When you're planning a backyard cookout for Memorial Day, there are a lot of menu items to consider. There's everything you want to grill, of course. Then there are all the side dishes, the frosty beverages, and some sweet desserts to finish off the feast. But you can't forget about the Memorial Day appetizers! After all, you need something for guests to snack on while those burgers are being flipped. And there's nothing quite like a party dip to kick off the celebration.
If you think about it, having Memorial Day party dips at the ready is a such a smart move on your part. That way, everyone has something to nibble on in between courses. Bringing a dip is also a great idea if you're invited to a summer potluck.
Make any of these dips in advance, place in a food storage container. Then just pack the crudités separately or carry along a bag of tortilla chips or pita crisps and assemble when you're there! Whether you decide to pack in the summer produce like fresh corn and ripe tomatoes of just go for some cheesy goodness, you really can't go wrong with serving one of these dips for Memorial Day.
7-Layer Dip
It’s all in the name: seven layers of deliciousness! It takes about 15 minutes and pairs easily with tortilla chips, making it ideal for backyard parties.
Get Ree’s 7-Layer Dip recipe.
Pesto Feta Dip
Made with just feta, Greek yogurt, and pesto, this cool dip comes together in about five minutes. Its tangy, herby flavor is great alongside grilled foods, and the make-ahead factor makes it even better for entertaining.
Get Ree’s Pesto Feta Dip recipe.
Shrimpo de Gallo
For something light and fresh, go with this shrimp-packed pico de gallo. It has all the classic ingredients of a pico de gallo and best served with tortilla chips.
Get Ree’s Shrimpo de Gallo recipe.
Rotel Dip
This dip combines cheese, diced tomatoes with green chiles, onion, chipotle chile powder, and ground beef for a heartier spin on classic queso. It’s especially good for gatherings since you can keep it warm in a slow cooker.
Get Ree’s Rotel Dip recipe.
S'mores Dip
Your party needs a dessert dip, too! This fun dip is made with chopped milk chocolate, heavy cream, and marshmallows—no campfire required. It bakes into a gooey, golden skillet treat served with graham crackers, pretzels, or strawberries for dipping.
Get the S'mores Dip recipe.
Chili Cheese Dip
No one will be able to pass up this fully loaded dip! It’s packed with homemade chili, melty processed cheese, and cheddar, then finished with a generous spoonful of fresh pico de gallo just before serving.
Get Ree’s Chili Cheese Dip recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
If you can’t decide between salsa and salad, try cowboy caviar! It’s colorful, fresh, and sturdy enough to sit out during a long afternoon of snacking.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Spinach Dip
This party dip skips the usual seasoning packet in favor of fresh ingredients! Made with frozen spinach, sour cream, and mayo, it’s a made-from-scratch version with plenty of crunch.
Get the Spinach Dip recipe.
White Bean Dip
If you like hummus, try this dip instead! Blend garlic, shallots, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and cannellini beans together for a smooth and creamy dip that pairs perfectly with veggies.
Get Ree's White Bean Dip recipe.
Corn Salsa
Turn fresh, grilled corn into an irresistible salsa by pairing it with grilled onions, colorful peppers, cilantro, and spices. Serve with tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex style party in your mouth.
Get the Corn Salsa recipe.
Dill Dip
You might not want to brag, but this dip is kind of a big dill. It's super creamy, can be made in advance and pairs well with veggies, chips, or pretzels.
Get the Dill Dip recipe.
Guacamole
If you really aren't sure which dip will be the winner at your particular party, make this guacamole. It's the right amount of chunky with fresh tomato, cilantro, and jalapeño for more flavor.
Get the Guacamole recipe.
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Face it, everyone loves this classic dip. And the great thing about Ree's version is that you can just mix everything in the slow cooker and it will keep warm for hours.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.
Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is practically mandatory in the South. But even if you don't live there, you should probably make this addictive dip and make a new fan base in your town.
Get Ree's Pimento Cheese recipe.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
Oh hello, refreshing dip! Brighten up your spread with this colorful mix of cucumber, cabbage, and rotisserie chicken mixed with a creamy, herby dressing.
Cheeseburger Dip
Cheeseburgers are a go-to staple of backyard cookouts, so why not serve a play on that in dip form? It has all the tasty layers of a burger including the beef, cheese, and fixings all in one skillet.
Get the Cheeseburger Dip recipe.
Whipped Goat Cheese
Whizzing tangy goat cheese in the food processor with sour cream makes it even lighter and creamier. Give it some contrast with a crunchy bacon and toasted bread crumb topping.
Get Ree's Whipped Goat Cheese recipe.
Pico de Gallo
This chunky classic salsa is the right amount of spicy because it's balanced with cilantro and lime juice. Put it next to the guac for the ultimate party dip duo.
Get Ree's Pico de Gallo recipe.
French Onion Dip
Are you serving potato chips at your backyard bash? Of course you are, so make some onion dip, too. It comes together in just five minutes and can be made up to a week in advance.
Get the French Onion Dip recipe.
Easy Queso Dip
You'll find queso at every Drummond family function. "It's an essential part of every get-together," says Ree. This version can be made in a slow cooker so you don't have to worry about keeping it hot.
Get the Easy Queso Dip recipe.
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Cookout Sides Beyond Potato Salad and Coleslaw
Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Homemade Lemonade
