73 Salty Snacks for Father's Day
When it comes to salty Father's Day snacks, you don't want to wing it: Dad likes a savory treat as much as he like a terrible joke. And while he may not want to hear from the peanut gallery, you should be able to find something for him in this peanuts gallery (SORRY)—which also includes easy, super-flavorful recipes for favorites like nachos, popcorn, bean dip, jalapeño poppers, pimento cheese, chicharrónes, and, yep, chicken wings. If it tastes good with a cold drink out in the backyard, you'll find it below, in our roundup of the best Father's Day snacks.
Photo by Alex Lau1/73Smoked Salmon 7-Layer Dip
In terms of salty snacks, there's not a whole lot you could do to improve on seven-layer dip—except, maybe, this. This zesty modern spin on the old party classic matches hot-smoked salmon with beet horseradish, two kinds of soft cheese, and crunchy veg and herbs. Serve with bagel chips.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Ali Nardi2/73
Korean Fried Chicken
In this spicy recipe for Korean fried chicken, juicy, boneless chicken thighs are dipped in a light batter to form an extra-crispy crust, then lacquered with a gingery hot sauce. It's decidedly hard to stop eating these, so you may want to make a few batches.
- Photo by Shimon and Tammar3/73
Masala Popcorn
The popular Indian snack chiwda (a sweet and savory mix often made with puffed rice, dried fruit, nuts, spices, and herbs) gets spun into popcorn in this recipe, boasting addictive flavor from fennel, coriander, cumin, and other spices, as well as Thai green chile and curry leaves. Pile up a big bowl full; there's no need to tell Dad how easy it is to make this Father's Day snack.
- Photo by Christina Holmes4/73
Jalapeño Poppers With Smoked Gouda
The moderate heat of jalapeños is a perfect counterbalance to this rich filling, a combination of cream cheese and smoked Gouda. The results are nothing like the breaded, deep-fried apps you get in sports bars.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Sue Li5/73
Lemon-Pepper Salami Bites
This recipe takes two appetizer-tray favorites—thinly sliced salami and Marcona almonds—and married them together with lemon zest, fresh-ground pepper, and a drizzle of oil. Serve with bread or crackers.
- Photo by Marcus Nilsson6/73
Boiled Peanuts with Chile Salt
It takes a few hours to make this southern favorite, though that's not active time—the peanuts simmer undisturbed on the stove for two to four hours, depending on how fresh they are.
- 7/73
Ultimate Nachos
Layered with pinto bean dip, sliced jalapeños, and cheese, these nachos blow any other versions out of the water.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Sue Li, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jaime8/73
Shrimp Toasts With Sesame Seeds and Scallions
These dim sum–style shrimp toasts make a surprisingly simple—and utterly addictive—at-home snack. With this method, you don’t even need a deep fryer to pull them off.
- Photo by Tara Donne, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Cyd McDowell10/73
Creamy Cauliflower Dip
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone11/73
Simple Spinach Dip
This recipe builds on the central argument for spinach dip—it's delicious and everyone loves it—by adding yet another point in favor: It takes only 20 minutes and can be made ahead.
- Photo by Alex Lau12/73
Kombu Celery
The crunchy, salty, sesame-drenched celery sticks from Bar Goto in New York are one of our all-time favorite bar snacks. They're so good, you’ll forget they’re made from vegetables! Here's the recipe to make them at home for Dad.
- Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott13/73
Cheesy Sesame Phyllo Bites
Not feeling the squares in this phyllo bites recipe? Use a pizza cutter to cut crackers into any shape you like!
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Ali Nardi14/73
Figs-in-a-Blanket With Goat Cheese
This clever vegetarian take on the old classic also straddles the salty snack/sweet snack divide, with dried figs simmered in a spicy, vinegary honey glaze.
- Photo by Aubrie Pick15/73
Bacon Jalapeño Popcorn
Microwave popcorn gets the job done, but for more flavor and that much-deserved anticipation, there's nothing like the stovetop method. For best results, use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid and a good handle.
- Photo by Teri Lyn Fisher, Food Styling by Maria Fantaci16/73
High Honey-Sriracha Popcorn
Does Dad live in, say, Colorado? Then this one's especially for him, though those of us in other parts of the country won't miss out by making it sans cannabis—it's still an irresistible Father's Day snack.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Ali Nardi17/73
Creamy Pinto Bean Dip
Serve this lightly spiced, last-minute bean dip with tortilla chips and watch it disappear before your eyes. It can be made three days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Ottaviano18/73
Chicharrón Casera
Large jagged sheets of chicharrón, or pork crackling, can be found at any Mexico City market. Homemade chicharrón is wonderful with pico de gallo, any salsa, and/or guacamole, or cooked in green sauce (here's a good one!) and served in a taco when soft.
- Photo by Aubrie Pick19/73
Rice Balls With Salmon Filling (Onigiri)
Onigiri is a quintessential Japanese food that's good for breakfast, as a highly portable lunch, or for a super-satisfying snack at any time of day. It's the perfect handheld food, too—the nori wrapper keeps the rice from getting all over your hands.
- Photo by Ed Anderson20/73
Fried Potato and Garlic Puffs
This recipe—made with potato, butter, garlic, eggs, and flour—is even greater than the sum of its parts.
- Photo by Alex Lau21/73
Roasted Vegetables Antipasto Plate
This antipasto platter goes way past jarred peppers and cold cuts, with roasted vegetables that change with the seasons. Even at room temp, these options round out any meat and cheese platter.
- Photo by Alexandra Shytsman22/73
Sweet Potato–Tahini Dip With Za'atar
Since the base of this dip is so simple—it's mostly sweet potatoes and tahini—homemade za'atar (a Middle Eastern spice blend) really helps the flavors stand out.
- Photo by Deb Perelman23/73
Kale-Dusted Pecorino Popcorn
The kale dish that everyone can agree on—it's proven highly popular with little kids—is this popcorn, flavored with salty Pecorino cheese and a “dust" of oven-dried kale that you might start finding a use for all over the kitchen.
- Photo by Peden + Munk24/73
Salted Buttered Pecans With Orange and Nutmeg
Is it a salty snack? Is it a sweet snack? Yes—and it's great with a cold beer or an iced tea. The pecans, butter, and salt are the mainstays of this recipe; orange and nutmeg make a fabulous complement, but you can switch them out for other favorite flavors as desired.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Monica Pierini25/73
Crudités With Chile-Lime Salt
Forget dip: this zesty spiced salt wakes up any sliced raw fruit or veggie—don’t feel limited to the ones listed in the recipe.
- Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Molly Baz26/73
Peanut Drinking Snack
Can you imagine a more attractive combination of words than “peanut drinking snack”? Us neither. This spicy, lime- and cilantro-flavored mix makes a perfect Father's Day snack.
- Photo by Johnny Miller27/73
Latke Reubens
The “ultimate Jewish deli delight,” from Top Chef judge Gail Simmons, just so happens to be something you can eat with one hand (which frees the other up to hold a beer).
- Photo by Denny Culbert28/73
Air Fryer Crispy Herbed Chickpeas
Unlike the oven, the air fryer makes actually-crisp chickpeas. The high heat, circulating at a super-fast speed, dries out the chickpeas so they’re almost dehydrated.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Sue Li29/73
Mortadella Moments
Laboring away in the kitchen to throw together a tray of Father's Day snacks? No thanks. Skip the work and focus on clever, satisfying flavor combos, like these dead-simple finger foods.
- Photo by Heami Lee, Food Styling by Victoria Granof, Prop Styling by Astrid Chastka30/73
Classic Cheese Ball
You could call the cheese ball “retro,” but it never really went out of style. This classic rendition features cream cheese, cheddar, and Brie; serve it with crostini and crudités if you must, but don't forget the Ritz Crackers.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food Styling by Simon Andrews31/73
Baked Tomatoes, Peppers, and Goat Cheese with Crisped Toasts
This savory-sweet dish is decorated with soft cheese and a hint of garlic. Served over a crispy baguette, it’s the perfect summer lunch or midday snack.
