27 Memorial Day Food Ideas (BBQ, Sides & Desserts)

For your Memorial Day cookout, you can't go wrong with classic grilled fare like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. But there are also plenty of options to keep things interesting! Consider kebabs with colorful veggies, or try grilling side dishes for a fun twist. Don't forget refreshing sides like cucumber salad or creamy Mexican street corn salad. And for dessert a red, white and blue cheesecake will be the perfect ending for the holiday.

Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

These oven-baked baby back ribs will make any celebration extra special. The savory, smoky flavors of the tender, juicy meat will ensure that you experience delight in every bite. Check out the recipe and try making this beautiful dish for your next cooking session!

Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

Huli Huli Chicken

This grilled chicken recipe is made with a flavorful marinade and then grilled to perfection and served with pineapple slices. You will feel you are on a Hawaiian vacation without leaving your backyard.

Get the recipe: Huli Huli Chicken

Pineapple Pork Skewers

These delicious pork skewers are made with a savory marinade of soy sauce, garlic an pineapple for a mouthwatering dinner that is perfect for a summer BBQ.

Get the recipe: Pineapple Pork Skewers

Red White and Blue No-Bake Cheesecake

These Red, White, and Blue no-bake cheesecake desserts in a jar are layered with strawberries, blueberries, and a creamy vanilla no-bake cheesecake, topped with whipped cream, more berries, and graham cracker crumbs!

Get the recipe: Red White and Blue No-Bake Cheesecake

Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs

These Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender chicken meat that features savory and smoky flavors. Baked in the oven for hassle-free cooking that delivers perfect results. Check it out and enjoy this tasty dish soon!

Get the recipe: Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers

Celebrate with these easy red, white, and blue fruit skewers! Made with strawberries, angel food cake, and blueberries, these quick 3-ingredient treats are light, festive, and perfect for serving a crowd at 4th of July or summer parties.

Get the recipe: Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Elote-Inspired)

Take your loved ones to Mexico with this creamy street corn pasta salad. This pasta salad mixes a creamy dressing with smoky, elote-style flavors. It’s cool and bold, making it an excellent match for hot, juicy burgers. It’s sure to stand out at any summer gathering.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Elote-Inspired)

Red, White, And Blue Mini Trifles

Celebrate in style with these red, white, and blue mini trifles! Sweet layers of strawberries, blueberries, and creamy pudding come together in these festive, handheld desserts—perfect for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any summer party.

Get the recipe: Red, White, and Blue Mini Trifles

Smoked Brats in Beer

This smoked bratwurst in a beer bath with just six ingredients is so easy to make and tastes amazing. Perfect for a crowd or to enjoy on the weekend.  

Get the recipe: Smoked Brats in Beer

Viral TikTok Boat Dip

If you’ve been online lately, you may have come across the viral TikTok Boat Dip, and for good reason! This dip is perfect for game nights, weekend movie marathons, or simply enjoying snack time with friends. In just 5 minutes, you can prepare this creamy, savory delight and take your snack time to the next level. Check out the easy recipe and elevate your snacking experience!

Get the Recipe: Viral TikTok Boat Dip

Beer Marinade for Chicken

This Beer marinade for chicken is super simple to make using fresh ingredients to keep the chicken moist and juicy. It's a great flavor punch marinade to try.

Get the recipe: Beer Marinade for Chicken

Baked Beans From Scratch

These baked beans from scratch are full of Southern flavor and soul. Slow cooked and packed full of tasty flavors they are the perfect BBQ side dish.

Get the recipe: Baked Beans From Scratch

Smoked Chicken Legs With Chimichurri On The Traeger

These smoked wings are made on a pellet grill and flavored with a chimichurri sauce made with fresh herbs. These are perfect for a backyard BBQ.

Get the recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Chimichurri on Traeger

Red White, and Blue Cake Balls

These Red White and Blue Cake Balls are the perfect festive treat for the 4th of July party or Memorial Day. They have a simple decorated candy coating on the outside but the surprise center of sweet cake.

Get the recipe: Red, White, and Blue Cake Balls

Cheesy Juicy Lucy Burgers

Juicy Lucy Burgers! A thick, pan-seared, juicy hamburger stuffed with melty, gooey American cheese is as delicious as it is fun to eat.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Juicy Lucy Burgers

Easy Broccoli Salad With Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing

This broccoli salad is full of crunchy almonds, sunflower seeds and sweet dried cranberries with a light Greek yogurt dressing. This light and fresh salad is the perfect side dish for a BBQ.

Get the recipe: Easy Broccoli Salad With Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing

12 Hour Hold Texas-Style Smoked Brisket

This is a 12-Hour Hold Texas-Style Smoked Brisket recipe that will give you the most moist, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth brisket you’ve ever tasted. You have to try it!

Get the recipe: 12 Hour Hold Texas-Style Smoked Brisket

Grilled Veggie Skewers

These easy-to-make vegetable skewers have zucchini, onion, and bell peppers. They are grilled to perfection and glazed with a tangy balsamic dressing. perfect as a main meal or a side dish to your favorite meat and fish recipes.

Get the recipe: Grilled Veggie Skewers

Chicken Cesar Pasta Salad

This Chicken Cesar Pasta Salad recipe has crunchy croutons, chicken and a homemade creamy Cesar dressing. This is perfect for a weekend cookout or a quick dinner.

Get the recipe: Chicken Cesar Pasta Salad

Red Potato Salad

Using red potatoes, celery, and red onions, this flavorsome potato salad is dressed in a creamy and tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer BBQs.

Get the recipe: Red Potato Salad

Barbeque Chicken Sliders Recipe

These Barbecue Chicken Sliders are so flavorful with juicy chicken, a tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Served on Hawaiian rolls, every bite is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy. To top it all off, a delicious garlic butter adds a finishing touch that will have you reaching for seconds!

Get the recipe: Barbeque Chicken Sliders Recipe

Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad With Balsamic

Caprese salads are perfect for summer when tomatoes are at peak season. Try this twist by adding tortellini pasta to your caprese salad. This has a delicious balsamic dressing and a balsamic glaze to add extra flavor!

Get the recipe: Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad With Balsamic

Ever Ever Juicy Burgers

BEST EVER Juicy Burgers are quick to prepare and packed with flavor! Next time you’re in the mood to fire up the grill, this is the recipe to make!

Get the recipe: Best Ever Juicy Burgers

Cucumber Onion Salad

This Cucumber Onion Salad is a simple salad mixing together crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion and tossed in a light tangy dressing with fresh dill. It makes a great side dish to bring to a get together, bbq or picnic. It pairs nicely with grilled meats and seafood!

Get the recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad

BBQ Chicken Marinade

This BBQ chicken marinade is a blend of ketchup, brown sugar, oil, and plenty of spices. It’s the perfect way to add a smoky flavor to chicken breasts and chicken thighs.

Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Marinade

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Savor the timeless charm and delightful taste of this Deviled Eggs with Bacon recipe. The creamy texture and savory flavors create a delightful experience in every bite. Be sure to check out the recipe and give it a try!

Get the recipe: Deviled Eggs with Bacon

How To Grill Frozen Corn

Enjoy sweet grilled corn on the cob anytime of year. Frozen corn is easy to grill and takes only a few simple ingredients.

Get the recipe: How To Grill Frozen Corn