Memorial Day weekend stands as a beautiful annual milestone, bringing together the warmth of early summer and the joy of gathering with family and friends. There is a distinct, welcoming feeling that comes with firing up the grill for the first time of the season, and having a great list of memorial day bbq ideas ready ensures the celebration is a success. Gathering in the backyard with the people you care about most, while the aroma of charcoal and classic cooking fills the air, is the ultimate way to welcome the sunnier months ahead.
If you are currently mapping out your backyard feast, planning a balanced and flavorful spread does not have to be a stressful task. This curated collection of recipes is designed to provide plenty of culinary inspiration while keeping your kitchen prep entirely manageable. From reimagined versions of Traditional Memorial Day Foods to vibrant new sides and grilled specialties, these dishes will ensure your holiday weekend is both delicious and effortless.
The Ultimate Smash Burgers
Source: Natasha’s Kitchen
There is nothing quite like a burger with those perfectly crispy, lacy edges. Roll your seasoned ground beef into tight balls, press them flat onto a smoking hot cast-iron griddle on your grill, and top immediately with American cheese. Serve them on toasted brioche buns with a secret sauce made of mayo and mustard.
Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs
Source: Lauren’s Latest
Chicken breasts can dry out so quickly on the grill, which is why I always opt for boneless and skinless chicken thighs. They stay incredibly juicy! Snag your favorite barbecue sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of local honey and a pinch of pepper, and brush it on during the last ten minutes of grilling for a sticky, sweet glaze.
Smoked Brisket Flat
Source: Taste Of Artisan
If you want to be the absolute hero of the neighborhood, fire up the smoker for a low-and-slow brisket flat. Rub it generously with Kosher salt and black pepper to create that gorgeous, savory bark. Slice it thin against the grain and pair it with sliced onions and jalapenos to cut through the rich meat.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Source: Over The Fire Cooking
These are always the very first appetizer to disappear from the snack table. Stuff halved jalapeños with a whipped mixture of cream cheese, wrap them in a slice of bacon, and grill until the bacon is perfectly crisp.
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Source: Hungry Healthy Happy
Nothing says summer quite like fresh corn. Pull back the husks, remove the silk, and grill the ears directly over the flames until they have a beautiful char. Roll them in a homemade compound butter packed with fresh chives, dill, and red chilli flakes.
Smoked Baked Beans with Brown Sugar
Source: Hey Grill Hey
A BBQ isn’t complete without a bubbling dish of baked beans. I love to doctor up canned beans with plenty of dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard, crispy crumbled bacon, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Bake it right in a cast-iron skillet on the grill side-burner!
Classic Southern Potato Salad
Source: Budget Bytes
My secret to the perfect potato salad is tossing the warm, cubed potatoes with a little bit of red wine vinegar by adding it in the dressing. Mix in hard-boiled diced eggs, celery for crunch, and a creamy mayo-mustard dressing. It’s best served chilled next to a pile of pulled pork.
Creamy Coleslaw with a Twist
Source: Something About Sandwiches
Skip the store-bought tub and shred some fresh green and spring onions with carrots. The dressing is a balance of mayonnaise, a touch of sugar, dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for an unexpected, bright pop of flavor that cuts right through heavy BBQ meats.
Grilled Pineapple Skewers
Source: Aleka’s Get-Together
Let’s bring a little tropical flair to the party! Cut fresh pineapple into thick chunks, thread them onto skewers, and brush with a mix of honey, lime and a dash of cinnamon. The heat caramelizes the sugars beautifully, making it a perfect side dish or a light dessert.
Garlic Herb Grilled Shrimp
Source: All Recipes
For a lighter protein option, toss peeled shrimp in olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dried basil leaves. Thread them tightly onto skewers so they don’t fall through the grates and grill for just five to six minutes per side. Serve them with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
Loaded Macaroni Salad
Source: Jo Cooks
This is a nostalgic classic that everyone loves. Mix elbow macaroni with sour cream, red onion, green onion, bacon and carrot. Toss it all in a sweet and creamy mayo dressing. It’s hearty, comforting, and can be made the night before!
