20 Delicious Memorial Day Recipes Perfect for Grilling

As Memorial Day approaches, many of us are thinking about how to make this year’s outdoor gathering a little more special. Whether you’re hosting friends and family or just want to fire up the grill for a quick weeknight dinner, we’ve got you covered with these 20 delicious Memorial Day recipes perfect for grilling. From classic BBQ ribs to juicy grilled burgers and savory baked beans, there’s something on this list for everyone.

Start your holiday weekend off right with some mouthwatering appetizers, like our Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers or Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings. And don’t forget about the main event: try your hand at some Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches or Sweet and Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Whatever you choose, we’re sure it’ll be a hit with your guests.

Classic BBQ Ribs with Homemade Sauce

Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of tender pork ribs smothered in a rich, homemade BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
– 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce (see below)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Homemade BBQ Sauce:

– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs (if present) and sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides of the ribs.
4. Place ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
5. Bake for 2 hours, flipping halfway through.
6. While ribs are baking, prepare homemade BBQ sauce by whisking all ingredients together in a bowl.
7. After ribs have finished baking, slather with homemade BBQ sauce and serve immediately.

Cook Time: 2 hours

Juicy Grilled Burgers with Cheese

Elevate your backyard barbecue game with this simple and mouth-watering recipe for juicy grilled burgers topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients:

– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your preferred type)
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
3. Form into 4 patties and place on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. While burgers are cooking, toast buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Once burgers are done, assemble by placing each patty on a toasted bun and topping with a slice of cheese.
6. Let cheese melt for 30 seconds to 1 minute before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe

Transform your BBQ game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the tender, smoky flavor of pulled pork with a tangy slaw and sweet buns. Perfect for casual gatherings or weekend lunches.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork in the smoker and cook for 8-10 hours, or until tender and easily shredded.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush with barbecue sauce.
6. Shred the pork and mix with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
7. Assemble sandwiches by placing the pulled pork onto hamburger buns and topping with coleslaw.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (smoking), 15-20 minutes (assembling sandwiches)

Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Elevate your outdoor dining with these flavorful and colorful skewers, perfect for a summer evening or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush the tops of the shrimp with any remaining marinade.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes

Tangy Coleslaw with Apple Cider Vinegar

A refreshing twist on the classic coleslaw, this recipe combines the sweetness of apple cider vinegar with a hint of tanginess to create a flavorful and crunchy side dish.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a simple, make-ahead side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or everyday meals.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Elevate your summer BBQs with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of grilled corn with the savory goodness of herb butter.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place corn on the cob directly on the grill grates. Rotate every 5-7 minutes for even cooking, about 15-20 minutes total.
3. Meanwhile, mix softened butter with chopped parsley and chives in a small bowl.
4. Once corn is cooked, brush herb butter evenly onto each ear of corn.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Savory Baked Beans with Bacon

Elevate your baked beans game by adding smoky bacon and a hint of savory spices to this classic recipe.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup beef broth

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or baking dish, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon.
3. Add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the same pan. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add soaked navy beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine.
5. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
6. Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish and top with cooked bacon. Cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 8-10 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours or overnight

Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad

A refreshing twist on traditional salads, this sweet and savory combination is perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups diced fresh watermelon
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and white wine vinegar over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings

A classic summer treat gets a bold boost of flavor with this simple recipe. With just the right amount of heat, these spicy grilled chicken wings are perfect for outdoor gatherings or game-day snacking.

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken wings and toss to coat evenly.
4. Grill wings for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, turning occasionally.
5. Brush with additional hot sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Cheesy Loaded Potato Salad

This classic potato salad gets a creamy twist with the addition of melted cheddar cheese and crispy croutons.

Ingredients:

– 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, mayonnaise, dill, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Top the potato mixture with croutons and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze

A colorful and flavorful vegetarian platter perfect for any occasion. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of grilled vegetables, balanced by a tangy balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 large zucchinis, sliced
– 2 large cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey.
5. Once vegetables are cooked, brush with the balsamic glaze.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Homemade Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs

This creamy macaroni and cheese dish gets a satisfying crunch from toasted breadcrumbs, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Sweet and Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Get ready for a finger-licking good time with these Sweet and Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and slathered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the drumsticks under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the drumsticks.
5. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the drumsticks, making sure they’re fully coated.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar

Sweeten up your summer with this simple and delicious grilled pineapple recipe, elevated by a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Brush both sides of pineapple wedges with melted butter.
4. Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
5. During the last minute of grilling, sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over pineapple.
6. Remove from grill and let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Garlic Butter Grilled Steak

Elevate your grilling game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter with a perfectly cooked steak.

Ingredients:

– 1.5-2 pounds flank steak or ribeye
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and minced garlic until well combined.
3. Season steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Place steak on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. During the last minute of cooking, brush the garlic butter mixture evenly onto the steak.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time:

– Rare: 12-15 minutes total
– Medium-rare: 15-18 minutes total
– Medium: 18-20 minutes total

Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad

Stay cool with this light and refreshing salad perfect for hot summer days. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes.

Ingredients:

– 2 large cucumbers, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices and tomato dice.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber-tomato mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.

Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet

A hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. Smoky sausage, colorful peppers, and crispy potatoes come together in a flavorful skillet dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the sliced peppers to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the diced potatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
6. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (400°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Flatbread

Elevate your flatbread game with the perfect combination of grilled peaches, crispy prosciutto, and fresh arugula.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe peach, sliced into wedges
– 4-6 slices of prosciutto
– 1 flatbread (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh arugula leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush peach slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill peaches for 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, cook prosciutto slices in the same grill pan for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until crispy.
5. Place flatbread on a baking sheet or oven-safe plate.
6. Top flatbread with grilled peach wedges, crispy prosciutto, and arugula leaves.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Zesty Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads, this recipe combines cooked pasta, juicy vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bowtie or penne)
– 2 cups mixed greens (cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing and olive oil.
4. Add cooked pasta to the bowl with vegetables and toss with dressing mixture until well coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Decadent S’mores Dip for Dessert

Decadent S’mores Dip Recipe

Rich, gooey chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers come together in this indulgent dessert dip that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for game day gatherings or cozy movie nights.

Ingredients:

– 1 (8 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler.
5. Fold melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture.
6. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs on top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until marshmallows are toasted and dip is warm.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Summary

Kick off your Memorial Day celebration with these delicious recipes perfect for grilling! From classic BBQ ribs to savory baked beans and sweet grilled peaches, there’s something for everyone. Try juicy burgers with cheese, smoky pulled pork sandwiches, or spicy chicken wings. Don’t forget the sides – tangy coleslaw, cheesy potato salad, and refreshing cucumber tomato salad are just a few of our favorites. Finish off your meal with decadent s’mores dip for dessert. With these 20 mouthwatering recipes, you’ll be sure to have a holiday to remember.