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Why not spoil the men in our lives that we love with an amazing meal?! These Father’s Day dinner ideas will help you do just that.

More Collections: Crockpot Dinner Ideas, Easy Dinner Ideas, Summer Dinner Ideas

Collage of Father's Day dinner ideas.

Celebrate Dad with a Meal!

I love celebrating Father’s Day and ensuring my dad and husband are recognized and appreciated for all they do and for being the best fathers around. 

One of the ways we celebrate is with a delicious homemade dinner on this special occasion!

Why we love it:

  • Savory to sweet. There’s a mix of classic and unique main dishes, side dishes, and desserts for every skill level and taste preference!
  • Gift ideas. Besides delicious recipes, we’ve included creative non-food ideas for celebrating Father’s Day, adding an extra special touch to the occasion.
  • For every dad. Whether your dad is a meat and potatoes kind of guy, or loves a loaded salad, or a Pepperoni Pizza, there are plenty of yummy ideas to add to your Father’s Day menu.
A ranch burger on a plate with strawberries and grapes.

Making Father’s Day Fun

Aside from spoiling them with a few gifts, like these 100+ Father’s Day Gift Ideas or 100+ Father’s Day gifts from Amazon, making dinner for DAD is at the top of my celebration list. Here are some other fun ways to make the day special.

  1. To go all out, use your dad’s favorite hobby as a theme for the meal. 
  2. Crown him “King for the Day” and turn his seat at the table into a throne.
  3. Have kids help cook dinner. Younger kids can help wash produce, pour, and stir. Older kids can help peel and cut produce. They can measure and follow simple recipes. Teens 12+ should be able to cook on the stove and in the oven.
  4. Have the kids fill out a “How well do you know dad” questionnaire. The winner gets a special treat.
  5. Share your favorite memories of Dad. 
  6. Plan to do dad’s favorite activity- go fishing, have a video game competition, go to a car show, go bird watching, play his favorite board game.
  7. Serve him breakfast in bed.
  8. Begin a memory book. Ask questions about his childhood and record the answers. Continue to ask new questions each week and present him with a completed book the next year.   
Snicker's Brownies on a plate served as a Father's Day dessert.

Plan the Menu

Whether you’re planning a small dinner for Dad or hosting a large gathering, planning your Father’s Day meal menu a couple of weeks ahead of time helps:

  • Watch for sales.
  • Make any new recipes ahead of time to work out any kinks.
  • Allow friends and family to bring a dish.
  • Include dishes that can be made ahead of time.
  • Make sure you have enough time and space to cook everything. Using a crock pot helps free up the oven and stovetop space.
Grilling bacon wrapped asparagus skewers on an outdoor grill.

Grilling Tips

A backyard barbecue is a common way we celebrate Father’s Day. Some dads love to grill but others may appreciate a break from the duty.

Here are a few tips to help you step in:

  • Take the meat out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before grilling.
  • Create a chart that lays out what item will be grilled in what section, as well as how long each piece of meat will need to cook. Do not overlap the different types of food before or during grilling. 
  • Use a meat thermometer to test the doneness of each type of meat. (Be sure to clean it off with soapy water between uses.)
  • It can be tempting to poke, prod, and flip the meat, but don’t. It would help if you only flipped it once. By doing so you allow each side to heat up enough to start forming a nice caramelized crust. 
  • Grilling vegetables takes a fraction of the time as the meat. Since meat needs to rest once it is done cooking, this is a perfect time to reduce the heat and grill up your veggies.
  • If you add BBQ Sauce or other flavorful sauces too early, it just tends to char. Allow your meat to cook almost completely before coating it with the sauce. 
  • Allow meat to rest for a few minutes before cutting.

BEST FATHER’S DAY DINNER Ideas

Street Tacos are always a hit with the guys. Pile them high with a spritz of lime and fresh chopped cilantro with a side of Tortilla Chips and Homemade Salsa and you’re good to go!

Or check out this extensive list of hubby-approved favorites that any guy is sure to love – like our tender baby back ribs!

