Flavor-Packed Father Day Dinner Ideas to Celebrate Dad

Forget ordinary dinners this Father’s Day; it’s time to cook up something extraordinary for Dad. Our picked father day dinner ideas, from the first refreshing drink to the indulgent desserts, will help you craft a meal that celebrates him in the most delicious way possible.

Key Takeaways

• Start Father’s Day dinner with a toast, offering a range of bespoke beverages, from non-alcoholic mocktails like Midnight Berry Iced Tea to spirited drinks like the Blossoms + Bourbon Cocktail.

• Begin the feast with appetizers like grilled artichokes seasoned with garlic butter and a farro salad that you can jazz up with a variety of toppings, setting the stage for a flavorful meal.

• Serve up a main course made just for Dad, with options like BBQ Brisket Bonanza, Honey-Glazed Chicken, and vegetarian-friendly Seitan Skewers with zesty homemade chimichurri sauce.

Refreshing Beverages to Toast Dad

What’s a celebration without a toast? As we gather around the table to appreciate our dads, let’s raise a glass to their love, guidance, and the invaluable lessons they’ve imparted. Whether your dad enjoys a spirited beverage or prefers to keep things alcohol-free, we have a selection that’s sure to put a smile on his face. Father’s Day dinner begins with a clink of glasses and a sip of something special.

Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail or a mocktail, we have options for both. Our non-alcoholic options offer sophistication and a burst of flavors without the booze. If your dad enjoys a tipple or two, our spirited selections are sure to impress. A Father’s Day dinner is a perfect opportunity to celebrate dad, and a drink tailored to his tastes will only enhance the celebration.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Let’s start with our selection of mocktails. Not your average fruit punch, these are sophisticated beverages that pack a punch of flavor without the alcohol. Take, for instance, our Midnight Berry Iced Tea. This refreshing blend combines the summery flavors of berries with aromatic mint, presenting a mocktail that’s a cut above the rest.

If fruity and floral is to your dad’s liking, our Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade is just the ticket. For an experience that’s a little different, why not try the Butterfly Pea Tea Lemonade Soda? A marriage of zesty ginger with sour elements, this beverage is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

These non-alcoholic choices add an extra touch of excitement to your Father’s Day dinner.

Spirited Selections

For those who enjoy a spirited toast, our Blossoms + Bourbon Cocktail is a classic choice. There’s something about a cocktail that makes any celebration feel extra special, and Father’s Day is no exception. This cocktail is more than just a beverage; it’s an expression of love and appreciation, served in a glass.

But don’t worry, we have a variety of different drinks you can make based on dad’s favorite kind of alcohol. Whether it’s bold bourbon or classic vodka, we’ve got you covered. A Father’s Day dinner is all about celebrating dad, and having his favorite drink in hand only adds to the celebration.

Artisanal Sides: Grilled Artichokes and Farro Salad

Every great meal starts with a tantalizing appetizer, and our Father’s Day dinner is no exception. In fact, a well-planned father’s day dinner begins with appetizers and sides, including grilled artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, and farro salad, that set the stage for the main course, but they’re also stars in their own right. These dishes are stars in their own right, promising an explosion of flavors that will set the tone for the rest of the meal.

Artichokes, with their unique texture and subtle flavor, are a delight when grilled. Our version is seasoned with garlic butter and Italian seasoning for an unforgettable taste experience. Paired with our farro salad, which combines the nutty flavor of farro with a zesty dressing, these starters will leave you eagerly anticipating the main course.

Artful Artichokes

For our grilled artichokes, we start by:

1. Trimming the sharp tips of the leaves

2. Removing the fuzzy choke

3. Rinsing and draining them

4. Seasoning them with garlic butter, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

5. Wrapping each half in foil ready for grilling.

The secret to our artful artichokes is in the grilling. We prevent charring by pre-boiling the artichokes before grilling them, ensuring they are perfectly tender without losing any of their flavor.

To make our grilled artichokes, follow these steps:

1. Pre-boil the artichokes until they are tender.

2. Preheat the grill to 375°F.

3. Place the artichokes on the top shelf of the grill.

4. Grill for 45-60 minutes.

With the right preparation, cooking techniques, and food styling, a simple ingredient like artichokes can be transformed into a delicious dish, just like cherry tomatoes.

Fabulous Farro

Moving on to our farro salad, this is a dish that allows you to be creative. We start by cooking the farro in vegetable stock, then dress it with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and other vinaigrette ingredients of your choice.

The beauty of this salad is in its customization. You can incorporate toppings like:

• arugula

• basil

• mint

• radishes

• shaved Parmesan cheese

• chopped pistachios

according to your personal preference. And to enhance the flavor even further, prepare the base ahead of time and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

The end result? A farro salad that’s as delicious as it is versatile.

Main Courses

With our appetites whetted by the delightful starters, it’s time to delve into the main courses. As the centerpiece of our Father’s Day dinner, our main courses are all about hearty, protein-packed dishes that will leave no one hungry.

