Father’s Day is all about celebrating Dad with delicious food and quality time with family. But sometimes, planning a menu that everyone will love, from the pickiest kids to the most discerning adults, can be a challenge.
We want something special, but also easy to eat and fun to make.
The solution? Skewers! I’ve put together 20 mouthwatering skewer recipes, a mix of sweet and savory, that are perfect for a Father’s Day feast.
Skewers are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, customizable, and easy to eat, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
Here are three quick and easy skewer ideas to get you started:
- Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers: A classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers: Sweet and savory perfection, perfect for any dad who loves chicken.
- Fruit Salad Skewers with Yogurt Dip: A refreshing and healthy option that’s great for a light treat.
Let’s explore these and many more skewer recipes to make your Father’s Day celebration a delicious and memorable one!
1. Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers
These skewers are a Father’s Day classic! Cubes of tender steak are marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: The dad who loves a hearty, classic meal.
2. Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
These skewers are a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a sticky honey garlic sauce and grilled until golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: The dad who loves chicken with a sweet glaze.
3. Fruit Salad Skewers with Yogurt Dip
These skewers are a refreshing and healthy treat. Chunks of fresh fruit like strawberries, melon, pineapple, and grapes are threaded onto skewers and served with a creamy yogurt dip.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Best for: The health-conscious dad.
4. Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
These skewers bring a taste of the tropics to your Father’s Day celebration. Juicy shrimp and sweet pineapple chunks are marinated in a teriyaki or sweet chili sauce and grilled until the shrimp is pink and the pineapple is slightly charred.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: The dad who loves seafood with a tropical twist.
5. Caprese Skewers
These skewers are a simple and elegant appetizer. Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves are threaded onto skewers and drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Best for: The dad who appreciates fresh, Italian flavors.
6. Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skewers
These skewers bring the heat! Spicy Italian sausage is combined with colorful bell peppers and onions for a flavorful and satisfying skewer.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best for: Dads who like it hot!
7. Teriyaki Salmon Skewers
These skewers are a healthy and flavorful option. Cubes of salmon are marinated in a teriyaki sauce and grilled with vegetables like zucchini and red onion.
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes (includes marinating)
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: The dad who loves seafood.
8. Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce
These skewers are inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. Strips of chicken are marinated in a blend of spices and coconut milk, grilled, and served with a creamy peanut sauce.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (includes marinating)
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Best for: The dad who loves international flavors.
9. Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Skewers
These skewers are a decadent treat! Plump scallops are wrapped in crispy bacon and grilled until the scallops are cooked through and the bacon is crisp.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: The dad who loves indulgent appetizers.
10. Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers
These skewers are a vegetarian delight. Slices of halloumi cheese are grilled until golden brown and paired with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best for: The vegetarian dad.
11. Sweet Chili Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
These skewers offer a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet chili sauce and threaded onto skewers with chunks of juicy pineapple. The grilling process caramelizes the chicken and pineapple, enhancing the sweet and spicy glaze.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: The dad who enjoys a balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
12. Korean Beef Bulgogi Skewers
These skewers bring the bold flavors of Korean BBQ to your Father’s Day celebration. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a savory-sweet mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, then threaded onto skewers with vegetables like onions and mushrooms.
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Best for: The dad who loves Korean cuisine.
13. Pork Tenderloin Skewers with Peach Glaze
These skewers offer a sophisticated twist on a classic cookout dish. Tender pork tenderloin is marinated in herbs and spices, then grilled and glazed with a sweet and tangy peach glaze. The glaze adds a fruity dimension to the savory pork.
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Best for: The dad who enjoys gourmet flavors.
14. Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
These skewers are infused with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Cubes of chicken are marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and other herbs, then grilled with vegetables like red onion, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: The dad who appreciates fresh, healthy cuisine.
15. Coconut Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa
These skewers provide a tropical escape. Plump shrimp are coated in shredded coconut and grilled until golden brown and crispy, then served with a refreshing mango salsa.
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Best for: The dad who loves seafood and tropical flavors.
16. S’mores Skewers
These skewers bring the classic campfire treat indoors (or outdoors, without the fire!). Marshmallows and chunks of chocolate are threaded onto skewers and grilled until the marshmallows are gooey and the chocolate is melted.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Best for: The dad with a sweet tooth (and who loves s’mores!).
17. Grilled Pound Cake Skewers with Berries and Whipped Cream
These skewers transform a simple dessert into an elegant treat. Cubes of pound cake are grilled until slightly caramelized and then threaded onto skewers with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: The dad who enjoys classic desserts.
18. Fruit and Brownie Skewers with Chocolate Drizzle
These skewers are a chocolate lover’s dream. Chunks of fudgy brownies are threaded onto skewers with pieces of fruit like strawberries and bananas, then drizzled with melted chocolate.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes (if brownies are pre-made)
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Best for: The dad who loves chocolate.
19. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Hole Skewers
These skewers are a fun and festive breakfast or dessert option. Donut holes are threaded onto skewers, brushed with melted butter, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, then grilled until slightly crispy.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: The dad who loves donuts.
20. Watermelon and Feta Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
These skewers offer a refreshing and savory-sweet combination. Cubes of watermelon and feta cheese are threaded onto skewers and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Best for: The dad who enjoys unique flavor combinations.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
A: You can prepare many of the savory skewers ahead of time by threading the ingredients onto the skewers and storing them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to grill them shortly before serving. Sweet skewers are best assembled just before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: No problem! You can cook the savory skewers under the broiler in your oven or in a grill pan on your stovetop. Sweet skewers can also be made in a grill pan or oven (for those that require heating).
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with these skewers?
A: For savory skewers, consider serving sides like grilled vegetables, salads, rice, or potatoes. For sweet skewers, you can serve them with whipped cream, ice cream, or a fruit salad.
Menu Planning Tips
- Father’s Day BBQ: Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers, Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers, Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skewers
- Seafood Feast: Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers, Teriyaki Salmon Skewers, Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Skewers
- Vegetarian Delight: Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers, Caprese Skewers, Watermelon and Feta Skewers
- Sweet Endings: S’mores Skewers, Grilled Pound Cake Skewers, Fruit and Brownie Skewers
Last-Minute Options
- Use pre-cut fruits and vegetables.
- Buy pre-marinated meats.
- Assemble simple skewers like Caprese skewers or fruit skewers.
- Get the family involved in the assembly process!
🍳 Dad’s Favorite Feast Ideas!
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20 Breakfast Surprises That Made Dads Emotional (Before They Even Got Out of Bed)
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20 Skewer Combinations That Solved Family Food Fights Forever (The Magic is Real)
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20 Refreshing Father’s Day Drinks That Family Members Fight Over (The Secret Recipes)
