6 Dishes to Make for Dad on Father’s Day

When you celebrate a loved one using your culinary chops, keep in mind that they’ll appreciate your splashing out without stressing out: Keep things luxurious but relatively straightforward. To that end, here are a few luscious dishes that take a little work or a bit of extra cash without keeping you in the kitchen all afternoon or blowing your budget. Dads and Moms alike appreciate partners and children who aren’t so frazzled they can’t enjoy themselves. Here’s to Dad—whether he’s the stereotypical carnivore or a health-conscious vegetarian—enjoying this Father’s Day.

1. Eggs Benedict

Maybe it’s been a minute since you ate eggs Benedict, so allow us to remind you: There’s almost nothing better with which to start off the day. This recipe is luxe, sure, but it also sneaks in plenty of veggies, spinach and fresh tomato among them. There’s the slab of Canadian bacon you want to see, the crisp English muffins, and a tarragon-spiked Hollandaise that’s a brunchy daydream.

2. Fried Chicken and Waffles

Fried chicken and waffles are nothing short of a celebration. We have tons of great recipes for each part of this two–hit wonder of a meal. Maple syrup is the Platonic ideal of foils for crunchy skinned fried chicken. This is the sort of meal you want to make for a big brunch and bank on a nap afterwards. And sure, it’s a little bit of work, but isn’t Papa worth it?

3. Perfect Cheeseburgers

There are cheeseburgers, and then there are perfect cheeseburgers. These fall squarely into the latter category. Look at that all-American cheese, dripping and gorgeous. How could Dad not be psyched to see these on the lunch menu? We love this grilling guru’s instructions for better burgers. Although you could absolutely use your favorite fromage, there’s a lot to be said for the meltability of American cheese.

4. Grilled Salmon with Farfalle and Asparagus 

As glorious as a burger is, there’s no need to make Pop feel like he’s going to bust a gut on his special day. This salmon with asparagus is light, splendidly tasty, and so easy. Springy, good-for-you, and pleasing to look at, it doesn’t require the grill, either. Everything can be done in or on the oven.

5. Steak with Chimichurri 

If Dad likes steak, give him steak this Father’s Day. Why not? We’ve got a bevy of wonderful grilled beef recipes, but we’re particularly partial to this skirt steak with chimichurri. It looks beautiful but doesn’t break the bank, and leftover chimichurri goes pretty marvelously with scrambled eggs.

6. Five-Star Blueberry Pie

There are so many ways to wrap a day of dad treats. If he’s a cake man, of course, make him a cake. But this time of year, we’re all aflutter for fruit pies like this dreamboat, five-star blueberry pie. Warm and served with melting ice cream, it’s (almost) as perfect as Dad himself.