Memorial Day Appetizers

Bymomma lew

Memorial Day appetizers are the perfect way to kick off a holiday gathering, bringing people together with tasty bites before the main meal. 

From quick crowd favorites to fun, festive snacks, these recipes will be a hit at your cookout. Whether hosting a picnic, cookout, or backyard hangout, appetizers set the tone for a fun, relaxed day. 

Check out our easy appetizer recipes for ideas that suit any Memorial Day menu. 

Easy to make and guaranteed to please, these ideas range from light and refreshing to savory, ensuring there’s something for everyone! 

MEMORIAL DAY APPETIZERS

Tips for Serving Appetizers on Memorial:

  • Serve easy grab-and-go options. Think skewers, sliders, dips, and bite-sized snacks that guests can enjoy while mingling without needing utensils.
  • Stick with red, white, and blue foods when possible. Fresh berries, patriotic cheese boards, and festive dessert bites instantly make your appetizer table feel holiday-ready.
  • Keep cold foods cold. Use chilled serving trays, bowls nested over ice, or small batches refreshed throughout the cookout to keep everything fresh.
  • Choose make-ahead appetizers. Pasta salads, veggie trays, pinwheels, and dips can be prepped earlier in the day so you can relax with your guests.
  • Offer a mix of light and hearty options. Balance fresh fruit and veggie trays with crowd-favorites like sliders, wings, or cheesy dips.
  • Use disposable or outdoor-friendly serving pieces. This makes cleanup easier and keeps things stress-free during backyard gatherings.
  • Label dishes when possible. Small food labels help guests quickly spot favorites and note allergy-friendly options.
  • Set appetizers out before the grill is ready. A simple starter spread keeps everyone happy while the main cookout foods finish cooking.

Skip the oven and plan your entire patriotic dessert table in minutes with my printable Red White & Blue No Bake Desserts bundle — 10 easy recipes plus a done-for-you grocery list included.Skip the oven and plan your entire patriotic dessert table in minutes with my printable Red White & Blue No Bake Desserts bundle — 10 easy recipes plus a done-for-you grocery list included.Skip the oven and plan your entire patriotic dessert table in minutes with my printable Red White & Blue No Bake Desserts bundle — 10 easy recipes plus a done-for-you grocery list included.

 

A vibrant collage of Memorial Day appetizers—fruit, veggies, dips, and snacks—surrounds festive red, white, and blue text reading MEMORIAL DAY APPETIZERS with star decorations.

Be sure to also check out these delicious recipes to add the perfect touch to your Memorial Day celebration!

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Need a few more simple ideas for your BBQ dessert table? My patriotic no bake dessert bundle has 10 easy options ready to go.

