27 Memorial Day Snacks That Disappear Fast (and Don’t Make You Miss the Party)

At a Memorial Day celebration, everyone’s ready to eat – but nobody seems ready to eat “dinner” just yet. This is why copious amounts of finger food snacky type things usually get made to hold people over while the grill is firing up, and while someone is asking for the bottle opener for the fourth time. I personally enjoy making things quick and easy, so I can spend more time outside with friends while they bicker about who gets to be the lucky volunteer to put the sunscreen on everyone. I stand my ground on these 27 starters for backyard parties.

1) Deviled eggs

I’ll be honest: I take a long hard look at the food that is set out at a cookout and linger a little by the deviled eggs situation. Paprika adds nothing to egg salad, so let’s keep it simple, mayo, mustard, and a sprinkle of salt will do just fine. For your eggs, please remember to put them in a non-sliding and non-smearing container. You will probably not have time to set your drink down before it disappears.

2) Watermelon Skewers

When the weather gets warm, and I want to snack without feeling guilty, this is the recipe I reach for. I always add mint and feta because that’s what makes it a snack and also elevates the watermelon. It might be wise to dry the watermelon first to avoid soggy skewers. I learned that the hard way after the puddle incident.

3) Chips and Pico

People gather around pico de gallo and dip their chips into it like it’s a campfire. To make everything shine, use fresh tomatoes, a crunchy onion, and lots of lime. To make the raw onion less strong for some, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 5 minutes and then drain it. The anticipation for the grill to be “almost ready” is real and exactly what you want.

4) Classic Guacamole

The best types of guacamole in my opinion are the spicier, tangier ones. I personally enjoy the taste of added lime and salt, and maybe even a bit of cumin, because they seem to show greater craftsmanship. If your avocados are too underripe to mash (which is a common problem), plain Greek yogurt can be used in place of avocados to add creaminess to your guacamole.

You will not have to worry about people scooping out a lot of guac at once if you use a big bowl to serve it. Avocados are full of both fiber and good-for-your-heart monounsaturated fats.

5) Queso Dip

Cheese is a loud ingredient and it’s supposed to be. Just mix melted cheese, a bit of milk, and add the chiles and garlic. I have witnessed adult melt downs around a skillet of queso. Just a fact. Keep the heat on the low burner at home and do not forget to refill.

6) Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip is like that reliable friend who always shows up on time and helps out with the cleanup. Shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese and a hint of tang: done. If you want to achieve a milder heat level, order the majority of milder wing sauces and request extra hot sauces on the side. You can also pair with crackers for scooping and celery for a little extra crunch.

7) Spinach Artichoke Dip

This dip should be served at every single event, it’s that comforting and delicious! Make sure to chop up your artichokes really finely so no one gets an unwanted stringy bite. Don’t skimp on the garlic! Even if the dip sits out for longer than expected, it will still taste good. For this dip, we recommend pita wedges or some sturdy chips.

8) Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers will elevate the sophistication of your snack table. Use cherry tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls for assembly ease. Drizzling balsamic glaze before serving is best to prevent mess. They are fresh and clean. Having these is nice as some of the heavier items.

9) Antipasto Platter

I’d like to be civil. Please include olives, salami, pickled veggies, and cheese so guests can serve themselves. It is best to keep the food at room temperature, as it will help the flavors stand out as opposed to being hidden and muted by the cold. Throw in some toothpicks, and now it’s a party.

10) Hummus Trio

Even if it means having to eat the same thing, including myself, people like to have options. A hummus trio covers picky eaters, snackers, and the, “I’m just having something light,” people. To avoid broken dip chips, stronger dippers like pita chips, carrot sticks, or even cucumber slices are great. This is another lifesaver if you are looking for something that can be left out without any fuss.

11) Crispy Chicken Wings

Wings are the epitome of the beautiful chaos of a backyard party. If you think firing up the grill is too much bother, just bake the wings until the skin crisps up and then toss them in sauce. And for the love of all things good, don’t forget napkins. Trust me, they will need them! And if you want to cater to varying levels of spice tolerance, feel free to do half mild and half hot, and let people help themselves.

12) Pulled Pork Sliders

Having other options besides ‘snacks’ can be useful when dinner is running late. Instead of a snack, this is more like a meal. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pulled pork. If this is the plan, be sure to heat it so it stays moist. For added crunch, you can add pickles and slaw if you want to get a little crazy. Try to make the portions smaller. Ideally, you want people to take two without even thinking about it.

13) Smash Burger Bites

Some people may think that making mini smash burgers is a bit of a nuisance. Someone has to stand at the stove and act like a short-order cook by flipping little patties. These burgers will most likely remind people of diners, with their nostalgic mouth-watering, golden crispy edges and soft melted cheese buns. If you are doing this, it is probably better to have someone else do the assembling while you do the cooking. Although people will claim not to be hungry, they will still line up to grab some.

