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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Firecracker Sangria
This festive patriotic party punch is akin to a jubilee in a tumbler!
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.
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.
Puff Pastry Star Cookies
These super-simple cookies require just four ingredients, with no need for a mixing bowl.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You may also be interested in:
Spring Dessert Ideas: Top 25 Stunning Recipes to Try
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