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Memorial Day weekend is your green light for firing up the grill, mixing cold cocktails, and diving headfirst into summer. This roundup of 75 recipes has everything you need to make the long weekend memorable: refreshing drinks to beat the heat, crave-worthy appetizers that’ll disappear fast, bold grilled mains, and desserts worth saving room for.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill, mix up some cold drinks, and gather with the people you love most. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, heading to a potluck, or just looking for an excuse to spend three days eating really well, this lineup has you covered.
This roundup brings together 75 recipes that hit all the summer cookout essentials. From refreshing cocktails, appetizers worth fighting over, burgers and grilled mains that’ll make you look like a grill master, and desserts that steal the show.
This weekend is absolutely about celebrating summer, good food, and extra time with friends and family. But it’s also a moment to remember and honor those who’ve served. So before you dive into the spreads and the second round of drinks, take a beat to acknowledge what this day is really about.
Now, let’s get into the recipes that’ll make this your best Memorial Day weekend yet.
2026 update: First shared on May 24, 2018, this round up got a fresh makeover! It has been updated with easier scrollability, more new recipes, and pairing ideas below.
appetizers
BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls
BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls are balls of golden crispy goodness filled with a spicy, BBQ seasoned mac and cheese that will have you drooling. Pair this with an easy-to-make (and even easier to eat!) BBQ blue cheese sauce, and you won’t be able to eat mac and cheese any other way. Time to dig in, friends!
Grilled Vegetable Egg Rolls
Grilled Vegetable Egg Rolls are the perfect summer appetizer to break out the grill for! Hearty charred vegetables and a spice blend fill these golden fried egg rolls, making them a flavorful recipe that’s full of texture.
Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings
What goes better with game day than Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings?! The spicy and saucy wings are pure magic that you can grill OR bake, depending on whether you want to fire up the grill. They will disappear fast so be sure to snag a couple for yourself before you put them out!
Dry Rub Wings with BBQ Blue Cheese Sauce
Dry Rub Wings are the EASIEST way to make wings. All you need is a slammin’ seasoning to infuse your grilled chicken wings with a ton of flavor! You can serve them straight up or pair them with a tangy BBQ blue cheese dipping sauce.
Baked Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower
Baked crispy buffalo cauliflower is the sneaky snack with a healthy twist, straight from the oven. With the help of Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Aluminum Foil, the cleanup is simple and the cauliflower lifts right off the pan! Serves 4.
Cacio e Pepe Grilled Wings
Cacio e Pepe Grilled Wings are my take on turning the famed pasta dish into something perfect for sharing! The simple seasoning gives you the peppery burst of flavor, and when topped with plenty of freshly grated parmesan, it’s just the appetizer to bust out for game day. Serves 6. There’s a new kind of
Hot Honey Whiskey Wings
Hot Honey Whiskey Wings are spicy, sweet, and smoky. They are ideal for game day gatherings or any time you want to bust out the grill! The sticky glaze packs in the flavor and you’ll be happily licking your fingers clean with every bite.
BBQ Grilled Blooming Onion
When you dig into a bbq grilled blooming onion that’s been glazed in @headcountrybbq Original BBQ Sauce, you are getting your favorite steakhouse appetizer with a healthy twist. It’s the easiest way to take your favorite aussie appetizer outside!
Jalapeño Popper Avocado Wontons
If you love jalapeño poppers, you are going to flip out over these Jalapeño Avocado Cream Cheese Wontons! The creamy and spicy filling wrapped in crispy wonton wrappers makes these poppers a fantastic party appetizer (or afternoon snack…).
Burrata Caprese Salad
Burrata Caprese Salad is a simple, yet elegant summer salad made with fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and basil. This salad is ideal for a light lunch or dinner, but it’s also a hit as an appetizer for a party! The fresh flavors are simple and delicious, making this simple recipe easy to prepare and enjoy.
Summer Charcuterie Board
A Summer Charcuterie Board is the ultimate way to embrace the flavors of summer! Bursting with an array of seasonal fruits, refreshing dips, and a tempting assortment of artisanal cheeses and cured meats, this board is a grazer’s ultimate dream. It is an unforgettable centerpiece for any summer gathering!
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp
Fire up the grill for a lightened up version of the classic Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill. Creamy, spicy, and a little sweet, you only need handful of ingredients to make this recipe! Perfect for an appetizer, served in a rice bowl, and more.
