Memorial Day is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time for gatherings with family and friends!
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or a potluck picnic, one thing’s for sure: you’ll need some tasty appetizers to kick off the festivities.
But why stick to the same old chips and dip when you can wow your guests with something special?
In this post, we’re serving 100 mouthwatering Memorial Day appetizers to please every palate.
So, put on your chef’s hat and get ready to discover some delicious new recipes that will make your Memorial Day celebration memorable!
List of Mouthwatering Memorial Day Appetizers
1. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer made by halving hard-boiled eggs, removing the yolks, and mixing them with ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, and spices.
The yolk mixture is then piped back into the egg whites, creating a creamy and tangy bite-sized treat.
These are easy to prepare and perfect for serving at gatherings.
- Main Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, spices
- Serving Tip: Garnish with paprika or fresh herbs for an extra flavor.
2. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
It’s made with spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.
Serve it warm with tortilla chips, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
- Main Ingredients: Spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, Parmesan
- Serving Tip: Serve with toasted bread or pita chips for a crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
3. Caprese Skewers
Caprese Skewers are a fresh and light appetizer that combines the classic flavors of a caprese salad in a bite-sized form.
They are made by threading cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves and then drizzling with balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.
These are perfect for outdoor picnics or BBQs.
- Main Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze
- Serving Tip: Chill the skewers before serving for a refreshing bite on warm days.
4. Stuffed Jalapeños
Stuffed Jalapeños are spicy, flavorful appetizers that pack a punch.
The peppers are halved, filled with a creamy cheese mixture, and baked until bubbly.
For added flavor, wrap them in bacon or top them with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
- Main Ingredients: Jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheese, bacon (optional)
- Serving Tip: Serve with ranch or sour cream for dipping to balance the heat.
5. Guacamole
Guacamole is a crowd favorite.
It’s made from mashed avocados mixed with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
It’s a creamy, tangy, and fresh dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips and veggies or as a topping for tacos and sliders.
It’s easy to prepare and will be a hit at any gathering.
- Main Ingredients: Avocados, lime juice, onions, tomatoes, cilantro
- Serving Tip: Serve with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for a refreshing appetizer.
6. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a spicy, creamy dip made with shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.
It’s baked until bubbly and served warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.
The dip combines the tangy flavors of Buffalo chicken wings with the rich creaminess of cheese, making it a perfect party appetizer.
- Main Ingredients: Shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese
- Serving Tip: Serve with celery sticks or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
7. Mini Sliders
Mini Sliders are bite-sized burgers made with ground beef or turkey, cheese, and toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
These handheld snacks are grilled or baked, making them perfect for casual gatherings.
They can be customized with different toppings and sauces, offering something for everyone.
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef or turkey, cheese, slider buns, toppings
- Serving Tip: Offer a variety of toppings like pickles, onions, and sauces for a personalized touch.
8. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a simple yet flavorful appetizer made with toasted slices of bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
It’s a fresh, light option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
The crisp bread and juicy tomato mixture create a delightful contrast of textures.
- Main Ingredients: Baguette slices, tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil
- Serving Tip: Serve the tomato mixture on freshly toasted bread for maximum crunch.
9. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
A Cheese and Charcuterie Board is an impressive and easy-to-assemble appetizer that features a selection of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, and crackers.
It offers a variety of flavors and textures, from creamy cheeses to salty cured meats, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Main Ingredients: Cheese, cured meats, fruits, nuts, crackers
- Serving Tip: For balance, include a mix of soft and hard cheeses and sweet fruits like grapes and figs.
10. Chicken Wings
Chicken Wings are a classic appetizer that can be prepared in various flavors, from spicy Buffalo to tangy BBQ.
They can be baked or fried and served with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
Wings are perfect for casual gatherings, offering bold flavors in bite-sized portions.
- Main Ingredients: Chicken wings, Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing
- Serving Tip: Serve with plenty of napkins and dipping sauces for a messy but fun appetizer.
11. Vegetable Platter with Hummus
A Vegetable Platter with Hummus is a fresh and healthy appetizer, perfect for guests looking for a lighter option.
It typically includes a variety of colorful veggies, such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, served with creamy hummus for dipping.
This refreshing platter adds a crunchy, nutritious element to your spread.
- Main Ingredients: Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, hummus
- Serving Tip: Include a variety of hummus flavors like roasted red pepper or garlic for variety.
12. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Bacon-wrapped dates are a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.
The dates are stuffed with cheese or nuts, then wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to perfection.
This bite-sized appetizer is rich, flavorful, and perfect for impressing guests.
- Main Ingredients: Dates, bacon, cheese, or nuts (optional)
- Serving Tip: Serve warm and drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor.
13. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed Mushrooms are a versatile appetizer that fills mushroom caps with a mixture of cheese, herbs, breadcrumbs, or sausage.
They’re baked until golden and tender, offering a flavorful and hearty bite.
These savory treats are easy to make and are always a hit at gatherings.
- Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, cheese, herbs, breadcrumbs, sausage (optional)
- Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan for an added flavor.
14. Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Cocktail is a light and elegant appetizer featuring chilled shrimp with a zesty cocktail sauce.
The combination of tender shrimp and the tangy, spicy sauce makes it a refreshing starter, perfect for warm-weather gatherings like Memorial Day.
- Main Ingredients: Shrimp, cocktail sauce (ketchup, horseradish, lemon)
- Serving Tip: Serve over ice to keep the shrimp cool and fresh throughout the event.
15. Fruit Skewers
Fruit Skewers are a vibrant and healthy appetizer made by threading a variety of fresh fruits, such as strawberries, pineapple, and grapes, onto skewers.
They are refreshing and colorful, making them a perfect option for outdoor events.
Drizzle with honey or serve with a yogurt dip for an extra twist.
- Main Ingredients: Strawberries, pineapple, grapes, melons
- Serving Tip: Chill the skewers before serving for a refreshing bite in warm weather.
16. Mini Quiches
Mini Quiches are bite-sized versions of the classic French dish, typically filled with eggs, cheese, vegetables, and meats.
These savory treats can be made in various flavors, such as spinach and cheese or bacon and onion.
They are perfect for serving at gatherings as they can be made ahead of time and served warm or at room temperature.
- Main Ingredients: Eggs, cheese, vegetables, meats (optional)
- Serving Tip: Make a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes.
17. Chips and Salsa
Chips and Salsa is a classic appetizer that’s always a crowd favorite.
It consists of crispy tortilla chips served with fresh and zesty salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime.
It’s a light, flavorful starter that’s easy to prepare and perfect for outdoor events.
- Main Ingredients: Tortilla chips, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime
- Serving Tip: For variety, offer multiple salsa options like spicy, mild, and mango salsa.
18. Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a Blanket are a fun and easy appetizer made by wrapping mini sausages in crescent roll dough and baking them until golden.
These savory bites are great for casual gatherings and are loved by both kids and adults alike.
They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces like mustard or ketchup.
- Main Ingredients: Mini sausages, crescent roll dough
- Serving Tip: Serve with mustard or cheese dipping sauces for added flavor.
19. Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese
Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese are light, refreshing appetizers perfect for a warm day.
Thick cucumber slices are topped with a dollop of seasoned cream cheese or herbed goat cheese, offering a cool and crunchy bite.
This appetizer is healthy, easy to make, and adds a touch of elegance to the table.
- Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, cream cheese or goat cheese, herbs
- Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh dill or smoked salmon for an elevated touch.
20. Taco Dip
Taco Dip is a layered appetizer with refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and fresh toppings like tomatoes and olives.
It’s served cold with tortilla chips and offers a taco’s bold, savory flavors in dip form.
This crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfect for larger gatherings.
- Main Ingredients: Refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tomatoes, olives
- Serving Tip: Serve with tortilla chips and keep chilled before serving.
21. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella Sticks are a classic appetizer made by coating mozzarella cheese sticks in breadcrumbs and frying them until golden and crispy.
These gooey, cheesy bites are always a hit, especially when served with marinara sauce for dipping.
They’re perfect for a casual gathering and easy to make in large batches.
- Main Ingredients: Mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce
- Serving Tip: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
22. Crab Cakes
Crab Cakes are savory patties made with fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then fried or baked to perfection.
They’re flavorful and slightly crispy on the outside, with a tender, crab-filled interior.
For extra flavor, crab cakes can be served with lemon aioli or tartar sauce.
- Main Ingredients: Crab meat, breadcrumbs, seasonings, lemon
- Serving Tip: Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.
23. Loaded Potato Skins
Loaded Potato Skins are a hearty and indulgent appetizer made from hollowed-out potato halves filled with cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
These crispy bites are baked until golden, making a perfect appetizer for any gathering.
They’re comforting, delicious, and easy to eat.
- Main Ingredients: Potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream
- Serving Tip: Garnish with chives and extra bacon for added flavor.
24. Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip
Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip are soft, bite-sized pieces of pretzel dough served with a warm, gooey cheese sauce.
These savory snacks are a fun and crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for casual gatherings.
The salty pretzels and rich cheese dip make for a delicious combo.
- Main Ingredients: Pretzel dough, cheese dip
- Serving Tip: Serve with both cheese dip and mustard for variety.
