25 Memorial Day Snack Ideas

These Memorial Day snack ideas for kids and adults are all about easy, patriotic bites you can grab between backyard games.

Keep cold snacks ready in an insulated cooler bag and make serving simple with snack boxes with lids for grab-and-go portions.

1. American Flag Fruit Cups

These cups are bright, refreshing, and the easiest way to serve a big crowd without mess. Kids love the colors, and adults love that it feels light and summery.

Ingredients

• Clear party cups (20 count)
• Fresh strawberries (3 cups, sliced)
• Fresh blueberries (2 cups)
• Mini marshmallows (4 cups)
• Flag toothpicks (20 count)
• Insulated cooler bag

Directions

1. Set out clear cups in a row to make assembly quick.
2. Add a layer of blueberries to one side of each cup to mimic the “blue corner.”
3. Layer mini marshmallows and sliced strawberries in stripes across the rest of the cup.
4. Finish each cup with a flag toothpick and keep chilled in an insulated cooler bag until serving.

2. Red, White, and Blue Yogurt Parfait Jars

These parfaits look adorable on a snack table and feel like a treat without being overly sweet. They’re great for kids, but adults will absolutely grab them too.

Ingredients

• Parfait cups with lids (20 count)
• Vanilla Greek yogurt (4 cups)
• Fresh strawberries (2 cups, chopped)
• Fresh blueberries (2 cups)
• Granola (2 cups)
• Honey (2 tablespoons)

Directions

1. Stir vanilla yogurt with honey for a lightly sweetened base.
2. Spoon a few tablespoons of yogurt into parfait cups, then add granola for crunch.
3. Add a layer of chopped strawberries, then another layer of yogurt.
4. Top with blueberries, snap on lids, and chill until serving.

3. Stars-and-Stripes Popcorn Snack Mix

This sweet-and-salty mix is perfect for constant grazing and easy to make in a huge bowl. Kids love the colors, and adults keep “just one more handful-ing” it.

Ingredients

• Popcorn kernels (½ cup, or 12 cups popped)
• Pretzel twists (4 cups)
• Red and blue candy-coated chocolates (1 ½ cups)
• Mini marshmallows (2 cups)
• White chocolate chips (1 cup, melted)
• Large mixing bowl

Directions

1. Pop popcorn (or measure 12 cups popped) and pour into a large bowl.
2. Add pretzels, mini marshmallows, and red-and-blue candies.
3. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and toss gently until lightly coated.
4. Spread on a tray for 10–15 minutes to set, then serve in a big bowl or portion into snack cups.

4. Red, White, and Blue Caprese Skewers

These skewers are fresh and fancy-looking, but they’re actually super easy to assemble.

They work great as a lighter snack option for adults, while kids usually love the “skewer snack” idea.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes (2 cups)
• Mozzarella pearls (16 oz)
• Fresh blueberries (1 ½ cups)
• Fresh basil leaves (1 cup)
• Balsamic glaze (¼ cup)
• 6-inch bamboo skewers

Directions

1. Rinse and thoroughly dry tomatoes, blueberries, and basil.
2. Thread one tomato, a folded basil leaf, one mozzarella pearl, and a blueberry onto each skewer.
3. Arrange on a tray in neat rows, then drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze right before serving.

5. Star-Shaped Grilled Cheese Bites

These are melty, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make kids excited when they see the star shape. Adults love them too because grilled cheese is always a win.

Ingredients

• White sandwich bread (1 loaf)
• Cheese slices (12)
• Salted butter (4 tablespoons, softened)
• Star cookie cutter
• 12-inch nonstick skillet
• Parchment paper

Directions

1. Butter the outside of slices of bread and add cheese in the middle.
2. Cook sandwiches in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until golden on both sides and melted through.
3. Let sandwiches cool 2 minutes, then press a star cutter into each sandwich to create star bites.
4. Place stars on parchment paper and serve warm.

6. Firework Hot Dog Bites

These are hilarious and cute, and they feel exactly like a cookout snack. Kids love the “bloom” ends, and adults love that it’s basically a mini hot dog.

Ingredients

• Beef hot dogs (10)
• Crescent roll dough (2 cans)
• Cheddar cheese sticks (5, halved)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Everything seasoning (1 tablespoon)
• Nonstick baking sheet

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Cut hot dogs into 2-inch pieces and slice the ends into a plus sign to help them “bloom.”
3. Wrap each piece with crescent dough and tuck in a bit of cheddar if desired.
4. Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with seasoning, and bake 12–15 minutes until golden.
5. Cool 5 minutes so they’re easy to grab, then serve with ketchup and mustard.

7. Red, White, and Blue Tortilla Pinwheels

These are creamy, crunchy, and easy to make ahead for a crowd. They look adorable stacked on a platter like little patriotic spirals.

