21 Backyard Cookout Recipes Perfect for Memorial Day Gatherings
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Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and nothing kicks it off better than a laid-back backyard cookout. These easy, crowd-pleasing recipes take the stress out of planning and help you serve up great food without spending all day at the grill. You’ll have more time to relax, hang out with friends, and actually enjoy the holiday.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
These ham and cheese sliders are a backyard cookout classic you’ll make on repeat this Memorial Day. Buttery rolls stuffed with layers of savory ham and melty cheese bake up golden and irresistible in under 30 minutes. They’re the perfect grab-and-go snack for guests and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with zero stress involved.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders
Salsa Ranchera
Add bold, vibrant flavor to your Memorial Day cookout with this easy salsa ranchera. Fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and garlic create a vibrant, punchy sauce that livens up everything from grilled meats to chips and veggies. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect way to add a fresh, homemade touch to your party spread.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Ranchera
Chopped Chicken Salad
This chopped chicken salad brings big flavor and fresh crunch to your Memorial Day table without weighing anyone down. Packed with protein and crisp veggies, it’s a light, delicious option that balances out all those heavier cookout classics. Serve it as a main or side dish, it’s versatile enough for either and will disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Chicken Salad
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Let your slow cooker handle the heavy lifting this Memorial Day with these fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. Coated in a sticky, sweet glaze and perfectly seasoned, these ribs deliver big, smoky flavor without hours at the grill. Just set it and forget it, then serve up some of the best ribs your backyard party has ever seen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie
Bring tropical vibes right to your backyard cookout with this refreshing Bahama Mama smoothie. Packed with juicy berries and tropical fruits, it’s the perfect cool-down drink for a hot Memorial Day afternoon. Whip up a big batch and watch it disappear faster than you can say “vacation mode.”
Get the Recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie
Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple
These bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are the sweet and savory snack every Memorial Day cookout needs. Juicy pineapple wrapped in crispy bacon is a flavor combo that never misses and takes just 10 minutes to prep. Serve them up as a fun appetizer and watch the tray empty before the main course even hits the grill.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple
Popeyes Coleslaw
You can’t have a proper Memorial Day cookout without a fresh, crunchy side like this copycat Popeyes coleslaw. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with shredded cabbage and carrots, it’s the perfect complement to all your grilled favorites. Easy to prep and always a hit, this coleslaw deserves a spot right next to the burgers and ribs.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Lemon Loaf Cake
This bright, vibrant lemon loaf cake is the perfect sweet treat to round out your Memorial Day gathering. Moist, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor, it’s finished with a sweet-tart glaze that keeps every bite fresh and light. Slice it up and serve alongside coffee or iced tea for a simple dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake
Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Kick off your Memorial Day backyard party with this fresh and easy bruschetta al pomodoro. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crusty bread make every bite taste like summer. It’s the perfect light appetizer to keep guests happy while the grill heats up.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Cucumber Pinwheels
Add a touch of easy elegance to your Memorial Day table with these cool, creamy cucumber pinwheels. Smoked salmon and cream cheese get rolled up with crisp cucumber for a refreshing bite-sized snack that’s as fancy as it is fast. You’ll have them prepped in 10 minutes and looking like you went all out.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Pinwheels
Canned Salmon Burgers
Skip the usual burger routine and try these crispy canned salmon burgers for a fresh, flavorful twist. Simple to prep and perfect for the grill or stovetop, they’re a lighter, protein-packed option that still satisfies. Serve them on flatbread or lettuce wraps for a no-fuss Memorial Day meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Canned Salmon Burgers
Basil Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
These basil, tomato, and mozzarella skewers are the easiest way to add a burst of color and fresh flavor to your cookout spread. Drizzle them with balsamic glaze and you’ve got a bite-sized version of a Caprese salad that’s perfect for snacking between grill runs. Simple, beautiful, and always a hit at Memorial Day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Basil Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
Strawberry Lemonade
Cool down fast with a big pitcher of this bright and tangy strawberry lemonade. Made with just five ingredients and ready in 10 minutes, it’s the perfect refreshing drink for a sunny Memorial Day afternoon. One sip and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade
Deviled Eggs Without Mayo
Give a fresh twist to a classic cookout favorite with these no-mayo deviled eggs. Creamy avocado and tangy sour cream replace the usual mayo, making them light, flavorful, and perfect for a warm-weather Memorial Day gathering. They’re easy and simple to make and even quicker to disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs Without Mayo
Bread Machine Zucchini Bread
This bread machine zucchini bread takes the hassle out of homemade baking, leaving you free to enjoy the party. Moist, flavorful, and packed with just the right amount of sweetness, it’s the perfect snack or dessert for a casual Memorial Day gathering. Prep it in 15 minutes, let the machine handle the rest, and slice it up when the time is right.
Get the Recipe: Bread Machine Zucchini Bread
Carrot Raisin Salad
Bring some bright color and fresh crunch to your Memorial Day cookout with this easy carrot raisin salad. Shredded carrots, plump raisins, and a creamy, velvety dressing combine for that perfect sweet and savory bite. It’s easy to toss together and makes a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled burgers to barbecue ribs, and is always a hit at any backyard party.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad
Bacon Cheddar Dip
This bacon cheddar dip is the no-fuss, flavor-packed appetizer your Memorial Day gathering needs. Loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a pop of Ranch seasoning, it’s ready in just 5 minutes and totally irresistible. Serve it cold or warm with crackers, chips, or fresh veggie sticks, and watch it disappear before the grill even fires up.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Dip
Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Add a little coastal flair to your Memorial Day cookout with this quick and easy shrimp scampi served over zoodles. It’s bright, lemony, and garlicky with just the right amount of richness, and best of all, it’s ready in 20 minutes using just one pan. Perfect for keeping things light but still seriously filling when you want something a little different from the usual grill fare.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Freshen up your cookout spread with this creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce that’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading over just about anything. Made with crisp cucumber, Greek yogurt, and a punch of fresh herbs, it’s the cool, refreshing sauce your grilled meats, veggies, and pita chips have been waiting for. It’s easy to mix and guaranteed to become a new Memorial Day cookout staple.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
4-Ingredient Guacamole
Keep things easy and flavorful with this 4-ingredient guacamole that’s perfect for backyard snacking. Ripe avocados, a splash of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and your favorite salsa come together in minutes for a fresh, chunky dip everyone will love. Serve it with tortilla chips, pile it onto burgers, or just grab a spoon, this one’s always a crowd-pleaser at Memorial Day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Guacamole
Blueberry Scones
Brighten up your Memorial Day brunch or dessert table with these easy, tea-party-worthy blueberry scones. Ready in under 30 minutes and made with pantry staples, they’re fresh, buttery, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving coffee, lemonade, or something stronger, these scones fit right in.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Scones