Easy Smoked Chicken Wings
Smoked chicken wings are a must-make every grilling season. The smoker gives them that unbeatable combination of juicy, tender meat and rich smoky flavor, with just enough crisp on the outside. Whether you’re tossing them in sauce or serving them dry-rubbed, these smoked chicken wings always disappear fast.
Buffalo Jalapeno Popper Chicken Sliders
Buffalo jalapeño popper chicken sliders are creamy, spicy, and baked on soft Hawaiian rolls for the ultimate crowd-friendly dinner or party food. These easy chicken sliders come together fast and are ideal for game day, hosting, or weeknight comfort food.
main dishes
Big ’n Smoky Five Alarm Burger
A Big ’n Smoky Five Alarm Burger brings the heat, the smoke and a whole lot o’ fire! The spicy bourbon BBQ sauce, grilled jalapeños and beef/chorizo patties will have your taste buds dancing with burger-lovin’ joy!
Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Bratwurst with Homemade Pickled Red Onions
It’s about time to serve up some Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Bratwursts with Homemade Pickled Red Onions, isn’t it? The double dose of pork topped with tangy red onions, jalapeño lime aioli, crushed tortilla chips and MORE makes this the most epic brat you’ll ever bite into.
Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos
Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos are the best reason to stay in for Taco Tuesday this week. From the flavorful honey lime chicken to the spicy charred corn salsa, every element of these colorful tacos provides texture and ample punches of flavor!
Miso Glazed Sriracha Burgers with Asian Cucumber Pickles
Miso Glazed Sriracha Burgers with Asian Cucumber Pickles are my twist on a thick and juicy sandwich of beefy goodness. The grilled patties are spicy and savory, with a rich miso glaze that brings out the savory flavors in the meat. Time to fire up the grill!
Chipotle Lime Flank Steak with Creamy Avocado Salsa
Grilled Chipotle Lime Flank Steak with Creamy Avocado Salsa is a spicy, bright, and tangy take on your favorite grilled meat, just in time for summer. The heat and savory flavors of the steak with the bright, tangy salsa are ideal for eating on their own or even in tacos.
Build Your Own Gourmet BBQ Burger Bar!
Building your own Gourmet BBQ Burger Bar couldn’t be easier! Featuring my favorite Head Country Bar-B-Q seasoning and sauces, you get all the BBQ flavor you are craving. Simple and unique toppings are what make this burger bar really stand out from the rest!
French Onion Burger
All the flavors of your favorite soup, but in a burger! Juicy, flavorful burgers are topped with gruyere and caramelized onions for a killer summer burger.
Spicy Ginger Grilled Chicken Thighs with Avocado Salsa
Spicy Ginger Grilled Chicken Thighs with Avocado Salsa are a juicy, flavorful grilled dish that you can eat so many different ways! Eat the thighs as is with the salsa, shred the meat and make tacos, or make crostini out of the meat with the salsa on top. It is grilled dishes like this that always give you an excuse to celebrate!
Salsa Jalapeño Crunch Burger
A Salsa Jalapeño Crunch Burger is an easy way to upgrade your burger game! Using leftover salsa, jalapeños, and crunchy fried onions, these burgers are full of a variety of textures and flavors.
Grilled Burrata Pizza
Grilled Burrata Pizza is a fresh take on grilled pizza for your summer evening! Pizza dough is topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, crispy fried prosciutto, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and of course soft and creamy burrata. Time to fire up that grill!
BBQ Glazed Grilled Bratwurst with Spicy Peach Bacon Salsa
BBQ Glazed Grilled Bratwurst with Spicy Peach Bacon Salsa is a simple recipe with big bold flavors that are ideal for celebrating the end of summer. The grilled brats have a sweet and savory glaze from the Head Country BBQ Sauce, which pairs perfectly with the smoky, spicy, and fruity salsa on top. Easy enough to make any night of the week, but totally wow-worthy for a party!
Drunken Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Bratwurst
A Drunken Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Bratwurst is a crowd pleaser for game day! With beer braised onions and peppers, these grilled brats have a philly cheesesteak spin – complete with creamy cheese sauce on top.
