You know how Memorial Day sneaks up on you every year?
One minute you’re packing school lunches and the next you’re expected to show up at a potluck with something patriotic that doesn’t come from the grocery store deli.
Been there!
If you’re looking for some simple red, white and blue Memorial Day finger foods that go well with your side dishes and bbq food, I’ve got you covered.
Last year I brought these to our neighborhood BBQ and they disappeared faster than my kids when its time to unload the dishwasher!
These finger food ideas are perfect when you need to look like you put in effort without actually spending your precious long weekend slaving away in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun.
Tasty Memorial Day Appetizers
These simple red, white and blue snacks have saved me at countless backyard BBQs and are so easy even my youngest can help make them without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone.
1. Crack Chicken Pinwheels
These crack chicken pinwheels disappear faster than my kids allowance at Target!
Perfect for your Memorial Day potluck when you need something quick that everyone will devour.
- Mix softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning packet, shredded cheddar and bacon bits in a bowl
- Spread mixture evenly on large flour tortillas
- Roll each tortilla up tight like a log
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour in fridge
- Slice into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife
Arrange on plate and watch them vanish before your eyes!
2. Easy Taco Dip
This layered taco dip is my go-to for every summer potluck because it takes like 10 minutes to throw together and the kids never complain!
Even my husband who “forgets” to text when he’s coming home late somehow always remembers when this is in the fridge.
- Beat cream cheese, sour cream, mayo and taco seasoning with mixer until smooth
- Spread this mixture into a 9″ dish (I use my pie plate because who has time to find the “right” dish)
- Layer salsa on top of the cream cheese mixture
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over
- Add chopped lettuce next
- Top with chopped tomatoes (squeeze out the juice first or it gets soggy)
- Sprinkle with black olives if your kids aren’t olive-haters like my youngest
- Add any other toppings you want
Serve with tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
3. Red White Blue Kabobs
These patriotic fruit kabobs are so easy my youngest can make them by herself (with supervision of course because pointy sticks plus a 7-year-old equals potential chaos).
- Wash and dry strawberries and blueberries
- Cut strawberries into chunks about the same size as marshmallows
- Thread in pattern: strawberry, marshmallow, blueberry onto bamboo skewers
- Keep all strawberries facing the same direction for a prettier presentation
- Store in fridge until ready to serve (make within 24 hours or marshmallows get weird)
4. Flag Dip
This flag dip is the perfect patriotic centerpiece for your Memorial Day spread and takes like 10 minutes to throw together!
- Beat softened cream cheese and ranch mix with electric mixer until fluffy
- Stir in drained canned chicken
- Spread mixture onto a rectangular platter or dish
- Sprinkle white cheddar cheese over the entire surface
- Create “stars” by placing chopped black olives in a rectangle in the upper left corner
- Mix diced tomatoes and red bell pepper together then arrange in stripes across the rest of the dip
Serve with crackers, bread pieces or veggies for dipping
5. Mini Lobster Rolls
These mini lobster rolls are my splurge recipe for special occasions when I want to feel fancy even though I’m usually in yoga pants with soccer cleats scattered around my feet!
- Whisk together mayo, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a bowl
- Combine diced cooked lobster, finely diced celery, scallions and chives in separate bowl
- Fold the dressing into the lobster mixture (my oldest always asks to do this part since it’s the “least gross”)
- Cut a wide “V” shape into the top of each brioche roll
- Tuck a small piece of bib lettuce inside each roll
- Fill with the lobster mixture
- Arrange on a platter and watch everyone think you’re Martha Stewart
Last Memorial Day I made these and my husband’s eyes almost fell out of his head when he saw the receipt for the lobster. But after he tasted one he stopped complaining!
6. Easy Berry Bruschetta
A fancy looking and patriotic bruschetta but super simple to make, perfect when you want to impress without stress at your Memorial Day gathering!