From our vegetarian-friendly Grill Master’s Delight: Seitan Skewers with Zesty Chimichurri, to our succulent Honey-Glazed Chicken and slow-cooked BBQ Brisket Bonanza, there’s something for everyone at our table. The aroma of these dishes cooking will have your mouth watering in anticipation, and their flavors will make this Father’s Day dinner one to remember.

Grill Master's Delight: Seitan Skewers with Zesty Chimichurri

We’ll begin with our seitan skewers, aptly named ‘Grill Master’s Delight’, served with a zesty chimichurri sauce. A high-protein vegan meat alternative made from gluten, seitan has a meaty texture that makes it an excellent choice for grilling. Our seitan is carefully kneaded to activate the wheat protein, giving it its unique texture.

The seitan skewers are the star of this dish, but it’s the homemade zesty chimichurri sauce that takes it to the next level. This tangy, herb-based sauce perfectly complements the hearty seitan, making this dish a delight for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Chimichurri Charm

The chimichurri sauce we use is worth highlighting. This sauce, developed by Karlen Poma, utilizes fresh herbs and lemon juice as key ingredients, resulting in a fresh and tangy flavor that makes it an ideal complement to the hearty seitan skewers. In contrast to tomato sauce, the chimichurri sauce offers a unique taste experience.

So whether you’re a longtime fan of chimichurri or trying it for the first time, this sauce is sure to charm your taste buds.

Honey-Glazed Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Main Course

The Honey-Glazed Chicken is another enticing option on our main course menu, perfect for those who love chicken wings but want to try something different. This dish is a symphony of flavors, combining the sweetness of honey, the freshness of herbs, and the tang of balsamic vinegar. Each chicken leg quarter is marinated in a blend of garlic, orange juice, Bee Inspired Honey, and fresh herbs like cilantro, rosemary, and thyme, and then cooked to perfection on the grill.

The entire recipe can be completed in approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, making it a doable main course for Father’s Day celebrations. And if you or any of your family members have dietary restrictions, don’t worry. The honey ingredient in the recipe can easily be substituted with vegan sweeteners such as coconut sugar, agave nectar, or rice syrup, ensuring everyone can enjoy this sweet and savory delight.

Glaze Preparation

The glaze is the standout feature of our Honey-Glazed Chicken. This thick and sticky concoction is made from:

• honey

• balsamic vinegar

• molasses

• soy sauce

• garlic

These ingredients, including brown sugar and caramelized onions, balance the savory and sweet aspects of the glaze. For convenience, the glaze can be made in advance and stored refrigerated, only to be reheated before use.

And for the perfect consistency, we recommend thickening the glaze by dissolving cornstarch or arrowroot in chicken broth, and then incorporating this mixture as the glaze heats up.

Grilling Guidelines

In this dish, perfectly grilling the chicken is of utmost importance. We recommend selecting bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as they offer juicy meat that is well complemented by the glaze. The chicken is cooked in the following steps:

1. Sear the chicken over direct heat for two minutes on each side.

2. Move the chicken to indirect heat, cover, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

3. Ensure the chicken achieves a golden and cooked-through appearance.

But don’t just go by appearances. The chicken is considered perfectly grilled and safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This not only ensures the chicken is fully cooked, but it also preserves the juiciness of the meat. For a luscious sticky glaze, we cook the chicken in honey garlic sauce while on the grill, eliminating the need for any crumbing or breading process.

Perfect Pairings

Every delectable main course is complemented by equally wonderful sides. For our Honey-Glazed Chicken, we suggest serving it with roasted potatoes and grilled brussels sprouts. These sides not only complement the flavors of the chicken, but they also round out the meal, adding variety and balance to your plate. If you’re a fan of fried chicken, you’ll definitely appreciate this delicious alternative.

Why not experiment with these sides and create a Father’s Day dinner that balances flavor and nutrition? Check out our father’s day dinner recipes for inspiration and more father’s day dinner ideas.

BBQ Brisket Bonanza: Slow-Cooked to Perfection

The BBQ Brisket Bonanza, another highlight of our main course offerings, is certainly not to be underestimated. If your dad is a fan of tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, this dish is for him. Slow-cooked to perfection, our BBQ brisket is a mouthwatering main course that’s worth every minute of the cooking time.

The secret to a great brisket lies in the slow cooking. By cooking it low and slow, we’re able to break down the tough connective tissue in the meat, resulting in a brisket that’s tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Served with our homemade BBQ sauce, this dish is a true bonanza of flavors.

Meat Selection

Choosing the right cut of brisket is crucial for this dish. Brisket is a tough muscle that becomes tender when cooked slowly and at low temperatures. For the best results, opt for the point section of the brisket or a deckle cut, both of which have more fat and flavor and are therefore more desirable for slow-cooking.

When selecting your brisket, look for the following characteristics:

• Good marbling

• A thick flat section

• A firm brisket with a deep red color and clean white fat

• A significant fat cap

These characteristics will ensure the meat’s tenderness and flavor enhancement during slow-cooking, and will help you achieve a juicy final product.

Sauce Creation

Our barbecue sauce is designed to boost the flavor of the brisket, elevating its taste profile significantly. Our flavorful BBQ sauce is a balance of savory and sweet aspects, ensuring a taste that’s both rich and complex.

