Table of Contents
Take your Father’s Day Menu to the Next Level with these Delicious Father’s Day Recipe Ideas
Every year when Father’s Day rolls around, I scratch my head and wonder how to be unique and creative with my Father’s Day recipes. I’m usually looking for something delicious and easy, but like also something that’s a manly meal. Know what I mean?
In my household, this can range from anything steak-related, to things made on a grill or perhaps something dipped in a beer batter! As I searched for such recipes to add to our Father’s Day menu this year, I put together this amazing list of absolutely delish Father’s Day eats that Dad will love and appreciate! Yummo!
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we may make a commission if you make a purchase via a qualifying link (at no extra cost to you!). You can read our full disclosure for more info.
Usually on Father’s Day, we have three dads to honor and celebrate – my hubby, his dad, and my dad! And they all have the same taste when it comes to food (so thankfully, this makes my job easier!). My husband loves steaks (and anything meat related), burgers, grilled and BBQed foods and creamy pastas.
Most of the recipes on this list are based on what my hubby loves and enjoys. He is the best dad after all… And deserves all the celebration for his crucial role in our family!
As usual, we’re almost always on a budget (trying to accomplish some goal or the other) and we don’t always have the money to splurge. That’s why these meals are budget-friendly options, perfect for a tight budget!
17 Father’s Day Recipes on a Budget that are Easy and Delicious
1. Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri
Nothing screams Father’s Day more than steak marinated and grilled to perfection. Paired with this delicious chimichurri sauce, this recipe will have Dad begging for more.
Best of all, flank steak is inexpensive (perfect for families on a budget!) and cooks in 10-15 minutes. You can get this easy Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri recipe from Olivia’s Kitchen.
2. Lentil Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This Lentil Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe from 100 Days of Real Food is healthy, nutritious and budget-friendly. In fact, this recipe will feed 6 people for just $1.39 per person!
This can be added to a Father’s Day Menu together with a protein and other sides. However, it’s just as delicious as a standalone vegetarian meal!
HEY!
If you struggle with finding meals that are CHEAP, yummy and kids-approved, then the $5 Meal Plan is a must!
This is for you if:
✔️ You struggle with finding quick, easy, healthy & cheap meals
✔️ You struggle staying on track with your meal budget
✔️ You want to kick your ‘takeout addiction’ to the curb
✔️ You want to save an extra $200 – $300 every month
The $5 Meal Plan makes meal planning simple and effortless. You’ll save time AND money as you’ll get a customized meal plan sent directly to you each week. The best part is that each meal costs around $2 per person (or less)!
So, if you just want to check out $5 meal plan (with no strings attached), try it here for free (for 2 weeks).
3. Marinated Chicken Kabobs
Dad will love these Marinated Chicken Kabobs (aka kebabs) from Chew Out Loud! There’s just something about kabobs that elevates a menu and takes it to the next level.
The chicken has just the right combo of flavors and is perfect to add to Dad’s special day!
4. Chicken Drumstick Lollipops
If you’re looking for another creative way to prepare chicken for your upcoming Father’s Day menu, this Chicken Drumstick Lollipops recipe from My Chef’s Apron is a must!
Apart from the beautiful presentation (that will fool all dads into believing you spent hours making this meal), this chicken is deliciously seasoned, baked to golden brown perfection and coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. Dad will surely think this is a fancy meal!
5. Whiskey Sheet Pan Sliders
O-M-G! This Whiskey Sheet Pan Slider recipe from Homebody Eats is P-E-R-F-E-C-T for Father’s Day! It can be added to the Father’s Day menu lineup as an appetizer or can even be added to the side of Dad’s plate.
All the more yumminess to celebrate Dad’s day! Plus, this is great if you’re hosting a large crowd!
6. Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
This Salisbury Steak and Mushroom Gravy recipe from Small Farm Big Life is made with ground beef, and so, is a great budget-friendly addition to a Father’s Day menu. Better yet, it is gluten free and low carb – perfect for a keto dad!
7. Smoked Brats in Beer
Did someone say Smoked? And Beer? For Father’s Day? Heck yea! This Smoked Brats in Beer recipe from xoxoBella is packed with flavor (using just a few ingredients) and is super simple to make.
This is a great addition to the menu if you’re hosting for Father’s Day as it’s easy to cook and serve for large gatherings.
8. Meatball Pizza
If Dad is a pizza lover, why not make him feel special with a delicious, homemade pizza? This Meatball Pizza recipe from Flavor Mosaic is easy to make and is packed with a combination of savory Italian flavors!
This one will surely be a family favorite for Father’s Day – kids and Dad included!
Pssst! Did you know you can save more money by meal planning? Meal Planning saves me thousands of dollars every year! Not sure how to get started? Grab a copy of my free Meal Planning e-guide below.
9. Beef Kafta
This Beef Kafta, Lebanese-style, from Healthy Fitness Meals, is another delicious protein that can be added to your Father’s Day menu plan.
Not only is it juicy and full of flavor, but it’s also extremely simple to prepare – from pot to table in just about 20 minutes!
10. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This is yet another delicious recipe from Healthy Fitness Meals. This time, a Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the star of the show! Honestly, if you make this, and this alone on Father’s Day, I’m absolutely certain that Dad will be happy!
Maybe it’s just the pasta fanatic in me, but any kind of pasta makes a special day 1000 times better!
11. Teriyaki Salmon
This Teriyaki Salmon recipe from Chew Out Loud pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice or any veggie of your choice. The salmon is tender, juicy and full of flavor!
In this recipe, Amy also shares her fail-proof method for making Teriyaki Sauce, which was handed down by Grandpa. Imagine Dad’s delight when you serve him up this delicious dish on his special day!
