These easy grilling recipes would be perfect for a Father's Day cookout! They include fun appetizers, mouthwatering mains, and more.
Father’s Day is coming up this weekend! To celebrate, my family is getting together for a backyard cookout (complete with my favorite Father’s Day side dish—see yesterday’s post!). In case that’s how you’re celebrating too, I’ve rounded up 10 easy grilling recipes below.
They include fun appetizers, simple sides, mouthwatering mains, and even a dessert—all of which you can cook on the grill. They minimize cleanup and maximize the time you get to spend outside, which I consider a huge win on any summer holiday. I hope you find some you love…and to all the dads reading, happy Father’s Day!
Fun Father’s Day Appetizers
Corn Dip
This grilled corn dip is right up there with 7 layer dip and guacamole as one of my favorite summer appetizers. Inspired by elote, it’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and bright. Serve with tortilla chips!
Blistered Shishito Peppers
I served these bite-sized peppers at a cookout with friends last summer, and they were a HUGE hit! You can char them in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop or put the pan directly on the grill.
Father’s Day Grilling Sides
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect side dish for any summer occasion, Father’s Day included! Serve the sweet, juicy ears with plenty of butter (or better yet, herb compound butter) and salt.
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus season won’t last much longer! Take advantage of this peak-season veggie by grilling it for your Father’s Day cookout. The spears cook in minutes, and they come out delicious—crisp-tender, juicy, and lightly charred.
Grilled Potatoes
The closest you can get to French fries on the grill! These tasty taters are crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and packed with smoky flavor.
Grilled Watermelon
Have you ever tried grilled watermelon? It might sound odd, but trust me—it totally works! The grill infuses the fruit with smoky flavor, and it somehow becomes even juicier as it cooks. Top it off with a quick corn salad for a fresh Father’s Day side dish.
Main Dish Father’s Day Grilling Recipes
Black Bean Burgers
Vegetarian cookout fare doesn’t have to be fussy! These one-bowl black bean burgers come together in under 30 minutes.
Mushroom Tacos
Jack—a major mushroom fan—would be THRILLED to eat these tacos at our Father’s Day cookout. They star chipotle-spiced grilled mushroom strips, pickled onions, and a simple avocado salsa. Easy and delicious!
Tofu Sandwich
My kind of bbq. 🙂 These saucy sandwiches feature thick slabs of bbq tofu, a sweet and tangy cabbage salad, pickles, and avocado. Even meat eaters will love them!
Desserts
Grilled Peaches
If you have the grill going for dinner, why not keep it on for dessert? These sweet and smoky grilled peaches pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Looking for more Father’s Day cookout ideas?
Check out one of these recipe round ups next:
Father's Day Grilling Recipes: Grilled Corn
Ingredients
- 4 to 8 ears fresh sweet corn
- Butter
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Husk-on method
- Peel back the corn husks, leaving them attached at the base of each ear of corn. Remove the silks as best you can and close the husks back over the corn cobs. Soak the corn in a large pot of cold water for 10 minutes. This will prevent the husks from burning too much on the grill. Drain and pat dry.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning every 3 to 5 minutes, until all sides of the corn are cooked, about 15 minutes. Remove from the grill and tie back the husks to use as a handle. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
Husked method
- Shuck the corn and remove the silks.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning every 3 to 5 minutes, until all sides of the corn are cooked and light char marks form, about 15 minutes. Remove from the grill and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
