Fire Up the Grill! 14 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 14 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 & 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 Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers 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 Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers 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 Honey BBQ Riblets 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 Teriyaki Chicken Skewer 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 Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer 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 Tequila Lime Wings 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 Teriyaki Salmon Bites 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 Smoked Pig Shot 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 Smoked Queso Dip 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 Smoked Deviled Eggs 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 Smoked Armadillo Eggs 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 Grilled Bourbon Pineapple 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 Smoked Cream Cheese 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 Smoked Shotgun Shells recipe.
