Father’s Day BBQs can be extremely repetitive… how many times do you want to eat the same packaged hot dogs and the same nacho cheese and chips combo? Cookouts that have something a little special or unique are good. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a new smoker, and you don’t have to spend your entire day cooking. These BBQ recipes are uncomplicated but flavorful. These will make the cookout a little fancy and will be suitable for the occasion.
Contents
- 1) Smoked Brisket
- 2) Sticky Pork Ribs
- 3) Beef Back Ribs
- 4) Smoked Chicken Thighs
- 5) BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- 6) Cedar-Plank Salmon
- 7) Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- 8) Hot Dog Toppings Bar
- 9) Smash Burgers
- 10) Pub-Style Burgers
- 11) Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
- 12) Smoked Sausage
- 13) Pulled Pork Shoulder
- 14) Pulled Pork Sliders
- 15) Grilled Flank Steak
- 16) BBQ Tri-Tip
- 17) BBQ Chicken Wings
- 18) Grilled Corn
- 19) BBQ Baked Beans
- 20) Classic Potato Salad
- 21) Vinegar Slaw
- 22) Mac and Cheese
- 23) Grilled Peach Salad
- 24) Skillet Cornbread
- 25) Grilled Pound Cake
1) Smoked Brisket
I guess brisket makes me a little nervous because if you get distracted for an hour, you could end up pot roasting your brisket and serving it at a medium well. I mean business out here with a rub containing roasted coffee and brown sugar for a deeper bark. Also, be sure to leave it for a longer time considering that it is supposed to rest longer, and make sure to cut it against the grain as if your reputation is at stake. If dad usually comments the smoke ring, then this one might impress him too.
2) Sticky Pork Ribs
These are the ribs for people who like their barbecue a little sweet, a little smoky, and frankly kind of messy.
Make sure to add your sauce last so the sugars don’t burn and turn bitter. I once saw a relative try and set the sauce for another 20 minutes while we all painstakingly suffered through eating the candy ribs. A few thinner coats that you let dry between will give you that nice finish that is sticky to the fingers.
3) Beef Back Ribs
Even just having basic seasoning makes beef ribs have a huge impact. Just salt and coarse black pepper and you’ll have a cookout flex that’ll make people start believing in the process. The flavor is very bold and smoky. Offer something refreshing like pickles, onions, or something with citrus, so that people don’t have to take a nap right after eating.
4) Smoked Chicken Thighs
I’ve found that chicken thighs are very forgiving to cook. You can even forget about them on the grill, and they will still be tender and juicy. The only problem might be getting the skin nice and crispy. Most people do this by rubbing the skin with some oil, drying the skin off, and finishing the cook over direct heat to help the skin get crispy.
My favorite method is to use a garlic and herb butter baste to finish the cook. It looks fancy, but is pretty simple! With so many people loving chicken thighs, you will have no problem cooking for picky eaters!
5) BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Saying no to drumsticks is so hard. They remind me of backyard summer parties. When brining, it is not just the surface of the meat that gets flavor infused, the whole piece is. When grilling, wait for the skin to tighten and some fat to render, that is when to put on the finishing sauce. Also, is it just me or does BBQ food taste better when cold?
6) Cedar-Plank Salmon
Cedar planks give fish a great flavor because it’s not a big smoke bomb like some BBQ, but rather smells like a campfire, and paired with lemon and dill, it’s awesome! Just remember to check and see if the fish is fully cooked (it should look opaque and flaky). As for the fish, pairing it with a crunchy salad will help lighten the mood of the whole cookout!
7) Grilled Shrimp Skewers
You can totally wing shrimp skewers and look like you put in effort! Just be sure to not forget your garlic butter because the shrimp cooks fast. I like to add a little chili and lemon to shrimp to keep it interesting, and so it doesn’t get too rich. Also, two skewers per person is a polite suggestion; three is a must.
8) Hot Dog Toppings Bar
Thinking about them as a chore is one way to go, but thinking about them as a build-your-own-hot-dog station is another. Suddenly people will start conversation about wacky topping combinations like it is a competitive event. This includes stuff like pickled onions, jalapeños, spicy mustard, and maybe a crunchy slaw.
I particularly like hot dogs that are slightly burned because you know the ones that are burned usually have that nice snap when you bite into them. It’s really that simple and still all the guests will linger and hover around the food stations.
9) Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are all about confidence: hot surface, quick press, don’t fuss.
You can eat the edges anytime since the edges are the best part of a diner burger. Great if you’d prefer to sit back than babysit a grill. Keep your patties thin and your seasoning heavy. Choose a nice melty cheese. If Dad likes classic burgers, this one should pass as an improved version of his childhood.
10) Pub-Style Burgers
Some people want a burger that has a big brick feeling in their stomach, not everyone likes the thin and crispy option. Dad gets that kind of treat when you order blue cheese and onions burger. The thicker you make the burger, the slower you need to cook it so that you don’t burn the outside and leave the inside raw. You should toast the buns, it actually does make a difference.
11) Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
I always get nervous eating jalapeño poppers. I think I got all the seeds out but one popper always ruins it. Still, poppers are always guaranteed wins on Father’s Day. They are wrapped in bacon and have a creamy, spicy filling. If you’re concerned about the bacon not cooking in time, you can even pre-cook it. I can see the poppers vanish so I begin to set aside some for later and act surprised when they’re all gone.
12) Smoked Sausage
If you’re not sure what time your guests will arrive, this cookout meal is perfect. Because sausage is already seasoned you will only need some good heat and a lot of sweetened edged’ peppers and onions. You can have them in buns, eat directly from the skillet with a fork, or even have them with rice. It also easily accommodates additional family members who may “just swing by.”
13) Pulled Pork Shoulder
Pulled pork is easy to make and everyone loves it. It is cooked really slowly so it breaks apart and then gets mixed with barbecue sauce to coat the meat (not drown it though). Everyone usually crowds around the cutting board during the “shred” and pretends to help but really they are just snacking. If you want to make the party feel really generous, pulled pork is a great option for a main dish.
14) Pulled Pork Sliders
It’s impossible to not feel joy when eating sliders! The portion sizes are small, and take no commitment to eat, making it hard to be grumpy holding one. The zesty slaw adds a nice touch to the pork, and masks the fact that you didn’t make a different salad. If Dad is a huge fan of one in each hand meals, then this is perfect!
15) Grilled Flank Steak
Flank steak is the best! It cooks up so fast and is perfect for larger groups. It’s best paired with chimichurri, which will make people go crazy with how good it is! Most people who like steak like it medium-rare or medium so try not to overcook it. You also want to let the steak rest for a bit so it stays juicy when you cut into it. You can make this even better by pairing the steak with some grilled bread!
16) BBQ Tri-Tip
Tri-tip is similar to a roast but the added advantage is that it can also be grilled. Tri-tip roasts also tend to be pre-seasoned with some type of salt seasoning or garlic which adds to the special occasion vibe without the need to special order anything. One of the things to notice is the shift in direction, of the grain of the roast.
This can detract from what is otherwise an excellent piece of meat. Tri-tip is perfect for people who want the taste of steak but without the huge prices that come with ribeye cuts. They represent the best value in beef.
17) BBQ Chicken Wings
Wings are party food with built-in joy. The honey and lime glaze makes the dish extra sticky and also adds sweetness. With this glaze the flavors are not as boring. For me, the best part of cooking the dish is getting the skin to render just right. Even the most polite people wouldn’t want to get tough wings skin as a part of the dish. Make sure to bring some napkins, it’s going to be messy.
18) Grilled Corn
In the summer we can grill corn on the cob, and put chili-lime butter on it to grill it to make it even better. The combination is also great with smoked meat. The corn being dark blistered is a sign of a good grill job and a delicious dish. I’ve seen many people take corn multiple times, even customers who say corn isn’t their favorite.
19) BBQ Baked Beans
When made the right way, baked beans can be really great! Also, maybe add some meat (bacon if you don t have brisket trimmings) to add more flavor, With the right amount of time for simmering, people will definitely be lining up for seconds! The beans should be simmered long enough to become thick and glossy, but should not have too much liquid (soup consistency). This is the side that will make people float with a spoon just to taste.
20) Classic Potato Salad
I’m picky about potato salad: it should be creamy, tangy, and unapologetically old-school.
Add some mustard, a bit of pickle brine, and a bit of salt. Then, chill it to develop that aged taste. If someone suggests adding fruit, smile and change the subject. This is a trustworthy friend.
21) Vinegar Slaw
Eating a big barbecue can get really boring. To not fall into the “nap trap”, you have to add something crunchy and sharp.
Vinegar slaw does that job without the weight of a mayo dressing, and it holds up well on a warm day. Shift the time one to two hours earlier so the cabbage softens just right. I like it piled on the pulled pork like a little food raft.
22) Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese at a BBQ is never subtle, and that’s the point. Smoked gouda brings all the campfire vibes without the liquid smoke taste. Bake until the top is golden brown and crunchy; people fight for those edge pieces. If you want to treat yourself to one experience that feels like a gift, this is it.
23) Grilled Peach Salad
I guess you could say it’s absurd in a positive way. Summer vibes with warm charred peaches and cool burrata. They give a nice contrast to all the meat.
Toss in some basil and a good drizzle of olive oil. Balsamic if you’d like; however, I rarely regret it. For the party guest who prefers a lighter option, this is a sneaky win as well.
24) Skillet Cornbread
Skillet cornbread smells like somebody’s grandma just walked in and took over the kitchen (comforting, slightly bossy).
The edges have a nice crunch while the middle is soft and the honey butter adds a nice touch to what would just be a side dish. I like cornbread despite the fact that it can come out a bit dry. Just be sure to not overbake it and let it sit before serving. It pairs nicely with beans and anything saucy.
25) Grilled Pound Cake
Grilled desserts might sound a little weird, but grilled pound cake is surprisingly delicious! The pound cake stays soft in the middle while the outside is perfectly toasted, plus it can withstand the weight of the berries and cream without getting all mushy.
I’ve served this to people who say they are, “too full” and some even come back with clean plates! If you want a super easy way to end the day on a sweet note, this is a great option.
