17 Memorial Day Appetizers That Make Bowls of Chips Sit Untouched

We’ve all been to that Memorial Day cookout where the only thing to snack on is a sad bowl of plain potato chips and some room-temperature dip. It’s the safe move, but let’s be honest—nobody is actually excited about it. These 17 appetizers are the crowd-pleasing wins that are so much better than a bag of snacks that the chips will still be full by the time the fireworks start. It’s the easiest way to level up your holiday spread without spending the entire morning stuck in the kitchen.

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites on a plate with herbs. — Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

A plate of cheesy buffalo chicken sliders topped with chopped green onions and melted butter. — Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These tiny sandwiches have a big, spicy kick thanks to a bold buffalo sauce balanced out with cool dressing. I love prepping these in my kitchen because they look so impressive lined up on a tray compared to a basic bag of corn chips. Kids always reach for these saucy favorites first, and honestly, I don't blame them one bit.
Get the Recipe: Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

A plate of crispy garlic parmesan chicken wings garnished with herbs and served with lemon wedges. — Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These wings are a massive upgrade over cold snacks because they have super crispy skin and a buttery herb coating. You just toss the hot chicken in plenty of cheese and garlic right before serving for that perfect, savory flavor. That golden-brown look will have everyone reaching for another wing and totally ignoring the crackers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Sweet Chili Wings

If you want something that stands out, these sticky wings have a tangy glaze and just a little bit of heat. You bake or fry them until the sauce thickens and turns yummy on the outside. The bright, glossy finish makes them way more tempting than any plain salty snack you could buy at the store.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Wings

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Up close shot of pig in a blanket, cut. — Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These are a classic for a reason—the small sausages get wrapped in dough and air fried until the crust is light and flaky. I love making these because they disappear in minutes and look way more festive on a platter than a dusty bowl of pretzels. Serve them with some mustard for dipping and watch your family go to town.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Baked Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Bagels

Bagels topped with melted cheese, tomato sauce, and pepperoni, garnished with herbs on a baking tray. — Baked Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Bagels. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sliced bagels topped with thick sauce and spicy meat make for a chewy, cheesy bite that everyone loves. You just toast them in the oven until the cheese bubbles and the pepperoni edges get nice and crisp. It brings a fun energy to the party and offers a much heartier crunch than a thin, greasy chip.
Get the Recipe: Baked Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Bagels

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

A hand dips a slice of pizza roll with visible cheese and pepperoni into a bowl of red marinara sauce. A basil leaf is partially visible in the background, resting on a wooden surface. — Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These soft dough pockets are stuffed with melted mozzarella and pepperoni for a mess-free way to eat pizza. You can bake a huge batch at once to keep the hungry crowd happy while the grill warms up. The hand-rolled look proves that homemade snacks are always more popular than anything from a bag.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Bites

Close-up of crispy, breaded cheese bites with melted cheese on a wooden board. — Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Bites. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

When I want to give my guests a warm, gooey choice over cold chips, this is the dish I serve. A light breading keeps the outside crunchy while the middle stays perfectly soft and stretchy. These are totally addictive and look great sitting right next to a bowl of fresh dip.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Bites

Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe

Three lettuce leaves topped with chicken salad, grapes, and pecans on a white oval plate. — Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This creamy mix of shredded chicken and tart cherries is both sweet and savory, and it’s perfect on a small roll. You can serve it in a large bowl or make individual portions so they’re easy to grab. It adds a fresh, bright look to your table that simple snacks just can't match.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe

Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders

Several barbecue chicken sliders with coleslaw on golden buns are arranged on a wooden surface. — Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

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Tangy sauce and tender chicken on soft buns feel like a real holiday treat instead of just a snack. I like to top each one with a little slaw for an extra crunch in every mouthful. They look so good piled high that they’ll definitely draw people away from the standard snack table.
Get the Recipe: Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders

Flatbread Pizza

Rectangular pizza cut into square slices on a black slate board, mostly topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, with one corner slice topped with black olives. — Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

With a thin, crispy crust and fresh toppings, this is a super-fast snack to feed a big group of friends. Slice the flatbread into long strips so it’s easy for people to eat while they walk around the yard. It feels much fancier than a bag of chips and tastes way better, too!
Get the Recipe: Flatbread Pizza

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

A hand dips a fried zucchini fritter into a small bowl of white cream sauce on a gray plate. Other fritters and lemon wedges are arranged around the bowl on a marble surface. — Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Shredded greens and salty cheese are fried into small patties for a light, healthy crunch. Serve them warm with a side of cool yogurt dip to really highlight those fresh summer flavors. They have a garden-fresh look that makes your whole appetizer spread feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

Crispy Baked Onion Rings Chips

A hand dips a crispy onion slice into a bowl of creamy white dip, with more onions on a plate in the background. — Crispy Baked Onion Rings Chips. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These are for when you want that big onion flavor and a massive snap without all the extra oil. A thick breading ensures they stay sturdy and crunchy when you bite into them. My kids prefer these over any bagged snack, and they look wonderful stacked up on a wooden board.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Onion Rings Chips

Jalapeño Popper Loaded Cheese Fries

Crinkle-cut fries topped with cheese, bacon, jalapeños, green onions, and drizzled with ranch sauce. — Jalapeño Popper Loaded Cheese Fries. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Thick fries covered in melted cheese, spicy peppers, and crispy bacon—it’s a great comfort food. Just pop the tray under the broiler for a minute to get everything hot and bubbly before everyone dives in. This mix of flavors will keep those chip bowls totally full and untouched.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Loaded Cheese Fries

Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

A black plate holding several pieces of golden-brown, crispy fried chicken tenders garnished with chopped parsley, set on a rust-colored cloth with sauce and herbs visible in the background. — Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These tenders have a sweet heat and a very loud crunch that makes them a favorite for kids and adults alike. I drizzle the honey over the crispy chicken right as it comes out of the air fryer for a sticky, delicious finish. They look so golden and yummy that nobody will be looking for a potato chip.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Mini baked potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. — Loaded Baked Potato Bites. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These little potato rounds pack all the flavors of a full meal into just one single bite. Each one gets a dollop of cream and salty bacon bits so they look just as good as they taste. They’re easy to eat while standing on the patio and feel much more filling than a cracker.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Plate of bacon-wrapped peppers filled with cheese, garnished with parsley, next to a grated cheese block and grater on a wooden board. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Spicy peppers get stuffed with smooth cream cheese and topped with crunchy crumbs for a bold, hot snack. You cook them until the tops are brown and the pepper is just starting to get soft. They bring a festive, colorful look to the table and provide a spicy pop that leaves the chips ignored.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

These small vegetable rounds have a savory meat and cheese topping for a light, bite-sized snack. A quick roast keeps the zucchini sturdy enough to pick up by hand. They offer a clean, fresh look that balances out the heavier grilled meats on your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

You might come for the grill, but these are the ones you’ll keep coming back to.