Creating the homemade sauce requires careful balance and blend of flavors, including the smoky flavor. As the sauce simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a sauce that’s both tangy and sweet, with a smoky undertone that perfectly complements the slow-cooked brisket. It’s this sauce that truly sets our BBQ Brisket Bonanza apart and makes it a standout dish at any Father’s Day dinner.

Low and Slow Cooking

The key to the success of our BBQ Brisket Bonanza is its slow cooking method. This method breaks down the tough connective tissue in the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful brisket. Slow-cooking a brisket requires ample time, with a recommended duration of 6 to 8 hours in the crock pot to achieve the tenderness associated with barbecue brisket.

When cooking the brisket, start at a temperature of 250F/120C. Then, wrap the meat in aluminium foil and finish cooking at 275F/135C until it reaches an internal temperature of 195F/90C. This ensures the brisket is fully cooked and tender, ready to be enjoyed by the whole family at your Father’s Day dinner.

Decadent Desserts: From Grilled Peaches to Dairy-Free Panna Cotta

Just as every meal deserves a sweet finale, our Father’s Day dinner follows suit. Our dessert selection offers a delightful range of sweet endings, including honey grilled peaches, a classic brownie sundae, and an elegant dairy-free panna cotta.

Whether your dad has a soft spot for fruit-based desserts, loves a good sundae, or prefers something a little more sophisticated, our dessert selection has something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Let’s explore these dessert options, rounding off our Father’s Day dinner on a sweet note!

Peachy Keen Grill

Grilled peaches offer an uncomplicated but delightful dessert choice. The natural sugars of the peaches caramelize on the grill, adding an extra depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. We coat the peaches in a mix of honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to enhance their natural flavors, resulting in a dessert that’s sweet, smoky, and utterly delicious.

Even peaches that aren’t fully ripe can be successfully grilled, as the heat helps to soften them and bring out their sweetness. Once grilled, the peaches can be paired with various toppings, such as vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt drizzled with spicy honey. It’s a simple dessert that’s sure to impress at your Father’s Day dinner.

Brownie Sundae Bliss

If you’re inclined towards a richer dessert, our Brownie Sundae is a traditional favorite. This indulgent dessert features layers of rich chocolate brownies, creamy ice cream, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, promising a blissful end to your Father’s Day meal.

The key to a great sundae lies in the assembly. Here’s how to make it:

1. Bake the brownies as directed and let them cool.

2. Place a generous scoop of ice cream on top of each brownie.

3. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice cream.

4. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can also add a warm chocolate sauce.

5. Enjoy your delicious sundae!

And for an extra touch of indulgence, why not add a warm chocolate sauce in place of or in addition to the chocolate syrup? It’s the perfect way to end a perfect Father’s Day dinner.

Panna Cotta Perfection

Last, but by no means least, is our elegant and inclusive Dairy-Free Panna Cotta. This creamy, rich dessert achieves the texture and flavor of traditional panna cotta without the use of dairy ingredients, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

The panna cotta is prepared with ingredients such as:

• plant-based milk

• maple syrup

• vanilla extract

• agar agar powder

These ingredients give it its signature wobbly texture. If you’d prefer not to use agar agar, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot starch as a thickening agent, ensuring you achieve the custard-like consistency that makes panna cotta so irresistible. It’s the perfect way to end your Father’s Day dinner on a sweet, satisfying note.

Summary

There you have it, a Father’s Day dinner that’s sure to impress. From refreshing beverages to kick off the celebration, to artisanal sides and protein-packed main courses, and finishing with decadent desserts, we’ve covered all bases to ensure a memorable meal. Whether your dad is a fan of meat, prefers plant-based alternatives, or has a sweet tooth, we’ve got something that’ll make his day.

Remember, the secret to a great meal is not just in the ingredients or the recipes, but in the love and effort you put into it. So this Father’s Day, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and whip up a feast that celebrates dad in the best way possible. After all, isn’t that what Father’s Day is all about?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the honey glaze for the Honey-Glazed Chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the honey glaze in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and then reheat it when you're ready to use it.

What if the peaches I have aren't fully ripe? Can I still grill them?

Absolutely, go ahead and grill those peaches even if they're not fully ripe. The heat will soften them and bring out their sweetness, so they'll still be delicious.

I have dietary restrictions. Can I substitute the honey in the Honey-Glazed Chicken recipe?

You can definitely substitute the honey in the recipe with vegan sweeteners like coconut sugar, agave nectar, or rice syrup. Enjoy your modified Honey-Glazed Chicken!

What's the best cut of brisket for the BBQ Brisket Bonanza?

The best cut of brisket for your BBQ Brisket Bonanza would be the point section or a deckle cut, as they have more fat and flavor, making them perfect for slow-cooking. Enjoy your barbecue!

I'd like to try the dairy-free Panna Cotta but I don't have agar agar. Can I use something else?

Yes, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot starch as a thickening agent instead of agar agar for the dairy-free Panna Cotta. Enjoy your cooking!