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28 recipes for a fantastic Father's Day BBQ

This Father’s Day we’re saying take control of the coals! Let Dad kick back and relax while you serve up some tasty grub from epic burgers to superstar sides, all celebrating the legend that is Dad. Planning a different kind of feast? We have plenty of delicious ideas – have a great Father’s Day weekend!

  1. Start as you mean to go on

    Whether you’re after light bites to liven up the tastebuds or a bells-and-whistles starter, we have some clever recipes that cut down on prep and stress, such as this gorgeous chilled gazpacho soup that's ready in just 10 minutes (or freeze it in advance to really get ahead). If you're firing up the barbecue for mains, get these piri piri prawns on the grill first – the skewers only take 10 minutes to cook and look the part served with an attractive fresh basil dressing.

    For nibbles, raise your crisps and dips game with our homemade veggie crisps and watercress guacamole and a spicy harissa dip. Top marks if you can rustle up these air-fryer stuffed olives that are as tasty and moreish as appetizers come.

    Start as you mean to go on
  2. Time for the main event

    Dad loves a steak? Go one better with this sumptuous spiced beef with coriander chimichurri, which you can prep the day before. Roasted or barbecued, you'll be sure to impress him with your foodie skills. If he's more into fish, we have just the thing that's equally impressive – this firecracker salmon with pineapple salsa will please those who like pineapple on their pizza!

    If these ideas won't float his boat, take a look at our BBQ recipes for loads more ideas. Finally, give vegetarians a real treat with our barbecue cauliflower cheeseburgers, topped with home-pickled red onions, they're something special. P.S. for more brill burger ideas, check out our guide to building the ultimate burger for Father's Day.

    Time for the main event
  3. Go big on sides

    Whatever you’re serving for main, you can't go wrong with some smoky sweet potato wedges or, if you have an air-fryer, try these air-fryer sweet potato fries or our top-rated air-fryer chunky chips.

    Feeling adventurous and want to wow Dad? These whole blackened aubergine with caramelised onions look ridiculously good and melt in the mouth. Take corn-on-the-cob to a new level with this charred spring onion butter and give these BBQ onion steaks with a sticky sweet glaze a whirl – yum! We have plenty more super sides for BBQs to help you create a full-on feast, and, if that wasn't enough, you can always be that enviable host with the most with these poshed-up ketchup sauces, all ready in minutes.

    Go big on sides
  4. Say cheers to dad

    Take his go-to drink – whether that's beer, wine or tea – and transform it into creative refreshment, with our help. Combine fresh, juicy strawberries, sugar, mint and beer, and you have a fruity and fragrant Straw-beer-y' crush. Mix beer and ginger beer with fresh ginger and lemon and the result is a fiery-tastic Ginger beertail.

    Cider drinkers will love to sip on our Cider-ita punch with green apple, lime and green chilli, while wine buffs can enjoy our Peach and strawberry sangria with a seasonal fruit twist. For an alcohol-free drink that feels special, this peachy chai iced tea ticks all the boxes, with hints of warm vanilla and fragrant mint.

    Say cheers to dad
  5. End on a high

    Come on, we know most dads have a secret or not-so-secret sweet tooth! Keep it low-key with these lovely little banana trifle pots that you can prep ahead and chill for up to two days, or if Dad likes strawberries, whip up these pretty Strawberry and white chocolate mousse pots, which are prep-ahead too – easy! Fancy a spot of baking? This simple yet stunning Cherry, apricot and almond brioche bake uses seasonal stone fruits and a brioche loaf, so it's more like a fancy bread and butter pud (no major baking skills required).

    If the barbecue is still hot, a flame-grilled pud certainly has the wow-factor – go retro with this indulgent banana split, filled with his favourite treats and toppings or who can resist these cute doughnut ice cream sandwiches? Unbelievably, you just need three ingredients. Even if you're a totally novice cook, anyone can create a fab Father's Day BBQ feast, so get planning, tuck in and have fun!

    End on a high