20 Father’s Day Appetizers to Start Dad’s Feast Off Right
Keep him happy and full ahead of the main course!
Planning a Father's Day dinner typically revolves around throwing some steaks or burgers on the grill and whipping up a few BBQ sides. But while you’re grilling up the main course, satisfy all those rumbling stomachs with a medley of crowd-pleasing appetizers. Sure, most dads would say they don't need anything fancy to make their day special (besides some quality time with their kids, of course!), but having some creamy dips and crispy finger foods on the menu will make his dinner feel a little extra special—and the celebration a lot more enjoyable!
To kick things off, serve a starter that suits Dad's taste buds. Is he a fan of game-day foods? Then, he’ll love digging into a platter of BBQ chicken nachos or grilled chicken wings. If Dad will eat anything paired with juicy bacon, whip up bacon-shrimp skewers, chicken bacon ranch dip, or BLT sliders. No matter his preferred cuisine, a cookout-approved spin on sliders will totally impress him. But you can’t go wrong with crowd-pleasing choices, such as deviled eggs, pigs in a blanket, or mozzarella sticks, which will definitely delight the whole family.
Whatever direction you choose, these Father's Day appetizers will surely be a hit! Just be sure to serve them with his favorite beer or a round of summer cocktails.
Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing, mozzarella sticks are a must-have on Father’s Day. Coat pieces of mozzarella in a breaded mixture, fry the sticks in hot oil, and dunk them in marinara sauce.
Get Ree’s Mozzarella Sticks recipe.
Potato Skins
Roasted potato skins packed with gooey cheddar and greasy bacon is Dad-approved fare. Serve these hearty Father’s Day appetizers with a little sour cream and a sprinkle of green onion for a flavorful bite no one will want to pass up.
Get Ree’s Potato Skins recipe.
Hot Corn Dip
This Father’s Day appetizer has it all: Monterey Jack cheese makes it creamy and gooey, corn kernels add a bit of sweetness and crunch, and jalapeño peppers finish it off with a kick. For stress-free hosting, assemble the dish a day before, and heat it up right before serving.
Get Ree’s Hot Corn Dip recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
Dad won’t be able to resist these burger bites, especially paired with a delicious mayo-ketchup dip! To make this Father’s Day appetizer, pile mini patties onto skewers with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Grilled Chicken Wings
Wings are always a good idea. Take them outside and give them the perfect smokey char on the grill. Then serve them with whichever dipping sauces Dad likes the best.
Get the Grilled Chicken Wings recipe.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
This ultra-cheesy dip will have the whole party hovering around the appetizer table. Each bite has chicken, bacon, and ranch—a winning flavor combination. Serve it hot with tortilla chips, buttery crackers, or raw vegetables.
Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip recipe.
Southern Fried Okra
June means it's okra season. So why not celebrate the Southern way by fryin' up a batch? Dad will happily snack on it until his steak is ready.
Get the Southern Fried Okra recipe.
Crab Rangoon
This take-out favorite is crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside—basically, it's the best of both worlds! Even better? You can make them in your air fryer.
Get the Crab Rangoon recipe.
Sausage Dip
Say hello to the easiest appetizer ever! It only takes four ingredients and 10 minutes to throw this one together.
Get the Sausage Dip recipe.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos
What do you get when you combine dad's favorite way to cook with his favorite game day snack? A tray of deliciousness that's perfect for his special day, that's what!
Get the Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos recipe.
Air Fryer Taquitos
These crispy taquitos couldn't be easier. You don't even need to turn on the oven or stovetop to make them. Let the air fryer do the work and you'll be rewarded with scrumptious bites that are perfect for dipping in salsa and guacamole.
Get the Air Fryer Taquitos recipe.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Yes, you can make onion dip from scratch and it's *so* worth it! Serve it with potato chips, pretzels, veggie sticks, or anything your dad like best.
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs
For the Drummond family, it wouldn't be a party without deviled eggs! And this briny variation will pair perfectly with a Southern-style barbecue. It even has dill pickle slices on top for garnish.
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs recipe.
Fried Pickles
These crispy, salty, tangy bites will have everyone reaching for more, so be sure to whip up a big batch! Or make a batch just for Dad!
Get the Fried Pickles recipe.
Pigs in a Blanket
You can't go wrong with pigs in a blanket, especially when they're homemade. It gives you the opportunity to top them with fun additions like everything bagel seasoning.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
He doesn't need to be a cowboy to enjoy this flavor-packed dip. The colorful assortment of veggies and hearty black-eyed peas are enough to make anyone smile.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Jalapeño Poppers
Spice-loving dads will appreciate this classic appetizer! It's even better than the kind you might find at a restaurant or bar.
Get the Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
BLT Sliders
Bacon plus burgers equals the perfect bite! Add a thick slice of tomato and a good smear of ketchup and mayo for the ultimate slider recipe.
Get Ree's BLT Sliders recipe.
Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Keep Dad (and the kids) happy with this easy party snack. Serve them up with marinara sauce or dipping or even pesto if you want to brighten up the meaty, cheesy flavors.
Get Ree's Pepperoni Pizza Bites recipe.
Bacon-Shrimp Skewers
You can wrap anything in bacon and it's sure to be hit! Add barbecue sauce and fresh pineapple for a sweet and smoky twist.
Get the Bacon-Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Edna Mae's Sour Cream Pancakes
Smash Burgers
Ginger-Lime Flank Steak
Grilled Flank Steak