Ingredients

• Large flour tortillas (6)
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Shredded cheddar (1 cup)
• Red bell pepper (1, finely diced)
• Blue corn tortilla chips (½ cup, crushed)
• Plastic wrap

Directions

1. Mix cream cheese and cheddar until smooth.
2. Stir in diced red pepper and crushed blue corn chips.
3. Spread evenly over tortillas, roll tightly, and wrap in plastic wrap.
4. Chill at least 1 hour, then slice into pinwheels and serve.

8. Mini Cheeseburger Skewers

These feel like a full cookout in one bite, which is why both kids and adults go crazy for them. They’re easy to scale up for a crowd and look adorable lined up on a tray.

Ingredients

• Frozen beef meatballs (24)
• Cheddar cheese cubes (8 oz)
• Pickle chips (1 jar)
• Cherry tomatoes (2 cups)
• Mini slider buns (12, cut into quarters)
• Flag toothpicks

Directions

1. Cook meatballs according to package directions and cool slightly.
2. Thread onto flag toothpicks: bun piece, pickle, meatball, cheddar cube, and a tomato.
3. Arrange on a platter and keep covered until serving.

9. Patriotic Ranch Veggie Cups

These are crunchy, refreshing, and the easiest “clean” snack to balance out the cookout foods.

Kids love having their own cup, and adults appreciate the no-dip-sharing situation.

Ingredients

• Clear party cups (20 count)
• Ranch dressing (2 cups)
• Mini sweet peppers (1 lb, sliced)
• Celery sticks (1 bunch, cut)
• Blue corn tortilla chips (1 bag)
• Flag toothpicks

Directions

1. Add 2–3 tablespoons of ranch dressing to each cup.
2. Stand sliced mini peppers and celery upright like a veggie bouquet.
3. Tuck in a handful of blue corn chips for a crunchy “scoop” option.
4. Add a flag toothpick and chill until serving.

10. Firecracker Shrimp Skewers

These sweet-spicy skewers feel special for adults, but they’re still easy enough for a casual backyard party.

They cook fast, so you can make a batch while everyone’s hanging out.

Ingredients

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (2 lb)
• Sweet chili sauce (½ cup)
• Sriracha (2 tablespoons)
• Lime juice (2 tablespoons)
• Minced garlic (1 tablespoon)
• 8-inch wooden skewers

Directions

1. Soak skewers in water for 20 minutes.
2. Whisk sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic.
3. Toss shrimp in half the sauce, thread onto skewers, and grill 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Brush with remaining sauce in the last minute, then serve hot.

11. Stars-and-Stripes Pretzel Board

This no-cook snack board is perfect for constant grazing and looks so cute on the table. It’s sweet, salty, and easy to refill as people snack.

Ingredients

• Pretzel twists (1 large bag)
• Strawberry yogurt pretzels (1 bag)
• White chocolate pretzels (1 bag)
• Blue candy melts (1 cup)
• White sprinkles (2 tablespoons)
• Large wood serving board

Directions

1. Arrange pretzels, strawberry pretzels, and white chocolate pretzels in rows on a serving board like stripes.
2. Melt blue candy melts and drizzle over one corner area.
3. Sprinkle white sprinkles on the melted blue drizzle so it looks like stars.
4. Let set 10 minutes, then put the board out for snacking.

12. BBQ Chicken Slider Bites

These mini sliders are hearty enough for adults and fun enough for kids. They’re also super easy to make in big batches for a crowd.

Ingredients

• Shredded rotisserie chicken (4 cups)
• BBQ sauce (1 cup)
• Hawaiian slider rolls (12)
• Shredded cheddar (1 cup)
• Pickle chips (1 jar)
• Foil pan with lid

Directions

1. Warm chicken with BBQ sauce until hot.
2. Split slider rolls and add BBQ chicken, a sprinkle of cheddar, and a pickle.
3. Arrange in a foil pan and keep covered until serving.

13. Star-Stamped Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

These are simple, kid-friendly, and look adorable with star cutouts. They’re also great for adults who want a quick protein snack without anything heavy.

Ingredients

• Deli turkey slices (16 oz)
• Cheddar cheese slices (12)
• Cream cheese spread (½ cup)
• Mini star cookie cutter
• Decorative toothpicks
• Snack boxes with lids

Directions

1. Use a mini star cutter to cut stars from cheddar slices.
2. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese spread over turkey slices and roll up tightly.
3. Top each roll-up with a cheese star and secure with toothpicks.
4. Pack into snack boxes and chill until serving.

14. Red, White, and Blue Chips and Dip Trio

This is a no-stress snack station that both kids and adults can customize. The color theme makes it look festive even though it’s super simple.

Ingredients

• Restaurant-style tortilla chips (2 bags)
• Blue corn tortilla chips (1 bag)
• Chunky salsa (2 cups)
• Queso dip (2 cups)
• Ranch dressing (2 cups)
• Chip and dip serving set

Directions

1. Pour tortilla chips and blue corn chips into separate bowls.
2. Add salsa, queso, and ranch to a chip-and-dip set.
3. Set out spoons so everyone can scoop without double-dipping, and refill as needed.

15. Starry Cheese and Cracker Snack Boxes

These portioned snack boxes are perfect for kids running around and adults mingling. The cheese stars make them feel festive without adding more work.

Ingredients

• Snack boxes with lids (25 count)
• Cheddar cheese slices (16)
• Assorted crackers (1 box)
• Fresh blueberries (2 cups)
• Fresh strawberries (2 cups)
• Mini star cookie cutter

Directions

1. Use a mini star cutter to cut stars from cheddar slices.
2. Fill snack boxes with crackers, cheese stars, and fruit like blueberries and strawberries.
3. Close lids and keep chilled until you’re ready to set them out.

16. BBQ Meatball Flag Picks

These warm meatballs are a classic crowd snack that both kids and adults will grab first. Adding flag picks makes them instantly Memorial Day-ready.

Ingredients

• Frozen meatballs (2 bags, 26–32 oz each)
• BBQ sauce (2 cups)
• Grape jelly (1 cup)
• Flag toothpicks
• Slow cooker
• Paper food boats

Directions

1. Add meatballs, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly to a slow cooker and stir.
2. Cook on low for 3–4 hours (or high for 1.5–2 hours), stirring occasionally, until hot.
3. Serve in paper food boats and add a flag toothpick to each portion.

17. Star-Shaped Watermelon Feta Bites

These sweet-and-salty bites feel fancy enough for adults but are still fun and simple for kids. They’re super refreshing on a warm day.

Ingredients

• Seedless watermelon (1 small)
• Feta cheese (8 oz)
• Fresh mint (½ cup)
• Star cookie cutter
• Decorative toothpicks
• Balsamic glaze (optional)

Directions

1. Slice watermelon into 1-inch slabs and cut out stars using a star cutter.
2. Cut feta into small cubes and place one cube on each watermelon star.
3. Add a tiny piece of mint, secure with toothpicks, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if you want extra flavor.

18. Patriotic Pimento Cheese Cracker Bites

These are creamy, tangy, and feel super “summer party” for adults, but kids usually like them too if you keep the flavor mild.

They’re easy to assemble and look cute with a little red-and-blue garnish.

Ingredients

• Assorted crackers (1 box)
• Sharp cheddar, shredded (3 cups)
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened)
• Mayonnaise (½ cup)
• Diced pimentos (1 jar, drained)
• Fresh blueberries (optional garnish)

Directions

1. Mix cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos until combined.
2. Spoon a small dollop onto each cracker.
3. Optional: Add a tiny piece of pimento (red) and a blueberry nearby on the tray for a festive look.
4. Chill 15 minutes so the topping firms up, then serve.

19. BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Triangles

These are cheesy, smoky, and easy for both kids and adults to grab from a platter. They’re also great because they taste good warm or room temp.

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken (3 cups)
• BBQ sauce (½ cup)
• Shredded cheddar (2 cups)
• Large flour tortillas (6)
• 12-inch nonstick skillet
• Pizza cutter

Directions

1. Mix chicken with BBQ sauce.
2. Heat a skillet and place one tortilla down.
3. Add a layer of cheddar, then BBQ chicken, then more cheese, and top with another tortilla.
4. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then slice into triangles with a pizza cutter.

20. Red, White, and Blue “Sparkler” Cheese Ball Bites

These are creamy, fun to grab, and look adorable on a tray. The red-and-blue coating makes them feel festive with basically zero extra effort.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese (16 oz, softened)
• Shredded cheddar (2 cups)
• Ranch seasoning (1 packet)
• Dried cranberries (½ cup, chopped)
• Blue corn tortilla chips (1 cup, crushed)
• Assorted crackers (for serving)

Directions

1. Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning until combined.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls and chill 20 minutes so they firm up.
3. Roll half in chopped cranberries (red) and half in crushed blue corn chips (blue).
4. Serve with crackers for easy grabbing.

21. Starry Cucumber “Firework” Bites

These are crisp, cool, and cute—perfect for a warm Memorial Day afternoon. They’re an easy healthier snack that still feels festive.

Ingredients

• English cucumbers (2)
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Ranch seasoning (2 teaspoons)
• Red bell pepper (1, finely diced)
• Fresh blueberries (1 cup)
• Edible star sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. Slice cucumbers into thick rounds and scoop a small divot in the center.
2. Mix cream cheese with ranch seasoning.
3. Spoon filling into cucumber centers, then top with diced red pepper and one blueberry.
4. If you want extra sparkle, add a tiny pinch of edible star sprinkles.
5. Chill until serving so they stay crisp.

22. Red, White, and Blue Mini Pancake Skewers

These are a fun “breakfast for snacks” option that kids think is the coolest thing ever. Adults love them too, especially if you add a little honey drizzle.

Ingredients

• Frozen mini pancakes (1 bag)
• Fresh strawberries (2 cups)
• Fresh blueberries (2 cups)
• Mini marshmallows (2 cups)
• Honey (optional, for drizzle)
• 6-inch bamboo skewers

Directions

1. Warm mini pancakes according to the package and let them cool slightly.
2. Thread pancakes, mini marshmallows, sliced strawberries, and blueberries onto skewers.
3. Arrange on a platter and drizzle lightly with honey if you want a sweet finish.

23. Star-Top Mini Cupcake Bites (Store-Bought Hack)

This is the easiest dessert-style snack for kids and adults, especially if you’re short on time. The patriotic topper makes them look festive in seconds.

Ingredients

• Mini vanilla cupcakes (24 count)
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles (¼ cup)
• Blue frosting (optional)
• Star sprinkles (2 tablespoons)
• White frosting (optional)
• Cupcake carrier with lid

Directions

1. Place mini cupcakes on a tray or in a cupcake carrier.
2. If you want extra color, add a small swirl of blue frosting or white frosting on top.
3. Sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles and finish with a few star sprinkles.
4. Keep covered until serving so they stay fresh.

24. Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Sandwich Bites

This is the ultimate warm-weather treat that everyone loves, and it’s easy to portion for a crowd. Kids go wild for it, and adults secretly do too.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream sandwiches (12)
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles (½ cup)
• White chocolate chips (1 cup, melted)
• Blue decorating sugar (optional)
• Freezer-safe container
• Parchment paper

Directions

1. Line a tray with parchment paper and unwrap the ice cream sandwiches.
2. Cut each sandwich into 4 bite-size pieces and return them to the freezer while you prep toppings.
3. Dip one side of each bite into melted white chocolate, then immediately dip into patriotic sprinkles.
4. Freeze on the parchment-lined tray until set, then store in a freezer-safe container until serving.

25. Stars-and-Stripes Mini Trail Mix Cones

These are perfect for kids running around and adults who want something easy to snack on all afternoon. They’re portioned, portable, and super easy to refill for a crowd.

Ingredients

• Paper snack cones (25 count)
• Honey roasted peanuts (2 cups)
• Pretzel twists (2 cups)
• Red and blue candy-coated chocolates (1 ½ cups)
• White chocolate pretzels (2 cups)
• Large mixing bowl

Directions

1. Mix peanuts, pretzels, white chocolate pretzels, and red-and-blue candies in a large bowl.
2. Fill paper cones with the mix and arrange upright in a tray or basket.
3. Set out for easy grabbing and refill cones as needed.

FAQ

How do I keep snacks cold during an outdoor Memorial Day party?

Chill anything dairy-based (like yogurt or cheese snacks) and keep backups in an insulated cooler bag.

Serving portions in snack boxes with lids also helps keep things neat and fresher longer.

What are the easiest snacks to serve to both kids and adults?

Anything portioned and grab-and-go tends to work best, like fruit cups, popcorn mix, and snack boxes.

Using flag toothpicks makes even simple snacks feel festive and fun.

How can I make the snack table look more patriotic?

Build your spread around red, white, and blue foods and arrange them in stripes or a flag corner on a rectangular serving tray.

Little add-ons like patriotic snack cups and star-shaped cutouts instantly make the table feel on-theme.

What’s a good balance of sweet and savory snacks?

Aim for at least one sweet snack mix or dessert bite and a few savory options like pinwheels, sliders, or cheese-and-cracker boxes.

A large serving tray set makes it easy to spread items out so guests can grab what they want quickly.

How do I prevent snack-table crowding?

Portion some items into individual servings so people can grab and walk away fast. Using clear party cups and snack cones helps keep the line moving.

Memorial Snacks

For a holiday weekend, the best snacks are the ones that feel festive, feed everyone, and are easy to grab while you’re actually enjoying the party.

A patriotic spread looks extra cute when you lean into red, white, and blue details and serve everything on a rectangular serving tray with fun touches like flag toothpicks.

Mix a few lighter fruit-and-yogurt options with savory favorites like sliders, pinwheels, and cheesy bites, and you’ll keep both kids and adults happy all afternoon.

Get the scoop on more like this:

• 25 Memorial Day Appetizer Ideas
• 25 Memorial Day Side Dishes for Cookouts
• 25 Memorial Day Cookout Recipes for a Crowd
• 25 Easy Memorial Day Grilling Recipes