59 Easy Memorial Day Appetizers Ready in 15 Minutes

Need last-minute Memorial Day appetizers to impress a crowd? No problem! Serve up these appetizers, snacks and sweet treats at your Memorial Day cookout and guests will be raving before dinner is put on the grill.

Tortilla PinwheelsTMB STUDIO

Just been told the Memorial Day gathering’s at your house? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered! Start off your Memorial Day menu with one of these tasty appetizers, like Lime Avocado Hummus or easy pimento cheese. They’ll hold your guests over until you’re done pulling together a last-minute Memorial Day meal. End the night with a red, white and blue dessert and your guests will surely be impressed.

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Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels

A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla roll-ups, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

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Sweet Onion Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs

For my mother's 92nd birthday, we had pimiento cheese deviled eggs as part of the spread. They’re timeless and always in good taste. —Linda Foreman, Locust Grove, Oklahoma
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Quick Taco Dip

This quick taco dip from Rhonda Biancardi of Blaine, Minnesota is a definite family favorite. In fact, she says, “This recipe has been made more times than I can count! It just looks very colorful to a table, and it never lasts long. And be sure to use one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite taco seasoning brands for an extra delicious Memorial Day appetizer.
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Creamy Cranberry Dip

You can use a variety of salty crackers to scoop up helpings of this slightly sweet cranberry dip. The recipe yields a lot, so it’s a great Memorial Day appetizer for large gatherings.—Joy McQuaid, Darlington, Wisconsin
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Ham-Cheddar Cheese Ball

With the classic combo of ham and cheese, this spread is a year-round favorite at our house. For football parties, shape the ham and cheese ball into a football and add strips of Swiss for the laces. —Michele Moore, Mooresville, Indiana

Be extra patriotic this year and whip up these all-American Memorial Day recipes.

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Sour Cream Dill Dip

“I like to use fresh dill, chives and parsley from my herb garden to make this dip,” writes Diane Dulle from Bentonville, Arkansas. “It’s a perfect Memorial Day appetizer.”
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Grilled Nectarines with Burrata and Honey

The classic caprese gets a sweet makeover with this inspired summer starter. Burrata, mint and honey are served over nectarine halves—or any stone fruit you like—in this creamy, dreamy Memorial Day appetizer. —Anthony Gans, Hawthorne, California
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Watermelon and Cucumber Salsa

The combo of watermelon and cucumber may sound unusual—it tastes anything but! Eat the salsa with chips, or serve it as a topper with hot dogs or chicken tacos for a refreshing change of pace. —Suzanne Curletto, Walnut Creek, California
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Mustard Pretzel Dip

This flavorful pretzel dip recipe is addictive, so be careful! It’s also delicious served with pita chips, crackers and fresh veggies.—Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
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Easy Puppy Chow

This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there’s less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Easy Pimiento Cheese

Every good Southerner has their own easy pimiento cheese recipe. It’s wonderful on crackers, in a sandwich with a fresh summer tomato, inside a grilled cheese sandwich or plain with some crackers. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
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Antipasto Skewers

This elegant-looking appetizer is quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for dinner parties, cocktail parties or as a Memorial Day appetizer! —Amanda Dekrey, Fargo, North Dakota
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Confetti Snack Mix

“I’ve made this party mix for many years and I usually double the recipe,” writes Jane Bray from Temple Terrace, Florida. “It makes a wonderful gift, and everyone always wants the recipe.”
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Pico de Gallo

This easy pico de gallo recipe is a classic for good reason. It pairs with just about everything! My tip is to let it chill for an hour or two before serving to help the flavors blend. Also, it’s best to serve it the same day that it’s made. —Jeannie Trudell, Del Norte, Colorado
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Ham Pickle Pinwheels

My mom introduced me to this ham pickle pinwheels appetizer a number of years ago, and I’ve been making them for a Memorial Day appetizer. They are easy to make and are always well received by guests. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
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Spicy Popcorn

When I want to indulge in a snack, I make this spicy popcorn. One batch doesn't last long at our house. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your family's tastes. —Kay Young, Flushing, Michigan
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Lemon-Garlic Hummus

You’ll need just five ingredients to blend together this smooth and creamy Memorial Day appetizer. It’s delicious and quick to make. —Kris Capener, Ogden, Utah
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Garlic & Onion Cashews

You’ll be set for either a quick snack or an easy hostess gift when you use this recipe. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
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Beer & Cheddar Fondue

This great-tasting beer cheese fondue is my mom's favorite, so I make it for her birthday every year. I like to serve this cheddar cheese fondue recipe with apple slices, rye bread cubes, and chunks of carrots, mushrooms, celery, zucchini, squash and broccoli. —Amanda Wentz, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Bee My Honey Fruit Dip

Orange, cinnamon and nutmeg round out this creamy spiced dip. I serve it with apples, pineapple and strawberries. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
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Strawberry Salsa

This deliciously different salsa is versatile, fresh-tasting and colorful. People are surprised to see a salsa made with strawberries, but it’s excellent over grilled chicken and pork or as an appetizer dip with corn chips. —Jean Giroux, Belchertown, Massachusetts
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Savory Cheese Ball

Blue cheese contributes a pleasant, tangy bite and olive a saltiness to this creamy cheese ball recipe. For the optimum taste, let the cheese ball stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.—Jan Stawara, Howell, Michigan
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Taco Pinwheels

