These 35 Memorial Day recipes steal the spotlight and the last bite. Each dish is packed with bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a big crowd or keeping it simple with close family, these easy recipes are sure to make your meal the highlight of the day.
Chocolate Cherry Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Fresh Strawberry Pie
This pie is packed with ripe, juicy strawberries covered with a sweet, light glaze that brings out the freshness of the fruit. The buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the strawberries. Bring it to your Memorial Day gathering, and watch it disappear quickly—everyone will want a slice.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled to perfection, this corn is slathered in chipotle butter that adds just the right amount of heat and smokiness. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a perfect side dish for your cookout. Toss it on the grill for your Memorial Day cookout, and it will be an instant crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
7 Layer Bars
These bars are loaded with layers of creamy chocolate, toasted coconut, and crunchy nuts that meld together into one irresistible bite. The combination of textures and flavors creates a treat that’s both chewy and crunchy. Cut them into squares and bring them to Memorial Day—everyone will be asking for more.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
These brownies are spiced with cinnamon and chili, giving them a unique twist on the usual chocolate flavor. The rich, dense texture is complemented by the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Bring them to Memorial Day, and they’ll quickly become the talk of the party.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Beer Boiled Brats
These brats are simmered in beer, soaking up all the flavors before being grilled to perfection for a juicy, smoky finish. The combination of beer and the grill creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to beat. Grill them up for Memorial Day, and they’ll be the hit of the cookout.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Indulge in rich, gooey layers of chocolate and caramel that come together to create a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. The sweetness is balanced perfectly with a touch of salt, making these bars irresistible. Serve them at Memorial Day, and they’ll quickly become everyone’s favorite dessert.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Frosted Banana Bars
These banana bars are soft, moist, and topped with a rich layer of creamy frosting that’s perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. The banana flavor shines through, creating a comforting and satisfying treat. Bring them to your Memorial Day gathering, and they’ll be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Marinated in a zesty lemon blend, these chicken kebabs are grilled to juicy perfection, offering a tangy, flavorful bite. The lemony marinade adds a refreshing note, making these kebabs light yet satisfying. Serve them at your Memorial Day cookout, and they’ll be the perfect addition to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
These brownies are rich, fudgy, and filled with tart cherries that add a fun, unexpected twist to each bite. The combination of chocolate and fruit creates a decadent yet balanced flavor. Bring them to Memorial Day and watch them disappear before your eyes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Asian Marinated Steak
This steak is marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and spices, which makes it tender and packed with flavor. Grilled to perfection, it’s smoky on the outside and juicy on the inside. Serve it at Memorial Day, and it will quickly become the star of the cookout.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Blueberry Pudding Cake
This dessert features a golden cake top with a warm, bubbling blueberry sauce underneath, offering a comforting, fruity sweetness. The tartness of the blueberries balances perfectly with the soft, cake-like texture. Serve it at Memorial Day, and everyone will love scooping up a bite of this delicious dessert.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
These bars are packed with chewy oats and gooey chocolate chips, creating a sweet and hearty treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of oats and chocolate provides the right balance of flavors and textures. Pack them up for Memorial Day, and let everyone enjoy these perfect handheld treats.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
These burgers are juicy, flavorful, and topped with a creamy jalapeño mayo that adds just the right amount of heat. The smoky chipotle flavor in the patty combines perfectly with the spicy mayo for a burger you won’t forget. Grill them up for Memorial Day, and your guests will love every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
These no-bake bars are loaded with rich chocolate, tart cherries, and crunchy cereal, making them a fun and indulgent treat. The combination of gooey chocolate and crunchy cereal creates a satisfying bite with every bite. Make them ahead of time for Memorial Day, and they’ll be gone in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Baked Kale Chips
These crispy kale chips are a light and healthy snack, seasoned with just enough salt to make them irresistible. The oven-baked chips are crunchy and satisfying, perfect for snacking or as a side dish. Serve them at Memorial Day, and let everyone enjoy this guilt-free treat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
These burgers are packed with crispy bacon and melty cheddar cheese, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. The combination of savory bacon and gooey cheese inside the juicy beef patty takes these burgers to the next level. Grill them up for Memorial Day, and serve them hot—they’ll be the highlight of the cookout.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Candy Cookie Brownies
These candy-filled brownies combine gooey chocolate with chunks of cookie dough, creating a fun and indulgent dessert. The rich, chocolatey brownies are loaded with sweet surprises in every bite. Serve them at Memorial Day, and let everyone enjoy these fun, candy-packed treats.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Grilled S’mores Pizza
