Tasty Memorial Day Food Ideas: Top 25 Recipes to Try (2024)

The arrival of Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals the start of the summer dining season!

Families nationwide will be preparing their Memorial Day food, lighting up their grills for a feast of BBQ dishes.

This includes burgers, hot dogs, and a variety of other delicious Memorial Day food that goes beyond the ordinary.

And we can’t overlook the accompaniments, a medley of corn on the cob, baked beans, coleslaw, and pasta salads will surely satisfy every family member.

If you’re on the hunt for classic Memorial Day dishes or seeking some exciting, fresh grilling concepts, this list provides all the essentials for the perfect Memorial Day meal plan.

All that’s left for you to do is set a playlist of nationalistic melodies and include a dessert that features red, white, and blue!

Celebrate with 25 Unique Memorial Day Food Ideas

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

This recipe is akin to a delicious, generously loaded baked potato, brimming with all those mouth-watering, crowd-favorite toppings.

Think of crunchy bacon, grated cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions.

Get the recipe here.

Tennessee Peach Pudding

Fresh summer peaches are wonderfully complemented by brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon in this outstanding cobbler recipe.

For the best experience, serve it warm, and don’t forget a generous scoop of ice cream.

Get the recipe here.

Grilled Hotdog Fixin’s

Offer a variety of toppings such as Zesty Pickle and Onion, Tangy Horseradish, and Spicy Chiles to accompany these frankfurters.

This way, everyone can savor their hot dog according to their preference.

Get the recipe here.

Tomato Tart

The secret to making this stunning savory tart simple lies in using store-bought pie crust.

Fear not, our little secret is safe and no one needs to know!

Get the recipe here.

All-American Hamburgers

Worcestershire and chili sauce can enhance the flavor of ground beef used in these burgers.

Make sure to prepare all the top-notch toppings such as freshly cut tomatoes, lettuce, and assorted mustards. This way, your guests can garnish their burgers as they please.

Get the recipe here.

Root Beer Baked Beans

There’s nothing that complements cookout food better than a large pot of baked beans.

However, for this recipe, we’ve overlooked the typical brown sugar and opted for a unique blend of molasses and classic soda.

Get the recipe here.

Avocado Dip

Regardless of surprise visitors or a large gathering, this fast and easy dip is a cinch to prepare.

It offers a smooth, buttery, and herb-filled flavor, and it only takes a mere 5 minutes to create!

Get the recipe here.

Frosé

Transform any ordinary backyard barbecue into a vibrant party with this frosted, fruity frosé!

It’s refreshing, cool, and essentially amounts to an adult version of a strawberry slushie.

Get the recipe here.

Red, White & Blue Potato Salad

The secret to this scrumptious potato salad lies in marinating the cooked potatoes with vinegar and wine while they’re still hot.

Garnished with a tangy vinaigrette, it’s bound to become one of your new favorite recipes to celebrate Memorial Day.

Get the recipe here.

Star-Studded Blueberry Pie

This festive pie recipe can be prepared with either fresh or frozen blueberries.

For a creative touch, use star-shaped cutouts of different sizes for the topping.

Get the recipe here.

Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint

Are you looking for a celebratory slaw? Skip the traditional mayonnaise variety and give this a try.

The dates add a delightful sweetness, while the peanuts lend a hint of Southern charm. However, it’s the addition of mint that truly makes this dish stand out.

Get the recipe here.

Strawberry-Cabernet Barbecue Sauce

This sauce, made with fresh strawberries, red wine, and maple syrup, is excellent for practically any barbecued protein, from chicken to pork, and even ribs!

Get the recipe here.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Fans of traditional Caesar salad will fall in love with this variant, ideal for a barbecue. It can even be prepared ahead of time!

Just remember to keep the croutons and lettuce separate to ensure they retain their crunchiness.

Get the recipe here.

Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

Skirt steak can be tenderized using lime juice and beer, which also significantly enhances its taste.

Grilling everything, including the tortillas, is advised. Pair it with other summer side dishes and salads to create a perfect feast for Memorial Day.

Get the recipe here.

Firecracker Sangria

This festive patriotic party punch is akin to a jubilee in a tumbler!

Get the recipe here.

S’mores Bars

If you aren’t planning to spend Memorial Day around a campfire, these delicious bars are a fantastic alternative!

They offer the entire taste of toasted s’mores, minus the fire.

Get the recipe here.

Watermelon Cupcakes

These delightful cupcakes are a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

The infusion of lemon-lime soda and watermelon gelatin provides an additional fruity flavor.

The tiny chocolate chips serve as a delightful detail that adds a special touch.

Get the recipe here.

Puff Pastry Star Cookies

These super-simple cookies require just four ingredients, with no need for a mixing bowl.

Get the recipe here.

Grilled Pizza

Your grill isn’t just for burgers on Memorial Day. It’s also perfect for cooking pizza!

The charred crust and melted cheese will add a delightful twist to your festive menu.

Get the recipe here.

Corn Soufflé

This recipe celebrates corn in all its glory.

It incorporates corn in three different forms: fresh corn kernels, creamed corn, and corn muffin mix.

Get the recipe here.

Sour Cream Potato Salad

This potato salad derives its tangy kick from the Italian dressing and horseradish.

Due to the presence of sour cream in the dressing, it is advisable not to keep it at room temperature for more than two hours.

Get the recipe here.

Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

For a hassle-free Memorial Day dessert, opt for this delightful strawberry pie.

It’s as easy as blending strawberry gelatin with fresh strawberries and filling a ready-made pie crust.

Finish it off with a dollop of whipped cream.

Get the recipe here.

Classic Hearty Squash Casserole

One of the most underrated all-purpose side dishes is a classic squash casserole, piled high with crushed butter crackers and plenty of cheddar cheese.

Serve this up and watch people’s eyes pop with delight.

Get the recipe here.

Cowboy Steak

Nothing screams summer quite like grilling steaks! These exceptionally thick, bone-in ribeye steaks are the pinnacle of barbecue cuisine.

We’ve topped them with a flavorful herb-infused ranch butter to amplify the taste.

Get the recipe here.

Cast-iron caramel, Marshmallow, and Salted Almond Brownies

Why not take advantage of the ignited grill to prepare your dessert as well?

This campfire-style brownie not only provides a feast for the eyes but also pleases the palate.

Get the recipe here.

You may also be interested in:

Spring Dessert Ideas: Top 25 Stunning Recipes to Try

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Spring Dinner Ideas: Top 25 Recipes For The Season

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