As Memorial Day approaches, gather your loved ones for a heartwarming cookout that’s all about savoring the flavors of togetherness. It’s an ideal opportunity to unwind, create lasting memories, and delight in the company of family and friends while indulging in a sumptuous feast. When planning a cookout, certain timeless classics are a must-have on the menu. If you’re feeling stuck, we’ve curated a list of traditional Memorial Day foods that will elevate your celebration to new heights.
To take your cookout to the next level, incorporate some of our mouth-watering BBQ sauce recipes and patriotic desserts to put a sweet spin on your Memorial Day festivities. With these tried-and-true dishes and delectable recipes at your fingertips, you’ll be sure to host an unforgettable cookout that will leave everyone craving more!
The Perfect Burger
When it comes to cookouts, burgers are often the star of the show. For a mouthwatering patty that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, try Natasha’s Kitchen’s tried-and-true Perfect Burger recipe. This straightforward guide is packed with actionable advice and simple steps to help you create a classic Memorial Day dish that’s both impressive and easy to execute.
Oven-Baked Ribs
Debunking the myth that only pit masters can cook ribs, baking them in the oven reveals a surprisingly straightforward process that relies on timing rather than technique. In fact, an astonishing 95% of the recipe’s total time is spent waiting for the ribs to cook, leaving you ample opportunity to unwind and let the magic happen.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight that is Cafe Delites’ Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings – a culinary masterpiece that defies conventional wisdom by delivering crispy, non-fried goodness, thanks to a clever use of a readily available pantry staple. The real magic happens when you toss these wings in a rich, tangy Buffalo Sauce, resulting in a harmonious marriage of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Perfect Grilled Steak
Indulge in the timeless delight of a perfectly grilled steak, elevated by a rich herb butter that’s sure to impress your loved ones. This mouthwatering recipe combines homemade seasoning with a flavorful finishing touch, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering – whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration like Memorial Day.
Corn On The Cob
Indulge in the savory delight of Grilled Corn on the Cob! The smoky and charred flavor profile amplifies the sweetness of the corn, allowing its natural taste to shine. A pinch of salt and pepper adds a depth of flavor, making this side dish a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Grilled Vegetables
Indulge in the sweet taste of summer with Love And Lemons’ guide to grilling mouthwatering veggies! Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish to complement your next backyard bash or seeking a flavorful base for a satisfying meal, we’ve got you covered. Simply shake things up by combining a variety of colors and flavors to create the ultimate Memorial Day classic that’s sure to please even the pickiest palates.
Best Potato Salad
When crafting a potato salad with a rich, velvety texture, it’s crucial to cook starchy potatoes until they reach an almost mashed consistency. This subtle manipulation of their natural starchiness yields a hearty, rustic quality that complements the creamy dressing. Furthermore, opting for premium refrigerated relish boasting fresh, chunky goodness and a satisfying firmness ensures a balanced flavor profile that doesn’t get lost amidst sweet, ultra-processed alternatives.
Coleslaw
Indulge your senses with this scrumptious homemade coleslaw recipe, boasting a luscious and creamy dressing. The best part? It’s remarkably easy to prepare and can be lovingly crafted ahead of time. This vibrant condiment is sure to elevate the flavor profile of any dish it pairs with, its fresh and zesty notes leaving a lasting impression.
Favorite Baked Beans
Indulge in the sweet and smoky flavors of our beloved baked beans recipe, expertly blended with BBQ sauce, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chipotle seasoning. This scrumptious treat is sure to become a family favorite! For an added layer of indulgence, consider serving it alongside a warm slice of sweet cornbread – the perfect combination for a memorable Memorial Day celebration.
Garlic Grilled Shrimp
When it comes to summer grilling, few dishes rival the simplicity and flavor of Garlic Grilled Shrimp. By marinating the succulent seafood in a zesty mixture, you’ll create a deliciously savory treat that’s perfect for serving on its own or as part of a mouthwatering shrimp taco. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your next backyard BBQ.