14) BBQ Meatballs

Meatballs are the unsung heroes of the potluck universe. If you make them yourself or buy some good quality pre-made ones, no one will have their weekend spoiled. You can barbeque (or if you like that sweet and savoury combo, barbeque with grape jelly) them. While this may not be the greatest importance, we do acknowledge the work involved in making this a one-handed snacking option.

15) Pigs in the blanket

I have yet to come home with uneaten pigs in a blanket. Most comments go unnoticed by those who are consumed by the enjoyment of the immediate, unrestrained, and uninhibited eating of the food. Everything seasoning can be added for a more sophisticated taste before baking. Also, if you leave them in the oven for a minute too long because you got distracted don’t worry, they are very forgiving.

16) Grilled Corn Ribs

There is something fun about Corn ribs. They are made by taking a corn cob and cutting it lengthwise into fours, and then seasoning and cooking them until the edges begin to curl and crisp. For a full cobb of corn, the sweet, smoky, and roasted flavour is very delicious and captures that feeling without the need to take a full bite of cob. My favourite dip is creamy, lime and garlic is amazing, any flavour really!

17) Elote Corn Dip

This is the answer to your desire to get Mexican street corn, without having to deal with the butter on your street. Mix your corn with mayo or sour cream, lime, chili powder, and a crumbly, salty cheese. It gets a little zesty, has a different taste and is quite possibly addictive. Set some sturdy chips on the mat and watch how quickly they disappear.

18) Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

I know that taking cucumber sandwiches to the backyard might seem like the start of a book club, but cooler, more crisp sandwiches certainly belong more with the fiery snacks. For herbed cream cheese crackers, simply spread the cream cheese on the crackers, place some thin cucumber rounds, and then slice them into smart little squares. For guests that don’t eat meat, these sandwiches are also a quiet pleasure.

19) Tomato Bruschetta

When preparing bruschetta, the first step is to obtain some quality tomatoes as they are a crucial ingredient. After dicing them, add a couple pinches of salt and have them rest to pull some of the liquid and help balance the flavor. Make sure to really toast the bread as this will help keep it from becoming soggy Enjoy messy situations as they can be fun.

20) Nachos

Customers can be drawn with proper layering of the nacho ingredients: Chips, cheese, bean. If you don’t want them to be a barren chip graveyard, pull some toppings, like meat, and repeat. After baking, to keep them bright, add cold toppings like sour cream, salsa, or cilantro. They should be served as soon as possible as nachos are quick to make.

21) Soft Pretzel Bites

Warm pretzel bites smell memorable, some can even make you reminisce about a sporting event. For a traditional look when using ready to bake dough, do a slight brush with baking soda for a wash. While still hot, salt to your liking. Your choice in dip shows a different side of you, cheese is for the creative, and mustard is for those who are more subdued.

22) Snack Mix Bar

If you want to cater to everyone with minimal cooking, then this is your best option. Place a few bowls with an assortment of crunchy snacks, and maybe some extras like wasabi peas, or dried cherries, etc. Each person creates their blend and will defend it like it’s a sport. Please make others aware that there are nut allergies before putting out the bowls, and be careful with the nuts.

23) Fruit Salad

Fruit salad usually comes as a boring blend of fruit, but you can change that by adding lime juice and honey to your salad. Use a variety of colors when creating your salad to make it visually appealing. Try to make all the pieces bite sized. If your bowl is going to be outside for a long time, it may be a good idea to place your bowl in a larger bowl of ice to keep it fresh and safe. The fruit salad is a refreshing change from all of the savory and salty snacks.

24) Coleslaw

Coleslaw is great, but a big bowl can develop into a mayonnaise swamp during warmer weather. Dividing it into smaller cups will help with organization and increase the meaning behind the display. Depending on your intended audience, you may choose to utilize a creamy or vinegar-based option. I appreciate the taste of delicatessens that the celery seed brings.

25) Pickle and Veggie Tray

Snacks can be so much more than cheese and sticky toppings. A pickle tray offers a nice crunchy snack that is lighter than the other dishes will be. For color and variety, add some pickled carrots or peppers. Even those who say they ‘don’t really like pickles’ will come back for more pickle spears.

26) Chips and Onion Dip

We can’t explain this snack, but it is better than other more elaborate snacks. If you’re a little short on time, an option would be a store bought dip, but if you have any time at all, make a dip that actually has caramelized onions. Try to use ridged chips, they are less likely to break when dipped. These chips are hassle-free, at least until the dip is finished.

27) Dessert Bites

I think it is funny when someone jokingly says they are “just having a little bite” at the snacks table, and this is a great chance to keep the atmosphere light as everyone helps themselves to the snacks. Brownie bites feel rich and grown-up. Rice Krispie treats embody a nostalgia of being nine years old in the best way. Everything small allows for more grazing without putting anyone into a dessert coma. Additionally, they can be easily packed and taken away for holiday weekends, which is half the battle!