25 Memorial Day Appetizers That Vanish Before the Burgers Even Hit the Grill

The busiest part of a backyard party is the first thirty minutes. Guests arrive hungry, but the grill usually isn’t ready yet. I’ve learned to put snacks out right away so people have something to eat while they talk. You can pick from these 25 Memorial Day appetizers to find easy treats that guests can grab with their hands. These snacks don’t even need a fork or a chair. My goal is for the plate to be empty by the time the burgers are finally ready to eat.

Steak and Shiitake Mushroom Bruschetta Crostini Appetizers

Toasted bread topped with thin steak and mushrooms feels like a fancy treat. You can pick one up and keep talking without needing a fork or a plate. This is a great way to offer a more filling snack at the start of the night.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Shiitake Mushroom Bruschetta Crostini Appetizers

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

A spicy pepper wrapped in bacon and filled with cream cheese makes a hot, smoky treat. The air fryer makes the bacon extra crisp while the pepper gets soft. These are usually the first things guests reach for when they arrive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Cowboy Caviar

Chopped beans, corn, and peppers stay fresh and crisp in the heat. This chunky dip feels like a light salad you eat with a chip. People keep coming back for more until the bowl is completely empty.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Caprese Whipped Goat Cheese Dip

Goat cheese is whipped until fluffy and topped with tomatoes and basil for a very light snack. It tastes like a fresh summer salad but works perfectly as a dip for bread. The bright colors look great sitting out by the ice bucket.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Whipped Goat Cheese Dip

Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Chunks of breaded cheese turn melty and salty after a few minutes in the air fryer. They have a fun squeak when you bite them. Put the bowl on a picnic table and watch it disappear in seconds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Easy Gluten Free Samosas

These crispy pockets are filled with spiced chickpeas and use a special dough so anyone can eat them. They stay very crunchy and go well with a cold drink. You won’t ruin your appetite for a burger later because they are nice and light.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

Scoop up gooey honey and warm cheese with a strong cracker. This big wheel of melted cheese is covered in sweet fruit and crunchy nuts. It is a delicious, messy snack for everyone to share.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed Matzo Balls

A spicy pepper and melted cheese are tucked inside these round snacks for a fun surprise. The crispy outside and warm heat inside really wake things up. It’s a bold start to the cookout that people will keep talking about.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed Matzo Balls

Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe

Salty mushrooms and onions hide inside these flaky pastries. They make a loud crunching sound with every bite. Guests usually eat them all before dinner is even ready.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe

Deep Fried Matzo Balls with Ranch

Frying these until they are dark gold creates a shell that shatters when you bite it. Dunking them into cool, creamy ranch dressing is the best part. They are a fun, crunchy twist on a traditional food that fits right in at a party.
Get the Recipe: Deep Fried Matzo Balls with Ranch

Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus

Blending chickpeas until they feel like butter makes a dip that everyone will crowd around. It keeps people busy dipping carrots and pita bread while the meat cooks. The bowl usually ends up empty long before the party is over.
Get the Recipe: Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus

Crispy Baked Onion Rings Chips

Baking thin onion slices with cheese makes a snack that is light but very crunchy. Your hands stay clean because they aren’t greasy, which is nice when you are holding a drink. Keep a bowl of these on the table for easy munching.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Onion Rings Chips

Halloumi Fries

Sticks of salty cheese get a golden crust but stay firm enough to dip into cool yogurt. They feel like thick, hot French fries and stay tasty even in the sun. They are a perfect match for a cold soda or an icy tea.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Beans, cheese, and fresh veggies are piled high in one big bowl. Every scoop with a chip gets you a bit of everything from the cream to the crunch. It keeps a hungry crowd happy while the grill does its work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Snow Crab Stuffed Zucchini Rolls

Fresh crab meat gets wrapped in thin ribbons of green squash for a cool, light bite. A single toothpick holds it together so you can eat with one hand. These little rolls usually vanish before you can even tell people they are ready.
Get the Recipe: Snow Crab Stuffed Zucchini Rolls

Beer Cheese Dip

This thick, warm cheese sauce is made for dipping soft pretzels. It has a rich flavor that is perfect for a backyard party with friends. The pot stays melty and inviting while everyone catches up.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Tofu And Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms

Small mushroom caps are filled with soft tofu and salty tomatoes. They bake quickly and offer a savory bite for anyone walking past the kitchen. Even the people watching the grill will want to grab one as they go by.
Get the Recipe: Tofu And Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms

Salmon Dip

Flaked salmon and lemon make a fresh spread that tastes great on a salty chip. It is the easiest thing to make when your backyard starts to fill up with people. You will find the bowl scraped clean before the coals are even hot.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Dip

Cheese Bourekas

Buttery pastry triangles filled with melted cheese are always a hit. Tiny seeds on top might get everywhere, but nobody minds once they taste the warm center. This reliable snack never stays on the plate for more than a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Bourekas

Chickpea Sweet Potato Garlic Dip

Mashing sweet potatoes with chickpeas and garlic makes a smooth, slightly sweet spread. It is thick enough to stay on a chip even if you are standing up and talking. The bright orange color makes it easy to find on a crowded table.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Sweet Potato Garlic Dip

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Small dough pockets filled with sauce, cheese, and meat are a fresh version of a favorite snack. They come out of the oven hot and ready to be shared. Kids will likely finish the whole tray before the adults even know they are there.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Refreshing Colombian Ceviche With Pear, Fennel, And Mango

Cold fish mixed with sweet mango and pear tastes great on a hot afternoon. This tangy snack is a fresh way to start the party before the heavy food is ready. Most people will hold a small cup of it while they wait for the grill.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Colombian Ceviche With Pear, Fennel, And Mango

Roasted Garlic Guacamole

Softening the garlic in the oven first gives this avocado dip a deep, smooth taste. It never fails to disappear the second the chip bag is opened. A squeeze of lime keeps it looking green and fresh while it sits on the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Guacamole

Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Topping small potato slices with melted cheese and bacon puts a whole meal into one bite. They are warm and salty, which feels more special than a regular bag of chips. These are a big hit with anyone who wants a solid snack before the burgers.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Rolling a small sausage in dough with cheese and bacon makes a salty, spicy bite. The air fryer keeps them from being too heavy and adds a perfect crunch. These are almost always the first snacks to be finished at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Grab a plate now because these plates will be empty before the charcoal even turns gray.