The perfect Father’s Day BBQ starts with planning a crowd-pleasing menu. You can make everything on the BBQ from the appetizers, main course, side dishes, and even dessert! Dress up the outdoor space with mood lighting, and Father’s Day banners, and be sure everyone brings dad a gift to help him around the grill.

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What is a Good BBQ Menu for Fathers Day?

Whether you’re serving Father’s Day brunch, lunch, or dinner, find dad’s favorite Father’s Day recipes here!

Appetizer Ideas for Father’s Day BBQ

Looking for a fantastic starter for dad? Appetizers can be simple or fancy, but the most important thing is to make sure they’re delicious!

1. BBQ Chicken Wings

This chicken recipe makes the perfect finger food. Toss with spices and make a quick barbecue sauce with brown sugar, tomatoes, and vinegar for dipping!

2. BBQ Shrimp

Serve with barbecue sauce or on skewers to make delicious shrimp kebabs.

3. Grilled Quail

Marinate the quail to infuse it with flavor and cook it on the grill within a few minutes! Grilled quail is an exotic meat with a rich flavor that looks amazing on a plate!

4. Mini Cheeseburger Sliders

Grill all-beef patties, melt cheddar or blue cheese on top, and serve between soft, buttered buns for a treat that dad won’t turn down!

5. Queso Dip

Queso dip is all about the cheese. Pick your favorite to melt down and add spicy salsa, and sausage. Let the grill add a smoky flavor, and serve with jalapenos, cilantro, and chips!

Main Course Ideas for Father’s Day BBQ

These main courses are hearty enough to satisfy, but will still leave room for sides and dessert!

1. BBQ Whole Chicken

Butterfly the chicken and soak it in a flavor-packed marinade. Enjoy this comfort food with crispy skin and tender meat!

2. Beer-brined Grilled Pork Steak

Baste the steaks with apple juice and beer to build a flavor profile that plays nicely with juicy grilled pork!

3. Epic Fat Brisket

This simple-to-make brisket is cooked to perfection, and anyone can do it! Use leftovers to make tacos!

4. Full Slab of Ribs

This guide will help you make the perfect, fall-off-the-bone tender ribs for dad.

5. Grilled Korean-style BBQ Glazed Pork Chops

These pork chops are basted on the grill with a sweet and spicy glaze that everyone loves!

Side Dish Ideas for Father’s Day BBQ

This may seem simple, but grilled corn is always satisfying. You can even grill them right in the husks. Serve with butter and salt or dress them up with chili powder, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cotija cheese!

2. Grilled Cobb Salad

Grill your bacon before adding it to this fresh salad recipe to give it more flavor!

3. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Grill the veggies and make a simple dressing with balsamic vinegar and spices to toss with pasta for this refreshing side dish!

4. Smoked Potato Salad

All dads love potato salad. Smoke your potatoes first, then add mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, and any other spices dad loves!

5. Smoked Veggies

Use in-season veggies to create a low-carb side dish. Sprinkle on some parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.

Dessert Ideas for Father’s Day BBQ

1. Grilled Berry Cobbler

Use fresh or frozen berries for this refreshing, fruity dessert.

2. Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart

This tart is quick and easy, and best of all can be made on the grill!

3. Grilled Peaches

Grilled peaches are a crowd-pleaser. Cut peaches in half and lay the cut side down on the grill grate until caramelized.

4. Grilled Pineapple Rings

Slice a fresh pineapple into rings, and place them on the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they develop nice, charred lines, and become soft. Serve on their own or as a layer in a parfait!

5. Sheet Pan S’mores

S’mores can take a long time to cook individually, but this recipe is a surefire winner, fit for a crowd!

Ultimate Beef Tenderloin BBQ Recipe

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This beef tenderloin is perfect for your Father’s Day BBQ or any special occasion. All you need is a dry rub, to season this premium cut of beef. Leftovers are great for sliders or soups.

Ingredients

Units Scale

3 lb beef tenderloin
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp garlic powder
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp thyme

Instructions

Remove beef roast from packaging and let come to room temperature. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Preheat the grill to high heat, around 450°F.
Mix the dry spices in a small bowl until well combined.
Drizzle the entire roast with olive oil and rub the surface to ensure it is covered.
Sprinkle spice rub over the entire roast and make sure all sides are evenly coated.
Place one side of the beef roast on the grill grate and sear for 3 minutes. Repeat with each side of the beef, turning the beef using metal tongs.
Lower the grill temperature to medium-high heat, (around 375°F) and move the beef to indirect heat.
Let the beef roast cook for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Remove the roast and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with a pat of compound butter, fresh herbs, and your favorite sides!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Calories: 358kcal
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 96mg
Fat: 15.2g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 52g
Cholesterol: 158mg

DIY Decoration Ideas for Father’s Day BBQ

Once you’ve chosen grilling recipes for Father’s Day, it’s time to make the outdoor space look festive to celebrate dad!

Here are some fun ideas for a Father’s Day BBQ:

1. Drink Tub

Set up a wheelbarrow (or large tub) filled with ice and dad’s favorite beer. Include a variety of drinks for the family to enjoy!

2. Father’s Day Banner

You can buy one from Amazon, or make your own! Banners set the mood and provide an excellent backdrop for family photos.

3. Grilling Cake Topper

If you decide to make a cake, this grill-themed cake topper is perfect. You could also add them on top of a grilled cobbler or tart!

4. Grilling Card Decoration

Have each family member write a short message inside a card and set them out as table decorations. Young children can be instructed to draw a picture inside. At the end of the meal, dad can read all the messages!

5. Mood Lighting

Set up Tiki torches and strings of lights around the area to provide light if you’ll be outside after dark.

6. Outdoor Games

Set up a game of cornhole, or make space for frisbee, badminton, giant Jenga, or Twister! The family will have fun playing these active party-friendly games!

Father’s Day BBQ Gift Ideas

Dad needs the perfect Father’s Day gift. These ideas are great for a dad who enjoys grilling!

A wireless meat thermometer that connects to his phone so he can check his bbq from almost anywhere.
DIY seasoning mix jars are great because they combine his favorite dry rub in a small mason jar. Tie a ribbon around the jar, and you have the perfect practical gift!
Get dad a grilling set! It will surely please dad because he’ll always have the tools to grill perfectly!
Get the kids involved in making a handpainted grill platter. They can paint a message to dad!
Rib Master Crate: this crate comes with a rib rack, a basting mop, spices, and smoke cans!

Dad will undoubtedly love any gift he receives, but it’s easy to get the perfect gift for a guy who loves barbecue.

Best Father’s Day BBQ Menu and Party Ideas