Sweet Sticky BBQ Ribs
Source: Andy-Cooks
Baby back ribs take a little patience, but the payoff is magnificent. Coat them in a smoky dry rub, wrap them in foil to get them tender, and finish them directly on the grill grates. Keep slathering them with a sweet homemade BBQ sauce until they are finger-licking good.
Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
Source: Love And Lemons
When the sun is beating down, this salad is pure refreshment. Cubed, cold watermelon pairs beautifully with salty, crumbled feta cheese and torn fresh mint leaves. Drizzle a tiny bit of lime juice and olive oil dressing over the top right before serving for a stunning presentation.
Grilled Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
Source: Delicious Little Bites
Italian sausages grilled alongside thick slices of bell peppers and sweet onions make for an incredibly satisfying meal. Tuck them all into toasted deli rolls and top with a smear of spicy Dijon mustard.
Classic Deviled Eggs
Source: Tastes Better From Scratch
You simply cannot host a Memorial Day gathering without a platter of deviled eggs. Mix your yolks with mayo, a touch of relish, and a pinch of paprika for color. I like to top mine with a tiny piece of crispy bacon or chives for a modern upgrade.
Caprese Skewers
Source: Natasha’s Kitchen
For a fresh, no-cook appetizer, thread cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto short wooden skewers. Arrange them on a platter and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a rich balsamic reduction. It looks beautiful and patriotic with the red and white!
Grilled Peach and Burrata Crostini
Source: McCormick
Take advantage of early summer stone fruits! Halve some fresh peaches, brush them with oil, and grill until grill marks appear. Place them on toasted baguette slices, top with a tear of creamy burrata cheese, and drizzle with a spicy honey mixture.
Crispy Stuffed Potato Skins
Source: Tastes Better From Scratch
Bake your russet potatoes ahead of time, scoop out the centers, and brush the skins with melted butter. Broil them until crispy, then fill with cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Broil them again until the cheese melts, then finish with sour cream and green onions.
Sweet Cornbread Muffins
Source: Sally’s Baking Addiction
A basket of warm, golden cornbread muffins is the perfect vessel for soaking up extra BBQ sauce. I love adding buttermilk to the cornmeal batter to keep them incredibly moist, and serving them with a dish of whipped honey butter.
Teriyaki Beef Kabobs
Source: The Recipe Critic
Sirloin steak cubes marinated in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil make for spectacular kabobs. Thread them onto sticks alternating with chunks of red onion and fresh pineapple for a sweet-and-savory flavor profile.
Cast-Iron Berry Crisp
Source: Food Network
You can cook dessert on the grill too! Fill a cast-iron skillet with fresh blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries tossed with a little sugar and all purpose flour. Top with an oat, brown sugar, and butter crumble, and let it bake on the grill under the lid until bubbling. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Cucumber Onion Salad
Source: The Cookie Rookie
This is the ultimate light, refreshing palate cleanser between heavy BBQ dishes. Thinly slice English cucumbers and sliced red onions. Mix apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar and pepper and our this dressing on top of the salad.
Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Wings
Source: Grill Nation BBQ
Skip the deep fryer and throw your wings on the grill for that smoky flavor. Toss them beforehand in a rub of chili powder, black pepper, and Kosher salt. Once they are crispy and cooked through, toss them in a bowl with fresh lime juice and cilantro.
Grilled Flatbread Pizzas
Source: Foodal
Keep the kids (and adults!) entertained by setting up a flatbread pizza station. Brush naan bread with olive oil, grill one side, flip, and top with feta cheese, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and cooked chopped chicken. Close the grill lid for 5-8 minutes to melt the cheese.
Lemonade Popsicles
Source: Maple And Mango
To wrap up a warm day of grilling, treat everyone to homemade ice pops. Blend up a batch of fresh lemon juice, honey and lemon zest, pour into molds, and freeze overnight. It’s the most refreshing way to end the perfect long weekend.
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