- Slice baguette into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick pieces
- Butter one side of each slice and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar
- Toast under broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden
- Let bread cool completely before next step
- Mix softened cream cheese, lemon zest, powdered sugar and vanilla Greek yogurt in a bowl
- Spread cream cheese mixture on each cooled toast slice
- Top with berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries work great for patriotic colors)
- Add mint leaves for garnish if you’re feeling fancy
- Refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving
7. Flag Fruit Dessert
This fruit flag is my go-to Memorial Day dessert because it takes minutes to make and the kids actually eat fruit without complaining for once!
- Wash and dry all your fruit (my youngest thinks this means splashing water everywhere)
- Use about 5-6 cups of red fruit like strawberries, raspberries and cherries
- Arrange red fruit in rows to create the red stripes of the flag
- Place yogurt covered pretzels or white chocolate pretzels for the white stripes
- Put 2 cups of blueberries in a small bowl in the upper left corner for the “stars”
- Set on table and accept compliments like you spent hours on it
8. Red, White and Blue Kid’s Drink
Red, white and blue drinks are a HUGE hit with kids at every summer gathering and my girls think I’m the coolest mom ever when I make them!
- Fill glasses with ice (my youngest insists on helping with this part)
- Pour Cherry 7-Up mixed with Grenadine for bottom layer (fills about 1/3 of glass)
- CAREFULLY add Pina Colada mix for middle white layer
- SLOWLY pour Blueberry Kool-Aid (or blue Gatorade) for top layer
- Add a cherry on top and patriotic straw if you’re feeling extra
- Serve immediately before layers start to mix
The secret to getting perfect layers is pouring each liquid VERY slowly over the back of a spoon.
9. Spicy Mini Corndogs
These mini spicy corn dogs are my husband’s FAVORITE Memorial Day treat!
They take a bit more effort but are totally worth it for special occasions.
- Mix dry ingredients: masa harina, flour, baking powder, salt and sugar
- Roast jalapeno under broiler until blackened then remove skin and seeds
- Add egg, diced jalapeno, Tabasco and buttermilk to dry ingredients
- Stir until batter is pancake-like consistency
- Pat hot dogs dry and dust with cornstarch (helps batter stick better)
- Heat oil to 375° (I use a candy thermometer to check)
- Skewer hot dog pieces with bamboo skewers
- Dip in batter to fully coat
- Fry until golden brown (about 2 minutes)
- Cool slightly then insert lollipop sticks or toothpicks
10. Patriotic Snack Mix
This patriotic snack mix disappears faster than my daughters’ clean laundry – it’s the perfect grab-and-go treat for Memorial Day!
- Pour Rice Chex and Wheat Chex into a large bowl
- Add bag of Chex Mix Muddy Buddies (my youngest always tries to eat these straight from the bag)
- Mix in bagel chips and pretzel sticks
- Toss in red and blue M&M’s and chocolate covered almonds
- Add red, white and blue candy corn
- Optional: melt red Wilton baking chips and drizzle over everything
Last year I made a double batch for my oldest’s soccer tournament and the team devoured it before the first game even started!
11. Peach Jalapeno Salsa
This peach salsa is my secret weapon when tomatoes are everywhere but I want something different! So refreshing for hot Memorial Day cookouts.
- Remove seeds from jalapeno (unless you want it spicy – my husband always keeps some seeds in his portion)
- Chunk up peach with skin on and tomato (my youngest loves this “chopping” job)
- Add small piece of onion (about 1-inch cube)
- Throw in fresh cilantro leaves
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice
- Add kosher salt
- Pulse everything in food processor until desired consistency
For chunkier salsa, puree half the peach and tomato first, then add the rest and just pulse a few times.
12. Summer Berry Salad
This berry salad is my secret weapon for soccer tournaments and hot summer gatherings when everyone is sick of chips and dip!
- Mix dressing ingredients if using: olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper and poppy seeds
- Wash all berries and pat dry (my oldest always complains this takes “forever”)
- Add blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and quartered strawberries to large bowl
- Mix in watermelon cubes (skip if you’re going low carb)
- Sprinkle with fresh mint leaves and lemon zest
- Add crumbled goat cheese on top if you want (my picky middle child picks these out every time)
- Drizzle with just 2-3 tablespoons of dressing and gently toss
The key is not to add the dressing until right before serving or everything gets soggy!
