Impress your guests with mouthwatering Memorial Day appetizers! From savory bites to refreshing snacks, these recipes are perfect for kicking off your holiday celebration.
As Memorial Day approaches, it’s time to start planning your menu for the festivities. Whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day BBQ, picnic in the park, or a dinner party with friends and family, appetizers are a must-have for any Memorial Day celebration.
These tasty bites set the tone for the rest of the meal and keep guests satisfied while mingling and socializing.
From classic favorites to creative twists, there’s a wide range of appetizer options to choose from, ensuring everyone finds something they love on your Memorial Day menu.
What is a good Memorial Day appetizer?
A good Memorial Day appetizer should be flavorful, easy to eat, and evoke the spirit of summer. Try some of the best Memorial Day appetizers:
Party Dips
Party dips are the ultimate Memorial Day appetizer, perfect for bringing people together and satisfying hungry crowds. With their versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal, dips like protein-packed hummus such as a Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe, zesty Salsa Verde, and creamy Easy Dill Dip are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Whether served with crisp, fresh veggies, crunchy tortilla chips, or pita chips, serving a crowd-pleasing dip offers a delicious burst of flavor that complements the laid-back atmosphere of your Memorial Day cookout. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is the perfect Memorial Day appetizer, offering a delicious and satisfying option for gatherings of all sizes. Packed with vibrant veggies, savory meats, and flavorful dressings, pasta salads are a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to a variety of tastes.
Its versatility allows for endless customization, whether you prefer a classic Italian-style salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, or a hearty BBQ chicken pasta salad loaded with sweet corn, beans, and barbecue sauce. Perfect for outdoor picnics and potlucks, pasta salad can be made ahead of time and served cold, making it a convenient and stress-free option for your Memorial Day celebration.
Deviled Eggs Recipe
With their creamy filling and tangy flavor, Deviled Eggs are sure to please guests of all ages, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any Memorial Day spread. Plus, their patriotic colors – thanks to the bright yellow yolks and paprika garnish – add a festive touch to the table, making deviled eggs an ideal appetizer to honor and celebrate the occasion.
Burrata Salad
A Burrata salad, featuring creamy Burrata cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, is an elegant and flavorful choice for a Memorial Day appetizer. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients evoke the essence of summer, making it a fitting addition to outdoor gatherings.
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn, also known as elote, is a fantastic Memorial Day appetizer. Its bold and zesty flavors, including tangy lime juice, Cotija cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and spicy chili powder, make it a flavorful and satisfying snack that is sure to please guests. Mexican Street Corn is easy to prepare and can be served either as seasonal corn on the cob or as a salad, offering versatility to suit different preferences and serving styles.
Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeño poppers offer a perfect balance of spicy jalapeño peppers and creamy cheese filling, creating a flavorful and indulgent bite-sized treat. Jalapeño poppers are versatile and can be easily customized with various fillings, such as bacon, sausage, or even pineapple, allowing for endless flavor combinations to suit different tastes. Whether grilled, baked, or fried, jalapeño poppers are sure to be a hit at any Memorial Day gathering, adding a spicy kick to the festivities.
Mini Cornbread Bites
The bite-sized nature of these Mini cornbread bites makes them convenient and easy to enjoy while mingling with friends and family. Additionally, they can be easily customized with add-ins such as jalapeños, cheese, or bacon, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Whether served on their own or paired with toppings like honey butter or chili, mini cornbread bites are a comforting and satisfying addition to any Memorial Day celebration.
Grilled Pizza
Before you enjoy your hot dogs, throw a pizza on the grill! Making a grilled pizza recipe is a fantastic idea for a Memorial Day appetizer, offering a unique twist on traditional pizza, with a smoky flavor imparted from the grill that adds depth and richness to the dish.
Caprese Bites
Caprese bites capture the essence of summer with their fresh and vibrant ingredients, including sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. The combination of flavors, enhanced by a drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil, creates a harmonious and refreshing bite that is perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Caprese bites are easy to assemble and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing hosts to spend more time enjoying the festivities with friends and family. Whether served as a light starter or a colorful addition to a buffet spread, caprese bites add a pop of sweet summer flavor.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Pulled pork sliders make for a delicious Memorial Day appetizer due to their savory and satisfying flavor, as well as their convenient and versatile nature. The tender and juicy pulled pork, paired with soft slider buns, offers a comforting and indulgent treat that is sure to please guests of all ages. These bite-sized sliders can be easily customized with various toppings and sauces, allowing for endless flavor combinations to suit different preferences.
Whether served as a standalone appetizer or as part of a larger spread, pulled pork sliders are a crowd-pleasing option that adds a touch of Southern charm to any Memorial Day celebration.
Watermelon Feta Bites:
You’ll love the refreshing and hydrating taste of Watermelon Feta Bites. They are perfect for warm weather gatherings. The combination of sweet, juicy watermelon paired with salty feta cheese creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and light. Additionally, Watermelon Feta Bites are visually appealing, are easy to assemble and can be prepared ahead of time. These light bites are a perfect representation of summer flavors and are sure to be a hit at any Memorial Day celebration.
Guacamole and Salsa Bar:
Serve a variety of homemade guacamole and salsa options served with tortilla chips for a customizable and crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
Tips for Making Appetizers for memorial day
- Consider serving a variety of appetizers to accommodate different dietary preferences and tastes.
- Keep portions small and easy to eat, as guests will likely be mingling and socializing while enjoying the appetizers.
- Add festive touches to your appetizer spread with patriotic-themed decorations or garnishes, such as red and blue toothpicks or mini American flags.
- Don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins and serving utensils for guests to use while enjoying their appetizers.
