On Father's Day, Dad Deserves All the Appetizers On This List
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Most dads won't mind if you keep things simple on Father's Day—after all, they just want to spend time with their kids. But dads do so much for us and they deserve to be celebrated! So, we've rounded up a ton of Father's Day appetizers that will turn any Father's Day meal into a dad-approved party. (Just don't forget the Father's Day decorations to make the celebration complete!) Of course, it doesn't matter how big your crew might be, there's something for everyone on this list of Father's Day starters. You can pair summer dips and finger foods with burgers and hot dogs for a casual get-together. Or, take things to the next level with a show-stopping upside-down tomato cornbread for the ultimate menu of BBQ foods.
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 lemon-pepper wings or buffalo chicken dip. Is he more of a bacon lover? Try the bacon-shrimp skewers or BLT sliders. 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 our favorite 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.
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.
Reuben Egg Rolls
If Dad's favorite sandwich is a Reuben, he'll love this twist on the corned beef classic. It has all the same ingredients, including the melty cheese and sauerkraut, wrapped up into a crispy wonton shell. All you need is Russian dressing for dipping!
Get the Reuben Egg Rolls 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 BBQ. 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 on.
Get the Esquites recipe.
Air Fryer Taquitos
These crispy beef 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.
Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread
This recipe will surprise dads everywhere! It's a fun twist on a classic that flips the script, with sweet, summer tomatoes nestled in a fluffy bed of cornbread.
Get the Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread 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.
Mini Calzones
These little pockets filled with Italian sausage and cheese are made from a supermarket hack that keeps things extra-easy: Frozen dinner rolls! Serve them up before a big Italian meal.
Get the Mini Calzones 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.
Fried Zucchini
Seasonal zucchini gets a satisfyingly crispy coating in this recipe for fried zucchini sticks. You can serve them with 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.
Beef Skewers
This garlic-mustard marinated beef recipe is calling Ladd's name! But any dad who's a fan of grilled tenderloin will love it.
Get the Beef Skewers recipe.
Grilled Watermelon
This is a fun new way to serve watermelon that adds a smoky, caramelized quality that's surprisingly delicious.
Get the Grilled Watermelon recipe.
Sausage Dip
Say hello to the easiest appetizer ever! It only takes 4 recipes and 10 minutes to throw this one together.
Get the Sausage Dip recipe.
Lemon-Pepper Wings
Do you and your dad go together like lemon and pepper? This classic combination is bright and zesty on baked chicken wings.
Get the Lemon-Pepper Wings 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.
Crab Cakes
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with classic Old Bay flavor—these crab cakes will feel like a trip to the beach (even if you're celebrating in your own backyard).
Get the Crab Cakes recipe.
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Making this crowd-pleasing dip in your crock-pot means you don't even need to turn on the oven! It's perfect for those days when it's too hot for the kitchen.
Get the Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip 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.
BLT Sliders
Bacon + burgers = 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.
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.
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 things up!
Get Ree's Pepperoni Pizza Bites recipe.
Taco Dip
This flavorful dip starts with a base of cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, lime, and taco seasoning. Then, it's loaded up with your favorite taco toppings!
Get the Taco Dip 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.
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