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These recipes give you a full spread to make for Dad on Father’s Day, from hearty mains like oven-baked ribs, fried chicken, and Chicago-style Italian beef to easy sides and a long list of desserts. There’s something here for everyone, with plenty of options if you’re feeding a crowd.

Several of these are simple enough that the kids can help make Dad’s day, especially the no-bake desserts and the sheet pan nachos that only need a little assembly. Pick a few favorites, add a side or two, and let everyone pitch in on something sweet.

1
A glass trifle bowl filled with layers of banana pudding, vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas, topped with crumbled wafers.
Southern Banana Pudding
Creamy, luscious, homemade custard makes all the difference in this Southern Banana Pudding.
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2
A white bowl with New Orleans barbecue shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, garnished with parsley, served with two slices of rustic bread.
Barbecue Shrimp Recipe
Bold, buttery New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp with garlic, Worcestershire, and lemon—no shells, no fuss, just classic flavor.
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3
A slice of key lime pie topped with whipped cream and lime slices sits on a white plate, showcasing the vibrant flavors of this classic key lime pie, with whole and cut limes in the background.
Key Lime Pie
A classic key lime pie recipe with a little cream cheese added and fresh squeezed juice from key limes and regular limes. It’s easy and refreshing!
4
A bite of cube steak on a fork. 
Cubed Steak Recipe
Cube steak is the secret to quick, delicious meals. Learn how to cook it perfectly with this easy recipe and tips.
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5
A fork holds a bite of creamy macaroni and cheese above a bowl, with another full bowl in the background next to a striped cloth.
Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
This creamy mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and easy to make. With a smooth, velvety sauce, it’s the perfect side or main dish for any meal!
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6
Salted Caramel Sheet Cake is a moist and easy cake with a homemade caramel frosting. If you're feeding a crowd, you'll have a happy party!
Salted Caramel Sheet Cake
Salted Caramel Sheet Cake is a moist and easy cake with a homemade caramel frosting. Great for feeding a crowd!
7
A white plate with a serving of beef enchiladas topped with cheese and cilantro sits next to seasoned rice, showcasing classic Mexican food. A fork rests on the plate, ready to enjoy this delicious beef recipe.
Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are easy to make and a great way to feed your family on a crazy week night.
8
Italian meatballs topped with melted mozzarella cheese in tomato sauce, served in a black cast iron skillet. Fresh herbs are visible in the background.
How to Make Italian Meatballs
Tender and flavorful from ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are perfect with spaghetti or even plain with a little marinara sauce.
9
Spicy honey garlic wings on a white platter.
Honey Garlic Wings
Honey garlic wings are baked, slightly spicy-sweet wings that are fall off the bone tender and so delicious!
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10
Side view of a slice of new york-style cheesecake with strawberries on top.
Classic Cheesecake Recipe
This foolproof classic cheesecake recipe makes a luscious, creamy cheesecake that goes well with raspberry sauce, caramel sauce, or chocolate ganache.
11
A hamburger topped with green peppers, a breaded fried patty, creamy sauce, and a blue corn chip on a white plate, with potato chips on the side.
Santa Fe Burger Recipe
Santa Fe Burger with poblano peppers, queso, and fried green tomato—bold flavor in every bite.
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12
A plate of golden-brown fried okra sits on a white paper towel with fresh green herbs in the background.
Southern Fried Okra Recipe
Fried okra with a light and crispy cornmeal batter is a tasty side dish for any of your favorite Southern meals.
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13
Serving of lasagna without ricotta on a plate with salad.
Lasagna without Ricotta
Lasagna without ricotta—cheesy, amazing lasagna made with a cheese Béchamel sauce instead of ricotta cheese.
14
Three red velvet whoopie pies with cream filling, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, arranged on a plate.
Red Velvet Cake Whoopie Pies
Soft red velvet cakes sandwich a luscious cream cheese filling for the perfect homemade whoopie pies.
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15
bowl of salsa
Homemade Salsa
A spicy Mexican salsa that’s easy to make and splendid to eat.
16
A cupcake topped with swirled white frosting, a banana slice, and a vanilla wafer cookie.
Banana Pudding Cupcakes Recipe
Soft banana pudding–filled cupcakes with a vanilla wafer crust and banana frosting on top.
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17
A platter of fried chicken.
Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Crispy, golden Southern fried chicken made the traditional way with simple ingredients and plenty of flavor.
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18
chicken breasts on a white plate.
Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Tender and juicy, grilled chicken with avocado salsa is filled with fresh flavors! Marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served with a light homemade salsa.
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19
A pie with a pink creamy filling in a crumb crust, topped with fresh raspberries and small lemon wedges, on a white wooden surface.
Raspberry Lemonade Pie Recipe
A cool and creamy Raspberry Lemonade Pie that blends sweet berries and tart lemon for the perfect summer treat.
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20
close up of baked salmon topped with diced pineapple.
Pineapple Salmon
Pineapple Salmon is a delicious, healthy meal that pairs the hearty, deep flavors of salmon with the juicy, sweet taste of fresh pineapple.
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21
Oven baked ribs in foil on a cutting board.
Oven Baked Ribs
Oven Baked Ribs in Foil are covered in a spicy rub, slathered in barbecue sauce, and roasted with our foolproof cooking method for the most tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs you've ever tasted!
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22
A fresh strawberry cake with a frosted layer, filled and topped with strawberries, is beautifully displayed on a light blue cake stand.
Fresh Strawberry Cake
A moist yellow cake infused with fresh strawberries, filled with a strawberry-lemon jam, and covered with a strawberry cream cheese frosting.
23
A slice of apple pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce on a white plate, with a fork resting on the dessert.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
A buttery, flaky pie filled with tender apples, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt.
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24
A shrimp taco on a corn tortilla topped with sliced radishes, jalapeños, shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of white sauce, with lime wedges nearby.
Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Fresh and vibrant, these Baja Shrimp Tacos are packed with juicy shrimp, crisp cabbage, and a zesty lime-crema topping.
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25
A cookies and cream cheesecake cupcake topped with whipped cream, shown with a bite taken out, next to whole sandwich cookies.
Oreo Cheesecake Bites
Creamy Oreo Cheesecake Bites with a crunchy cookie crust and whipped cream topping make the perfect bite-sized dessert.
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26
A layered dessert bar with an Oreo cookie crust, creamy layers, whipped topping, chocolate pudding, and chocolate chips on a white plate.
Chocolate Lasagna Recipe with Oreos
Chocolate lasagna recipe with Oreos, silky pudding, thick Oreo crust, and crushed cookies on top. Cold, creamy, and no bake.
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27
Plate of ground beef nachos topped with ground meat, chopped tomatoes, avocado, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and a lime wedge.
Easy Beef Nachos Recipe
Cheesy, beefy sheet pan nachos baked to perfection and topped with all your favorites.
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28
A slice of raspberry cheesecake with a chocolate crust and chocolate topping, garnished with raspberries and mint, served on a white plate.
Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
A decadent Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake with Oreo crust, creamy raspberry filling, and smooth chocolate ganache topping.
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29
A small red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting sits on a white plate, with a fork and white napkin beside it. Two similar cakes are in the background.
Mini Red Velvet Cakes
Mini Red Velvet Cakes with subtle cocoa flavor and tangy cream cheese frosting are perfect for parties or anytime you want a sweet treat.
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30
Baked shrimp scampi with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs is crispy, full of flavor, and is a great make ahead dinner recipe!
Baked Shrimp Scampi
Garlic, butter, and panko bread crumbs top this shrimp and form a luscious sauce for dipping bread.
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31
A slice of chocolate cream pie with whipped topping and chocolate shavings on a plate, with more pie and a glass of milk in the background.
Chocolate Silk Pie
A rich and silky Chocolate Silk Pie made with a buttery Oreo crust, smooth chocolate filling, and fluffy whipped topping.
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32
A plate of nachos topped with melted cheese, chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, black beans, and barbecue sauce.
Pulled Pork Nachos
These Pulled Pork Nachos are a crowd-pleasing snack with crispy chips, smoky pulled pork, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings.
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33
A slice of cheesecake garnished with fresh strawberries, edible flowers, and a blueberry, served with a fork on a white background.
Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe
Lemon Icebox Pie is creamy and zesty, with fresh lemon juice and zest and Eagle Brand condensed milk–it’s a classic Southern staple!
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34
A close-up of a slice of chocolate chip cheesecake with a chocolate crust being served from a glass pie dish.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe
Chocolate chip cheesecake made in a graham cracker crust with lots of mini chocolate chips and just three easy steps.
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35
Strawberry cobbler topped with ice cream on a plate.
Strawberry Cobbler Recipe
A quick and easy Southern crowd-pleaser made with fresh strawberries.
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36
Slices of pound cake on a plate.
Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This cream cheese pound cake is perfect every time, with a buttery, moist, and tender crumb.
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37
Several sandwiches filled with shredded chicago italian beef and pepperoncini peppers are arranged on a white platter.
Chicago Italian Beef Recipe
Slow-cooked Chicago Style Italian Beef—shredded, juicy, and packed with bold, zesty flavor.
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38
Pimento cheese in a small white bowl with celery.
Pimento Cheese Recipe
Pimento Cheese recipe that's a classic Southern favorite, made with extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and cayenne pepper.
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39
A white plate holds a serving of peach cobbler topped with a dollop of whipped cream. A silver fork is placed on the plate, resting on top of a blue cloth napkin.
Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
The best Southern peach cobbler made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a little half-and-half to make the crust rich and delicious.
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40
A stack of fried apple pies.
Fried Apple Pies Recipe
Fried apple pies, with their crispy crust and sweet apple filling, have delighted dessert lovers for generations.
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About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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