03 Sep Forget burnt bacon: fresh ideas for a Father’s Day feast
Father’s Day is Sunday 6 September, and this year the family meal could be less about a rushed barbecue and more about slowing down, sharing good food and making the occasion feel special.
Burnt sausages and bacon and eggs may be Father’s Day traditions, but families looking to do something a little different this year could take inspiration from the growing popularity of long breakfasts, shared lunches and restaurant-style meals at home.
Melbourne based French master baker Alex Charasse says the biggest shift is towards making food part of the celebration rather than simply getting a meal on the table.
“Dads want experiences. They want beautiful food that brings the family together and feels like a genuine celebration,” he says.
Make breakfast the main event
A relaxed Father’s Day brunch is an easy option, particularly for families with younger children who want to get involved.
Instead of an elaborate cooked breakfast, think warm croissants or pastries, good bread, seasonal fruit, coffee and a few favourite extras.
For something more substantial, try eggs Benedict, sourdough topped with ricotta and honey, French toast with bananas or a breakfast board with cheese, fruit, bread and other foods Dad enjoys.
The advantage is that much of it can be bought or prepared beforehand, leaving everyone more time to sit down together.
Take your time over lunch
The backyard barbecue certainly doesn’t have to disappear, but it can be made a little more relaxed.
Charasse suggests a shared-table approach, with dishes such as roast chicken, slow-roasted lamb, steak sandwiches, seafood or burgers alongside salads, vegetables and fresh bread.
Platters are another low-effort option. Cheese, cured meats, dips, fruit and bread can be placed in the middle of the table for everyone to share.
“Families are spending more time around the table rather than rushing through lunch,” Charasse says. “It’s about sharing beautiful food and enjoying each other’s company.”
Choose one special dish
If you’re planning dinner, there is no need to make a complicated restaurant menu at home.
Choose one dish Dad particularly likes and build the meal around it. It might be slow-cooked beef, roast lamb, a favourite steak or even a homemade burger.
The same principle applies to dessert. Rather than preparing several sweets, choose one special cake, tart, chocolate dessert or Father’s Day favourite.
Five simple ways to make Father’s Day food feel special
- Start with a breakfast or brunch everyone can enjoy together.
- Choose one standout dish rather than cooking all day.
- Buy smaller amounts of good-quality ingredients instead of over-catering.
- Use shared platters to make serving easier.
- Set the table, put the phones aside and give yourselves time to linger.
Charasse says that last point may matter more than what’s actually being served.
“The greatest luxury today isn’t expensive food, it is uninterrupted time around the table,” he says.
And that may be the simplest Father’s Day idea of all: cook or buy something Dad loves, gather everyone together and make time to enjoy it.
