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Before the burgers hit the grill and the hot dogs start sizzling, set the stage with some mouthwatering Memorial Day appetizers! As the unofficial kickoff to cookout season (and summer), you can bet your guests will show up hungry. Keep them satisfied while the steaks are cooking with these crowd-pleasing starters made for sunny, summer gatherings.
No jar of store-bought salsa here, either. Instead, try your hand at homemade pico de gallo made with seasonal tomatoes or a fun twist on deviled eggs made with lots of pickle flavor. There are also easy appetizers that you can make in advance and some that are made on the grill itself! You'll also find ideas for other ways to use summer produce, including corn recipes, zucchini recipes, and recipes featuring garden-fresh herbs.
If your menu of Memorial Day recipes includes grilled steak as the main, try the bacon-shrimp skewers and burrata salad to start. Cooking up a more casual menu of BBQ foods and ribs? You'll love the cool cucumber salad or the quick and easy dill dip served with veggies and chips. Speaking of which, you'll even find a homemade potato chips on this list! Whichever appetizers you choose to serve, you'll want to complete the long weekend with a round of refreshing Memorial Day cocktails and summer desserts for the kids. Now go kick off the summer right!
Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs
Add a kick to your backyard cookout with these spicy sriracha-infused deviled eggs. They're perfect for picnics, BBQs, or any get-together with spice-loving friends.
Get Ree's Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs recipe.
Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts
Store-bought puff pastry makes this beautiful tart easier than you might think. Layer on a creamy ricotta-pesto spread, followed by sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet cherry tomatoes. Bake the tarts til golden brown, then sprinkle with basil for the perfect summer bite!
Get the Summer Vegetable Tarts recipe.
Lobster Rolls
You'll feel like you're at the beach (even if your just in your own backyard) with these delicious homemade lobster rolls. Just don't forget to butter your buns!
Get the Lobster Rolls recipe.
Homemade Potato Chips
Potato chips are a must! But don't just dump a store-bought bag into a bowl—try making them at home. They're delicious on their own and will take any dip you serve to the next level.
Get Ree's Homemade Potato Chips recipe.
White Bean Dip
Love hummus? Then get ready to meet its smoother, richer relative. This dip comes together in just 20 minutes and pairs perfectly with crunchy veggies, pita chips, or whatever dippers you have on hand.
Get Ree's White Bean Dip recipe.
Chickpea Salad
Packed with crisp veggies, chickpeas, creamy avocado, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and a bright splash of lemon, this vibrant chickpea salad might just be the ultimate refreshing appetizer.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Southern Fried Okra
Got fresh, seasonal okra on hand? Consider frying up a batch at your next cookout! With its crispy, golden coating and irresistible crunch, this classic comfort food never disappoints.
Get the Southern Fried Okra recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
Cheeseburgers are a staple at any outdoor get-together, but this time, give them a fun twist by serving bite-sized versions on skewers! With pickle slices standing in for buns, they're the perfect playful appetizer.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Hot Corn Dip
Let fresh summer corn shine in this easy, cheesy dip. Sweet kernels, crunchy bell peppers, and spicy jalapeño come together with creamy goodness and diced green chiles to create this crowd-pleasing treat!
Get Ree's Hot Corn Dip recipe.
Avocado Dip
This cool, creamy dip is made with avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and lots of aromatic herbs. It only takes five minutes to whip up and it's perfect for serving with crunchy seasonal veggies.
Get the Avocado Dip recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies
Ree's easy take on popper are always a party hit! They only require three ingredients (jalapeños, cream cheese and bacon) so the host will love making them, too.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
Planning a BBQ that's fit for a cowboy? Then, you'll need this dip to start! It's a colorful and crunchy combination of veggies, beans, and herbs that you can scoop up with tortilla chips.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Eggplant Caponata
This tangy Italian spread is filled with fresh summer vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers. You can serve it up on a charcuterie board or make bite-sized crostini using toasted bread slices.
Get the Eggplant Caponata recipe.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
This dip combines some of everyone's favorite ingredients: bacon, chicken, ranch, cheese, and even diced pimientos. You can also mix it up in advance and refrigerate it for easy entertaining!
Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip recipe.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
This colorful dip is made with crunchy veggies like cabbage, cucumbers, and scallions, along with hearty chicken. But it's the avocado and herb green goddess dressing that really takes it over the top!
Popcorn Chicken
Every good picnic needs fried chicken, but this variation makes the dish fun to snack on! The popcorn chicken is extra-crispy and best served with dipping sauces, like ranch or honey-mustard.
Get the Popcorn Chicken recipe.
Pico de Gallo
There's so much to love about pico de gallo, including the "cool, crisp wonderfulness of it all," as Ree Drummond says. The key is to use plenty of fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro.
Get Ree's Pico de Gallo recipe.
Burrata Salad
Seasonal cherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy, sweet flavor to this summer salad. They also happen to pair well with the tanginess from the balsamic and the creaminess from the burrata cheese.
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
Esquites
This popular corn dish is like a party in a bowl! It's zesty, spicy, and full of cheesy flavor. You can serve it up in mini bowls or even scoop it up with tortilla chips if you'd like!
Get the Esquites recipe.
Coconut Shrimp
Bring on the tropical flavor with this party shrimp that's coated in shredded coconut! There's also a Thai chili dipping sauce that's perfectly sweet and spicy.
Get the Coconut Shrimp recipe.
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