- Courtesy of Katrina Scott & Karena Dawn32/73
Pop It Like It's Hot Popcorn
Start with plain, stove-top popcorn and pick your flavor path from there. Options include lemon-chive, honey-nut, and a clever “nacho popcorn” with nutritional yeast and cayenne pepper.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Lillian Chou33/73
Mala Fried Peanuts
Start with shelled raw peanuts, which you can find at Asian markets and health food stores, then fry and flavor them with Sichuan peppercorns, sliced chiles, salt, sugar, Five-Spice Powder, and white pepper. This snack can be prepped 3 days ahead if you're the planning type.
- Photo by Bao Minh Nguyen34/73
Double-Fried Chicken Wings
Double frying means this recipe turns out the crispiest chicken wings ever. Feel free to sauce them any way you like. Or, rather, any way Dad likes.
- Photo by John Lee35/73
Bean Lavash Triangles
Go homemade if you want, but store-bought lavash helps you get this creamy, crunchy, dill- and cilantro-flavored snack—which has been likened to a “bean samosa”—on the table quickly.
- Photo by Lauren Volo36/73
Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
Nachos can stand an ingredient riff, but to make sure that the cheese is melted throughout and that each bite has the requisite combination of tastes and textures, follow this plan.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Ali Nardi37/73
Five-Cheese Pimento Cheese
Southern dads know what's up. This five-cheese Father's Day snack is absolutely dreamy.
- 38/73
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Fingers
These zesty chicken fingers get their flavor from a tangy buttermilk marinade and a breading spiked with smoked paprika. Be sure to plan ahead—these chicken pieces taste best when marinated for 24 hours before they're cooked.
- Photo by Alex Lau39/73
Cacio e Pepe Chips
Cacio e pepe works on pasta, duh, but it might be even better on chips. There's only one way to find out.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Ali Nardi40/73
Vegetarian Buffalo “Meatballs” With Blue Cheese Dip
Forget about hot wings (well, maybe just for a day)—these spicy "meatballs" combine white beans and mushrooms for a meatless take on Dad's favorite party snack.
- Photo by Romulo Yanes41/73
Sweet Potato Fritters
Takes the fear out of frying with a foolproof explanation and a universally loved snack as your reward.
- Photo by Romulo Yanes42/73
Beer-Battered Asparagus
In many parts of the country, asparagus is just finishing its season right around Father's Day. Take advantage of the last stalks of the best spring crop with this crunchy snack, served with a lemony dipping sauce.
- Photo by Shutterstock43/73
Spicy Guacamole
Dads love guac. Correction: everyone loves guac. This spicy version is prime snacking material.
- Zach DeSart44/73
Spiced Pistachios
Pistachios are buttery, piney, crunchy, and creamy—plus they're delicious with a cold beer.
- Photo by Romulo Yanes45/73
Salami Crisps
Crispy. Salami. If that doesn't sound like the best snack in the world, we can't help you.
- Photo by JP Bevins, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone46/73
Carne Asada Cheese Fries
Meet the love child of cheese fries and nachos: crispy, seasoned fries loaded with skirt steak and silky cheese sauce.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Ali Nardi47/73
Cauliflower-Carrot Cheesy Tots
Cauliflower and carrot—in place of the usual potato—add sweet, vegetal flavor and a good dose of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins to this irresistible play on tater tots.
- Alex Farnum48/73
Beer Cheese Fondue
Soft pretzels, sliced German sausages, pickled vegetables, and roasted Brussels sprouts can all be dipped in this rich cheese sauce.
- Yossy Arefi49/73
Blistered Edamame
C'mon, who doesn't love edamame? Consider this the adults-only version: sautéed, spicy, and highly snackable.
- Lara Ferroni50/73
Scary Barbecue Snack Mix
Salty, cheesy, crunchy (and with an optional but highly recommended kick of heat)—this pleasing combo is a flavor-packed blend of popcorn, tortilla chips, and corn nuts gently scented with tangy barbecue sauce and Spanish smoked paprika. It's scary how quickly a bowlful will disappear.