25. Grilled Pineapple Skewers
Grilled Pineapple Skewers are a sweet and tangy appetizer perfect for a summer BBQ.
Fresh pineapple is cut into chunks, threaded onto skewers, and grilled until caramelized.
The pineapple’s natural sweetness intensifies with grilling, making these skewers a refreshing and flavorful treat.
- Main Ingredients: Fresh pineapple
- Serving Tip: Sprinkle with chili powder or serve with a drizzle of honey for added flavor.
26. Meatballs
Meatballs are a savory and satisfying appetizer, often made with ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
They can be served in a variety of sauces, from marinara to BBQ.
Meatballs are versatile and easy to prepare in large quantities, making them perfect for any event.
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, seasonings, sauce (BBQ or marinara)
- Serving Tip: Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing, and provide sauce for dipping.
27. Fried Pickles
Fried Pickles are a crispy, tangy appetizer made by coating pickle slices in seasoned batter and frying them until golden.
They’re crunchy on the outside and tangy on the inside, making them a fun and flavorful snack.
Fried pickles are often served with ranch dressing for dipping.
- Main Ingredients: Pickles, batter, ranch dressing
- Serving Tip: Serve hot with ranch or spicy dipping sauces.
28. Coconut Shrimp
Coconut Shrimp is a tropical-inspired appetizer with shrimp coated in shredded coconut and fried until golden.
The crispy coconut crust pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp, creating a sweet and savory bite.
They are typically served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
- Main Ingredients: Shrimp, shredded coconut, sweet chili sauce
- Serving Tip: Serve with sweet chili sauce for a tangy contrast to the coconut.
29. Quesadilla Slices
Quesadilla Slices are made by grilling tortillas with cheese and optional fillings like chicken, veggies, or beans, then slicing them into wedges.
These cheesy, melty treats are easy to prepare and perfect for serving at casual gatherings.
They’re often served with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Main Ingredients: Tortillas, cheese, fillings (chicken, veggies, beans)
- Serving Tip: Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
30. Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread Muffins are soft, slightly sweet muffins made with cornmeal and baked until golden.
They are a great complement to BBQ dishes and are often served as an appetizer or side dish.
Cornbread muffins are easy to make and can be served warm with butter or honey for added sweetness.
- Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, sugar, butter
- Serving Tip: Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or butter on the side.
Dips and Spreads
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Baba Ganoush
- Spinach Feta Dip
- Pimento Cheese Dip
- French Onion Dip
- Sundried Tomato Tapenade
- Beetroot Hummus
- Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
- Goat Cheese and Honey Spread
Skewers and Bites
- Antipasto Skewers
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Greek Salad Skewers
- Watermelon Feta Skewers
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers
- Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
- Halloumi and Veggie Skewers
- BBQ Tofu Skewers
- Marinated Mozzarella Bites
- Caprese Salad Bites
Finger Foods
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
- Mini Spinach Pies
- Zucchini Fritters
- Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado
- Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
- Mini Corn Dogs
- Phyllo Cups with Brie and Cranberries
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
- Mini Tacos
- Parmesan Crisps
Seafood Appetizers
- Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
- Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter
- Lobster Roll Bites
- Coconut-Crusted Crab Balls
- Tuna Tartare
- Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter
- Shrimp Ceviche
- Mini Lobster Tacos
- Smoked Trout Pâté
- Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Vegetarian Appetizers
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Sweet Corn Fritters
- Cucumber Avocado Rolls
- Mushroom Tartlets
- Carrot Fries with Yogurt Dip
- Mini Eggplant Pizzas
- Roasted Garlic and Tomato Crostini
- Stuffed Grape Leaves
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Falafel Balls with Tahini
Vegetarian Appetizers
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Sweet Corn Fritters
- Cucumber Avocado Rolls
- Mushroom Tartlets
- Carrot Fries with Yogurt Dip
- Mini Eggplant Pizzas
- Roasted Garlic and Tomato Crostini
- Stuffed Grape Leaves
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Falafel Balls with Tahini
Conclusion
Remember, Memorial Day is about more than just good food—it’s a time to remember and honor those who gave their lives for our country.
Sharing a meal with loved ones is a wonderful way to celebrate the freedom these heroes fought for.
Which of these appetizers caught your eye? Are you thinking of trying one (or more!) for your Memorial Day get-together?
We’d love to hear your plans in the comments below.
Don’t forget, the best appetizer is one shared with good company.
So, whatever you choose to make, the most important ingredient is the people you share it with.
Check out our other food articles if you want more recipe ideas for your holiday celebrations.
Happy cooking, and happy Memorial Day!
