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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    14 Backyard Recipes Dad Would Rather Eat Than Go Out to Dinner

    Published: Jun 8, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Dad’s not thinking about white tablecloths or long waits—he’s all about those backyard recipes he’d actually want to eat. We’re talking grilled favorites, smoky sides, and bold flavors that beat any restaurant menu. If he had the choice, he’d pick these homemade bites every time. Let’s just say, the patio is looking like the best seat in the house.

    Grilled Skirt Steak

    Skirt steak sliced on a cutting board.
    Grilled Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    This juicy grilled skirt steak is bold, beefy, and perfect for slicing thin over your favorite summer sides. It’s a must-have for grilled dishes done Dad’s way.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Skirt Steak

    Grilled Zucchini and Squash

    A plate of grilled zucchini and yellow squash slices topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil leaves, and spices. A grilled lemon half sits on the side for garnish.
    Grilled Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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    These smoky grilled veggies are light, flavorful, and a perfect balance to richer meats. Even Dad will go back for seconds when the flavor’s this good.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini and Squash

    Pork Kabobs

    Pork removed from a skewer on a platter.
    Pork Kabobs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Marinated and flame-kissed, these pork kabobs are packed with savory-sweet flavor in every bite. They’re one of those recipes dad would love to enjoy hot off the grill.
    Get the Recipe: Pork Kabobs

    Grilled Pork Chops

    Two grilled pork chops on a metal platter.
    Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Thick, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, these grilled pork chops make a hearty centerpiece for any backyard gathering. They’re a solid choice when you’re exploring new grilling ideas for the season.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

    Thai Grilled Chicken

    Chicken curry with rice.
    Thai Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Fragrant and spicy, this Thai grilled chicken brings an exotic twist to your outdoor spread. It’s a flavorful upgrade that’ll impress even the pickiest dads.
    Get the Recipe: Thai Grilled Chicken

    BBQ Pork Tenderloin

    A pork tenderloin sliced and covered in bbq sauce.
    BBQ Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This BBQ pork tenderloin is smoky and tender with a sticky glaze that seals in all the flavor. One of the ultimate fathers day meal ideas that feels extra special but is easy to pull off.
    Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Tenderloin

    Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp

    Close-up of grilled shrimp with a golden, slightly charred exterior, arranged on a white plate. The shrimp appear juicy and freshly cooked, with visible grill marks.
    Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Savory and sweet with caramelized edges, these shrimp skewers are ready in minutes and taste like summer on a stick. Dad won’t miss the restaurant.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp

    Grilled Pork Tenderloin

    A plate of sliced pork tenderloin on rice with pineapple salsa.
    Grilled Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Juicy on the inside with a perfectly charred crust, this grilled pork tenderloin brings classic flavors to life. It’s one of those summer backyard recipes you’ll want to repeat all season long.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Tenderloin

    Tequila Grilled Chicken

    Grilled chicken thighs on a patter with grilled pineapple.
    Tequila Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Citrus and tequila give this grilled chicken a flavorful, zesty kick that’s perfect for a laid-back evening. It’s bold, bright, and built for dad’s grill.
    Get the Recipe: Tequila Grilled Chicken

    Grilled Potato Wedges

    Someone dipping a potato into a bowl of sauce.
    Grilled Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These crispy grilled potato wedges are smoky, golden, and begging to be dipped. A satisfying side that rounds out your backyard cookout lineup.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges

    Mustard Drumsticks with Peach Glaze

    A white platter full of grilled chicken drumsticks and thighs.
    Mustard Drumsticks with Peach Glaze. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Sticky-sweet and tangy with a hint of mustard bite, these drumsticks are downright irresistible. Dad will love them as part of your backyard feast.
    Get the Recipe: Mustard Drumsticks with Peach Glaze

    Grilled Garlic Flank Steak

    A piece of meat on a cutting board with a knife.
    Grilled Garlic Flank Steak. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Infused with garlic and flame-grilled to perfection, this flank steak is flavorful enough to replace any fancy dinner out. It’s a bold pick for recipes dad would love on a summer evening.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Flank Steak

    Grilled Corn in Husk

    Two grilled corn on the cob, classic easy grilled foods, sprinkled with chopped cilantro and pepper. The corn boasts visible grill marks and a slightly charred appearance, resting on a dark surface.
    Grilled Corn in Husk. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Grilling corn in its husk locks in moisture and flavor for that sweet, smoky bite. It’s the kind of comfort food that turns a casual cookout into something memorable.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn in Husk

    Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken

    A plate with grilled chicken breast topped with a yellowish sauce and chopped herbs, served alongside cooked green beans.
    Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

    This Carolina-style chicken is tangy, juicy, and kissed with just the right amount of char. The vinegar-mustard BBQ sauce brings Southern flair to the grill.
    Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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