25 Father's Day Appetizers to Kick Off Dad's Big Feast
Turn dinner into the party he deserves.
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Planning a Father's Day dinner typically revolves around throwing some steaks on the grill or whipping up some hot dogs and maybe a few BBQ sides. But there's one thing you may have overlooked: the 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 a few Father's Day appetizers is a great way to turn Dad's day into the party he deserves.
It doesn't need to be complicated, either! Kick things off by making a starter to fit Dad's taste buds. For instance, if your dad is a fan of game day foods, he'll love the BBQ chicken nachos or a big plate of wings. Is he more of a bacon lover? Try the bacon-shrimp skewers, chicken bacon ranch dip, or BLT sliders. You can even impress Dad with an adorable take on cheeseburger bites or simply make a few easy summer dips, deviled eggs, or pigs in a blanket.
And if you plan on getting him some new grill tools as a Father's Day gift, you might want to pair it with some of the best grilling recipes like grilled corn salsa or garlic-mustard beef skewers. No matter which direction you choose, these Father's Day starters are sure to be hit. Just be sure to serve them up with his favorite beer or a round of summer cocktails to round out the meal.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
What do you get when you combine three of the best flavors into one dish? The best dip ever, that's what! Serve it hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or raw vegetables.
Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
Dad will get a kick out of these mini cheeseburgers! The little patties are piled onto skewers with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, then served with a ketchup-mayo dip.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites 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.
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.
Caprese Salad
This is the kind of salad that any dad can get behind! It pairs juicy summer tomatoes with creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic. It's the perfect appetizer for any dinner.
Get Ree's Caprese Salad 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.
Avocado Salsa
Fresh pico de gallo meets creamy guacamole in this fun summer party dip. It has the best of both worlds which makes it perfect for those who simply can't decide!
Get the Avocado Salsa 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.
Cheeseburger Dip
You only need 25 minutes to whip up this irresistible dip. It's got seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, plus all the best burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and even special sauce.
Get the Cheeseburger Dip 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.
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.
Esquites
This sweet charred Mexican street corn is so much fun to eat. It's tossed in a spicy, creamy, cheesy sauce and served in small bowls for everyone to snack away.
Get the Esquites 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.
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.
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.
Fried Zucchini
Seasonal zucchini gets a satisfyingly crispy coating in this recipe for fried zucchini sticks. Serve them with the Drummonds' favorite (ranch) for dipping.
Get the Fried Zucchini recipe.
Cheeseburger Sliders
This bite-sized twist on a classic cheeseburger will have everyone reaching for that cheese pull! If your dad is a fan of everything bagel seasoning, use it to top the buns—or use sesame seeds instead.
Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.
Grilled Corn Salsa
This colorful array of veggies will get you excited about firing up the grill. The charred corn and onions will taste like summer on a chip.
Get the Grilled Corn Salsa 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.
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.
Make A Classic Blackberry Pie
Read Ree's Sweet Father's Day Post About Ladd
See Alex's Sweet Father's Day Tribute to Mauricio
100 Best Father's Day Captions to Celebrate Dad
