31 Must-Try Memorial Day Cookout Recipes

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

11. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

These grilled chicken skewers are a bright and zesty option for your Memorial Day cookout. Marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, they’re bursting with flavor.

  • Ingredients: Chicken breast, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then thread onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing dip.

12. Classic Potato Salad

No cookout is complete without a hearty potato salad. This classic recipe combines tender potatoes with creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables, making it a crowd favorite.

  • Ingredients: Potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Boil the potatoes until tender, mix with other ingredients, and chill before serving.
  • Tip: Add a sprinkle of paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

13. Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for a hot day. The combination of sweet watermelon and salty feta cheese is a delightful contrast that everyone will enjoy.

  • Ingredients: Watermelon, feta cheese, mint leaves, lime juice, and olive oil.
  • Instructions: Cube the watermelon, crumble the feta, and toss with mint, lime juice, and olive oil.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve chilled for the best flavor.

14. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These sliders are a must-have for your cookout. Slow-cooked pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce, served on soft buns, are sure to be a hit.

  • Ingredients: Pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, slider buns, coleslaw.
  • Instructions: Cook the pork in a slow cooker until tender, shred, and mix with BBQ sauce. Serve on buns with coleslaw.
  • Tip: Use a variety of BBQ sauces for guests to choose from.

15. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any cookout main course. The smoky flavor from grilling enhances the sweetness of the corn.

  • Ingredients: Fresh corn, butter, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Grill corn in husks for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. Serve with butter and seasoning.
  • Variation: Try adding parmesan cheese and chili powder for a Mexican street corn twist.

16. Caprese Skewers

These Caprese skewers are a fun and elegant appetizer. They’re easy to assemble and look beautiful on any table. Plus, they’re bursting with fresh flavors!

  • Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Alternate threading tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve cold or at room temperature for best results.

17. Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

These spicy grilled shrimp tacos are a fantastic addition to your cookout menu. With a zesty seasoning and fresh toppings, they’re sure to please seafood lovers.

  • Ingredients: Shrimp, taco seasoning, tortillas, avocado, cilantro, and lime.
  • Instructions: Toss shrimp in taco seasoning, grill until cooked, and serve in tortillas with avocado and cilantro.
  • Tip: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds the perfect finishing touch.

18. Baked Beans with Bacon

This hearty baked bean dish is a staple at any cookout. The addition of bacon makes it extra flavorful and satisfying.

  • Ingredients: Canned beans, bacon, onion, brown sugar, mustard, and BBQ sauce.
  • Instructions: Cook bacon and onion, combine with beans and other ingredients, and bake until bubbly.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve hot as a side dish.

19. Grilled Veggie Platter

A colorful grilled veggie platter is a healthy and vibrant option for your cookout. It pairs well with various dips and can cater to vegetarian guests.

  • Ingredients: Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, olive oil, and seasoning.
  • Instructions: Toss vegetables in olive oil and seasoning, then grill until tender.
  • Tip: Serve with hummus or tzatziki for dipping.

20. Strawberry Shortcake

Finish your cookout with a sweet treat like strawberry shortcake. This classic dessert is light, fruity, and perfect for warm weather.

  • Ingredients: Fresh strawberries, sugar, whipped cream, and shortcake biscuits.
  • Instructions: Macerate strawberries with sugar, then layer with whipped cream and biscuits.
  • Tip: Use homemade biscuits for a special touch.

21. Grilled Pineapple with Honey

Grilled pineapple is a delicious and unique dessert option that brings a tropical flair to your cookout. Drizzled with honey, it’s a sweet way to end the meal.

  • Ingredients: Fresh pineapple, honey, and cinnamon.
  • Instructions: Grill pineapple slices until caramelized, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

22. Creamy Coleslaw

No barbecue is complete without a creamy coleslaw. This crunchy side dish complements rich meats beautifully and adds a refreshing crunch to your plate.

  • Ingredients: Shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Mix all ingredients together and let chill in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Tip: For a bit of tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar.

23. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that are always a hit at cookouts. They’re creamy, rich, and can be made in various flavors to suit your guests’ tastes.

  • Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and paprika.
  • Instructions: Halve the eggs, mix yolks with other ingredients, and fill the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika.
  • Tip: Experiment with additions like bacon or jalapeños for different flavors.

24. Cilantro Lime Rice

This flavorful cilantro lime rice makes a perfect side dish for any grilled meat. It’s easy to prepare and adds a refreshing element to your meal.

