Father's Day BBQ 2026: Menu & Gift Ideas
Father's Day is on June 21st. And the best fathers deserve more than a tie. They deserve a day behind the BBQ, with everything that comes with it: good meat, the right spices, and a family that takes care of it for him.
In this article, you'll find everything for the perfect Father's Day BBQ: a complete menu, a handy timeline, gift ideas, and tips to make it unforgettable.
Father's Day is the perfect BBQ day
In the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France, everyone celebrates Father's Day on the third Sunday of June. BBQ has been the most popular Father's Day gift and activity for years. And rightly so: a day outdoors, good food, and good company is exactly what fathers want.
The perfect Father's Day BBQ menu
A good menu is planned but feels effortless. Here is a complete Father's Day menu for 4 to 6 people that you can prepare so that the day itself runs smoothly.
Chicken Thighs
Main Course2 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, rubbed with Carolina Gold or Memphis BBQ rub the night before. 65g rub per 1.5 kg, yogurt or oil as a binder.
Carolina Gold rub →Chicken Wings
Grilled side dish1 kg chicken wings with Jamaican Jerk or Korean rub for those who like it spicy. 60g rub per 1.5 kg, sesame oil as a binder for Korean.
Korean rub →Grilled vegetables
From the grillCorn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sprinkle with a pinch of Tex Mex rub and a splash of oil. Grill for 10 minutes.
Tex Mex rub →Side dishes
Prepared coldColeslaw, potato salad with chives, and a tomato salsa. Everything ready the day before, so you can relax on the day itself.
Make two different rubs so there's a choice: one mild (Carolina Gold) and one spicy (Korean or Jerk). That way, there's something for children and something for the true BBQ lover. Label the dishes clearly so no one accidentally bites into the 7,000 SHU Jerk wings.
The timeline: how to plan the day
The secret to a relaxed Father's Day BBQ is preparation. Here is the timeline that ensures everything is ready at the right time and you're not stressed all day.
Apply rub
Apply the rub to the chicken thighs and wings. Cover and store in the refrigerator. An overnight resting period gives the deepest flavor.
Prepare side dishes
Make coleslaw, potato salad, and tomato salsa. Cold side dishes are better if they sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Chicken out of the fridge
Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling so it reaches room temperature. More even cooking.
Light the BBQ
Give the BBQ 20 to 30 minutes to come up to temperature. Goal: 175 to 185°C for chicken thighs with Carolina Gold or Memphis. Wings can be a little higher.
Chicken thighs on the grill
Indirect grilling, 30 to 35 minutes. Lid closed. Flip halfway through.
Add wings
Chicken wings need less time. Add the wings after 20 minutes so everything finishes at the same time.
Finish directly
Last 5 minutes over direct heat for the bark. Vegetables on the grill. Check core temperature: 74°C.
Resting
Rest for 5 to 8 minutes under foil. Put side dishes on the table. Pour drinks.
Time to eat
Done. Dad can enjoy.
Which rub do you choose for Father's Day?
Your choice of rub sets the mood for the day. Here are our recommendations per type of father.
The classic BBQ dad
He loves smoky and savory. Choose Memphis BBQ for his chicken thighs and Carolina Gold for the wings. Classic American, deep in flavor.
The adventurer
He loves heat and new flavors. Jamaican Jerk (7,020 SHU) or Korean (5,450 SHU) are his rubs. Not for the weaker BBQ stomach.
The flavor connoisseur
He appreciates complexity over heat. Shawarma with its 12 ingredients and Middle Eastern profile is for him. Serve with flatbread and tzatziki.
With young children
Carolina Gold (825 SHU) and Memphis BBQ (2,050 SHU) are mild enough for children. The little ones eat along, the adults enjoy to the fullest.
Choose the Starter Pack and let dad choose three flavors himself. Or go all-in with the All-in Pack and discover all six flavors together. Both are perfect Father's Day gifts.
The perfect Father's Day gift
Not sure what gift to give? Here are three options from The Rub Kitchen that are perfect for Father's Day.
Starter Pack
€26,953 flavors of your choice. Perfect for those who want to discover their favorite. Enough for 3 BBQ sessions.
OrderAll-in Pack
€54,95All 6 flavors. For the true BBQ enthusiast who wants to try everything. The most complete gift.
OrderGift card
Flexible amountDon't know which flavors he likes? A gift card lets him choose himself. Can be sent digitally immediately.
OrderThe Rub Kitchen prepares fresh to order. Order by Wednesday, June 17th, at the latest for guaranteed delivery before Father's Day on June 21st. Free shipping via DHL within the Netherlands.
Tips for an unforgettable day
Cold beer or lemonade
Chill drinks the night before. A good cold pilsner goes well with Memphis BBQ. A Korean rice beer or ginger ale with Korean.
A playlist
Every rub has its own vibe. Jamaican reggae with Jerk, Korean pop with Korean rub. Or just his favorite music.
Photo of the bark
A perfect bark is a work of art. Take a photo before slicing and share it on Instagram with #therubkitchen.
Grilled dessert
Grilled pineapple or peach with a scoop of ice cream as a finisher. Ready in 5 minutes while the BBQ is still warm.
Make it an unforgettable day
Order by Wednesday, June 17th, for guaranteed delivery. Freshly mixed to order, free delivery via DHL.
Starter Pack · €26,95View all rubs