This grilled pizza is topped with gooey marshmallows, melty Nutella, and crispy graham cracker crumbs for a fun twist on the classic s’mores. The warm, crispy crust adds an extra layer of flavor, turning this dessert into a crowd-pleaser. Throw it on the grill for Memorial Day, and let everyone enjoy a slice of this sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Lemon Squares
These lemon squares are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a buttery, crisp crust that adds a nice contrast to the citrusy filling. The tangy lemon flavor shines through, offering a refreshing and satisfying dessert. Slice them up and bring them to Memorial Day—your guests will love the bright, zesty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Bacon Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs are creamy and smoky, topped with crispy bacon crumbles that add a satisfying crunch. The perfect balance of flavors makes these eggs an irresistible appetizer. Prep them ahead of time and bring them to Memorial Day—they’ll disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Cherry Crumb Bars
These crumb bars feature a sweet cherry filling nestled between two layers of buttery, crumbly topping, making every bite delicious. The tartness of the cherries pairs perfectly with the rich, crisp crust. Serve these bars at Memorial Day, and let everyone enjoy the buttery, fruity goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Avocado Tomato Salad
This fresh salad combines creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes with a light dressing that ties everything together. The creamy texture of the avocado complements the burst of flavor from the tomatoes. Toss it together for Memorial Day, and watch everyone enjoy this vibrant, refreshing salad.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
These moist brownies are topped with a rich, frosty layer that adds just the right amount of sweetness. The fudgy texture combined with the frosting makes each bite a satisfying treat. Serve these at Memorial Day, and let the sweet, rich brownies be the center of attention.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Raspberry Jam Bars
These jam bars have a buttery, crisp crust and a sweet, tangy raspberry filling that creates the perfect balance of flavors. The crumbly topping adds a delightful texture that complements the soft jam. Serve these bars at Memorial Day, and let everyone enjoy the fruity, buttery goodness.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
The lime marinade adds a tangy, fresh flavor to the chicken, making each bite juicy and tender. The citrusy zing pairs perfectly with the grilled char, creating a flavor that’s light and refreshing. Fire up the grill for Memorial Day, and serve this lime-infused chicken to everyone’s delight.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
These Cornish hens are marinated in a flavorful orange and ginger glaze, which gives them a unique, sweet, and tangy flavor. The glaze caramelizes as they grill, creating a crispy, flavorful skin while keeping the meat tender. Serve these at Memorial Day, and let the sweet and savory flavors shine through.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
Banana Boats
These banana boats are stuffed with chocolate and marshmallows, then grilled to perfection, turning them into a warm, gooey dessert. The bananas soften and melt into a sweet, creamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Throw them on the grill for Memorial Day, and let everyone enjoy this easy and fun dessert.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
This kefir-marinated chicken is juicy and full of flavor, with a subtle tang from the lemon that enhances its taste. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is tender, moist, and bursting with flavor. Fire up the grill for Memorial Day and serve this citrusy chicken—everyone will love the fresh taste.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Classic Brownies
These classic brownies are rich, fudgy, and have the perfect crackly top, making them the ultimate chocolate dessert. The soft, gooey center is perfectly complemented by the slightly crisp edges. Bring them to Memorial Day, and let everyone enjoy the sweet, chocolatey goodness.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Kefta Kebabs
These flavorful kebabs are made with seasoned ground beef, mixed with spices, and grilled to juicy perfection. They’re easy to eat and packed with bold flavors that everyone will love. Serve them at Memorial Day, and enjoy these juicy, spiced-up skewers with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
These foil packets are filled with chicken, veggies, and cheese, locking in all the flavors for a juicy, flavorful meal. The packets cook together, creating a tender, flavorful dish with minimal mess. Toss them on the grill for Memorial Day, and let them cook while you enjoy the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
These smoky baked beans are hearty and flavorful, with a rich, sweet sauce that adds a comforting touch to every bite. The beans cook slowly, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the smoky sauce. Serve them at Memorial Day, and let them be the perfect side to your grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Miso Glazed Chicken
This chicken is glazed with a savory miso sauce that caramelizes on the grill, adding a rich umami flavor to each bite. The marinade ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy, making every piece flavorful. Grill it up for Memorial Day, and let the miso glaze elevate your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Miso Glazed Salmon
The miso glaze on this salmon creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors that complement the tender fish. Grilled to perfection, the salmon stays moist while developing a smoky char. Grill it for Memorial Day and serve this flavorful fish with pride—it’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Grilled baby bok choy offers a smoky char while maintaining its natural crunch and freshness. The light, earthy flavor pairs beautifully with any grilled dish, adding a healthy and satisfying side. Toss it on the grill for Memorial Day, and enjoy this fresh and flavorful vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy