25 Memorial Day Appetizers That Buy You Time While The Grill Gets Ready

Waiting for the grill to heat up is when everyone feels the hungriest. Friends and family usually stand around the backyard with empty plates, just watching the smoke and wishing the food was done. Having snacks ready before the burgers start cooking is the best way to keep people happy. These 25 Memorial Day appetizers are easy to make and perfect to eat while the main meal is being prepared. They give everyone something to munch on so nobody gets cranky while waiting for the food.

Red, White and Blue Watermelon Caprese Skewers

Juicy fruit cubes and salty mozzarella sit threaded onto bamboo sticks. Cold treats like these help everyone handle the heat near the grill. Red and white colors make the whole table look festive.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Watermelon Caprese Skewers

Spicy Jalapeno Guacamole Recipe

Roughly mashed avocados meet spicy peppers and a lot of lime juice. Chunky and fresh, it pairs perfectly with a big bag of salty chips. Making a double batch is a smart move for any holiday crowd.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeno Guacamole Recipe

Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip

Cream cheese and peppers simmer in a small pot to stay melty. Zero attention is needed once the heat is turned on for the day. Guests can dip in whenever the grill timer adds another ten minutes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip

Snow Crab Stuffed Zucchini Rolls

Cold seafood filling tucked into green squash ribbons makes for a crisp snack. Chilly bites like this feel great when the sun is high. Eating a few won’t ruin your appetite for the main meal later.
Get the Recipe: Snow Crab Stuffed Zucchini Rolls

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

Spicy shredded chicken mixed into a creamy base brings a lot of heat. Melted cheese on top keeps the texture smooth as it sits. Guests who want a snack with a real kick will head here first.
Get the Recipe: Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

Easy Ground Beef Nachos

Crispy chips hide under a heavy layer of warm meat and cheese. Groups can easily pick at these while the steaks are being flipped. Finding a soaked chip at the bottom is usually the best part.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Nachos

Halloumi Fries

Sticks of salty cheese develop a dark, crackling crust but stay solid. Grabbing a few while standing by the cooler is easy since they aren’t messy. Firm, chewy centers offer a nice change from typical soft dips.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus

Creamy blended beans meet a hint of garlic in this silky dip. Scooping it up with a chip is easy during a backyard chat. A little well of olive oil on top stops the sun from drying it out.
Get the Recipe: Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip

Hot, cheesy greens sit under a lid of toasted breadcrumbs and parmesan. Pita chips work best for reaching the molten center of the bowl. Families usually empty this dish faster than anything else on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Dough pockets pinch shut around a steaming center of pepperoni and cheese. Heat stays trapped inside for a long time, which is perfect for grazing. Napkins are all you need to grab one and keep moving.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

Warm, gooey cheese gets topped with sweet fruit and crunchy nuts. It sits happily on the table while the burgers finish cooking. Most people find it a great way to stay patient during a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Tiny potato rounds hold a mix of cheddar, bacon, and sour cream. Loaded baked potato flavors get packed into a single, salty mouthful. Standing around a patio table is easier when you have finger foods.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Beetroot Mousse Canapes

Earthy beets get whipped into a light purple spread on rye crackers. Fresh dill on top adds a garden scent to every single bite. Simple ingredients make this a colorful choice that requires zero last-minute work.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot Mousse Canapes

Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Little nuggets of cheese get fried until the outside is golden and thin. Biting into them creates a fun squeaky sound and a salty stretch. Hot baskets of these usually disappear before they even reach the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls

Crispy wrappers shatter to reveal a warm filling of spicy rice and sausage. Hearty centers help take the edge off a big appetite while waiting. Extra spice is a fun way to change up a standard cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Spicy green peppers get stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. Bacon turns brittle and smoky as it cooks right next to the burgers. Hidden heat inside is balanced out by the cool cheese filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Strawberry & Whipped Feta Bruschetta

Salty cheese and sweet berries create a bright mix on crisp toast. Light summer bites like this take very little effort to assemble. Berry juice stains the cheese in a way that looks very pretty.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry & Whipped Feta Bruschetta

Mexican Baked Feta in Morita Recaudo Salsa

A block of salty white cheese turns soft in a pool of spicy red sauce. Bubbles pop quietly in the dish while people tear off chunks of bread. Dipping into the molten center is a classic way to pass the time.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Baked Feta in Morita Recaudo Salsa

Easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Soft cheese rolled in bacon and green onions looks great on a platter. Shape stays firm even in the heat, so it won’t melt into a mess. Savory flavors bridge the gap between lunch and the big dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Cowboy Caviar

Black beans, corn, and peppers toss together in a zingy dressing. Colors stay vibrant and textures stay crunchy even after an hour outside. Big corn chips help navigate the heavy vegetables without breaking.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)

Starchy fruit gets pressed into thick rounds and fried for a loud, stubborn crunch. Double-frying keeps them from getting soggy if the air is humid. Sturdy edges make them act like edible spoons for thick garlic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)

Creamy Avocado and Chickpea Hummus

Chickpeas and rich avocado blend into a smooth, pale green dip. Kids and adults both seem to love the mild, buttery flavor. Woodsmoke smells even better when you have a cooling snack in hand.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado and Chickpea Hummus

Salmon Dip

Flaked fish and cool cream create a bright, chilled snack for the patio. Sharp lemon flavors stand out against the smoky air from the grill. Sliced radishes on the side keep everything looking fresh and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Dip

Duck Breast Bruschetta

Slices of pan-fried meat sit on small pieces of toasted bread. Tomatoes and garlic add flavor without making the crunchy base soggy. Special touches like this make a casual BBQ feel a bit more fancy.
Get the Recipe: Duck Breast Bruschetta

Smoked Spiced Shrimp with Homemade Saskatchewan Dry Rub

Peppery rub clings to juicy shrimp cooked until they are just firm. Deep, campfire flavors fit the mood of any backyard party perfectly. Serving them on ice keeps the seafood safe and refreshing to eat.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spiced Shrimp with Homemade Saskatchewan Dry Rub

The coals aren’t hot yet, but the people are hungry, so you might as well give them something worth the wait.