What makes a recipe a Father’s Day recipe? A quick search of the internet will probably yield a bunch of meat-heavy recipes, most of which are grilled. Great options! But why stop there? We asked the Serious Eats staff what they would make for their dads (or other father figure) this Father’s Day, and while the results were mostly meaty, they weren’t all grilled, and there were even some desserts thrown in as well! While some of these recipes are a bit unexpected (piping hot chicken pot pie in June? And really, beef Wellington?), they are truly the recipes our dads want this Father’s Day, and what dad wants, dad gets! Keep reading for the mains and desserts we’ll be cooking up this Sunday.
Mains
Thick and Juicy Home-Ground Grilled Cheeseburgers
This thick patty is made with home-ground beef for a tender, juicy texture.
Grilled Cajun Chicken Wings
These crispy, spice-encrusted wings are grilled (!) and tossed with a savory Buffalo-style sauce.
Sous Vide Barbecue Pork Ribs
Tender and meaty pork ribs with a crusty bark or rich glaze of sauce are possible even without a smoker.
Pan-Seared, Butter-Basted Thick-Cut Steak
Thick and meaty pan-seared steak, infused with color from butter and flavor from aromatics—what more could you want in a steak?
Classic Smashed Burgers
These classic smashed cheeseburgers offer maximum juiciness and a deep brown, beefy crust.
Chicken Piccata (Fried Chicken Cutlets With Lemon-Butter Pan Sauce)
Chicken piccata that’s crispy, juicy, buttery, and bright as sunshine? Just follow our recipe.
Whole Grilled Fish With Olive-Tomato Compote
Grilling is one of the tastiest ways to cook a whole fish, and it’s easy once you know a few tricks.
Sous Vide Sausages
Temperature and timing are key to the juiciest sausages around.
Foolproof Pan Pizza
This pan pizza recipe is for those who love a thick and crispy crust that’s golden on the bottom, but puffy and soft under the layers of sauce and mozzarella.
Pan-Seared Duck Breast With Orange Pan Sauce
For perfectly cooked duck with crispy skin, this recipe starts by scoring the breast, placing it in a cold pan, and cooking it low and slow.
Rigatoni alla Vodka
This vodka sauce is a powerhouse of tomato flavor smoothed over with the silky richness of heavy cream.
Extra-Crispy Fried Chicken With Caramelized Honey and Spice
Inspired by Popeyes, this fried chicken has that signature airy crust of rugged and scraggy bits, coupled with some personal touches.
Outdoor Pizza Oven ‘Nduja Pizza
How about a classic Margherita pizza with a spicy ‘nduja twist? This one has dad written all over it.
Pan-Roasted Rack of Lamb
With nothing more than a pan and some butter, garlic, and herbs, you can make an astoundingly delicious rack of lamb.
The Ultimate Beef Wellington
The ultimate beef Wellington consists of beef tenderloin, a rich mushroom duxelles, foie gras, and prosciutto, all wrapped in a buttery puff pastry crust.
Roasted and Reverse Seared Prime Rib
Start low and slow in the oven and finish at 500°F for the juiciest, most flavorful, evenly cooked prime rib roast.
Individual Double-Crusted Chicken Pot Pies
Chicken pot pies are comfort food classic. Here, we individualize them and include an elegant whole wheat pie crust.
Classic Baked Lasagna Bolognese (Lasagne alla Bolognese)
Homemade ragù Bolognese and creamy besciamella make up the base of this lasagna, and are layered with sheets of pasta.
Desserts
Coconut Cream Pie
Filled with a rich custard and topped with whipped cream and toasted flaked coconut, this coconut cream pie is fragrant, nutty, and a delight to eat.
The Best Mint Chip Ice Cream
This fresh mint ice cream has an unbeatable roundness of flavor you just can’t get with extract.
Epic New York Cheesecake
For a towering New York cheesecake, all you need is the right pan.
Rich and Creamy Tiramisu
Good ladyfingers, strong espresso, and no marsala wine make the best tiramisu.
Devil’s Food Cake Recipe
Dark chocolate and Dutch cocoa make this devil’s food twice as chocolaty.
Gooey Apple Pie
This apple pie has a gooey, chunky, lightly sweetened filling that slices cleanly.