Must Try Memorial Day Appetizers

1
A hand dips a blue corn tortilla chip into creamy spinach artichoke dip, lifting a cheesy portion out of a glass baking dish just like in your favorite spinach artichoke dip recipe.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip is a warm, creamy, cheesy appetizer packed with savory flavor and perfect for scooping with chips or bread. It works beautifully for a Memorial Day cookout because it’s a classic crowd favorite everyone gathers around. Easy to prep ahead and bake when needed, it’s a reliable party starter.
Check out this recipe
2
A glass bowl filled with mini corn dog muffins sits on a wooden cutting board, making perfect easy appetizers for a party, with small bowls of mustard and ketchup in the background.
how to make corn dog muffins
Corn Dog Muffins combine fluffy cornbread with savory hot dog bites for a fun, handheld twist on a fair-style favorite. They’re perfect for Memorial Day gatherings since they’re easy to grab and especially popular with kids and teens. Made with simple ingredients, they come together quickly in one muffin pan.
Check out this recipe
3
A savory muffin topped with ground meat, melted cheese, two pickle slices, and drizzled with a creamy orange sauce makes one of the best easy appetizers for a party, beautifully served on a white plate.
www.mommalew.com
Quick and Easy Cheeseburger Biscuit Cups Recipe
Cheeseburger Biscuit Cups are bite-sized biscuit shells filled with seasoned beef and melty cheese for a mini burger-style appetizer. They’re ideal for Memorial Day because they bring classic cookout flavors in an easy-to-serve form. Using refrigerated biscuits keeps prep fast and stress-free.
Check out this recipe
4
A white plate with a star-shaped watermelon slice, topped with a blueberry and basil leaves, secured by a toothpick. Balsamic glaze dots are on the side. Another similar plate and a cup of blueberries are in the background.
www.cookingonthefrontburners.com
Watermelon Caprese Bites
Watermelon Caprese Bites combine juicy watermelon, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil for a sweet and savory appetizer. They’re perfect for warm-weather Memorial Day spreads because they’re refreshing and colorful. With no cooking required, they’re one of the easiest appetizers to assemble.
Check out this recipe
5
A white bowl filled with creamy dip topped with sliced pickles, surrounded by ridged potato chips, sits on a textured black surface with a green patterned cloth in the background.
swirlsofflavor.com
Dill Pickle Dip
Dill Pickle Dip is creamy, tangy, and packed with crunchy pickle flavor that pairs perfectly with chips or veggies. It’s a fun Memorial Day appetizer that stands out on any snack table. Stir it together in minutes for an easy make-ahead option.
Check out this recipe
6
Easy Cocktail Meatballs
Cocktail Meatballs are tender, saucy bites coated in a sweet and savory glaze that guests always come back for. They’re perfect for Memorial Day gatherings because they stay warm in a slow cooker for easy serving. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re a party classic.
Check out this recipe
7
A plate with a French Onion Cheeseball coated in crispy fried onions, surrounded by round crackers. Nearby are whole onions, green onions, a bowl of fried onions, cheese spreaders, and a floral kitchen towel.
How to Make A French Onion Cheeseball
French Onion Cheeseball is creamy and packed with savory onion flavor, perfect for spreading on crackers. It’s a great Memorial Day appetizer that can be made ahead and served chilled for easy entertaining. Just mix, shape, and chill for a simple crowd-pleaser.
Check out this recipe
8
Memorial Day Appetizers PIN
www.inspiredtaste.net
Easy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is smooth, smoky, and slightly sweet with a vibrant flavor boost from roasted peppers. It’s a lighter Memorial Day appetizer option that pairs perfectly with veggies and pita. A quick blend in the food processor makes prep effortless.
Check out this recipe
9
Memorial Day Appetizers PIN
theforkedspoon.com
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled Veggie Skewers are colorful, smoky, and packed with fresh summer flavor straight from the grill. They fit perfectly into a Memorial Day cookout menu alongside burgers and grilled favorites. Simple seasoning and quick grilling keep them easy to prepare.
Check out this recipe
10
A white bowl of chunky tomato salsa, made from a fresh salsa recipe, is surrounded by yellow and blue tortilla chips.
www.mommalew.com
Easy Restaurant Style Homemade Salsa Recipe
Restaurant Style Homemade Salsa is smooth, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with just the right kick. It’s a Memorial Day party essential that pairs with everything from chips to tacos. Blend everything together in minutes for a fast homemade upgrade.
Check out this recipe
11
Memorial Day Appetizers PIN
neighborfoodblog.com
Cold Veggie Pizza
Cold Veggie Pizza layers creamy ranch spread and fresh veggies on a soft crust for a colorful appetizer slice. It’s ideal for Memorial Day spreads because it’s served chilled and easy to portion. Using refrigerated dough keeps preparation simple.
Check out this recipe
12
Memorial Day Appetizers PIN
sulaandspice.com
American Flag Taco Dip
American Flag Taco Dip is a festive layered dip decorated with red, white, and blue toppings for patriotic flair. It’s perfect for Memorial Day celebrations where presentation matters as much as flavor. Assemble ahead and chill for easy serving.
Check out this recipe
13
Memorial Day Appetizers PIN
meaningfuleats.com
Chex Mix (Easy Snack Mix!)
Chex Mix is crunchy, savory, and loaded with seasoned snack favorites everyone loves to munch on. It’s a great Memorial Day appetizer to set out for casual grazing throughout the party. Toss everything together quickly for an easy batch snack.
Check out this recipe
14
A plate of cooked shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, served with a wedge of lemon on the side—perfect as Memorial Day finger foods.
pinchandswirl.com
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are smoky, savory, and slightly crisp with juicy shrimp inside. They’re a standout Memorial Day appetizer that feels special but fits right into grill season. Quick to assemble and fast to cook on the grill.
Check out this recipe
15
party appetizers
www.beyondthechickencoop.com
Veggie Pinwheels
Veggie Pinwheels are soft tortilla rolls filled with creamy spread and colorful chopped vegetables. They’re perfect for Memorial Day because they’re easy to serve and great for prepping ahead. Slice and chill for a simple party-ready appetizer.
Check out this recipe
16
Memorial Day Appetizers PIN
www.spendwithpennies.com
Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeño Poppers are spicy peppers stuffed with creamy cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. They’re a classic Memorial Day appetizer guests always reach for first. Simple ingredients and quick baking make them easy to prepare.
Check out this recipe
17
Cowboy Caviar Bean and Corn Dip
justisafourletterword.com
Cowboy Caviar Bean and Corn Dip
Cowboy caviar is a fresh, zesty mix of beans, corn, tomatoes, and peppers tossed in a tangy dressing that doubles as both a dip and a hearty side. It’s perfect for a Memorial Day cookout because it’s colorful, make-ahead friendly, and pairs well with chips or grilled favorites. Just chop, stir, and chill for an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Check out this recipe
18
Mac n Cheese Bites
oldhousetonewhome.net
Mac n Cheese Bites
Mac and cheese bites are crispy on the outside and filled with creamy, cheesy pasta on the inside for the ultimate comfort food appetizer. They’re perfect for a Memorial Day cookout because they turn a classic favorite into a fun, handheld snack guests of all ages love. Bake or air fry them for an easy make-ahead option that’s simple to serve.
Check out this recipe
19
A glass bowl filled with colorful seven-layer dip, including refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and topped with tortilla chips. Bowls of chips and dip are in the background.
modernhoney.com
7 Layer Dip Recipe
Seven-layer dip is a colorful, Tex-Mex-inspired appetizer featuring layers of refried beans, guacamole, seasoned sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, fresh tomatoes, and sliced black olives. It’s popular because it’s easy to make, makes a stunning presentation, is delicious, and always a hit at parties or game-day gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl watch party or a casual family get-together, a classic 7 layer dip is guaranteed to impress.
Check out this recipe
20
Sticky Grilled Chicken Wings are crispy with a sweet-tangy sauce!
boulderlocavore.com
Sticky Grilled Chicken Wings are crispy with a sweet-tangy sauce!
Sticky grilled chicken wings are sweet, savory, and slightly smoky with a caramelized glaze that makes every bite irresistible. They’re perfect for a Memorial Day cookout because they cook right on the grill and bring bold flavor to your appetizer spread. With a simple marinade and quick grilling time, they’re an easy crowd-pleasing favorite everyone reaches for first.
Check out this recipe

Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.

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