13. Patriotic Pretzels
These patriotic pretzel rods are super simple to make and let’s be honest, the kids can practically make them themselves which is a win for busy holiday weekends!
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
- Melt red, white and blue candy melts in separate bowls
- Scoop melted candy over one end of pretzel rods
- Roll pretzel as you scoop to cover evenly
- Tap lightly to remove excess candy
- Place on parchment paper
- Quickly add sprinkles before candy hardens (red sprinkles on white pretzels, pearl sprinkles on blue, stars on red)
- Let dry completely before serving
14. Firecracker Dogs
Love this Memorial Day and 4th of July finger food idea!
These firecracker hot dogs are a HUGE hit at every summer gathering and so much more fun than regular hot dogs!
- Push skewers through hot dogs leaving about 1.5 inches sticking out the top
- Wrap each hot dog with refrigerated breadstick dough (my youngest loves this job)
- Place on parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Bake at 350° for about 20 minutes (follow dough package directions)
- While dogs are cooking, have deli slice colby cheese about 1/4″ thick
- Use small star cookie cutter to cut stars from cheese slices
- Let dogs cool for 2-3 minutes after baking
- Slide cheese stars onto the skewers at the top
Display upright in container with styrofoam ball hidden by crinkly paper
15. Watermelon Feta Skewer
These watermelon feta skewers look super impressive but are actually so easy my soccer team could make them during halftime!
- Cut watermelon and feta into 1-inch cubes
- Slice mini cucumbers thinly using a mandoline (careful with little fingers!)
- Thread watermelon cube onto wooden skewer first
- Fold and add prosciutto or salami next
- Add cucumber slice, folded slightly
- Thread on feta cube
- Add basil leaf, folded
- Finish with another watermelon cube
- Arrange on platter
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction and sprinkle with kosher salt
More Memorial Day Appetizers, Dips & Drinks
Need more Memorial Day party food ideas that won’t keep you trapped in the kitchen all weekend?
These simple appetizers, dips and drinks will impress your guests while letting you actually enjoy the holiday instead of stressing over complicated recipes.
16. Hawaiian Dip
You’ll love this Hawaiian dip that brings a taste of the islands to your Memorial Day spread without any cooking required!
Just mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, diced ham, cheddar cheese, drained crushed pineapple, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder and dried parsley, then chill for at least an hour before serving with your favorite crackers or chips.
17. Air Fryer Pickles
Looking for a unique Memorial Day appetizer that everyone will fight over?
These take just minutes to make and will disappear faster than you can set them on the table.
Cut pickles into quarters, dredge through flour, egg wash and seasoned panko breadcrumbs, then air fry at 380° for 6 minutes until golden and crunchy!
18. Mini Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple
These mini shrimp tacos with sweet pineapple and tangy yogurt sauce will have your Memorial Day guests thinking you hired a caterer!
Simply season and quickly sauté shrimp, warm mini street taco tortillas, then top with diced fresh pineapple, homemade yogurt sauce, queso fresco and a squeeze of lime for an impressive appetizer that takes less time than getting all three kids into the car.
19. Corn Salsa
This fresh corn salsa brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to your Memorial Day spread!
Just boil fresh corn until crisp-tender, slice off the kernels, then mix with chopped cherry tomatoes, jalapeños (my middle daughter always reminds me to remove the seeds), diced red onion, minced garlic, fresh cilantro and lime juice.
And the result? A bright, colorful topping that’s amazing with chips or spooned over grilled chicken.
20. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Wrap peeled shrimp with quarter pieces of bacon, secure with toothpicks, then brush with a mixture of honey, olive oil and Cajun seasoning before baking until crispy and golden.
My husband demolished half the batch last year before they even made it to the serving platter while my youngest kept asking “are they ready yet?” every 30 seconds.
21. Black Bean Dip
This black bean dip is my go-to for Memorial Day gatherings when I need something easy that feeds a crowd! Just toss together diced bell peppers, minced jalapeño, garlic, drained black beans, sliced scallions, Rotel tomatoes, red onion, fresh cilantro, lime zest and juice.