Pulled Pork With BBQ Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of slow-roasted pork, effortlessly achieved through a simple recipe that’s gained worldwide popularity. With minimal effort required, this 12-hour slow-cooker masterpiece yields tender, fall-apart meat that’s simply irresistible. To add an extra layer of depth, rub the pork with a proprietary spice blend before letting the slow cooker do its magic.
Grilled Salmon
A standout feature of dinner at the zoo is the delectable grilled salmon dish, which boasts a mouthwatering golden-brown color thanks to its flavorful marinade. This effortless yet impressive option is guaranteed to garner rave reviews from your guests. Moreover, you can easily adapt the preparation method to suit your taste preferences, opting for baking, broiling, or pan-searing the salmon.
S’mores
The allure of s’mores lies in the harmonious marriage of melted marshmallow and chocolate. While some may assume that assembling these sweet treats requires individual attention, the reality is that various rapid cooking methods allow for mass production. This misconception can lead people to overlook the joy of sharing multiple s’mores at once, rather than limiting themselves to one-by-one preparation.
Easy Cucumber Salad
For years, families have gathered around the table to enjoy a timeless favorite: Easy Cucumber Salad. This beloved recipe has been passed down through generations, and its simplicity is part of its enduring appeal. Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions are combined in a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to any Memorial Day celebration.
Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad
This Memorial Day or Independence Day, why not treat your guests to a show-stopping dessert that’s as red, white, and blue as Old Glory itself? Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad is the perfect patriotic treat to impress at potlucks, picnics, or backyard barbecues. Fresh and flavorful fruits bring this colorful masterpiece to life, making it a must-have for any summer gathering. The creamy texture and vibrant hues are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Curried Chicken Apple Wraps
To create this delectable curried sandwich wrap, simply combine cooked chicken, diced apple, sautéed onion, mayonnaise, yogurt, and curry powder in a small bowl. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as either a light dinner or a refreshing lunch on Memorial Day.
Cajun Pasta Salad
When it comes to feeding loons, Cajun Pasta Salad is an unexpected yet delightful option. This flavorful dish boasts a subtle spicy kick that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just looking for a new culinary experience, this salad is a great addition to any gathering.
However, keep in mind that it does have a tendency to thicken over time, so be sure to add some extra water if you prepare it ahead of schedule and plan on letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours.
Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Sally’s Baking Addiction is a treasure trove of mouth-watering pizza creations, and their latest recipe for barbecue chicken pizza is no exception. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, savory chicken, crunchy red onion, smoky Gouda cheese, and fragrant cilantro creates a flavor profile that is simply unbeatable. And the best part? This recipe yields two 12-inch pizzas, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing half for a quick dinner solution later on.
With its effortless preparation and tantalizing taste, this pizza recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Watermelon Salad
Indulge in the essence of summer with this Love & Lemons-inspired watermelon salad recipe. A symphony of flavors unfolds as feta, avocado, mint, and lime harmonize to create a refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot days. This light and effortless dish can be savored as an appetizer or taken to new heights as a main course, making it an ideal addition to your summer repertoire.
Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops are a culinary delight that can be easily achieved by following a few simple steps. Begin by choosing the ideal cut of meat, followed by the application of a flavorful marinade or seasoning blend. As you fire up the grill, carefully cook the pork chops to perfection, allowing the juices and caramelized crust to meld together in harmony. The end result is a truly mouth-watering dish that can rival even the most tender cuts of beef.
When served, it’s not uncommon for those fortunate enough to taste them to enthusiastically declare their love for these succulent grilled pork chops.
Grilled Fruit Kabobs
Indulge in the Sweetness with Grilled Fruit KabobsTransforming fruit into a fun and engaging snack for your family can be achieved through this simple yet satisfying grilled fruit kabobs recipe. By capitalizing on the universal appeal of food on a stick, you’ll discover that even the pickiest eaters are drawn to this healthy treat. To get started, gather your essentials: skewers, an assortment of fruits, and a grill. The best part?
This recipe requires minimal cleanup and no utensils needed, making it a breeze to prepare and enjoy with your loved ones.