Grilled New York Strip Steak
Cooking the perfect grilled New York strip steak can be a daunting task, but with the right technique, you can achieve a perfectly juicy and flavorful steak! You’ll get deliciously tender and flavorful cuts of beef every single time.
Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers
Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers are savory, spicy, and smoky! The chicken is skewered up with veggies and bacon, then basted until cooked to tasty perfection. With a 3-ingredient chipotle BBQ sauce, these grilled bbq chicken kabobs are gonna rock your grilling world.
Smoked Chicken Recipe
This savory and tender smoked whole chicken is juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Covered with your favorite BBQ rub, this chicken is infused with smoky flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a backyard bbq!
Grilled Full Chicken
This is the foolproof method to make a perfectly juicy grilled full chicken, with crispy skin! By spatchcocking the chicken, it cooks faster at a high heat, saving you time without skimping on flavor and juiciness. It’s so easy!
BBQ Apple Cider Traeger Ribs
BBQ Apple Cider Ribs are the ultimate juicy, meaty, and messy dinner. This classic recipe has a twist of apple cider, making them extra tender. And if you don’t end up with a face full of sauce, you aren’t doing your ribs right! Serves 6.
side dishes
Panzanella Toscana
Panzanella Toscana is bold, bready, and bursting with peak summer flavor. Think of it as the ultimate excuse to eat big chunks of toasted bread soaked in garlicky dressing, tossed with juicy tomatoes and salty shards of crispy prosciutto.
Tomato Onion Salad
A fresh, tangy tomato onion salad made with juicy tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions. Tossed in a bold olive oil and vinegar dressing, it’s the easiest side you’ll make all summer.
Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad combines all the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic caprese salad with the heartiness of pasta. Tossed with romaine, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and a creamy basil dressing, it’s a flavorful and easy side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Crispy smashed fingerling potatoes are an easy side dish or appetizer for any occasion! The crispy exterior paired with creamy centers makes this recipe an instant family favorite. Topped with a fresh herb garlic butter, you won’t be able to stop eating these!
Crunchy Thai Pasta Salad
Crunchy Thai Pasta Salad is loaded with healthy vegetables and topped with the best Thai peanut sauce ever. You can make this recipe as a side dish for your favorite proteins, or make it for meal prep throughout the week!
Masala Corn Salad
Masala Corn Salad is an easy, quick, and flavorful recipe that is a fantastic side dish to pair with your lunch or dinner. Cooked corn kernels are stirred up with butter, chaat masala, cilantro, lemon juice, vegetables and more for a vibrant salad that pairs with chicken, steak, pork, tofu and seafood.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon feta salad is the ideal last-minute recipe to whip up for your summer dinner table. The sweet juiciness of the watermelon paired with creamy, salty feta makes this a truly memorable recipe. With a burst of fresh herbs and a simple dressing, it’s simple to whip up and is always a crowd-pleaser!
Cucumber Tomato salad
This cucumber tomato salad is refreshing, vibrant, and the kind of summer staple that never lets you down. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, slivers of red onion, and loads of fresh herbs, it’s tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette that lets all the seasonal flavor shine.
Melon Prosciutto Salad
An easy melon prosciutto salad is a refreshing combination of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. With the addition of a honey citrus dressing made with fresh citrus juice and herbs, you’ll find yourself making this recipe over and over again for a side dish or even a poolside snack.
Smoky Charred Corn
Smoky Charred Corn is a simple and mouthwatering recipe that is perfect for BBQ lovers. The quick and easy dish is full of smoky flavor surrounding perfectly grilled blackened corn kernels. This recipe goes with any main dish, but anything fresh of the grill or smoker is ideal!
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Satisfy your summer cravings with this quick and easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad recipe! This vibrant and refreshing dish combines al dente pasta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, creating a symphony of tastes and textures. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch, this pasta salad is a surefire way to get a flavorful dish on the table.
Summer Corn Tomato Risotto
Summer Corn Tomato Risotto is full of freshly grilled vegetables! It can be served as a main dish or you can serve it as a side with your favorite protein. The foolproof recipe for risotto is a must-make!
Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers
Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers are the ultimate grilled side dish this summer. Everyone loves a good baked potato, and this is a whole new take on it! Golden potatoes are grilled with Wright® Brand Hickory Bacon, then drizzled with a savory roasted garlic aioli, sour cream, and chives. It’s a perfect pairing for dad’s favorite
Bacon Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Salad
Bacon Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Salad might be the one side dish that will totally outshine any main dish… Grilled corn is mixed with crispy bacon, grilled jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, queso fresco and some seasoning for a flavorful burst of summer goodness. It’s a must-make recipe for the summer!
Summer Lemon Pasta Salad
Summer Lemon Pasta Salad is always a favorite for patio parties and backyard BBQ’s! The refreshing and light lemon dressing with fresh tomatoes and basil is the best summery combo. Make it ahead of time and the flavors just get better with time!
cocktails
White Sangria
If you’re throwing a summer party or need a drink you can make ahead of time that goes with any meal, this white sangria is the perfect choice. Easy to customize and beautifully versatile, it’s a drink you’ll revisit over and over.
Cherry Blueberry Mojito
A Cherry Blueberry Mojito is just the red, white, and blue cocktail you need to bust out to celebrate July 4th this year! Featuring an easy homemade cherry simple syrup and fresh blueberries, this minty fresh drink will quench your thirst and get everyone into the mood to celebrate. It’s a fantastic drink to take advantage of those ripe cherries and blueberries!
Blueberry Mojito
Bright, flavorful, and oh-so-refreshing, this Blueberry Mojito is the ultimate cocktail for spring and summer gatherings. With its gorgeous purple-blue hue and sweet-tart flavor, this twist on the classic mojito is impossible to resist.
Red White And Blue Brunch Punch
Red White And Blue Brunch Punch is a new July 4th cocktail favorite for you and the gang. Bubbly prosecco and vodka combined with fresh fruit juices and berries makes for an easy punch recipe for Independence Day!
Chile Beer Sangria
Chile-infused whiskey and citrus bring out so many flavors in the beer! Even the men are gonna wanna get all up in this one ladies 😉
Cherry Whiskey Smash
I’ve got your new favorite ladies night cocktail right here, gals! A Cherry Whiskey Smash is the fresh and fruity, spirit-forward cocktail your summer sippin’ agenda is begging for.
Patriotic Tom Collins Punch
Patriotic Tom Collins Punch is how I salute the good ol’ red, white and blue every Fourth of July! This punch is where big batch cocktails meet sangria, with just the right about of fruity sweetness to accompany the floral gin notes. You won’t find a better refreshment (or a more patriotic one) than this come Independence Day!
Very Cherry Amaretto Sour
Looking for just the right summer sipper to accompany all those grilled meats? A Very Cherry Amaretto Sour is perfect for backyard BBQs!
Tart Cherry Fizz
Things are getting juicy up in here with this Tart Cherry Fizz! The bubbly and tart four-ingredient cocktail makes for a fruity summer sipper that everyone will swoon over.
Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
Vodka Strawberry Lemonade is a fresh and fruity lemonade with just the right amount of booze to help you maximize those lazy summer afternoons! Made with fresh strawberries and lemons, this glass of summer goodness is bursting with fruity flavor. Forget going for the processed stuff – from scratch is oh so much better.
Berrylicious Gin and Tonic
A Berrylicious Gin & Tonic is the only thing you need to be sipping on at your July 4th shindig. The flavors in the gin are played up with a little elderflower liquor and the berries are festive enough even Martha Stewart would approve.
desserts
Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Thick, chewy, chocolate-packed bars that hit that sweet spot between brownie and cookie. These double chocolate chip cookie bars are extremely easy to make and even easier to devour. One pan, loads of chocolate, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—because we’re fancy like that.
Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Filling
This moist and fluffy strawberry cake with strawberry filling is bursting with real berry flavor in every bite, from the soft cake layers to the creamy strawberry buttercream. It’s an easy, impressive dessert that’s perfect for spring, summer, or any berry-loving occasion.
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
This lemon blueberry cheesecake is creamy, tangy, and loaded with juicy blueberries! Baked on a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with a simple blueberry compote, it’s a delightful combination of zesty citrus, sweet berries and tangy, creamy cheesecake. A make-ahead dessert that’s ideal for spring and summer!
Blueberry Galette with Thyme Honey
A Blueberry Galette is a classic summer dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor! As I like to say, it’s my “lazy pie”. With a drizzle of thyme honey, this dessert is one that everyone will devour.
