These Appetizers Are the Easiest Way to Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend
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Warm weather and longer days can only mean one thing: Memorial Day weekend is near! So let's kick things off with our best Memorial Day appetizers. After all, you're going to want some party dips, salsas, and crowd-pleasing finger foods to hold your friends and family over until the hot dogs and burgers are ready to serve. Ahead, you'll find tons of inspiration for summer appetizers, light bites, and pool party food ideas that are perfect for any backyard cookout. Plus, we've made sure to include plenty of starters that will pair well with your favorite BBQ foods.
If your menu of Memorial Day recipes includes grilled steak as the main, try the bacon-shrimp skewers and burrata salad to start. Cooking up a more casual menu of burgers and ribs? You'll love the crispy fried pickles or the quick and easy dill dip served with veggies and chips. You'll also find ideas for other ways to use summer produce, including corn recipes, tomato recipes, and recipes featuring garden-fresh herbs. Whichever appetizers you choose to serve, you'll want to complete the long weekend with a round of refreshing Memorial Day cocktails and summer desserts for the kids.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is like a party in a bowl! It's a flavorful combination of chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve it up with tortilla chips for scooping.
Get Ree's Pico de Gallo recipe.
Burrata Salad
Lusciously creamy burrata cheese is delicious on its own. But add sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy balsamic, and fresh basil—and you have a summer starter that everyone will be talking about.
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
Esquites
This flavorful Mexican street food combines charred corn and poblano peppers with a spicy, zesty blend of cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
Get the Esquites recipe.
Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread
This might just be the prettiest cornbread we've ever seen! The gorgeous layer of heirloom tomatoes makes it perfect for summertime.
Get the Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread recipe.
Avocado Salsa
Creamy avocado teams up with crunchy and fresh veggies, like jicama, onion, pepper, and cherry tomatoes for this crowd-pleasing dip. Be sure to taste and adjust for lime juice and salt before serving.
Get the Avocado Salsa recipe.
Coconut Shrimp
Bring on the tropical flavor with this party shrimp that's coated in shredded coconut! There's also a Thai chili dipping sauce that's perfectly sweet and spicy.
Get the Coconut Shrimp recipe.
Tomato Tart
Store-bought crust makes this beautiful tart easier than you might think. Layer on caramelize some onions, cheese, and summer tomatoes. Then, cut into small squares for the perfect bite.
Get Ree's Tomato Tart recipe.
Avocado Salad
Not only does this salad keep things light and refreshing with its fresh veggies and creamy avocado, but it's also tossed with a salsa verde dressing that you'll want to make again and again.
Get the Avocado Salad recipe.
Taco Dip
Grab your favorite taco toppings! This dip is great for customizing to your family's liking. You can add corn, avocado, or sliced green onion.
Get the Taco Dip recipe.
Grilled Pizza
You'll want to fire up the grill for this summery take on pizza. When cut into small squares or wedges, the Caprese-style pie is perfect for a Memorial Day appetizer.
Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.
Fried Eggplant
Cooking your eggplant this way ensures that it's meltingly tender on the inside and extra-crunchy on the outside. Basically, it's the perfect finger food, especially when dunked into a bowl of tomato sauce.
Get the Fried Eggplant recipe.
Cheeseburger Sliders
These are not your average cheeseburgers—they’re fit for a crowd! The bite-sized sliders are made with a big ole pile of ground beef so they're easier than flipping patties, too.
Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.
Fried Pickles
Planning a Southern-style barbecue? Pickles are practically required! But in this case, they become a crunchy starter or snack.
Get the Fried Pickles recipe.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Eating healthy on a holiday isn't always easy, but this protein-packed hummus is a great place to start. It'll keep you fueled up for any weekend activities.
Get the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe.
Hushpuppies
These mini cornbread bites are crunchy, golden, and slightly spicy thanks to chopped jalapeño. The key to making them is to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Get the Hushpuppies recipe.
Corn Salsa
Fresh, seasonal corn gives this salsa a pop of sweet summer flavor, but if you like a bit more spice, you can always add more jalapeño!
Get the Corn Salsa recipe.
Jalapeño Poppers
Who doesn't love jalapeño poppers?! Now you can make the restaurant-worthy app right at home with all the spiciness you know and love.
Get the Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are practically required when it comes to entertaining (at least according to Ree!). Whip up this classic recipe for your picnic, cookout, or dinner party.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Cheeseburger Dip
Anyone who's a fan of burgers will love this creamy, cheesy dip! You can serve it with any sturdy dippers, like kettle-cooked potato chips or pita chips.
Get the Cheeseburger Dip recipe.
Cucumber Salad
You'll want to keep this cucumber salad recipe on hand all summer long. It's a refreshing way to start a meal!
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Spinach Dip
A cool, creamy spinach dip is the perfect party starter in the warmer months. You can prep it ahead and pull it out of the fridge whenever your guests arrive.
Get the Spinach Dip recipe.
Air Fryer Okra
No need to stand over a pot of hot oil to make these satisfyingly crunchy bites. The okra is dredged in cornmeal and crisped up in the air fryer instead!
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Strawberry Arugula Salad
This fresh summery salad is sweet, tangy, and nutty thanks to the strawberries, feta, and pecans. It'll look so pretty on your holiday table.