Vegan Chickpea Burgers
Indulge in the delightful taste of these easy-to-make vegan chickpea burgers, boasting a savory flavor profile and a satisfying texture that’s both crispy on the outside and soft within. The perfect canvas for added vegan flair, such as melted cheese or creamy mayo, these patties are sure to please. Enjoy them at lunchtime paired with a fresh salad or crispy fries, or savor the simplicity of eating one solo – the choice is yours!
Bacon Corn Dip
The dip’s creamy texture is truly irresistible, prompting some to question whether it’s better suited for direct consumption with a spoon rather than being paired with chips. At its core, this deliciousness stems from a harmonious blend of veggies, savory bacon bits, and a richly textured base. But what truly elevates the experience is the satisfying crunch imparted by the crispy bacon sprinkled atop the dip, adding a delightful sensory dimension to each bite.
Grandma’s Macaroni Salad
For a taste of nostalgia and a delicious addition to your next gathering, try this classic macaroni salad recipe reminiscent of Grandma’s cooking. This crowd-pleasing side dish is equally at home accompanying grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or served as a satisfying snack. Despite the many variations on offer, there’s no denying that a homemade macaroni salad made with love and care can’t be beat – just like Grandma used to make!
Mini Shrimp Tostadas
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these scrumptious shrimp mini tostadas make for an excellent choice as an appetizer. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also surprisingly easy to prepare and can be mass-produced to cater to a larger crowd, making them the perfect solution for hosting parties and get-togethers.
Pigs In A Blanket
The Recipe Rebel’s signature dish has earned its reputation for delighting crowds. Whether you’re looking to fuel up after a long day, tantalize your guests at an impromptu gathering, or simply satisfy a snack attack, this sweet and savory combination is sure to hit the spot. Imagine succulent little smokies wrapped in buttery, flaky, and golden-brown crescent rolls – it’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Classic Guacamole
Classic Guacamole Recipe for a Perfect Memorial Day Celebration When it comes to pairing guacamole with your favorite Memorial Day dishes, you can’t go wrong! My go-to recipe is a simple yet flavorful combination of fresh avocados, onions, lime juice, and cilantro. The best part? It’s ready in no time. To make this delicious dip, simply combine 3-4 ripe avocados with 1/2 red onion, finely chopped, 1 lime juiced, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Mix it all up until you reach your desired consistency, then serve with tortilla chips or use as a topping for burgers and tacos.
Bruschetta Recipe
Indulge in the simplicity of this Bruschetta Recipe as my go-to summer starter. Fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and sweet onions are combined to create a delightful flavor profile on toasted baguette slices. Take it to the next level by drizzling with a rich homemade Balsamic Glaze for an added touch of indulgence.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Indulge in the irresistible combination of crispy exteriors and tender interiors found in these Fried Green Tomatoes. Whether you serve them as a flavorful appetizer, a side dish, or even as the star attraction in a BLT sandwich, their addictive nature is sure to impress. Building on the classic Southern Cooking recipe, this version ditches the added sugar and kicks things up a notch with a hint of cayenne pepper for an extra burst of flavor.
For an added layer of complexity and satisfying crunch, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top – a game-changing move that will elevate your taste buds to new heights.
Mini Caprese Salad Bites
Savoring the Flavors of Summer: A Love Letter to Caprese Salad There’s something undeniably comforting about a well-crafted Caprese salad that embodies the essence of summer. Its versatility is one of its greatest charms, allowing it to be served in various forms – from elegantly plated presentations to piled-high servings or bite-sized morsels.
What truly elevates this dish, however, is the harmonious union of high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil, adding a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. With its fresh, juicy, colorful, and flavorful ingredients, it’s hard not to be captivated by the allure of Caprese salad.
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Get ready to savor the flavors of summer with our top picks for delicious BBQ recipes! To make meal planning a breeze, we’ve also included two handy printables: a free meal planner and recipe card. With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to grill up a storm without the stress of trying to remember what’s on the menu or how to prep each dish.
