25 Classic Father's Day Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Dads rarely ask for much, even though they do it all—taking out the trash, killing spiders, and leading car road trips. Their taste is usually simple, classic, and well-executed—just like these 30 dad-approved recipes that are designed for a casual Father's Day celebration. Whether your dad is manning the grill all day or you're lending a helping hand, these recipes will win over his heart. Leading the charge for appetizers and small bites are a cheesy beer dip, salsa fresca, soft pretzels, and a creamy lebneh dip.

What would Father's Day be without red meat of every cut and style? For someone as classic as a dad, there's the Classic Burger-Joint Cheeseburger, which pairs effortlessly with Classic Boston Baked Beans. Grilled Flank Steak and Asparagus with Chimichurri Butter is just as timeless but slightly grander for the dad who spares no expense. (And even though everything that your dad does in life is well done, we really do recommend cooking these meats medium-rare.)

While most dads never really want to be in the spotlight, these side dishes deserve as much attention as he does. The Test Kitchen's Favorite Potato Salad, Cheddar-Jalapeno Cornbread, and Grilled Corn with Chile-Lime Salt are delicious additions to his go-to backyard barbecue celebration.

Here's to you, Dad. We love you…and we're so thankful for your grilling skills and expert taste in craft brews.

Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak With Peppers and Onions

Dad may love going to the steakhouse, but he also loves not having to leave his house. Flank steak and peppers get a deep, savory balsamic marinade before going on the grill.

Popcorn Shrimp

Start the Father's Day feast with these crunchy morsels of shrimp served with spicy cocktail sauce and tartar sauce for dipping.

Easy Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

Here's a recipe you can put together quickly in the morning and leave to cook while you're enjoying time with Dad.

Silver-Tequila Martini

If dad's a cocktail guy, of course you'll make him his favorite mixed drink. If you'd like to make him something different, try this tequila-based martini that turns to grapefruit for tartness. Use high-quality tequila such as Patron Silver for the first-class man in your life.

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn and Summer Squash

Dad will love that you made dinner on the grill and everyone will love this hearty, healthy combo of flame-kissed boneless chicken thighs with fresh corn and zucchini. All get tossed with a minty lemon dressing once they come off the grill.

Labneh Dip with Caramelized Onions and Fennel

Dad is sure to love the creamy texture and tang of labneh and the sweet caramelized onions on top.

Sausage-Cheddar Balls

This reinterpretation of meatballs combines sausage, cheddar cheese, and onion for a flavor-packed appetizer that's pretty impossible to resist.

Orange-Wheat Shandy

If dad's a beer guy, make him a beer cocktail like this Orange-Wheat Shandy, a traditional wheat beer that bursts with citrus flavor thanks to the addition of freshly-squeezed orange juice.

Grilled Ribs

A slow roast in the oven makes these ribs tender, succulent, and delicious. Glaze them with tangy homemade barbecue sauce before finishing them on the grill.

Blistered Shishito-Peppers Salad with Chive Vinaigrette

Any health-conscious father will adore this refreshing, slightly spicy salad. While cooking the peppers in a cast iron skillet is less time-consuming than firing up the grill, a little extra flame and charcoal flavor from a real grill will take this salad to the next level.

Salsa Fresca

Serve this fresh salsa with tortilla chips for an easy appetizer on Father's Day.

Salted Fried Chicken

Thick buttermilk batter creates an extra-crisp coating on this brined fried chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with sea salt and drizzle it with honey just before serving for an exhilarating contrast in flavors.

Lobster Rolls

Dress sweet, tender chunks of lobster meat with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a sprinkling of herbs to make the irresistible filling for this classic of New England summer dining. Toast the buns in a buttered skillet just before filling them.

Classic Burger-Joint Cheeseburger

A perfectly-seared, juicy burger on the grill gets toppings fit for a king (maybe a king in jeans). It wouldn't be a burger-joint classic without seeded potato buns, crisp tomatoes, simple American cheese, pickles, lettuce, and ketchup.

Beer-Battered Fish

Served with a cold beer of Dad's choice and crisp fries, this beer-battered fish makes for a casual and satisfying Father's Day dinner.

Test Kitchen's Favorite Potato Salad

Whole-grain mustard, sliced cornichons, chopped celery, and scallions give this light-on-mayo potato salad crunch and acidity. Make it a day in advance so that you can spend extra time with Dad on his day.

Smoked Pork Shoulder

Slow-roasting pork shoulder before you smoke it is a great shortcut. You'll save time and still get all the great smoky flavor.

Grilled Porterhouse with Brown Butter and Horseradish

If you're going all out and grilling a steak for dad this Father's Day, there's nothing better than a Porterhouse.

Tomatoes Stuffed with Grilled Corn Salad

Hollow out large beefsteak tomatoes and stuff them with a mixture of grilled corn, scallions, goat cheese, and crumbled bacon. Serve these beautiful, self-contained salads with grilled steaks or chicken.

Salt-and-Pepper Oven Fries

Dad will be reaching for seconds when you serve him these salt-and-pepper fries, which are healthier—and tastier—than the fried equivalent.

Classic Boston Baked Beans

Another make-ahead, hands-off dish for the win! Soaking the beans overnight, then cooking them low and slow with sweet and spicy aromatics hits a home run.

Cheddar-Jalapeno Cornbread

This cornbread strikes the right balance between tender and crumbly. Jazz up the batter with pickled jalapenos, sharp cheddar, and fresh corn kernels.

Creamy Stone-Ground Grits

Grits are one of the ultimate comfort foods, especially when mixed with grated cheddar cheese and plenty of butter.

Grilled Corn with Chile-Lime Salt

Lime juice, chipotle-chile powder, and diced jalapenos give a spicy kick to this Mexican street food-inspired corn.