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, we’ve rounded up more than 30 of our favorite Memorial Day appetizers, and we 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 already be firing up the grill for hot dogs, chicken with Buttermilk Chicken Marinade, or our Flat Iron Steak Recipe. But the grill can go way beyond the 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. The grill is also handy for toasting bread for crostini or 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, we also turn to our slow cooker for everything from Crock Pot 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.
We love spending time out in the sun, but when we come inside, we want to cool down with a Basil Cocktail 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 a beautiful smoked salmon platter and mini caprese cups below.
Skewers Are One Of Our Favorite Memorial Day Appetizer Ideas
Food on kabobs like Curry Mango Chicken Kabobs aren’t just for dinner. Everything from pineapple to watermelon caprese can be skewered for appetizers for Memorial Day.
Kids of all ages love our 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, we barely need a main meal when there are chips and dip around. Give us some wonton chips and Crab Rangoon Dip, and you’ll have a hard time getting rid of us. This is one of the best Memorial Day snacks. Everyone loves it!
We’ve included our 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.
We’ve also added our mashup of two American classics – hot dog nachos. Tell us those aren’t a great Memorial Day appetizer idea for this long summer weekend.
Jars And Cups Are Perfect Easy 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?
If you’re looking for something along the lines of Memorial Day snack ideas or appetizers, we have everything from a Mexican seven-layer dip to an elote cup bar to jarcuterie below. Any of our unique Charcuterie Board Ideas can go into a cup or jar!
Hot Memorial Day Apps
1
Chicken Wings on Grill
This Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe uses a simple two-zone grilling technique to ensure that your wings are smoky and crispy on the outside, while being perfectly succulent and juicy on the inside.
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!
These Greek Chicken Meatballs with herby yogurt dipping sauce are a recipe that can do double duty as dinner, or as a party bite that can be kept warm in a slow cooker!
This Crab Rangoon Dip is everything you love about your favorite takeout treat, but in a creamy, shareable dip that is MUCH easier to make than individual rangoons.
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!
Wondering how to serve smoked salmon? It's as simple as knowing which ingredients to shop for, and arranging them on a pretty tray. Assemble this elegant Smoked Salmon Platter in just 20 minutes for your next brunch or cocktail party.
This Beef Kafta Recipe turns a classic Lebanese dish into something possible at home on a weeknight. The succulent grilled meat kabobs are flavored with garlic, onions and lots of dried herbs and spices. Serve simply with yogurt dipping sauce, or bowl-style for a larger meal.
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!
This Dill Veggie Dip is a nostalgic Midwestern classic, updated for modern tastebuds. Try it once and you'll understand – and never go back to any other recipe.
Onions are caramelized to sweet perfection and paired with garlic, cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise to create the caramelized onion ultimate dip.
This 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.
Our perfect homemade Pimento Cheese Dip is better than anything you can buy at the store. Serve it for the Kentucky Derby, The Masters, or any party or tailgate.
Roasted Garlic Dip is a creamy and versatile dip made with simple ingredients. Serve this irresistible make-ahead marvel with chips, crackers, veggies, crostini, or spread it on a sandwich!
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!
What a great round up! So many delicious things in one place! Thank you! Pinning and sharing!!