17 Memorial Day Appetizers When the Cookout Budget Is Tight

When more people show up than expected, appetizers are one of the easiest ways to keep everyone occupied without spending much more at the grocery store. These 17 recipes include dips, skewers, wings, salads, and bite-sized snacks that rely on pantry staples, affordable ingredients, and make-ahead convenience. Some are rich and hearty, while others add freshness and color to the table. Together, they help stretch the cookout menu and give guests plenty to nibble on before the main meal.

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise. — Layered Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Antipasto Skewers

Threaded with salami, mozzarella, olives, and tomatoes, Antipasto Skewers turn a handful of deli ingredients into a polished appetizer that is easy to serve to a crowd. Because everything is portioned onto picks, guests can grab one without needing plates or utensils. This recipe fits the title because it looks generous while using relatively small amounts of each ingredient. Arrange the skewers on a platter to welcome guests as they arrive.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into a cheesy baked dish topped with sliced green onions. — Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and shredded cheese make Buffalo Chicken Dip one of the most dependable appetizers for larger gatherings. The creamy mixture stretches a modest amount of chicken into a warm dip that can feed many people with chips, crackers, or celery. This recipe belongs here because pantry staples do much of the work while keeping costs manageable. Serve it hot straight from the baking dish.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background. — Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Filled with cheese and jalapeños, Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites deliver bite-sized snacks with plenty of flavor. Their small size makes them especially useful when you need appetizers that go a long way across a larger group. This recipe fits the roundup because a few affordable ingredients produce a tray of shareable bites. Serve them warm with ranch dressing for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Close-up of grilled chicken wings with a crispy texture, next to a red bowl of creamy dipping sauce. — Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seasoned with a buttery spice blend, Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings bring restaurant-style flavor to the cookout without requiring takeout prices. Chicken wings naturally feed a crowd because guests can enjoy a few pieces alongside other appetizers. This recipe belongs here because homemade seasoning keeps the cost lower than ordering from a restaurant. Serve the wings hot with plenty of napkins.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Cowboy Queso Dip

A tortilla chip is dipped into a skillet of cheesy ground beef and tomato dip, with melted cheese stretching between the chip and the dip. — Cowboy Queso Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and beans turn Cowboy Queso Dip into a hearty appetizer that stretches inexpensive ingredients into a substantial bowl. The beans and tomatoes add enough bulk that a relatively small amount of meat can feed many guests. This recipe fits the title because it delivers big flavor while keeping the grocery bill under control. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Queso Dip

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Thai chicken skewers topped with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped herbs and peanuts, served over a bed of white rice. — Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Marinated in Thai-inspired flavors, Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers offer a flavorful appetizer that is easy to portion and serve outdoors. Cutting chicken into smaller pieces helps a modest amount of meat cover more guests. This recipe belongs here because skewers feel festive while remaining practical for a budget-conscious cookout. Serve them with a crisp slaw or dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Lemon Pepper Wings

Close-up of seasoned baked chicken wings garnished with chopped fresh parsley on a white plate. — Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seasoned with lemon pepper and baked or fried until crisp, Lemon Pepper Wings add a bright and flavorful appetizer to the Memorial Day spread. Wings are especially useful when feeding a crowd because guests can enjoy a few pieces while waiting for the main meal. This recipe fits the roundup because simple seasonings keep preparation straightforward and affordable. Serve hot with celery sticks.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Close-up of a blue corn chip dipped in a creamy cheese and vegetable mixture, garnished with cilantro and sliced jalapeños. — Mexican Street Corn Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Corn, cheese, and seasonings make Mexican Street Corn Dip a rich appetizer that relies on inexpensive ingredients with plenty of flavor. Sweet corn provides most of the volume, helping the dip cover a larger group with very little effort. This recipe belongs here because pantry and refrigerator staples create a crowd-friendly snack. Serve it warm or chilled with tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A bowl of creamy spinach dip garnished with herbs, surrounded by slices of crusty bread on a blue patterned cloth. — Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and shredded cheese turn Spinach Artichoke Dip into a creamy appetizer that feels substantial enough for a large gathering. The vegetables add both texture and volume, helping the dip go much further. This recipe fits this roundup because it can be made ahead and baked just before serving. Offer it with crackers, bread, or cut vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Wingstop Louisiana Rub

A wooden spoon rests in a bowl filled with a colorful spice mixture, including herbs like cilantro or parsley, with visible red and green flakes. — Wingstop Louisiana Rub. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Butter and a blend of spices make Wingstop Louisiana Rub a practical seasoning that can coat wings, potatoes, or popcorn for an inexpensive appetizer. The bold flavor helps simple ingredients feel more substantial without adding much cost. This recipe belongs here because one homemade seasoning mix can flavor several budget-friendly snacks. Use it to create an extra appetizer without another trip to the store.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub

BBQ Wings

A platter of glazed chicken wings topped with chopped green onions and drizzled with white sauce, served with a small bowl of dipping sauce and a spoon. — BBQ Wings. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Coated in barbecue sauce, BBQ Wings deliver a familiar appetizer that works well for both children and adults. Wings are naturally suited to larger gatherings because guests can enjoy a few pieces while sampling other dishes. This recipe fits the title because homemade wings cost less than restaurant orders and still feel generous. Serve them hot with extra sauce on the side.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Wings

Beer Cheese Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into creamy cheese dip sprinkled with paprika and black pepper. — Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Melted cheese, beer, and seasonings turn Beer Cheese Dip into a rich appetizer that pairs well with pretzels, bread, and vegetables. The warm dip feels substantial enough to keep guests satisfied while the grill is still busy. This recipe belongs here because a single bowl can serve many people with relatively inexpensive ingredients. Serve it hot in a slow cooker or warm dish.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Greek Feta Dip

Blended with feta, peppers, and olive oil, Greek Feta Dip adds a bright and creamy appetizer to the Memorial Day table. The bold flavor means a small bowl goes a surprisingly long way when paired with pita chips or fresh vegetables. This recipe fits the roundup because it uses simple ingredients and requires no cooking. Serve chilled as a refreshing contrast to richer snacks.
Get the Recipe: Greek Feta Dip

Buffalo Wings

A tray of sauced chicken wings garnished with chopped green onions, served with celery and carrot sticks, and a cup of creamy dipping sauce in the center. — Buffalo Wings. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tossed in a buttery hot sauce, Buffalo Wings remain one of the most dependable appetizers for larger gatherings. Their bold flavor and familiar appeal make them especially useful when feeding guests of all ages. This recipe belongs here because homemade wings are often more economical than ordering from a restaurant. Serve them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Wings

Caprese Appetizer Bites

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board. — Caprese Appetizer Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layered with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, Caprese Appetizer Bites bring fresh color to the appetizer table. Their bite-sized format makes them easy to serve and helps a small amount of cheese stretch across many portions. This recipe fits the title because it looks polished while relying on just a few ingredients. Arrange them on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer Bites

Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites

Coated in cinnamon and sugar, Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites add a sweet snack that rounds out the appetizer table. Refrigerated biscuit dough keeps the ingredient list short and affordable while producing plenty of bite-sized pieces. This recipe belongs here because it creates a large batch with very little effort. Serve them warm as guests mingle before dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites

Layered Seven Layer Salad

Built with lettuce, vegetables, cheese, and a creamy dressing, Layered Seven Layer Salad adds freshness and substance to the Memorial Day spread. The layered ingredients create a large bowl that can feed many guests without relying on expensive components. This recipe fits the roundup because it can be assembled ahead and chilled until serving time. Spoon it into small bowls or plates alongside the other appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad