Memorial Day is coming, and I think about all the fun barbecues. Last year, my friends and I had a great time. We made easy appetizers that made our party special.
These moments remind me why we celebrate. It’s a time to honor heroes and enjoy tasty food together.
This year, I want to share my favorite Memorial Day appetizers. They’re perfect for your party. You’ll find patriotic dishes and fun finger foods. Each recipe is delicious and easy to make.
Table of Contents
Coleslaw Bites
Coleslaw bites are perfect for Memorial Day gatherings. They are small, refreshing, and full of summer flavor. Everyone will love their crunchy texture and tangy taste.
To make these tasty treats, you’ll need a few things:
- 4 cups of green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup of carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 24 mini phyllo cups or small lettuce leaves
Here’s a simple coleslaw recipe to bring these bites to life:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, mixing until evenly coated.
- Spoon the coleslaw mixture into the mini phyllo cups or lettuce leaves.
- Serve chilled to keep the bites fresh and crunchy.
These coleslaw bites are great for summer events. They are easy to make and fun to eat. Enjoy each bite without any hassle!
Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
In summer, I love grilled corn on the cob. It’s even better with herb butter. This recipe makes corn sweet and adds a fresh touch. The herbs and butter mix makes it special.
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect corn on the cob recipe:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Corn (husked) | 6 ears |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh chives (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
To prepare this irresistible dish, follow these easy steps:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, parsley, chives, lemon juice, and salt until well blended.
- Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until tender.
- Brush the corn with the herb butter before serving.
- Serve with additional herb butter on the side for those who want more flavor.
This grilled corn is amazing and perfect for summer gatherings. The herb butter makes it extra special. Try it at your next barbecue for a fresh, tasty treat that will wow your guests!
BBQ Chicken Skewers
BBQ chicken skewers are the best for summer BBQs. They are easy to make and loved by all. The mix of juicy chicken and BBQ flavor is unforgettable.
The ingredients are simple and you might already have them:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast, cut into cubes | 2 pounds |
| BBQ sauce (my favorite brand) | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Wooden skewers (soaked in water) | As needed |
Now, let’s get started! Here’s how I make these skewers:
- In a big bowl, mix chicken, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- After marinating, put the chicken on skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning them now and then. They should be cooked through.
- Before serving, brush more BBQ sauce on for extra flavor.
BBQ chicken skewers are quick to make and a hit at BBQs. Their smoky taste is a crowd favorite!
Grilled Vegetable Platter
A grilled vegetable platter is a colorful and healthy choice for any summer party. It looks great and is very good for you. The flavors of the grilled veggies are amazing.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 8 ounces of mushrooms, halved
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A sprinkle of Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Grill the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, turning until tender and slightly charred.
- Arrange the grilled vegetables on a platter and serve warm.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Making a cheese board is fun for me. It’s a great appetizer platter with many flavors and textures. It lets guests pick their own bites and enjoy each other’s company.
For a great cheese and charcuterie board, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what I pick:
- 3 types of cheese: cheddar, brie, goat cheese
- 3 types of cured meats: salami, prosciutto, chorizo
- A variety of crackers
- Fresh fruits such as grapes and strawberries
- Nuts like almonds and walnuts
- Olive oil or honey for drizzling
Setting up the appetizer platter is easy. I start by placing cheeses and meats on a big board. Then, I add crackers, fruits, and nuts to fill in the spaces. A little olive oil or honey makes it even better.
I also provide small cheese knives and toothpicks. This lets guests pick what they like. It’s a fun way to make the experience special for everyone.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is my top pick for appetizers. It mixes savory tastes with a crunchy feel. Making these finger foods is easy, so I can enjoy the party more.
I use fresh asparagus for a crunchy bite. The crispy bacon and tender asparagus make it special. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound of asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Wrap each asparagus stalk with a half slice of bacon and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy.
- Serve warm for the best taste and crunch.
These bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles always impress. They’re great for any party, showing off asparagus’s versatility. Everyone loves the mix of flavors, making it perfect for any event.
Pulled Pork Nachos
Pulled pork nachos are a mix of savory and cheesy. They’re great for parties and game day snacks. The cheese and pulled pork make a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of cooked pulled pork
- 1 bag of tortilla chips
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup of pickled jalapenos
- 1/2 cup of salsa
- Optional: sour cream and guacamole for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet.
- Top with pulled pork, shredded cheese, and jalapenos.
- Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
This dish is perfect for any gathering. It turns pulled pork into an easy-to-eat snack. It’s a hit at parties or just a casual evening at home!
Pimento Cheese Dip
Pimento cheese dip is a favorite of mine, and it’s super easy to make. It’s great with crackers or veggies, perfect for parties or get-togethers. The recipe I use has cheeses and spices that everyone loves.
To make this dip, I mix cream cheese, cheddar, pimentos, and mayonnaise. Worcestershire sauce adds a special flavor. It’s best served cold and always a hit at parties.
| Ingredients | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 1 8-ounce block |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Diced pimentos (drained) | 1/2 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
To make this pimento cheese dip, I follow these simple instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Serve chilled with crackers, sliced veggies, or toasted bread.
Sweet Potato Fries
I always look for tasty appetizers that are also healthy. Sweet potato fries are perfect. They add sweetness and are better than regular fries. This recipe is easy and great for Memorial Day.
To make these fries, I slice two big sweet potatoes. Then, I mix them with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. The paprika makes them smoky and sweet.
After coating, I spread the fries on a baking sheet. I bake them at 425°F for 25-30 minutes. I flip them halfway for extra crunch.
Sweet potato fries taste great and are good for you. You can eat them alone or with sauce. They’re a hit at parties because they’re tasty and healthy!