1 Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Main Course Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 19 votes
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2 Steak Marinade

Main Course Steak Marinade
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 78 votes
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3 Crock Pot Brisket Recipe

Main Course Crock Pot Brisket Recipe
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 303 votes
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4 Crock Pot Pot Roast

Main Course Crock Pot Pot Roast
Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 118 votes
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5 Ranch Burger Recipe

Main Course Ranch Burger Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.96 from 44 votes
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6 Steak and Potatoes Recipe

Main Course Steak and Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 8 votes
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7 Carne Asada Recipe

Main Course Carne Asada Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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8 Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Main Course Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes
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9 Fajita Recipe

Main Course Fajita Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 17 votes
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10 Best Pork Chop Recipe

Main Course Best Pork Chop Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 592 votes
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More Father’s Day Recipes

Another favorite is crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken and a side of Homemade Potato Salad! Or maybe some Buffalo Wings and a side of Homemade Ranch Dressing.

And for even more check out our summer dinner ideas.

11 Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe

Main Course Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 23 votes
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12 Prime Rib Recipe

Main Course Prime Rib Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 22 votes
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13 Best Chicken Marinade

Main Course Best Chicken Marinade
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 14 votes
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14 Crack Chicken Recipe

Main Course Crack Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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15 French Dip Sandwich Recipe

French Dip Sandwiches
Main Course French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
4.94 from 15 votes
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16 Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

Main Course Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 95 votes
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17 Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Main Course Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 28 votes
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18 Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Main Course Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 17 votes
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19 Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe

Main Course Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
4.89 from 27 votes
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20 Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Main Course Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 7 votes
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21 Beef Enchiladas

Main Course Beef Enchiladas
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

4.93 from 78 votes
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22 Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Main Course Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 320 votes
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23 Italian Meatball Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Italian Meatball Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 9 votes
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24 Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Main Course Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
5 from 49 votes
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25 Steak Taco Recipe

Main Course Steak Taco Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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26 Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

Main Course Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 13 votes
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27 Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Main Course Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 2 votes
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28 Buttery Baked Chicken Recipe

Main Course Buttery Baked Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
5 from 49 votes
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29 Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Main Course Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Total Time: 23 minutes
5 from 33 votes
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30 Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Main Course Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 38 votes
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More Father’s Day Menu Ideas

Don’t forget the sides! From pasta salad recipes and beyond we have plenty of summer side dishes to complement your Father’s Day menu.

31 Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Side Dish Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 117 votes
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32 Creamed Corn Recipe

Side Dish Creamed Corn Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 128 votes
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33 Garlic Bread Recipe

Bread Garlic Bread Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.89 from 36 votes
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34 Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Side Dish Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 1259 votes
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35 Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

Side Dish Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 1515 votes
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36 Potato Wedges Recipe

Side Dish Potato Wedges Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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37 Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes

Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 80 votes
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38 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes
5 from 8 votes
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39 Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Side Dish Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 11 votes
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40 Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Side Dish Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 115 votes
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41 Mac and Cheese Recipe

Main Course Mac and Cheese Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 170 votes
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42 Crack Chicken Dip Recipe

Appetizer Crack Chicken Dip Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 14 votes
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43 BLT Dip Recipe

Appetizer BLT Dip Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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44 Baked Beans Recipe

Side Dish Baked Beans Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 41 votes
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45 Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe

Appetizer Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 16 votes
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46 Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe

Appetizer Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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47 Wedge Salad Recipe

Salad Wedge Salad Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 4 votes
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48 Broccoli Salad Recipe

Salad Broccoli Salad Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 82 votes
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49 Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Appetizer Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 64 votes
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50 Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Side Dish Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 30 votes
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51 Beanie Weenies Recipe

Appetizer Beanie Weenies Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
5 from 18 votes
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52 Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Main Course Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 180 votes
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53 Loaded Pulled Pork Cups Recipe

Appetizer Loaded Pulled Pork Cups Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 2 votes
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54 Grilled Corn on the Cob

Side Dish Grilled Corn on the Cob
Total Time: 17 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 6 votes
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55 Sweet Cornbread Recipe

Bread Sweet Cornbread Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
4.95 from 37 votes
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56 Garlic Knots Recipe

Side Dish Garlic Knots Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes
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57 Asparagus Roll Ups

Appetizer, Side Dish Asparagus Roll Ups
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.92 from 34 votes
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58 Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

Side Dish Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.91 from 11 votes
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Father’s Day Desserts

What better way to celebrate the men in our lives than by ending the meal with a taste of something sweet? Lemon Curd is a popular summer dessert or for a crowd bake up a pan of Chocolate Sheet Cake.

Whether you prefer chocolate or fruity flavor, we have something for everyone.

