Gossip Grill: Father’s Day Favorites

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and you might be wracking your brain on what you can get dad.  Tennis rackets, fishing rods, ties…they’re all ok…but we think Dad would appreciate something a little out of the ordinary – like a home-cooked meal!  Show dad how much you care with a feast of his favorites – made on the grill, of course!  Follow our guide below and discover how you can make dad’s special day a memorable one.

Delectable Drink

Create a relaxing atmosphere by kicking off the day with a classic cocktail dad will appreciate, an Old Fashioned!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey

• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar)

• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Splash of water or a few drops of club soda

• Ice (large cubes work well)

• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar and bitters: In a short glass (like an Old Fashioned glass), add the sugar cube (or sugar), bitters, and a splash of water. Muddle until the sugar dissolves.

2. Add whiskey: Pour in the whiskey and stir to combine.

3. Add ice: Add a large ice cube or a few smaller cubes.

4. Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel by twisting it over the glass, then drop it in as a garnish.

Summertime Dip

While dad’s sipping on his cocktail, he needs something to munch on before the main course!  This Summertime Dip will hold him over until the main course is ready!

Ingredients

• ½ cup (4 oz) cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 (16‑oz) container sour cream, room temperature

• 1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 6 oz)

• ¾ cup pickled, diced jalapeños, drained (from a 12‑oz jar), plus extras to garnish

• 1½ tsp Member’s Mark™ Garlic Powder

• ¼ tsp Member’s Mark™ Cayenne Pepper

• 1 cup chopped cooked bacon, divided between the mix and garnish

• Crudités or potato chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Combine cream bases: Whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and whisk until fully combined.

2. Add flavor-packed ingredients: Gently fold in grated Cheddar, jalapeños, garlic powder, cayenne, and about ¾ cup of the bacon.

3. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with remaining bacon and extra jalapeños. Best served chilled or at room temperature with your favorite chips or cut veggies.

Pro Tips

• Room-temp cream cheese = silky texture: Let it sit out for a couple of hours before mixing to avoid lumps.

• Fresh cheese = fresh flavor: Shredding your own Cheddar yields better taste and texture than pre-shredded.

• Advance prep & storage: Make ahead and store for up to 5 days in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended—it affects the creamy texture.

Sensational Spare Ribs

Next up on the menu – the main course!  It wouldn’t be a Father’s Day celebration without making something great on the grill.  Check out our fantastic recipe for Buffalo Trace Spare Ribs!

Pass the Potatoes

What’s the perfect accompaniment for spare ribs?  A baked potato – made on the grill! Grilling baked potatoes is a fantastic way to get that crispy skin and fluffy inside, all with a smoky kiss of flavor. Here’s how to do it:

Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

• Russet potatoes (as many as you need)

• Olive oil or melted butter

• Member’s Mark™ Sea Salt Grinders

• Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, bacon, shredded cheese, etc.

Instructions:

1. Prep the potatoes:

   • Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry.

   • Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.

2. Oil and season:

   • Rub each potato with olive oil or melted butter.

   • Sprinkle generously with salt.

3. Grill setup:

   • Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 375–400°F).

   • For charcoal, arrange coals for indirect heat.

4. Wrap or go naked:

   • For softer skins: Wrap the potatoes individually in foil.

   • For crispy skins: Grill directly on the grates without foil.

5. Grill:

   • Place the potatoes over indirect heat.

   • Cover the grill and cook for 45–60 minutes, turning every 15–20 minutes.

   • Test doneness by inserting a skewer or fork—it should slide in easily.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from the grill, carefully unwrap if using foil, and let cool slightly.

   • Split open and add your favorite toppings!

Extra Tips:

• For smoky flavor: If using charcoal, add a handful of wood chips (like hickory or mesquite) for a smoky edge.

• Short on time? Microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes first, then grill for about 20–30 minutes to finish.

Don’t Forget the Dessert

Nothing says “summer/Dad, you’re the best” like a sweet strawberry pie!

Now that your Father’s Day menu is complete – we hope you have plenty of time to kick back and enjoy the day with dad!  If this all seems like a lot, just stick to one thing on the menu – we think you cannot go wrong with something made on the grill, of course!

XOXO,

Gossip Grill