Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to honor Dad than by treating him to a delicious homemade meal?
This year, skip the traditional gifts and show your appreciation with a spread of mouthwatering appetizers that are sure to make his day extra special.
From savory bacon-wrapped dates to spicy garlic shrimp skewers, we’ve curated a collection of appetizer recipes that Dad will love.
So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and let’s get cooking!
50+ Mouthwatering Father’s Day Appetizer Recipes Worth Celebrating
This Father’s Day, show Dad just how much you appreciate him by whipping up a spread of mouthwatering appetizers that are sure to impress.
Whether he’s a fan of savory bacon-wrapped dates or spicy garlic shrimp skewers, these recipes are guaranteed to make his day memorable.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to celebrate Dad in style!
Savory Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These savory bacon-wrapped dates are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, making them an irresistible appetizer for Father’s Day celebrations.
The combination of crispy bacon and tender dates will surely satisfy Dad’s taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 24 whole almonds
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each date lengthwise to create an opening, then stuff each date with one almond.
- Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
These savory bacon-wrapped dates are sure to be a hit at any Father’s Day gathering.
The blend of flavors and textures makes them a delightful appetizer that Dad will love.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Skewers
These spicy garlic shrimp skewers are packed with flavor and are a perfect appetizer to kick off your Father’s Day celebration.
The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, and a kick of spice will leave Dad wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers.
- Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove from the grill and serve hot.
These spicy garlic shrimp skewers are a surefire way to impress Dad on Father’s Day. The bold flavors and juicy shrimp will make these skewers disappear fast!
Loaded Potato Skins
These loaded potato skins are a classic appetizer that Dad will adore on Father’s Day.
Crispy potato shells filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions make for a hearty and delicious starter.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sour cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce them several times with a fork. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes or until tender.
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell.
- Place the potato skins back on the baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
- Fill each potato skin with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Return the potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with sour cream on the side if desired.
These loaded potato skins are a crowd-pleaser and the perfect appetizer to celebrate Father’s Day. Dad won’t be able to resist these crispy, cheesy delights!
BBQ Meatball Sliders
These BBQ meatball sliders are a deliciously indulgent appetizer that Dad will love on Father’s Day.
Tender meatballs smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and sandwiched between soft slider buns make for a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for glazing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns
- Sliced cheese (optional)
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- Once cooked, brush the meatballs with additional barbecue sauce and return them to the oven for 5 minutes to glaze.
- Slice the slider buns in half and assemble each slider with a meatball. Add sliced cheese and pickles if desired.
- Serve the BBQ meatball sliders warm and enjoy!
These BBQ meatball sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for Father’s Day festivities. Dad won’t be able to resist these savory bites!
Loaded Nachos with Homemade Guacamole
These loaded nachos with homemade guacamole are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a fantastic appetizer for Father’s Day celebrations.
Crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, flavorful toppings, and creamy guacamole make for a deliciously indulgent snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream (optional)
- Homemade guacamole (see recipe below)
- Homemade Guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on a large baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla chips.
- Top the cheese with black beans, diced tomatoes, black olives, and sliced jalapeños.
- Bake the loaded nachos in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the nachos are baking, prepare the homemade guacamole. In a bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until smooth. Stir in diced red onion, diced tomatoes, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the loaded nachos from the oven and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.
- Serve the loaded nachos warm with homemade guacamole and sour cream on the side.
These loaded nachos with homemade guacamole are sure to be a hit at any Father’s Day gathering.
Dad will love the bold flavors and satisfying crunch of these irresistible nachos!
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
These Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze are a fresh and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for Father’s Day.
Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze make for an elegant and delicious starter.
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- Assemble the Caprese skewers by threading a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each wooden skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled skewers.
- Serve the Caprese skewers immediately and enjoy!
These Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze are a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress Dad on Father’s Day.
The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make them a delightful addition to any celebration!
Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings
These honey sriracha chicken wings are a tantalizing blend of sweet and spicy, making them a perfect appetizer for Father’s Day.
Crispy baked wings coated in a sticky honey sriracha sauce will have Dad reaching for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed and wings halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- In a small saucepan, combine sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and melted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the honey sriracha sauce over them. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
These honey sriracha chicken wings are sure to be a hit at any Father’s Day gathering.
The perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors will have Dad’s taste buds dancing with delight!
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
These spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms are a delicious twist on the classic dip, making them a delightful appetizer for Father’s Day.
Tender mushrooms filled with a creamy spinach and artichoke mixture are sure to be a hit with Dad and the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 24 large button mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- Stir in chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
- Season the spinach and artichoke mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the spinach and artichoke mixture into the mushroom caps, filling each one generously.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
These spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms are a flavorful and elegant appetizer that Dad will love on Father’s Day.
The creamy filling and earthy mushrooms make for a perfect bite-sized treat!
Mini BBQ Pork Sliders
These mini BBQ pork sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for Father’s Day celebrations.
Tender shredded pork smothered in barbecue sauce and served on soft slider buns will have Dad coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 12 slider buns
- Coleslaw for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the pork shoulder or pork butt generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker and pour barbecue sauce over it, ensuring the pork is well coated.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the pork is cooked, shred it using two forks and mix it with the barbecue sauce in the slow cooker.
- To assemble the sliders, spoon the shredded BBQ pork onto the bottom half of each slider bun.
- Top with coleslaw if desired, then cover with the top half of the slider bun.
- Secure each slider with a toothpick and serve immediately.
These mini BBQ pork sliders are a deliciously satisfying appetizer that’s sure to please Dad on Father’s Day.
The tender shredded pork and tangy barbecue sauce make for an irresistible combination!