59 Better Than Anything Cake Recipe

Dessert Better Than Anything Cake Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 23 votes
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60 Homemade Brownies Recipe

Dessert Homemade Brownies Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 170 votes
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61 Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

Dessert Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 266 votes
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62 Frozen Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Dessert Frozen Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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63 Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake
Dessert Tres Leches Cake
Total Time: 5 hours

Recipe Video

5 from 37 votes
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64 Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

Dessert Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
5 from 18 votes
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65 Reese’s Brownie recipe

Dessert Reese’s Brownie recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
5 from 27 votes
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66 Pizookie Recipe

Dessert Pizookie Recipe
Total Time: 23 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 20 votes
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67 Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Dessert Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe
Total Time: 23 minutes
5 from 17 votes
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68 Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Dessert Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 326 votes
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69 Mud Pie Recipe

Dessert Mud Pie Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 33 votes
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70 Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Dessert Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour

Recipe Video

5 from 580 votes
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71 Berry Pie

Dessert Berry Pie
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
4.96 from 67 votes
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72 Boston Cream Pie

Dessert Boston Cream Pie
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.95 from 91 votes
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73 Cream Puff Cake Recipe

Dessert Cream Puff Cake Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 150 votes
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74 German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Dessert German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour

Recipe Video

5 from 106 votes
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75 Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Dessert Coconut Cream Pie Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

4.92 from 35 votes
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76 Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

Dessert Banana Pudding Cake Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 89 votes
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77 Chocolate Delight Recipe

Dessert Chocolate Delight Recipe
Total Time: 54 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 44 votes
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78 Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

Dessert Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
5 from 27 votes
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79 Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe

Dessert Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

4.95 from 118 votes
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80 Churro Cheesecake Bars

Dessert Churro Cheesecake Bars
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 245 votes
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81 Turtle Cheesecake Recipe

Dessert Turtle Cheesecake Recipe
Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
5 from 19 votes
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I Love my Baby-Back Ribs!

BBQ Baby Back Ribs are slathered in both a dry rub and sauce for a flavor explosion. Serve them up with some Air Fryer Zucchini and Sweet Cornbread for perfection!

They are tender, delicious, and fall-off-the-bone delicious!

Here is the recipe:

No ratings yet

80+ Father’s Day Dinner Ideas

By: Lil’ Luna
Why not spoil the men in our lives that we love with an amazing meal?! These Father's Day dinner ideas will help you do just that.
Servings: 8
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 2 hours 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total: 4 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients 

Dry Rub

  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • tablespoons paprika
  • tablespoons black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Ribs

  • 2 pounds pork baby back ribs
  • 1 (18-ounce) bottle barbecue sauce, divided

Instructions 

  • Combine brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne to make a dry rub.
  • Remove the clear membrane from the underside of ribs, in preparation for dry rub. Rub your dry rub gently onto both sides of the ribs. Place on a large foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Spray a large sheet of tin foil with cooking spray, enough to cover all ribs. Brush 1½ cups of BBQ sauce all over the ribs, Wrap TIGHTLY with foil. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 300°F.
  • Bake ribs for 2½ hours, still wrapped in the foil.
  • Unwrap the foil, brush ribs with remaining ¾ cup barbecue sauce, and broil for about 5 minutes to caramelize the barbecue sauce.

Notes

How to choose baby back ribs. When you are shopping for a good slab of ribs, look for an even layer of meat across the whole rack. Avoid racks with “shiners” (exposed bone). Read the package label and avoid enhanced cuts—“enhanced” means it has been pumped with water and salt.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25pound, Calories: 195kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 49mg, Sodium: 939mg, Potassium: 239mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 695IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Favorite Father’s Day recipes

We hope you enjoy this collection of some of our favorite Father’s Day dinner ideas – they’re sure to make Dad feel extra special! Best of all they are as easy as they are delicious and are sure to be dinners you’ll want to make all year long!

More Collections: Brunch Ideas, Dessert Bar Recipes, Beef Dinner Ideas

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 Comments

  1. My husband requested his moms meatloaf, but the rest of my menu came from here. He specifically loved the bacon wrapped green beans bundles.

  2. Wow, so many great dinner ideas for Father’s Day! Thank you for compiling this list of recipes together, this is just what I was looking for!

  3. Okay I was needing inspiration for Sunday and this post did not disappoint! Thanks so much for making it easy.