Make dad feel extra special this year with these Father’s Day appetizers.
Whether you’re throwing a BBQ or hosting a fancy dinner, this list has it all!
I find the way to any dad’s heart is food. And since food is my love language, I go all out!
So, I’ve compiled this list of 15 delicious Father’s Day appetizers the whole family will love.
I’m talking crunchy loaded nachos, beer cheese dip, and more!
Dads often give so much and take very little. So why not spoil him a little bit this year?
Enjoy!
1. Nachos
Nachos are great for entertaining for so many reasons. They’re customizable, shareable, and quick and easy to make.
Oh, and the cheese is reason enough for me!
These bad boys are piled high with delicious ingredients. Aside from cheese, you’ll find flavorful ground beef, beans, and jalapenos.
Feel free to experiment with types of beans, different salsas, and fun proteins.
Just throw on whatever your dad likes and be sure he gets the first bite.
2. Father’s Day Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are all the rage these days!
So for Father’s Day, load that chopping board up with all of dad’s snacks. And add a fun design while you’re at it.
The possibilities are endless here, so make it extra special for Father’s Day.
Bonus recipe: I’ve never met a dad that didn’t like Scotch eggs. So why not whip up a batch and nestle them in the meat and cheese?
3. Cheesecake Factory Avocado Egg Rolls
Cheesecake Factory avocado egg rolls are a widely popular appetizer recipe.
For me, it’s the creamy avocado and the crunchy shell that make these egg rolls so awesome.
If you’ve never tried these, this is your sign to make them yourself.
They’re full of flavor and have a wonderful mix of textures. It’s definitely a must-have recipe for any gathering.
4. Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
Little Smokies are a classic party appetizer. They’re flavorful and easy to prepare so they’re great for a crowd.
And since they’re wrapped in bacon, they’re ideal for dad.
They’re also covered in brown sugar before they’re cooked. It gives the bacon a delicious candied effect.
These bite-sized appetizers are so addictive, you’ll need to make extra!
5. Macaroni and Cheese Bites
Macaroni and cheese is already a favorite in my house. But these “bites” take it to the next level.
The recipe includes four different cheeses and classic elbow macaroni.
The best part, in my opinion, is the crispy coating. They hold together pretty nicely, so they’re perfect for Father’s Day cookouts.
The kids will love these too since they’re easy to hold and involve cheese!
6. Crispy Beer Battered Fried Shrimp (Popcorn Shrimp)
This recipe combines seafood and beer, so it’s likely just the perfect recipe for Father’s Day.
They’re tender on the inside and spectacularly crispy on the outside. Aka, perfect for dipping.
If you’re entertaining a large group, you can make a large batch of these shrimp and put out different dipping options.
I love the spicy mayo included in this recipe but you can also add cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.
7. Hanky Panky
Hanky panky, otherwise known as “sh*t on a shingle” or “Polish mistake”, is a beef, sausage, and cheese mixture on top of toasted bread.
And the name alone makes it perfect for your dad. Just imagine all the dad jokes!
It’s kind of like a cheesy, open-faced sloppy Joe of sorts. Sounds odd, but tastes great!
8. Bacon-Wrapped Bratwurst
It’s probably safe to say that most dads like bacon. And this bacon is wrapped around more meat. What more could you ask?
They’re also covered in a sweet and spicy, brown sugar and mustard coating. It adds a fantastic layer of flavor that’s a little unexpected.
You can use any kind of pre-cooked or smoked meat here. So if dad has a favorite, use that instead!
9. Beer Cheese Dip
This is an incredible dip for anyone that loves beer and cheese.
You can use almost any cheese and any beer. So feel free to customize it to your dad’s preferences.
Plus, you can serve this with almost any dipping tools you want. I’m talking bread, chips, soft pretzel bites, veggies, or even just a spoon.
10. Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
This recipe is one of my favorite go-to breakfasts. They’re so easy to put together and incredibly tasty.
The flaky pastry on the outside is warm and fluffy. Meanwhile, the inside is salty, meaty, and creamy.
But they’re not just for breakfast! They’re the ideal finger food for a crowd of dads.
11. Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are another classic appetizer that are bound to be a huge hit.
These are baked instead of fried so they’re easier to make and not as greasy. But they’re just as tasty and crunchy!
You’ll fill jalapeños with a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed mixture. I recommend adding chopped bacon to the mix too.
Then, they’re topped with breadcrumbs for that signature crunch. Yum!
12. Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Now, this is a decadent appetizer. These little bites will impress your dad and all of your guests and leave them wanting more!
The mushrooms are hollowed out and then stuffed with a creamy crab meat mixture. It has tons of flavor and the crab is fantastic!
These are surprisingly simple to make and you can even get some help with the stuffing part!
13. Baked Chicken Wings
Beloved chicken wings are made pretty simple and foolproof with this recipe.
I absolutely love the simple seasonings used here. Paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper make a delicious combination.
These wings are baked so there’s less mess to clean up, and they’re healthier without losing flavor!
Plus, everybody loves finger food, right? These are a hit at every party and will disappear every time!
14. Million-Dollar Dip
Dips are always a good idea. And this one is so good, it almost feels wrong.
Million-dollar dip is packed with tasty ingredients. I mean, who doesn’t love bacon and cheese?
The almonds add a really nice crunch and the base of the dip is creamy and delicious.
Serve it with crackers since it’s pretty thick. Potato chips will break easily, but crackers and veggies are perfect!
15. Crabbies
If your dad is a fan of seafood, here is another recipe you have to try!
These little appetizer treats are cheesy, crispy, and have an incredible crab flavor.
The mix of crab meat, cheese, mayonnaise, and butter is so creamy and scrumptious.
Slather it on English muffins and the bake until toasty. Wow.