Get Ree's Strawberry Arugula Salad recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These small bites are sticky-sweet with a hint of spice. Once you try one, it'll be hard to stop eating them!
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Fried Zucchini
Summer veggies are here at last. It's the perfect opportunity to make some crispy fried zucchini sticks. Try them dipped in ranch—we promise you'll love them!
Get the Fried Zucchini recipe.
Whipped Feta Dip
You don't have to heat up the kitchen for this easy, no-cook dip. Just a simple blitz in the food processor and you'll have a creamy, salty garlic-infused feta dip in no time.
Get the Creamy Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
Chicken Taquitos
Making your own taquitos is easier than you might think—this recipe uses a rotisserie chicken! And, the whole process takes just 35 minutes.
Get the Chicken Taquitos recipe.
Beet Hummus
Add something colorful to your Memorial Day menu! This bright pink hummus gets it's vibrant hue (and earthy, sweet flavor) from tender cooked beets.
Get the Beet Hummus recipe.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
To give this fresh, seasonal salad a patriotic spin, swap the oranges for blueberries. It'll add the perfect amount of red, white, and blue to your party.
Get the Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Crab Cakes
You'll feel like you're at the beach (even if your just in your own backyard) with these delicious homemade crab cakes. Just don't forget the spicy mayo remoulade!
Get the Crab Cakes recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This cheesy, spicy dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Serve it up with carrot sticks, potato chips, or toasted slices of bread—it's delicious every which way!
Get the Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
You can serve this simple, flavorful grilled shrimp over a salad or straight up on skewers. Either way, it's a fun starter for any backyard cookout.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Sausage Rolls
Make these sausage rolls in advance, then store them in the freezer. All you'll have to do is pop them in the oven whenever guests start to roll in.
Get the Sausage Rolls recipe.
Mexican Street Corn
This twist on grilled corn is loaded with a thick layer of mayonnaise, chili powder, and cheese. It's perfect when paired with your favorite tacos and margaritas!
Get the Mexican Street Corn recipe.
Homemade Tomatillo Salsa
If you've never tried green salsa before, there's no better time to start than Memorial Day weekend! The tangy, spicy homemade dip can even double as a dressing for grilled steaks.
Get the Homemade Tomatillo Salsa recipe.
Pigs in a Blanket
Hamburgers and hot dogs are a must-have at any cookout, so these mini dogs are sure to be a hit. They have a fun spin thanks to the everything bagel seasoning toppings.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Dill Dip
This cool, refreshing dip is perfect for serving before a big barbecue. It won't fill you up too much and it's super easy to make.
Get the Dill Dip recipe.
Grilled Corn Salad
A fresh, bright, seasonal salad is always a good place to start. Especially when it involves grilled corn, avocado, and a zesty cilantro vinaigrette.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad recipe.
Classic Guacamole
Zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and spicy jalapeño gives this simple guacamole it's bold flavor. You'll love it with homemade tortilla chips for dipping.
Get Ree's Classic Guacamole recipe.
Bacon-Shrimp Skewers
Not a fan of shrimp? Well, you will be now. Here, it's coated in juicy, crunchy strips of bacon for a result that's positively mouthwatering.
Get Ree's Bacon-Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
Spice up your deviled eggs with this recipe that uses prepared horseradish and hot sauce. For even more bold flavor, top each deviled egg with a barbecue potato chip.
Get Ree's Horseradish Deviled Eggs recipe.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
This quick and easy dip can be made with fresh or frozen corn so it's completely versatile no matter what vegetables are in season. Plus, it tastes delicious with chips, nachos, or even tacos.
Get the Corn and Black Bean Salsa recipe.
Grilled Watermelon
Here's a refreshing way to kick off any party: serve sliced of watermelon that have been grilled for a slightly smoky flavor. Then, serve with lime wedges and cilantro for a zesty twist.
Get the Grilled Watermelon recipe.
Mango Salsa
Of all the fun ways to serve salsa, this one stands out for being both sweet and spicy. Look for fresh, juicy mangoes for the best results.
Get the Mango Salsa recipe.
Grilled Sweet Mini Peppers with Goat Cheese
The key to nailing this Instagram-ready appetizer? Shop for a variety of multi-colored mini peppers.
Get the Grilled Sweet Mini Peppers with Goat Cheese recipe.
Loaded Wedge Fries
If you're planning on spending the evening with your whole crew, you can try setting up a "toppings bar" next to these gorgeous wedge fries. They're beyond delicious.
Get Ree's Loaded Wedge Fries recipe.
Bobby Flay’s Grilled Beef Skewers
These grilled beef skewers are a perfect option for a cocktail party or tailgate-style gathering. They're incredibly filling—but the portions are perfectly petite.
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Grilled Chicken Sliders
A fiery mixture of cajun seasoning and adobo sauce will delight all of your guests. (And these mini sandwiches just look plain cute.)
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken Sliders recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Every special occasion calls for buffalo chicken! These miniature sandwiches are a great option for the youngest set.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe.
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
It may not be served hot off the grill, but this cool, refreshing salad is every bit as important as the rest of the items on your menu. It'll provide a nice contrast to all the heavier fare.
Get Ree's Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint recipe.
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