Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and that means one thing: it’s time to fire up the grill, set up the picnic table, and gather the people you love for a seriously good spread.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to the park, or keeping things simple at home, these 30+ Memorial Day recipes have every corner of your menu covered.
30+ Best Memorial Day recipes
From crowd-pleasing appetizers and hearty mains to easy sides and festive red, white, and blue desserts, every recipe on this list comes straight from Deliciously Home Cooked — so you know they’re family-tested, simple to make, and absolutely delicious.
Let’s get the party started!
Appetizers and Snacks
Kick off your Memorial Day cookout with these easy, crowd-pleasing bites that disappear fast. Make a double batch, trust me.
1. Bacon wrapped shrimp
Juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, this appetizer is always the first thing to vanish at any gathering.
They’re quick to prep, cook in minutes, and taste incredibly impressive for how little effort they take. Put these out and watch the crowd go wild.
Get the recipe: Bacon wrapped shrimp
2. Brown Sugar bacon wrapped smokies
Little smokies wrapped in bacon and glazed with brown sugar, sweet, savory, and completely addictive.
These are the ultimate party food: easy to make, easy to eat, and impossible to stop at just one. They go fast, so make a big batch!
Get the recipe: Brown sugar bacon wrapped smokies
3. Slow cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with buffalo chicken flavor, this dip is a Memorial Day must.
The slow cooker does all the work, keeping it warm and ready throughout the party.
Serve with chips, celery sticks, or crusty bread for a dip that never runs out of fans.
Get the recipe: Slow cooker buffalo chicken dip
4. Fried Pickle Dip
If you love fried pickles, this dip is about to become your new obsession. It’s tangy,
creamy, and packed with that bold pickle flavor — the perfect companion for chips, crackers, or veggies. Set it out and let the compliments roll in.
Get the recipe: Fried Pickle Dip
5. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken wings
These crockpot buffalo chicken wings are slow-cooked until tender, then coated in a bold, tangy buffalo sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re easy to prep and make a great addition to any Memorial Day spread, especially with ranch or blue cheese on the side.
Get the recipe: Crockpot buffalo chicken wings
6. Slow cooker BBQ Chicken Wings
These crockpot BBQ chicken wings cook low and slow in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce until juicy and flavorful. They’re an easy Memorial Day favorite that works well for backyard gatherings, game days, or casual cookouts.
Get the recipe: Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings
7. Chili Corn Salsa
Fresh, bright, and just a little spicy, this chili corn salsa is summer in a bowl. It comes together in minutes and works as a dip, a topping for hot dogs or tacos, or a side salad all on its own. This one belongs on every Memorial Day table.
Get the recipe: Chili corn salsa
8. Mini Tacos
Tiny tacos packed with big flavor, these little bites are perfect for a crowd.
They’re fun, festive, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Set up a little station and let everyone build their own!
Get the recipe: Mini Tacos
Mains & Grillables
The centerpiece of any Memorial Day cookout. These hearty mains will keep everyone fed and happy all afternoon long.
9. 4th of July Firecracker Hot Dogs
Hot dogs get a serious upgrade with this firecracker recipe. Loaded with bold, spicy toppings and packed with flavor, these are far from your average backyard dog.
They look festive and taste amazing, a Memorial Day cookout essential.
Get the recipe: 4th of July fire cracker hot dogs
10. Mexican Hot dogs
Take your hot dog game to the next level with this Mexican-inspired twist.
Think crispybacon, fresh toppings, and a flavor combination that makes regular hot dogs feel boring by comparison. These are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the recipe: Mexican hot dogs
11. Big Mac Sliders
All the flavors of a Big Mac packed into a slider-sized bite, yes, really. These are easy to make in big batches, which makes them perfect for feeding a Memorial Day crowd. Set them out and watch them disappear in minutes.
Get the recipe: Big Mac Sliders
12. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken skewers coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, these are everything you want from a cookout main.
While I made these in my air fryer, they cook up beautifully on the grill and are just as good made in the oven. A recipe you’ll make on repeat all summer long.
Get the recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
13. Walking Taco Casserole
All the fun of walking tacos in one easy, shareable dish. This casserole is layered with seasoned meat, cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings — it’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a big group. Serve it up and watch the bowls empty fast.
Get the recipe: Walking Taco Casserole
14. Smoked Sausage with peppers and onions
Smoky, savory sausage cooked with sweet peppers and onions, this is a simple dish that delivers huge flavor.
It’s easy to scale up for a crowd and goes perfectly with rolls, rice, or on its own as a hearty plate. A low-fuss Memorial Day favorite.
Get the recipe: Smoked sausage with peppers and onions
15. Smoked Kielbasa
Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason. This stovetop kielbasa comes out perfectly caramelized and full of smoky flavor with barely any effort.
Serve it sliced on a platter with mustard and you’ve got a Memorial Day staple everyone will love.
Get the recipe: How to cook Kielbasa on the stovetop
16. Homemade smash burgers
Spicy, tangy shredded buffalo chicken piled onto soft slider buns with a creamy sauce, these sliders are absolutely addictive.
They come together quickly, feed a crowd effortlessly, and bring serious flavor to your Memorial Day spread. Set out a platter and watch them vanish in minutes.
Get the recipe: Homemade Smash Burgers
17. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Spicy, tangy shredded buffalo chicken piled onto soft slider buns with a creamy sauce, these sliders are absolutely addictive.
They come together quickly, feed a crowd effortlessly, and bring serious flavor to your Memorial Day spread. Set out a platter and watch them vanish in minutes.
Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Sides and Salads
No cookout is complete without the sides. These crowd-pleasing dishes round out yourMemorial Day spread perfectly.
18. Classic Potato Salad with Pickles
The definitive Memorial Day side dish. This classic potato salad is creamy, tangy, and
loaded with flavor from the pickles. It’s the kind of dish everyone expects at a cookout, and this version will not disappoint. Make it the night before for even better flavor.
Get the recipe: Classic potato salad with pickles
19. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Creamy, sweet, and completely irresistible, this Hawaiian macaroni salad is a cookout staple for a reason.
It’s the perfect cool, comforting side to balance out the smoky flavors from the grill. This one will get requested at every cookout from here on out.
Get the recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
20. Red white and blue pasta salad
A pasta salad that’s as festive as it is delicious! This patriotic dish features red, white, and blue ingredients that make it the perfect Memorial Day side.
It’s colorful, crowd- pleasing, and can be made ahead, a win all around.
Get the recipe: Red, white and blue pasta salad
21. Old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this baked mac and cheese is pure comfort on a plate.
Kids go crazy for it, adults go back for seconds, and the dish always comes home empty. It’s the side dish that makes everyone happy.
Get the recipe: Old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese
22. Oven baked potatoes
Perfectly fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and endlessly customizable with toppings, baked potatoes are a Memorial Day crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
Set up a topping bar and let everyone dress their own!
Get the recipe: Oven baked potatoes
23. Air Fryer Crinkle Cut Fries
Crispy, golden crinkle cut fries made right in your air fryer, no deep frying, no mess, all the crunch. These are the perfect side for burgers, hot dogs, and sliders. Once youmake these, you’ll never go back to frozen oven fries.
Get the recipe: Air fryer crinkle cut fries
Drinks and Fruit
Keep everyone cool and refreshed with these bright, summery drinks and fruit dishes that are perfect for a warm holiday weekend.
24. Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Colorful, fun, and irresistibly fresh, these rainbow fruit skewers are as beautiful as they are delicious.
They’re the perfect light option to balance out all the hearty cookout food, and kids absolutely love them. A gorgeous addition to any holiday spread.
Get the recipe: Rainbow Fruit Skewers
25. Watermelon Skewers
Fresh, juicy watermelon on a stick — it’s the most refreshing thing you can serve on a hot Memorial Day.
These are easy to prep, fun to eat, and can be dressed up with a drizzle of lime or a sprinkle of tajin for extra flair.
Get the recipe: Watermelon Skewers
26. Rainbow Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
A vibrant, refreshing fruit salad tossed in a sweet honey lime dressing that takes it to another level.
This is the kind of side dish that gets everyone going back for more, light, bright, and absolutely perfect for a warm holiday weekend.
Get the recipe: Rainbow fruit salad with honey lime dressing
27. Pomegranate Lemonade
Sweet, tart, and strikingly beautiful, this pomegranate lemonade is a standout drink for any Memorial Day gathering.
It’s refreshing, easy to make in a big pitcher, and instantly festive with its gorgeous red color. Serve over ice and watch it become everyone’s favorite.
Get the recipe: Pomegranate lemonade
Desserts
End your Memorial Day celebration on a sweet note with these festive, crowd-pleasingtreats.
28. Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries
Fresh strawberries filled with a creamy cheesecake filling, these are elegant, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make.
They’re a beautiful no-bake dessert that looks fancy without requiring any special skills. A guaranteed showstopper at your Memorial Day table.
Get the recipe: Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries
29. Red White and blue strawberries
Patriotic, pretty, and perfectly sweet — these red, white, and blue dipped strawberries are the ultimate Memorial Day dessert. They’re simple to make, require no baking, and look absolutely stunning on a dessert platter. End your cookout on a festive, delicious note!
Get the recipe: Red, white and blue strawberries
30. Patriotic Cake balls
Bite-sized cake truffles made with red, white, and blue cake crumbs mixed with cream cheese, then dipped in colorful candy melts, these are every bit as fun to make as they are to eat.
They’re festive, shareable, and always a hit at parties. Make a big batch because they go fast!
Get the recipe: Patriotic Cake balls
31. Red white and blue Jell-O shots
Layers of strawberry, creamy vanilla, and blueberry gelatin stacked in shot cups and topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles, these are the ultimate patriotic party treat for the adults at your cookout.
They look incredibly impressive but are surprisingly easy to pull off. Make them the night before and keep them chilled until it’s time to celebrate!
Get the recipe: Red, white and blue Jell-O shots
32. Red, White and blue Ice cream
Cool, creamy, and completely no-churn, this patriotic ice cream is made by swirling red, white, and blue layers into a freezer-safe container and letting it set overnight.
No ice cream machine needed, just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience. It’s the ultimate summer freezer treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Get the recipe: Red White and blue ice cream
Tips for a stress free Memorial Day cook out
- Make ahead where you can. Potato salad, macaroni salad, and fruit salads all taste better after a few hours in the fridge, make them the night before and cross them off your list early.
- Set up a self-serve station. For hot dogs, sliders, and tacos, lay out all the toppings and let guests build their own. It takes the pressure off you and makes it more fun for everyone.
- Double the appetizers. Appetizers go fast at cookouts, especially the bacon-wrapped ones. When in doubt, make more than you think you need.
- Don’t forget the drinks. Keep a big pitcher of pomegranate lemonade in the fridge and a cooler stocked with ice and beverages. Hydrated guests are happy guests!
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