Paula Deen Shares Easy Memorial Day Finger Food Recipes

Make Memorial Day hosting a breeze with Paula Deen’s quick Southern finger foods all love.

By Ratika Pai Ratika Pai linkedin_icon

Paula Deen tapped her Instagram on May 22 to unveil a lineup of hassle-free finger foods for Memorial Day gatherings. “Keep your get-together easy with my best Memorial Day finger food recipes,” she wrote alongside a vibrant image showcasing mini pimento cheese sliders, barbecue meatballs, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and tangy spinach-artichoke cups elegantly arranged on a wooden board. Tagged with #pauladeen #memorialday #southerncooking #instafood, the post has drawn enthusiastic comments from fans eager to recreate her crowd-pleasers. All recipes are available via the link in her bio.

Southern Flair On Memorial Day

The spread spotlights Southern staples in bite-sized form. Highlights include:
– Mini Pimento Cheese Sliders: Creamy cheese mixed with roasted pimentos served on soft brioche buns.
– Barbecue Meatballs: A blend of beef and pork meatballs glazed in Paula’s signature bourbon BBQ sauce.
– Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp rolled in brown sugar spice and crisped under the broiler.
– Spinach-Artichoke Cups: Individual phyllo shells brimming with cheesy veggie dip.

Each dish can be prepped ahead and assembled in minutes, giving hosts the freedom to mingle. Deen suggests garnishing with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a variety of dipping sauces for a festive presentation. “A little garnish goes a long way,” she adds.

Make-ahead Magic

Earlier this month, Deen posted 24 make-ahead Memorial Day recipes to help hosts stay off their feet. “If you’re hostin’ your Memorial Day get-together, I’m here to make sure you get to enjoy yourself, too!” she captioned. The collection covers everything from creamy cold pasta salad and marinated grilled chicken skewers to deviled eggs and a refreshing watermelon salad. Deen’s trick? Invest in airtight containers so dishes stay fresh until serving.

Beyond Finger Foods: Patriotic Dessert

No Memorial Day table is complete without something sweet, and Deen’s Strawberry Swirl Pound Cake stands out as a centerpiece. In a related post, she described it as “the perfect patriotic dessert recipe for Memorial Day,” folding fresh strawberry puree into a rich, buttery batter. The visually striking cake can be topped with whipped cream and extra berries for color. Fans can find the full recipe—and printable instructions—via the link in her bio.

Insider Tips For Stress-free Entertaining

Drawing on over two decades of hosting expertise, Deen offers these key pointers:
– Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop veggies, blend sauces, and portion dips the day before.
– Choose Multi-Taskers: Pick dishes that reheat well or can be served at room temperature.
– Keep It Colorful: Arrange foods on tiered trays and rustic boards for visual impact.
– Label Your Dishes: Small cards help guests identify gluten-free or vegetarian options.
– Set Up a Drink Station: Provide iced tea, lemonade, and tall dispensers so guests can pour their own refreshments.
– Embrace Seasonal Produce: Incorporate fresh peaches, berries, or corn for authentic Southern flair.

“Nothing brings folks together like good food and good friends,” Deen says, reinforcing her belief that the best gatherings balance flavor with fellowship.

A Legacy Of Southern Hospitality

Born in Albany, Georgia, in 1947, Paula Deen turned home cooking into a national brand. After publishing her debut cookbook, Savannah Seasons, in 1996, she opened The Lady & Sons restaurant in Savannah and starred in hit shows like Paula’s Home Cooking on Food Network. She later launched additional series, including Paula’s Party and Paula’s Best Dishes, and expanded into retail with her own line of cookware and seasoning blends. With 15 cookbooks and countless televised appearances, Deen has become synonymous with comforting, generous Southern fare.

Social Media Savvy

Deen’s Instagram feed combines recipe posts with personal snippets from her Savannah farm. Her step-by-step reels demonstrate simple techniques—like using parchment cups for bite-sized dips—which translate perfectly to plated spreads. Fans often tag her in their own takes using #pdeentriedthee and #southernstyle, creating a virtual potluck of user-generated ideas. In an era where social media shapes dining trends, Deen blends approachable steps with eye-catching plating—key for Instagram-savvy hosts.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate backyard barbecue or a large family reunion, Paula Deen’s Memorial Day menu delivers satisfying Southern flavors with minimal fuss. From savory sliders and skewers to a show-stopping strawberry pound cake, her latest recipes ensure that the cooking is enjoyable—and that the host never misses a moment of the celebration. Visit Paula Deen’s Instagram @pauladeen_official to explore her full Memorial Day recipe collection and start planning your easy, flavor-packed menu.

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Paula Deen was married to her first husband, Jimmy Deen, from 1965 until their divorce in 1989, and they had two sons together.
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Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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