12. Loaded Hotdog (No Bun)
Usually when I hear about a bunless hotdog, I immediately imagine a hotdog wrapped in a lettuce boat. You know… because it makes it low carb and healthy. Now, imagine this same delicious hotdog, but nestled inside of a tender baked potato instead. Yummy, right?!
This Loaded Hotdog (in a potato) from My Delicious Meals will bring so much flavor and flair to a Father’s Day spread!
13. Oven Baked Nachos
How delicious are these Oven Baked Nachos as a Father’s Day appetizer?! Lauren from Free Your Fork explains exactly how to whip up a batch of this mouth-watering goodness in 15 minutes or less!
It includes all the ingredients that Dad will love and enjoy, but allows for you to add or remove toppings based on your family’s preferences. I feel like this is the ultimate Father’s Day appetizer. Dad can munch while he kicks up his feet and enjoys his favorite sports game on the TV!
14. Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers
There’s nothing Dad will like more as a Father’s Day meal than this oh-so-tasty Southern Pimento Cheese Burger from Grits and Pinecones. This burger includes some Southern staples such as fried green tomatoes, savory pimento cheese and crispy onion rings.
If you’re thinking of having burgers on your Father’s Day menu plan, trust me, this one is a must!
15. Steak Marsala
Steak Marsala will be a Father’s Day favorite for any steak-loving Dad! It consists of pan-fried steak in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. This meal screams “special occasion” but without the hours of work!
Stephanie from CopyKat Recipes explains exactly how to perfect this – and Dad will be in love!
16. Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe from An Edible Mosaic will pair well with any of the delicious proteins featured on this list! It’s a perfect side dish in any Father’s Day menu line up!
17. Pulled Pork Street Tacos
These Pulled Pork Street Tacos recipe from Bites with Bri contain juicy pork pieces and bold Mexican flavors that will have Dad begging for more!
Bonus Tips for a Fancy Father’s Day Menu on a Budget
• Have a plan and work the plan
I’m paying tribute to my hubby with this tip as he quotes this almost every single day… “Have a plan and work the plan.” And if you’re on a budget, I believe that this is not only important, but necessary to save money on your Father’s Day menu!
This means that you should select your recipes in advance, finalize your Father’s Day meal plan, make note of all the ingredients needed and make your shopping list – all based on your budget!
Don’t have too much cash to spare but still wanna make Dad feel special? Why not make one dish only? Maybe you can make the one pot pasta or stick to hot dogs only!
Remember it’s the thought that counts…not how much money you spend.
• Make a shopping list and stick to it
So you’ve made the plan, now it’s time to work it! You’ll do this by making sure you stick to your shopping list, and by extension, your budget!
My advice is to do whatever it takes to ensure that you stick to the shopping list. Whether that means ordering your groceries online and having them delivered to reduce the temptation of shopping unnecessarily, or making one designated grocery shopping trip to grab only what you NEED, you must resist the urge to overspend!
Which brings me to the next point…
• Don’t get caught up with the commercialized hype
As with most holidays, businesses push the agenda to spend, spend, spend.
They’ve convinced people that they only way to show you care is by buying your way into Dad’s heart. Don’t be fooled! Remember you can DIY your way into his heart too – with your budget still intact!
• Use store brand / cheaper brands
When doing your grocery shopping this Father’s Day, always remember that you can switch out recommended ingredients for cheaper brands. This way you can reduce the cost of your Father’s Day menu without compromising on taste or quality!
• Eliminate optional ingredients
There are some ingredients that are added just for color or for texture, but the meal would be just as good without it! If you really are on a tight budget, you can choose to eliminate ingredients that don’t suit your taste, preferences or wallet!
• DIY whatever you can
This Father’s Day, apart from the cooking, I’m sure Dad will appreciate a handmade card or craft! Remember that you are on a budget, and you don’t want to blow too much money on a one-day event!
Additional Info on Father’s Day Recipes on a Budget – FAQs
What is a good Father’s Day Meal?
A good Father Day meal is one that includes recipes that are Dad’s favorites. For example, my hubby loves anything that has meat included so there’d be no point in making him a vegan meal.
A good Father’s Day meal depends on what you and your family will enjoy!
Popular Father’s Day recipes usually include grilled or BBQed meats, burgers, hot dogs, wings and delicious sides.
What are some easy Father’s Day dinner ideas?
Easy Father’s Day dinners usually include items that can be grilled or BBQed since most of the meal prep takes place in advance. This means that the meats and veggies can be grilled on the evening and enjoyed as part of the day’s festivities!
What can I cook for my husband for Father’s Day?
This post contains so many delicious options for Father’s Day recipes, I’m sure there’s something that your husband will love! However, what you cook for your husband should depend on his likes and preferences, and of course his diet.
Is he on keto? Does he have any dietary restrictions? What’s his favorite food? These are all questions to consider when trying to decide on a Father’s Day menu.
As mentioned before, popular Father’s Day meals include grilled and BBQed recipes, burgers, hot dogs and yummy sides to go with your grilled meats!
Related Posts on Father’s Day Recipes
12 Cheap Spring Dinners that Cost $1 per Person
12 Cheap Crockpot Meals that Cost $1 per Person
12 Cheap Dinner Ideas that Cost $1 per Person
Final Thoughts on Father’s Day Recipes on a Budget
So, by now I hope that you’re convinced that Father’s Day menu planning doesn’t have to be complicated, difficult or expensive. These Father’s Day recipes are all unique, creative and delicious, without the strain on your wallet.
Even if you choose just one of the recipes from this list, Dad will feel special, loved and spoilt beyond words! With these special recipes, your Father’s Day menu is guaranteed to be next level!
Do you have any other Father’s Day recipes that you swear by? Share with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for more money saving and frugal living tips!
Liked this post? Pin it!
Leave a Reply