  • Ingredients: Rice, lime juice, cilantro, and chicken broth.
  • Instructions: Cook rice in chicken broth, then mix in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  • Tip: Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

25. S’mores Dip

Bring the campfire classic right to your cookout with this s’mores dip. It’s gooey, chocolatey, and perfect for sharing.

  • Ingredients: Chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham crackers.
  • Instructions: Layer chocolate chips in a cast iron skillet, top with marshmallows, and bake until melted and golden.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve with graham crackers for dipping.

26. Garlic Bread

This simple garlic bread is a fantastic side that pairs well with everything from burgers to grilled veggies. It’s flavorful and easy to make.

  • Ingredients: Baguette, butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Mix butter with minced garlic and parsley, spread on baguette slices, and grill or bake until toasted.
  • Tip: Wrap in foil and place on the grill for a smoky flavor.

27. Fruit Kabobs

Fruit kabobs are a fun and colorful way to serve fresh fruit at your cookout. They’re easy to assemble and make for a great dessert or snack.

  • Ingredients: Assorted fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and melon.
  • Instructions: Thread fruit onto skewers, alternating colors for a vibrant display.
  • Tip: Serve with a honey yogurt dip for added flavor.

28. Cheesy Stuffed Peppers

These cheesy stuffed peppers are a savory and satisfying dish that can be made ahead of time. They’re packed with flavor and nutrients.

  • Ingredients: Bell peppers, cooked rice, cheese, ground meat, and seasoning.
  • Instructions: Hollow out the peppers, fill with a mixture of rice, cheese, and meat, and bake until peppers are tender.
  • Tip: Top with extra cheese for a gooey finish.

29. Cornbread

This moist and fluffy cornbread is a perfect side for any barbecue. It’s slightly sweet and pairs wonderfully with beans or chili.

  • Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs, and butter.
  • Instructions: Mix dry ingredients, then combine with wet ingredients and bake until golden.
  • Tip: Add jalapeños or cheese for a spicy twist.

30. Grilled Sausages

Grilled sausages are an easy and satisfying option that can be customized with different flavors. They’re perfect for guests to build their own sausages with toppings.

  • Ingredients: Various sausages (bratwurst, Italian, etc.), buns, and toppings.
  • Instructions: Grill sausages until cooked through and serve with a selection of toppings like sauerkraut, onions, and mustard.
  • Tip: Keep sausages warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.

31. Chocolate Chip Cookies

End your cookout on a sweet note with classic chocolate chip cookies. They’re perfect for dessert or a snack, and they’re always a hit.

  • Ingredients: Flour, sugar, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, baking soda, and chocolate chips.
  • Instructions: Cream the butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, mix in dry ingredients, and fold in chocolate chips. Bake until golden.
  • Tip: Serve warm with a glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.

Conclusion

With these 31 Memorial Day recipes, your cookout is guaranteed to be a hit! From savory mains to sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and make this Memorial Day unforgettable with delicious food that brings everyone together.

“`html

31. Grilled Veggie Skewers

Grilled veggie skewers are a colorful and healthy addition to your cookout. They can be made with a variety of vegetables, making them a versatile choice for guests.

  • Ingredients: Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, red onion, olive oil, and seasoning.
  • Instructions: Chop vegetables into even pieces, toss with olive oil and seasoning, then thread onto skewers. Grill until tender and slightly charred.
  • Tip: Marinate veggies beforehand for extra flavor.

32. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This creamy and cheesy dip is perfect for snacking while waiting for the main course. Serve it warm with chips or bread.

  • Ingredients: Cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichokes, mozzarella cheese, and garlic.
  • Instructions: Mix all ingredients, transfer to a baking dish, and bake until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Tip: Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy crust.

33. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Transform your leftover grilled chicken into a delicious BBQ chicken pizza. It’s a unique twist that everyone will love.

  • Ingredients: Pizza dough, BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, red onions, and cheese.
  • Instructions: Roll out pizza dough, spread BBQ sauce, top with chicken, onions, and cheese, then bake until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  • Tip: Use a pre-made crust for a quicker meal.

34. S’mores Dip

Bring the campfire to your cookout with this easy s’mores dip. It’s a sweet treat that’s simple to make and tastes amazing.

  • Ingredients: Chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham crackers.
  • Instructions: Layer chocolate chips in a baking dish, top with marshmallows, and bake until melty. Serve with graham crackers.
  • Tip: Use a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation.

“`

31 Must-Try Memorial Day Cookout Recipes
Scroll to top