Nutella Cake Bites
Our 3-ingredient Nutella cake bites are pure decadence. These bite-sized delights are a chocoholic’s dream, combining the creamy richness of Nutella with moist cakey goodness. With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up these irresistible treats in no time.
Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse
Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse is light, fluffy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor! The crunchy crumble on the bottom gives you a lovely texture to break up the smooth mousse. It’s perfect to end any spring or summer meal!
Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Crust
A Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Crust is the elegant dessert that is deceptively simple to make. The dark chocolate ganache filling is creamy and rich, topping a toasted hazelnut pastry. The addition of tart berries on top makes for a killer combo for any gathering!
Grilled Peach Cobbler
Grilled Peach Cobbler is summery and fresh, making the most of the seasonal fruit and grilling season! The entire recipe comes together in a cast iron skillet, and can even be made straight on the campfire.
Raspberry Blueberry And Strawberry Galette
A Raspberry Blueberry and Strawberry Galette is the ideal rustic, patriotic dessert recipe for summer. The simple homemade pie crust and berry filling is perfect for topping with vanilla ice cream. It’s a triple berry threat!
Blackberry Lemon Icebox Cake
Blackberry Lemon Icebox Cake is an easy, no-bake frozen dessert that will cool you off with a fruity zing! Layers of lemon cream, graham crackers, lemon curd, and a quick homemade blackberry lemon jam make this so much better than the kind your mama used to make. It takes no time to pull together!
Triple Berry Cheesecake
Triple Berry Cheesecake is THE dessert of the summer! Creamy, light, and lemony cheesecake is topped with a triple berry puree, then decorated with a bunch of fresh berries. Plus it can be made ahead of time!
Easy Butterfinger Caramel Ganache Tart
An Easy Butterfinger Caramel Ganache Tart is just the dessert to wow the crowd at your next football party. It’s a deceptively simple yet totally drool worth indulgence that’s perfect for pairing with beers or bourbon/whiskey. With only 5 steps, it’s the low maintenance chocolate dessert you’ve been searching for!
Smashed Mixed Berry Pavlova
Smashed Mixed Berry Pavlova is a pillowy slab of heaven covered in puffy whipped cream, a tart and tangy mixed berry sauce, and loads of fresh fruit. Sounds like pure heaven, doesn’t it? This dessert is beyond simple to make and really wow’s a crowd! It’s the ultimate way to celebrate spring.
Blueberry Pie Crumb Bars
Craving a slice of pie but don’t want to go through all that work? Blueberry Pie Crumb Bars give you the pie fix in no time! With a tasty lemon cream cheese drizzle, they are simply irresistible.
Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Moist, fluffy chocolate cake layered with a fruity strawberry buttercream frosting makes this Chocolate Strawberry Cake my most popular cake recipe of all time!
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is creamy, rich and studded with fresh blueberries and graham crackers. You won’t be able to stop at just one cone to cool off with this summer!
Mixed Berry Vanilla Bean Cake
This Mixed Berry Vanilla Bean Cake is how I show my patriotic spirit – in dessert form! The red, white and blue cake starts with a flavorful vanilla bean cake and light-as-air lemon mint whipped cream frosting, topped off with all the fresh berries your heart desires.
Nutella Cherry Tart
A Nutella Cherry Tart is the only summer picnic dessert you need in your life this summer. It’s rich, fruity and packed with Nutella for all you Nutella-obsessed folks out there – essentially it’s like eating a Nutella-covered cherry. You’re welcome. I’m back on the Nutella addiction train, friends… and it’s not looking good. I might
Raspberry Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake
Raspberry and lemon make the perfect fruity combination for a summer dessert!
What to Serve With Memorial Day Recipes
Round out your Memorial Day spread with drinks and sides that make the whole meal come together:
For the grill-heavy mains → Pair with cold lagers, IPAs, or a pitcher of spiked lemonade. Classic potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob never miss.
For spicy appetizers and wings: Cool things down with ranch or blue cheese dip, and serve alongside crisp celery sticks or a fresh cucumber salad.
For berry-forward desserts: Pour sparkling rosé, a berry mojito, or keep it simple with vanilla ice cream on the side.
Memorial Day is about good company, great food, and soaking up those first real summer vibes.
If you make any of these recipes, tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest! I’d love to see how your Memorial Day spread turns out. I love seeing these recipes come to life in your backyards and kitchens.
about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