There’s no cooking required and you can make it ahead while the kids are at soccer practice or when your husband is still on that out-of-town job site.
22. Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
These smoked jalapeño poppers are my husband’s absolute favorite Memorial Day appetizer (even though I’m always paranoid the kids will grab one by accident)!
Simply slice jalapeños in half, scoop out seeds, then fill with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, spices and lemon juice before smoking until tender but still slightly firm.
And if you’re feeling extra, wrap them in bacon before smoking which is what my husband always begs for when his construction buddies are coming over.
23. Sparkling Red, White and Blue Sangria
This sparkling red, white and blue sangria is my secret weapon for Memorial Day gatherings when the kids are finally in bed and the adults can relax!
All you gotta do is mix white wine with fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and a splash of brandy or orange liqueur, let it chill for a few hours, then add sparkling wine and apple stars just before serving.
24. Red White and Blue Cheese Board
This cheese board makes the perfect centerpiece for your Memorial Day spread without requiring any actual cooking!
Arrange white cheeses (like brie, goat cheese and white cheddar), red items (strawberries, cherries, salami and red grapes), and blue elements (blueberries and blue cheese) on a large board with crackers and nuts filling in the gaps.
25. Pepperoni and Swiss Flag Board
Skip the complicated cooking this Memorial Day and wow your guests with this simple pepperoni and Swiss flag board that even the kids can help assemble!
Just place blueberries in a small white bowl in the upper left corner of a serving board, cut a few star shapes from Swiss cheese slices to place on top, then arrange alternating rows of pepperoni and cheese squares to create red and white stripes.
26. Red, White, and Blue Vodka Lemonade Slush
This red, white and blue vodka lemonade slush is my favorite grown-up treat for when all the soccer games are done and the kids are occupied with sparklers at our Memorial Day gathering!
Layer grenadine slush, Blue Curacao slush, and vodka lemonade slush in tall glasses for a drink that’s as pretty as it is refreshing.
Just be sure to keep these away from the kids’ table and maybe skip that second glass if you’re responsible for driving everyone to the soccer tournament in the morning.
27. Burrata Board
This burrata board is my secret weapon for looking like I put in way more effort than I actually did for Memorial Day gatherings!
Place burrata cheese balls in the center of a large board, then surround with cherry tomatoes, fresh summer fruits, colorful veggies, meats and crackers.
28. Red, White and Blue Funfetti Dip
This red, white and blue funfetti dip is my secret weapon when I need a dessert that looks like I spent hours in the kitchen but actually takes just minutes to make!
Mix white cake mix, Cool Whip, vanilla yogurt, vanilla extract and patriotic sprinkles, then chill for a few minutes before serving with graham crackers, pretzels or vanilla wafers.
29. Dill Pickle Dip
This dill pickle dip has transformed even my pickle-hating middle child into a believer and disappears faster than my kids’ clean bedroom at every Memorial Day gathering!
Just mix sour cream, mayo, chopped dill pickles, pickle juice and seasonings, then chill for an hour before serving with chips or veggie sticks.
30. Patriotic Punch
This three-layer patriotic punch will be the centerpiece of your Memorial Day beverage table and the kids will think you’re a magic drink scientist!
Simply pour cran-cherry juice for the red layer, followed by a non-alcoholic piña colada mix for the white middle, and top with blue raspberry drink for a stunning visual effect.
31. Patriotic Charcuterie Board
Wow your Memorial Day guests with this patriotic charcuterie board that looks Instagram-worthy but requires zero cooking skills!
Start by arranging star-shaped white cheese cutouts (my middle daughter loves using the cookie cutters for this job), then add pops of color with fresh berries, watermelon chunks, blue cheese crumbles, white chocolate pretzels and various crackers.
Easy Memorial Day Finger Food Ideas
I hope you enjoyed this wonderful list of Memorial day appetizers for your next party bash!
For more fun meal ideas, follow me on Pinterest!