- Photo by Eva Kolenko.51/73
Classic Dill Pickles
These quick refrigerator pickles—classically flavored with fresh dill, black pepper, and caraway—would make a vibrant addition to any cheese and meat platter, and can be made with veggies other than cucumber: Try carrots, green tomatoes, or even brussels sprouts.
- Photo by Jarren Vink52/73
Buffalo Wing Popcorn
Get this: caramel popcorn, but also flavored with hot sauce and butter. Why has nobody done this before?
- Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott53/73
Fried Squid With Aioli
Use arepa flour and potato starch to get a shatteringly crisp (not to mention gluten-free) crust on this terrific riff on calamari, topped with fresh basil and served with creamy, garlicky aioli.
- Photo by Kamil Bialous54/73
Fried Oysters With Bacon, Garlic, and Sage
Holding the raw oysters in the rice-flour dredge is a genius do-ahead trick, allowing you to shuck and coat the oysters hours ahead of fry time.
- Photo by Evan Sung55/73
Triple-Cooked Fries
Fat pretty much makes the fry. These spuds start off in water, which preps them for the subsequent fryings in beef or duck fat, resulting in irresistibly crunchy, crackly fries.
- Photo by Ted Cavanaugh56/73
Brown-Butter–Fried Onion Rings
Creamy, rich fat tames even the wildest fire—looking at you, raw onion—and makes any allium more tasty.
- Kana Okada57/73
Hot and Crunchy Avocado Fries
Biting into a crispy french fry is amazing. Biting into a crispy avocado fry? A creamy, glorious, life-giving experience.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone58/73
Classic Spinach-Artichoke Dip With Mozzarella and Parmesan
Two kinds of melty cheese make this dip extra luxe. Just add chips.
- Romulo Yanes59/73
Baked Parsnip Fries with Rosemary
Who says non-potato root vegetables can't make a perfect salty snack?
- Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski60/73
Fried Potatoes with Tomato-Chipotle Sauce and Aïoli
This glorious take on the classic Spanish tapa known as patatas bravas requires cooking the potatoes three times (once blanched, twice fried). We wouldn’t make you go through all that if it wasn’t worth it.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Katherine Sacks61/73
Spicy Garlic Pickles
This spicy brine opens up a world of possibilities: You can pickle mushrooms in it, or green beans or asparagus. You can also use it to flavor a killer Bloody Mary.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich62/73
Warmed Spiced Olives
A warm, richly spiced oil turns a simple bowl of mixed olives into elegant snack fare.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food and prop styling by Ali Nardi63/73
Crispy Curry-Roasted Chickpeas
These crispy, crunchy beans make a killer snack alongside a beer. Plus, they're good-ish for you.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks64/73
Easy Guacamole
This easy chunky guacamole recipe gets warmth from a dash of cumin and heat from fresh or pickled jalapeño.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks.65/73
French Bread Pizzas with Mozzarella and Pepperoni
Forget the freezer aisle! This classic is just as easy to make from scratch. Bonus: it's tastier, too.
- Lara Ferroni67/73
Pretzel Bites with Quick Cheddar Dip
These bite-size pretzels are soft, salty, and the perfect vehicle for the creamy cheese dip.
- Zach DeSart69/73
Chile Peanut and Pumpkin Seed Snack Mix
There's a reason cold beer and salty snacks go so well together: A handful of one makes you crave a sip of the other, and vice versa. What we're saying is, make sure to stock up on beer before throwing together this Father's Day snack.
- Christopher Testani71/73
Crispiest Potato Chips
Soaking the thinly sliced potatoes in vinegar before frying ensures that they'll be extra crispy.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton72/73
Pigs-in-a-Blanket With Sauerkraut and Mustard
These little pigs took a trip to Germany and the result is delicious.
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Bite-Size Garlic Bread With Fresh Herbs
No need to get out the flour and yeast for this one: It starts with a store-bought loaf of bread, which you'll cut into cubes, bathe in flavored butter, bake till crispy, and serve on a platter for a comfortably familiar Father's Day snack. It would not be bad with marinara.
Amiel Stanek
Lauren Joseph
Maggie Hoffman
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