Memorial Day is the perfect time to fire up the grill and get the summer vibes going. Whether you’re hosting a big cookout or just enjoying a quiet day outside, these 29 delicious recipes are sure to bring the flavor. From juicy burgers to refreshing sides, these dishes are the perfect way to match the sunshine and good times.
Beer Boiled Brats. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Classic Brownies
Treat yourself to a chocolate fix that hits just right. These rich, fudgy brownies come with that crackly top and a soft center that keeps folks coming back for more. They’re a smart pick for a Memorial Day dessert because they’re easy to make and hard to resist. Cut them up small if you want them to last more than a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Raspberry Jam Bars
Slice into something sweet with these raspberry jam bars that feel like a little bakery treat. The jam sits between buttery layers that melt in your mouth but still hold their shape. They make a great Memorial Day dessert because you can pick one up and eat it while still holding your plate of barbecue. Let folks grab their own and watch the tray empty fast.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Give the grill something fun to work with and toss on this chipotle corn. The butter melts into each ear and adds a smoky, spicy flavor that makes it more than just a side dish. This is a simple way to add bold flavor to a Memorial Day cookout without any extra fuss. Stack them high and watch everyone grab one.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Start strong with deviled eggs that bring the crunch of bacon in every bite. They’re creamy, smoky, and gone before you know it. These are easy to prep ahead and perfect for Memorial Day because they don’t need heating or utensils. Set them out and step back because they’ll be gone in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Snack smart with these chewy bars packed with oats and gooey chocolate. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for slicing ahead of time. These bars are ideal for Memorial Day gatherings where folks want something easy to grab between burgers. They keep disappearing, so stash a few aside if you want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Fire up something fresh with this juicy lemon and kefir chicken. It grills up quickly, stays tender, and brings just the right tang without needing much else. It’s a solid Memorial Day recipe when you need something that works well for a crowd. Slice it up and watch it vanish from the platter.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Miso Glazed Salmon
Try something a little different with this salmon that’s brushed in a salty-sweet glaze. It cooks fast and tastes great hot or cold, which makes it easy to serve at any Memorial Day gathering. You don’t have to dress it up because the flavor speaks for itself. Lay it out on a tray and let the compliments roll in.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Beer Boiled Brats
Get your brats ready with a simmer in beer before they ever touch the grill. That trick makes them juicy and full of flavor with every bite. These are a go-to for Memorial Day because you can cook a bunch at once and let folks top them how they like. Set out the buns and toppings and watch the line grow.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Go big with dessert and make these rich bars layered with chocolate and caramel. They’ve got that gooey chew that keeps people reaching for just one more square. These are perfect for Memorial Day dessert tables that need something sweet and filling. Bake a double batch if you want leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Change up the usual brownies with these spicy-sweet treats that have cinnamon and chili in the mix. Each bite brings a warm, chocolate flavor with a twist that keeps it interesting. These are a bold Memorial Day dessert that won’t sit around for long. Cut them up and let folks help themselves.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Candy Cookie Brownies
Have some fun with dessert and bake these candy-loaded brownies that mix chocolate with cookie dough chunks. Every square brings something new, which makes them extra fun to eat. These are perfect for Memorial Day when you want your dessert to stand out. Let them cool, then serve them up thick.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Go big or go home with these soft, frosted brownies that feed a crowd. The frosting soaks into the cake and makes every bite rich and gooey. These are perfect for Memorial Day when you’ve got a lot of mouths to feed and want something that’s easy to slice. Don’t expect leftovers, so grab your piece early.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Kefta Kebabs
