Memorial Day is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy good food with family and friends. The table fills up fast, and so does the menu, with dishes that are simple, hearty, and made for sharing. This list of 29 must-try recipes for your Memorial Day cookout party brings together easy ideas that fit right into any backyard gathering. From quick grill favorites to make-ahead sides and tasty desserts, there’s something here for every plate and every guest at the table.
Cherry Crumb Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Grilled S’mores Pizza
Melted chocolate spread, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers turn this grilled dessert into something people gather around fast. The warm crust holds all the gooey toppings together, making every slice messy in the best way possible. This sweet treat fits right into Memorial Day, when everyone wants something fun to grab after a long day by the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Miso Glazed Salmon
The sweet and savory glaze gives this salmon a deep flavor while the grill adds just the right amount of char around the edges. Each bite stays tender and juicy, making it stand out from the usual cookout dishes on the table. It works well for Memorial Day when the menu needs something simple that still feels special enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Soft blueberry filling and buttery crumbs make these bars easy to grab and hard to stop eating after the first bite. They hold together well, which makes them perfect for passing around during busy backyard gatherings. A tray of these always fits right in at Memorial Day since people love desserts they can snack on without slowing down the party.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
Beer Boiled Brats
Simmering the brats in beer before grilling gives them a rich flavor that gets even better once the outsides turn crisp and golden. They come off the grill juicy, smoky, and ready to pile into buns with all the favorite toppings. This is the kind of food people expect to see at Memorial Day because it’s easy to serve and disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Garlic Sesame Kale
Garlic and sesame oil give this kale a savory flavor that pairs well with burgers, ribs, and grilled chicken. The greens stay tender with a little bite, making them a nice balance next to heavier cookout foods. A big bowl of this works great for Memorial Day when the table needs something fresh that still feels full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale
Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken and creamy peanut sauce come together in a way that keeps people reaching for another skewer. The rich sauce adds plenty of flavor without making the dish feel too heavy for a cookout spread. These skewers are great for Memorial Day because they’re easy to pass around while everyone hangs out and eats by the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Lemon Squares
Sweet and tangy lemon filling sits on top of a soft crust that melts in your mouth with every bite. They’re easy to pick up and light enough to serve after burgers, hot dogs, and other cookout favorites. A tray of these always feels right for Memorial Day since people usually want dessert that’s simple, bright, and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Cherry Crumb Bars
Sweet cherry filling tucked between buttery layers gives these bars a soft texture with just the right amount of crumble on top. The mix of tart fruit and rich crust keeps every bite balanced and full of flavor. These bars belong on any Memorial Day table because they’re easy to slice, easy to serve, and easy for guests to grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Crunchy cereal, melted chocolate, and chewy cherries give these bars a fun mix of texture in every bite. Since they are no-bake, they can be made ahead and stacked onto the snack table without much extra work. They fit right into Memorial Day because people love easy sweets they can grab while walking around and chatting with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Mango Mousse
Smooth mango mousse brings sweet fruit flavor and a creamy texture without taking much effort to make. The light feel of this dessert makes it a good choice after a full plate of grilled food and cookout sides. It works perfectly for Memorial Day when guests want something cool, simple, and easy to spoon into bowls after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mango Mousse
Raspberry Jam Bars
Sweet raspberry jam baked between a buttery crust and crumb topping gives these bars a soft center with just the right amount of crunch. The fruity filling melts into every bite and keeps the bars from feeling too heavy or overly sweet. They’re easy to slice and stack onto a tray, which makes them a great dessert to pass around during Memorial Day get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Warm grilled fruit and sticky brown sugar caramel turn simple ingredients into a dessert people keep reaching for. The grill brings out the natural sweetness in the fruit, while the caramel adds a rich finish that tastes good on every skewer. These are fun to serve at Memorial Day since guests can grab one by hand and keep mingling around the cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Butterscotch Brownies
Rich sugar and chocolate come together in these soft brownies that stay gooey right in the center. The sweet caramel flavor gives them a homemade feel that reminds people of the desserts they grew up eating at family parties. Set out a tray during Memorial Day and watch people sneak back for another square before the night is over.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Smoky chipotle flavor and creamy jalapeño mayo give these burgers a bold kick without making them too spicy. The juicy beef, toasted buns, and rich sauce all come together in a way that feels made for cookouts and backyard dinners. Burgers like these fit right into Memorial Day when everyone wants something hot off the grill that tastes big and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
7 Layer Bars
Every bite of these bars is packed with chocolate, coconut, nuts, and chewy layers that melt together while baking. The edges turn lightly crisp while the center stays soft and rich enough to keep people coming back for more. Since they can be made ahead and cut into neat squares, they work perfectly for busy Memorial Day tables loaded with snacks and desserts.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Thick baked beans cooked in a sweet and smoky sauce bring plenty of rich flavor to every spoonful. The slow-cooked texture makes them hearty enough to stand next to burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or grilled chicken without getting lost on the plate. A big bowl of these always belongs at Memorial Day because people expect a cookout side dish that feels warm, filling, and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Soft chocolate brownies topped with warm frosting turn into a rich dessert that melts into every bite. The fudgy texture stays moist while the sweet topping sinks right into the cake and adds even more chocolate flavor. A pan of these works great for Memorial Day since they’re easy to slice for a crowd and simple to carry to parties and cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Smoky chipotle butter coats every piece of corn while the grill adds a charred flavor around the edges. The mix of sweet corn, melted butter, and light heat makes this side dish hard to stop eating once people pick up the first cob. Pile them onto a tray for Memorial Day and let everyone grab one straight from the table while the burgers finish cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Creamy deviled eggs topped with crispy bacon bring a smoky crunch that makes them stand out from the usual party snacks. The filling stays smooth and rich while the bacon adds just enough salty flavor in every bite. These always disappear fast at Memorial Day gatherings because people can grab one quickly while walking around and talking with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Juicy chicken, vegetables, and melted cheese cook together inside foil packets that lock in all the flavor. Every packet opens up hot and tender, giving people a full meal without leaving a pile of dishes behind afterward. These are perfect for Memorial Day when everyone wants something filling from the grill that is easy to prep and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Banana Boats
Melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows stuffed inside soft bananas turn this grilled dessert into a messy treat people love digging into. The warm banana gets extra sweet on the grill while the melted filling sticks to every bite in the best way. Let everyone build their own during the cookout and watch the topping combinations get bigger and sweeter as the night goes on.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Mango Pie
Sweet mango filling tucked into a flaky crust gives this pie a smooth texture and bright flavor that stands out on any dessert table. The creamy filling stays rich without feeling too heavy, which makes every slice easy to go back for. It’s the kind of dessert that works well for family cookouts and holiday gatherings when something fruity and homemade sounds better than store-bought sweets.
Get the Recipe: Mango Pie
Miso Glazed Chicken
Thick miso glaze caramelizes on the grill and gives this chicken a mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors in every bite. The outside turns sticky and golden while the inside stays juicy and tender from start to finish. Serve this at any backyard gathering and expect people to ask how the chicken tastes so flavorful straight off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Layers of rich chocolate and gooey caramel make these bars soft, sweet, and hard to stop eating after one bite. The buttery crust holds everything together, while a little salt helps balance all the sweetness perfectly. Set these out at a party and watch the tray empty fast once people see the caramel pull apart in every square.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Blueberry Pudding Cake
Soft cake baked over warm blueberry filling gives this dessert a rich texture that feels comforting without being too heavy. The berries turn jammy underneath while the top stays light and fluffy enough to soak up every spoonful. Serve it warm and let the bubbling fruit and sweet cake do all the work at the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake
Kefta Kebabs
Ground beef mixed with herbs and spices turns these kebabs into something juicy, savory, and packed with flavor from the first bite. The outside gets crisp on the grill while the inside stays tender and full of seasoning all the way through. These skewers bring something different to the cookout table and pair well with rice, flatbread, or fresh salad on the side.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Chewy oats and melted chocolate chips give these bars a soft texture that feels homemade and filling at the same time. Every square holds together well, making them easy to stack onto trays or pack up for parties and picnics. People always come back for another one because the simple mix of oats and chocolate never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Cinnamon and a little chili powder give these brownies a warm flavor that makes the chocolate taste even richer. The soft center stays dense and fudgy while the light spice keeps every bite interesting without becoming too strong. Bring these to a gathering and wait for someone to ask what makes them taste so different from regular brownies.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Asian Marinated Steak
Soy sauce, garlic, and spices soak deep into the steak and give every slice bold flavor from the inside out. The grill adds a nice sear on the outside while the meat stays juicy and tender once sliced thin. This is the kind of main dish that looks impressive on the table without taking a lot of extra work before guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak