a creamy white sauce.

    Continue to 5 of 12 below.

  • Chipotle Burger

    Chipotle chili burger
    Elise Bauer

    If you want to keep it simple but add a bit of heat, these burgers—spicy, sweet and juicy—fit the bill.

  • Smoky Paprika Shrimp Skewers

    Smoky Paprika Shrimp Skewers
    Elise Bauer

    A quick marinade with smoked paprika, pepper, cumin, and lime juice makes this shrimp hard to resist once grilled. Serve with rice.

  • Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms

    Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo
    Nick Evans

    One of our favorite dad's, Nick Evans, requested "homemade pasta" so we thought we'd share one of his recipes: this Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms! Make it with this easy from-scratch pasta for a special treat.

  • Lamb Loin Chops with Mint Chimichurri

    lamb chops with mint chimichurri
    Elise Bauer

    Lamb and mint are a classic combo, and chimichurri sauce adds parsley and mint to the mix.

    Continue to 9 of 12 below.

  • Easy Chocolate Cream Pie

    A whole chocolate pie topped with shaved chocolate.
    Sally Vargas

    Calling this "easy" is no joke—this pie is really easy because the filling comes together in the microwave in 10 minutes. And should Father’s Day turn out to be a scorcher, a pie like this satisfies the urge for something chocolate and something cool at the same time.

  • Buttermilk Fried Chicken

    Best Fried Chicken Recipe With Buttermilk
    Elise Bauer

    Elise’s dad says, “This is a good one.” What better endorsement do you need for a great Father's Day meal?!

  • Steak Salad with Miso Vinaigrette

    Steak Salad with Miso Vinaigrette
    Sabrina Modelle

    Pan-seared skirt steak sits atop baby greens along with carrots and radishes. Miso adds that extra depth of flavor and a subtle saltiness, too.

  • Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Hot Dogs

    Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs on the Grill
    Elise Bauer

    Yes, you read that correctly—bacon around a hot dog. Here’s a surefire way to take a hot dog to the next level and satisfy those dads who just want a good hot dog for Father's Day.