Mix things up with these juicy kebabs packed with spices and grilled to perfection. They’re quick to make and easy to eat, which makes them a smart pick when folks are hungry and ready to eat. These work well for Memorial Day cookouts that could use something a little different but still simple. Stick them on a plate and watch them go fast.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Sweeten things up with bars full of juicy blueberries and a crumbly topping that makes them hard to pass up. They’re soft in the middle and sturdy enough to grab without a plate. That makes them a great Memorial Day dessert when people are walking around and snacking. Line them up and let the crowd take care of the rest.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Kick up the flavor with grilled chicken that gets a big boost from a bold lime marinade. It’s juicy, tangy, and cooks up fast, which makes it great when you’ve got folks waiting. This is one of those go-to Memorial Day recipes that keeps things simple but full of flavor. Grill up a batch and slice it thin for easy serving.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Keep things easy with these foil packets full of chicken, cheese, and seasoned veggies. Everything cooks together with no mess and barely any cleanup. This makes them a solid Memorial Day dinner that’s low stress and full of flavor. Just toss them on the grill and let them do their thing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Step up burger night with patties filled with gooey cheddar and crispy bacon. Every bite is packed with flavor and needs nothing more than a bun. These burgers are a fun Memorial Day pick when you want something a little extra without extra work. Grill them hot and get ready for the compliments.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Lemon Squares
Brighten up dessert with these tangy lemon squares that balance sweet and tart just right. The buttery crust holds it all together and keeps things neat. These are a perfect Memorial Day treat because they’re easy to slice and even easier to eat. Stack them on a tray and watch them go fast.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Butterscotch Brownies
Mix it up with these rich brownies that bring in butterscotch and chocolate for a sweet, gooey bite. The caramel flavor gives them something extra without making things complicated. These are great for Memorial Day tables where folks want something a little nostalgic but still bold. Cut them into thick squares and serve them up warm or cold.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
Banana Boats
Make dessert fun and easy with these warm banana boats filled with chocolate, marshmallows, and all the good stuff. The bananas soften on the grill while the toppings melt into a gooey mess you scoop out with a spoon. These are perfect for Memorial Day because they’re simple to prep and feel like a sweet little campfire treat.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Give your brownie game a new twist by adding tart cherries to the rich, fudgy chocolate. The sweet and sour mix adds a fun surprise to each bite, balancing out all that chocolate goodness. These brownies are perfect for Memorial Day when you want to impress with a dessert that’s just a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Cherry Crumb Bars
These crumb bars are filled with a sweet cherry filling, sandwiched between a soft, buttery crust and a golden, crisp topping. They’re easy to grab and go, no plate required—perfect for when you’re mingling at a Memorial Day cookout. Make sure to stack them high because they’ll disappear before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Switch things up from the usual sides and toss baby bok choy on the grill for a fast and flavorful bite. It gets a nice char from the heat but still stays crisp with every bite. This is a great Memorial Day side when you want something green that’s easy and tastes fresh off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Brighten up your grill with chicken kebabs that soak up a punchy lemon marinade before cooking. They grill fast, stay juicy, and are easy to eat right off the stick. These are a top pick for Memorial Day when you’ve got people standing around waiting for something tasty. Serve them early and often.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Bring some comfort to the cookout with baked beans that taste like they’ve been simmering all day. They’re smoky, sweet, and packed with flavor that pairs perfectly with burgers or grilled sausage. These are a must-have Memorial Day side when you want something warm and hearty on the table.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Blueberry Pudding Cake
Dive into a dessert that’s got a soft, golden cake top and a bubbling blueberry sauce underneath. It’s warm, gooey, and tastes like something straight out of grandma’s kitchen. This is a great Memorial Day dessert for anyone who wants something fruity and comforting by the spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake
7 Layer Bars
These bars are loaded with layers of chocolate, coconut, and crunchy nuts that melt into a sticky, sweet treat. Each bite brings something different, which makes them fun to eat and easy to love. They’re perfect for Memorial Day when you need a dessert that feeds a crowd without much effort.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Sweeten up the grill with fruit kebabs that get warm and juicy over the flame. A drizzle of brown sugar caramel turns them into a dessert that looks fancy but is really easy to make. These are perfect for Memorial Day when you want something light but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Grilled S’mores Pizza
Take your s’mores to the next level with this grilled pizza that’s covered in marshmallows, Nutella, and crushed graham crackers. The crust gets crispy while everything else melts into a gooey, sweet mess. It’s a wild and fun Memorial Day dessert that’ll have everyone reaching for a slice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza