Fire Up the Grill! 17 Appetizers for a Perfect Memorial Day BBQ

Memorial Day and grilling go hand in hand, and no BBQ is complete without a lineup of mouthwatering appetizers to kick things off. Whether you’re craving smoky skewers, cheesy dips, or crispy bites fresh off the grill, these 17 appetizers will set the stage for an unforgettable cookout.

Packed with bold flavors and easy-to-make recipes, this list has everything you need to keep guests happy while the main course sizzles.

Shrimp Boil Skewer Appetizers

Shrimp Boil Skewer Appetizers are a fun twist on the classic seafood boil, served party-style. Instead of digging into a big pot, your guests can grab perfectly portioned skewers stacked with juicy shrimp, baby potatoes, corn, and sausage. It’s a bold, flavorful bite that brings coastal vibes to any gathering. Get the recipe

Smoked Brisket & Cheese Dip

This Smoked Brisket & Cheese Dip is what happens when leftover BBQ meets game-day snack goals. It’s bold, melty, and built to feed a hungry crowd. Toss everything into a skillet, let it bubble in the oven, and you’re minutes away from something seriously scoopable. Get the recipe

Carolina Gold Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Carolina Gold Pulled Pork Sandwiches are all about that unmistakable mustard BBQ sauce. The pork is slow cooked until fork tender, then tossed in a golden sauce that is tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. Served on soft sandwich buns, it is simple food done right. Get the recipe

Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers

Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a must-try for your next cookout. Juicy shrimp and caramelized pineapple are grilled to perfection, creating a smoky, tropical flavor in every bite. Get the recipe

Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers

What sets Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers apart is their perfect balance of flavors. The bourbon adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the savory notes of garlic and soy sauce, while a hint of spice rounds out the profile. Get the recipe

Honey BBQ Riblets

These Honey BBQ Riblets are a mouthwatering appetizer that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness. The tender, juicy riblets are coated in a luscious honey barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully as they cook, creating a sticky glaze that’s simply irresistible. Get the recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

One of the best appetizers to serve at a party is a grilled chicken skewer. It’s easy to eat while moving around, because you can bite it right off the stick and it’s perfectly juicy and seasoned without the need for any sauce on the side. Get the recipe

Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer

Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer is a great dish for any outside gathering. The shrimp is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil and lime juice, infused with aromatic spices, and then grilled to perfection. Get the recipe

Tequila Lime Chicken Wings

Tequila Lime Wings are a zesty, flavorful twist on classic chicken wings, perfect for any occasion. Marinated in a vibrant blend of tequila, fresh lime juice, garlic, and spices, these wings are then grilled or baked to perfection. Get the recipe

Teriyaki Salmon Bites

These Teriyaki Salmon Bites are coated in a sweet teriyaki glaze and fried to perfection, then topped with sesame seeds and green onions, to make an irresistible appetizer. Get the recipe

Smoked Pig Shots (Bacon Wrapped Sausage)

These Smoked Pig Shots make an excellent appetizer when you’re outside smoking some meat for a BBQ. They are sausages, wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese and green chilis. Get the recipe

Smoked Queso Dip

This Smoked Queso Dip is an appetizer everyone will love. It combines the richness of cheese with the zesty kick of chorizo, jalapeños, and the smokiness of the grill. Smoking the queso dip elevates its taste, giving it a deep, rich smokiness that you simply can’t get from stovetop cooking. Get the recipe

Smoked Deviled Eggs

These Smoked Deviled Eggs are a flavor revelation and a really fun twist on a classic appetizer that you can make while you’re out smoking things on the pellet grill. They aren’t fancy, but they are delicious and they’ll end up being the hit of your cookout. Get the recipe

Smoked Armadillo Eggs

These Smoked Armadillo Eggs are jalapeno poppers with a creamy, cheesy center, encased in sausage meat, then rolled in bacon and smoked to soak up all that classic wood flavor. Each bite is a tantalizing fusion of spicy, smoky, cheesy goodness. Get the recipe

Easy Grilled Bourbon Pineapple

Grilled Bourbon Pineapple combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the smoky flavors of bourbon to create a delicious grilled side dish for your meal. It’s a unique side dish that will add a burst of flavor to your next barbeque gathering. Get the recipe

Simple Smoked Cream Cheese

If you haven’t tried Smoked Cream Cheese yet, you must give this tasty appetizer a try. With just two ingredients – cream cheese and dry rub – it’s a serious flavor bomb when smoked. Serve it with pita chips or a sturdy cracker, some veggies, sliced baguette, whatever you like. Get the recipe

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Shotgun Shells are the perfect BBQ treat, featuring manicotti tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef and cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with BBQ sauce. Get the recipe