The grill master’s guide to upgrading dad’s day: 15 recipes he’ll brag about

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Want to upgrade your Father’s Day cookout? These 15 recipes are designed to make grilling a breeze and elevate your celebration. With a variety of flavors and styles, there’s something to please every palate. Perfect for showing off your grilling skills, these dishes are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy a day filled with great food and create recipes he’ll brag about for years to come.

A sandwich with grilled sausage & peppers, and onions on a plate.
Grilled Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When Dad wants to show off his skillet skills, there’s nothing like a classic that’s always a hit at the table. Chicken Fried Parent’s answer to “What’s for dinner?” when the fridge seems bare, turning simple ingredients into a meal that guarantees no leftovers. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for seconds, proving that sometimes, the simplest meals are the biggest crowd-pleasers. Cooking this will have Dad feeling like a kitchen pro, with smiles all around the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked shotgun shells on a white plate.
Smoked Shotgun Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For an adventurous twist on BBQ, introduce Smoked Shotgun Shells into the backyard cooking lineup. This unique concoction is sure to be the topic of conversation, blending a bit of creativity with smoky flavors in a way only the most daring grill masters can. It’s where the excitement of trying something new meets the joy of sharing great food with family and friends. Everyone will be impressed by this bold choice, making it a memorable addition to Dad’s grilling repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Ever thought about giving Dad’s grilling session an exotic twist? That’s where Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle comes into play. It’s a flavor-packed dish that combines the juiciness of pork with the crisp texture of green beans, all seasoned with a kick that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Thailand. Not only does it offer a break from the usual BBQ routine, but it also shows off just how versatile his grilling skills can be.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

A platter of Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When the grill is hot and appetites are bigger, Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites come to the rescue. These little morsels of joy pack a punch of flavor in every bite, perfect for getting the party started or keeping the energy going. They’re a testament to the fact that the best things come in small packages, especially when Dad is the one manning the grill. Such an easy yet impactful recipe ensures the cookout vibe is lively and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

Grilled Feta

Grilled Feta with Herbs in a black serving dish with toasted bread and a lemon wedge.
Grilled Feta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, it’s the unexpected dishes that steal the show, like Grilled Feta. This simple yet sophisticated dish brings a creamy and tangy twist to the table, proving that cheese isn’t just for crackers. It’s a way for Dad to shake things up at the BBQ and offer something different from the usual lineup. Perfect as an appetizer or a side, it pairs well with a variety of dishes, making everyone rethink what they know about grilled cheese.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Two large bowls of tortellini with meatballs on a counter.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you mix traditional Italian flavors with the ruggedness of outdoor cooking, you get Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. It’s an all-in-one dish that’s full of flavor, making it the star of any meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it shows that Dad’s grill can handle more than just burgers and steaks. This heartwarming dish is sure to become a new favorite, combining the comforts of home-cooked pasta with the thrill of the grill.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Over the Top Chili

Over the Top Chili in a black cast iron bowl.
Over the Top Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chili might be a classic, but when it’s cooked Over the Top style, it’s anything but ordinary. This hearty, smoky chili takes on a whole new personality when it’s prepared on the grill, giving Dad a chance to show off his mastery with the flames. It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings when comfort food is what everyone craves. Plus, it’s a great way for Dad to get creative, adding his own twist to the recipe that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Over the Top Chili

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to spice up your grill game? Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo are perfect for Dad’s Day. Juicy steak pieces paired with a bold sauce make for an unbeatable combination. Grilling these skewers couldn’t be more straightforward, and they promise to be a hit at any backyard event.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Traeger Smoked Turkey

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mixing up the traditional oven-roasted turkey, Traeger Smoked Turkey takes the stage. Smoking the turkey on a Traeger infuses it with incredible depth of flavor that you just can’t get from oven roasting. Perfect for a sizable gathering, this turkey will not only feed everyone but will also leave them impressed. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make Dad’s day memorable with a standout main course.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Picture your next family gathering getting a Mediterranean twist. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp brings a splash of the sea to your grill. These shrimp are light yet flavorful, making them a perfect choice for a healthier grilling option. Just a few minutes on the grill, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that works great both as a main dish and a side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin

Smoked ham on a wooden cutting board.
Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a twist on a classic favorite, Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin never fails to impress. Imagine pork loin wrapped in bacon and smoked to perfection, creating a juicy, flavorful dish. It’s both a visual and taste sensation, ideal for any gathering where you want to showcase your grilling prowess. Get ready for everyone asking for seconds, or maybe even the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs with a dipping sauce.
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs offer a fresh take on chicken. With hints of lemon and oregano, they’re a light option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. They’re quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the plate. Whether it’s a small family meal or a larger gathering, these kabobs are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Sausage & Peppers

A sandwich with grilled sausage & peppers, and onions on a plate.
Grill Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Sausage & Peppers is a classic that’s always welcomed at any cookout. It combines hearty sausages with sweet and tangy peppers, all cooked perfectly on the grill. This dish not only fills the air with tempting aromas but also fills up everyone happily. It’s simple, satisfying, and just the thing to add a bit of variety to the grilling menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Taking a classic side dish to new heights, Bacon Fried Corn, with its magical addition of bacon, becomes irresistible for everyone. It pairs wonderfully with any grilled main dish, enhancing the overall meal with its rich, smoky flavor. This side dish might just steal the show, so be sure to make plenty!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Blackstone Smash Burger

A burger held in two hands.
Blackstone Smash Burger. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If burgers are a must at your grill party, then Blackstone Smash Burger is a game-changer. Cooking them on a Blackstone means you get that perfect crispy exterior with a juicy inside. It’s all about the technique, which isn’t hard to master but delivers impressive results every time. Get ready for these burgers to become a regular request at your barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger

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