These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
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Pepper Mango Salsa

Whenever I make this, the bowl is always left empty! The idea for a homemade mango sauce hit me after I saw a chef on television make something similar. It sounded so good, and it wasn't something I could find in a store at the time. The salsa is especially tasty served with artisan chips —the black bean and roasted garlic ones are my favorite. When strawberries are in season, I add them into the mix, too. —Wendy Rusch, Cameron, Wisconsin
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Garlic-Parmesan Cheese Ball

This is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
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Caprese Salad Kabobs

Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
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German Beer Cheese Spread

We love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
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Marshmallow Fruit Dip

You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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Chunky Mango Guacamole

When serving a crowd, double or quadruple this guacamole. The onion, tomato and mango can be chopped in advance. Add avocado just before serving. —Diana Nienberg, McComb, Ohio
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Pastrami Roll-Ups

For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
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Loaded Baked Potato Dip

I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
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Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread

My friends and family always ask me to make this Memorial Day appetizer. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
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Cheesy Quesadillas

We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
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Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip

These fruity kabobs are so refreshing on a warm day. They’re also a quick and easy appetizer for get-togethers. —Kathleen Hedger, Godfrey, Illinois
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Lime Avocado Hummus

My mashup of guacamole and hummus is light and bright, but also rich and satisfying. Serve with chips and veggies or as a cool sandwich spread. —Andreann Geise, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Mango Black Bean Salsa

This colorful salsa takes just minutes to prepare—and that’s likely how long it will last at your next event, too! Chopped mango adds bursts of sweetness to this satisfying chip dip. —Judy Heiser, Uvalde, Texas.
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Ranch Snack Mix

This is a wonderful fast-to-fix appetizer. The recipe makes tons and doesn’t involve any cooking. It’s a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it’s a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
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Hot Pizza Dip

You can assemble this easy appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
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Blue Cheese Potato Chips

Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
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Bacon Cheese Spread

Each year, I share Christmas cheer by setting up a buffet at my family’s hardware store. This cheese spread recipe is always a biggie! —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
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Smoked Salmon Cheese Spread

Pretzels, chips and veggies all taste awesome with this creamy blend of salmon, cheese and herbs. Thanks to a food processor, it's always ready in a hurry. —Jill Campbell, Huntsville, Texas
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Fresh Fruit Salsa

This salad has all the bright colors and fresh flavors of summer, perfect for a Memorial Day appetizer. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York.
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Salsa Roja

With the help of my food processor, I can have fresh homemade salsa ready in just 15 minutes. The lime juice works wonders in bringing out all the flavors, and you can really taste the cilantro. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Artichoke Caprese Platter

I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
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Seven-Layer Mediterranean Dip

I like traditional seven-layer Mexican dip, but I love Mediterranean ingredients even more. When I made this mashup, my husband wolfed it down. And he won’t even touch hummus or Greek olives on their own! —Bee Engelhart, Bloomfield Township, Michigan
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Homemade Guacamole

I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Nacho Popcorn

My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota
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Best Deviled Eggs

Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
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Chunky Blue Cheese Dip

Every time I make this quick Memorial Day appetizer, someone asks for the recipe. It only requires a few items, so its a snap to put together. I often prepare the thick spread with Gorgonzola cheese and serve it with toasted pecans. —Sandy Schneider Naperville, Illinois
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Beer Dip

Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
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Brownie Batter Dip

I’m all about the sweeter side of dips, and this brownie-batter variety fits in with my life’s philosophy: Chocolate makes anything better. Grab some fruit, cookies or salty snacks and start dunking. —Mel Gunnell, Boise, Idaho
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Chili-Lime Snack Mix

Why buy a pricey bagged snack mix when you can easily make a better-tasting one at home? Create a Southwestern sensation with chili powder, cayenne pepper and a twist of lime. —Julie Beckwith, Crete, Illinois
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Garden Salsa

This garden salsa recipe combines ripe ingredients and subtle seasonings to make a real summer treat. —Michelle Beran, Caflin, Kansas
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Makeover Deviled Eggs

This updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of the original recipe and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. We replaced the mayo with fat-free mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Cannellini Bean Hummus

My version of hummus features a delightful nuttiness from tahini, a peanut butter-like paste made from ground sesame seeds. The beans pack a lot of protein so it's a healthy snack for kids. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
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Shrimp Salad Appetizers

This refreshing appetizer has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
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Party Spinach Spread

This Memorial Day appetizer is delicious, easy and pretty, too! Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe. The spread keeps for several days, so it’s great for making in advance for a party. But once you put it out, it won’t last long! —Maire Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado
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So-Easy Snack Mix

I eat this tasty treat just as much as (if not more than) the kids! Have fun with it by adding other goodies into the mix, like nuts, cereal, pretzels and more. —Jeff King, Duluth, Minnesota
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Thyme and Fig Goat Cheese Spread

When I started growing herbs in my garden it took me a while to find a good way to use thyme, but this easy appetizer spread lets it shine. I usually garnish it with a sprig of thyme, slivered almonds and chopped figs. —Laura Cox, Columbia, Missouri

Dana Meredith
Dana is an editor and writer who shares her passion for travel, food and the beauty of American landscapes. When she's not wielding her red pen, she can be found tending her flower gardens, remodeling her house, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry or dancing to "Uptown Funk."