Weekend Entertaining: Father’s Day Barbecue

What could be a better gift on Father’s Day than a meal made just for dad? Our menu features Memphis-style baby back ribs, sweet summer corn, potato salad and fresh peach cobbler. It’s the perfect spread to enjoy outside on the patio while you celebrate the special guys in your life. Our recipes and tips will show you how to pull it off.

 

 

 

Kick off the party with a couple of bites inspired by the season. Crostini topped with prosciutto and nectarine slices are as delicious as they are easy to prepare, with an ideal balance of sweet and salty. Savor summer tomatoes with skewers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil in this creative variation on the classic caprese salad.

 

No barbecue is complete without smoky baby back ribs, rubbed with a medley of spices and grilled until tender, then slathered with a sweet-and-tangy mop sauce. On the side, serve some cookout favorites: grilled corn with seasoned butters and a tangy green bean and potato salad.

 

For dessert, a rustic cobbler packed with fresh peaches will hit the spot — don’t forget a scoop of good vanilla ice cream.

 

 

 

• 1 to 2 days ahead: Make the seasoned butters for the corn. Cover the ribs with the rub and refrigerate. Make the dough for the cobbler.
• Day of: Make the crostini and the tomato-mozzarella skewers. Make the green bean and potato salad. Smoke and grill the ribs. Make the filling for the cobbler and bake.
• Just before serving: Grill the corn and finish with the butters. Finish the ribs and serve!

 

Don’t forget drinks! Everyone will appreciate a creative cool-down like our honeydew and mint agua fresca. For the adults, try one of these beer picks or our favorite warm-weather wines.

 

Guys love a casual get-together. Skip formal linens in favor of a neutral table runner and cheerful plaid napkins. Serve the food on wooden boards and durable dinnerware so you don’t have to worry about breakage.

 

Make it an all-day event. In between grilling and eating, take the time to play games in the yard, or even bring a deck of cards to the table. Enjoy the sunshine and some quality time with Dad — it’s the best gift of all.