Looking for Memorial Day appetizers for a gathering? You’ve come to the right place for hot and cold appetizers, skewers, chips and dips, and single serving jars and cups.
Each May, those of us in the United States observe Memorial Day to remember the brave women and men who have sacrificed their lives for our country.
Whether you’re gathering with friends, or home with family as you observe this holiday over the long weekend, you’ll probably want a few snacks.
Below, I’ve rounded up more than 20 of my favorite Memorial Day appetizers, and I think there’s something for everyone on this list.
A lot of hot Memorial Day appetizers can be done on the grill!
Chances are, you might be firing up the grill already for hot dogs, chicken with buttermilk chicken marinade or steaks. But the grill can go way beyond entrees. Use it to make appetizers for Memorial Day!
Everything from bacon wrapped shrimp to chicken wings can be cooked on the grill for Memorial Day apps. It’s also handy for toasting bread for crostini, or even grilling pieces of polenta to serve topped with tomatoes.
In the spirit of not wanting to turn on the oven on an already warm day, I also turn to my slow cooker for everything from crockpot baby back ribs to meatballs for Memorial Day appetizer ideas.
Cold Memorial Day apps are refreshing after time in the sun.
While the weather can be truly hit or miss for this weekend here in Michigan, there’s certainly been years where it has been HOT.
I love spending time out in the sun, but when I come inside, I want to cool down with a tequila mojito and something cold and refreshing to eat.
Deviled eggs and veggie pizza are both classic cold Memorial Day appetizers here in the Midwest. You’ll also find recipes for beautiful ricotta crostini with berries, and mini caprese cups below.
Skewers are one of my favorite Memorial Day appetizer ideas.
Food on kabobs like sambal chicken skewers aren’t just for dinner. Everything from pineapple to watermelon caprese can be skewered for Memorial Day appetizers.
Kids of all ages love my fruit and cheese kabobs with croissant croutons, and veggie kabobs with halloumi cheese will wow your friends with something new.
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Don’t forget the chips and dip!
Honestly, I barely need a main meal when there are chips and dip around. Give me some pita chips and tabbouleh hummus and you’ll have a hard time getting rid of me.
I’ve included my favorite recipes for caramelized onion dip, grilled tomatillo salsa and avocado, corn and black bean salsa below. They’re all perfect for a Memorial Day apps spread.
I’ve also added my mashup of two American classics – hot dog nachos. Tell me those aren’t a great Memorial Day appetizer idea for this long summer weekend.
Jars and cups are perfect Memorial Day appetizers.
There’s something special about having your own little serving of something. You don’t have to share, and you can double dip if you want, right?
My jars filled with arugula white bean salad would be perfect if you’re planning a weekend picnic.
But, if you’re looking for something more along the lines of a Memorial Day snack or appetizer, I have everything from Mexican 7 layer dip to an elote cup bar to jarcuterie below. Any idea of my unique charcuterie board ideas can go into a cup or jar!
Hot Appetizers
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Grilled Polenta with Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes
This Grilled Polenta with Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes is versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or light meal. Plus, it's easy to prepare and it can be prepped ahead of time. The flavor combination will knock your socks off, too!
Shrimp Deviled Eggs are a decadent but easy twist on a classic. With just mayo, mustard, Old Bay seasoning and shrimp, hard boiled eggs are transformed into a finger food perfect for a crowd.
A quick and easy appetizer that is perfect for bringing to parties! This Veggie Pizza starts with a flaky crescent roll crust that is piled with a creamy ranch cream cheese layer and topped with all of your favorite vegetables.
These Ham and Turkey Sliders turn deli lunchmeat into something special with the addition of caramelized onions and arugula. Watch them disappear at a gathering!
Tomatoes, basil, and mini mozzarella balls are tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper and put into mini phyllo shells. Top them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and watch your guests devour them!
Juicy, warm and meltingly sweet, this Tequila Grilled Pineapple gets a mouthwatering char from grilling, and a complex flavor boost from tequila, cilantro and Southwestern spices!
These fresh Fruit and Cheese Kabobs with Croissant Croutons are a nutritious snack that both kids and adults will love. This colorful combination of sweet fruit, savory cheese and flaky croutons comes together in a snap.
These Watermelon Caprese Bites have that perfect sweet-salty combo taste that makes a refreshing summer appetizer or side salad. No need to spend time in the kitchen since they come together quick and can be on your table pronto!
Onions are caramelized to sweet perfection and paired with garlic, cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise to create the caramelized onion ultimate dip.
This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip made with Greek yogurt is a makeover of a craveable party snack. It might be reduced fat and calories but it is NOT reduced flavor.
7 Layer Dip Cups – portable appetizers layered up like everybody’s favorite Tex-Mex bean dip. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, picnics, and barbecues. Now we can mingle and chow down at the same time – genius!
Having a fiesta? Please the whole crowd with this Mexican Street Corn Salad Bar. Gather all of the ingredients for classic Mexican street corn (elote), but let everybody assemble their own. Perfect for the spice lovers, the picky eaters, and the cilantro-adverse!
The options are limitless with these Individual Charcuterie Cups. Grab some plastic cups and load them up with meat, cheese, fruit and all sorts of garnishes. Perfect for parties!
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones) is a beautiful way to begin a meal! An elegant, chilled appetizer of tender shrimp, fresh tomato, cucumber, avocado, red onion and cilantro in a lightly spicy tomato based sauce.
Who needs burgers, I’m just going to feast on the appetizers!
Haha, I agree! Thanks Sue!
Thanks so much for sharing, Marion!
What a great round up! So many delicious things in one place! Thank you! Pinning and sharing!!