Memorial Day is for fun, sun, and family. It also starts summer. It’s a great time to cook outside.
No one wants to cook all day. These 15 Best Memorial Day Food Recipes are fast and easy. Most use simple things you already have.
There are meats, sides, drinks, and sweets. You’ll find something everyone likes. Get ready to eat and have fun!
Here are 15 easy foods to make on Memorial Day.
1. Classic Grilled Burgers
Burgers are always a favorite. Add what you like on top.
You need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- Burger buns
Steps:
- Make beef into patties.
- Add salt and pepper.
- Grill 4–5 minutes each side.
- Put on buns and serve.
2. BBQ Chicken Skewers
These are fun and tasty. Kids love them too.
You need:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut in chunks
- BBQ sauce
- Sticks or skewers
Steps:
- Put chicken on sticks.
- Brush with BBQ sauce.
- Grill 6–8 minutes. Turn often.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn is sweet and yummy. Add butter for more taste.
You need:
- 4 ears of corn
- Butter
- Salt
Steps:
- Take off corn husks.
- Grill 10 minutes, turn often.
- Add butter and salt.
4. Pasta Salad
This cold pasta is great on hot days. You can make it early.
You need:
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- Italian dressing
Steps:
- Mix pasta, veggies, and dressing.
- Chill in fridge 1 hour.
- Serve cold.
5. Hot Dogs with Toppings
Hot dogs are fast and fun. Let everyone add their own toppings.
You need:
- Hot dogs
- Buns
- Ketchup, mustard, onions, relish
Steps:
- Grill hot dogs for 5–7 minutes.
- Put in buns.
- Add toppings you like.
6. Watermelon Slices
Cool, sweet watermelon is the best summer snack.
You need:
- 1 watermelon
Steps:
- Cut into slices.
- Chill before eating.
7. Grilled Veggie Packets
These are healthy and full of flavor. Great with meat too.
You need:
- 1 zucchini
- 1 bell pepper
- 1/2 onion
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
- Foil
Steps:
- Cut veggies and place on foil.
- Add oil, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap up and grill 15 minutes.
8. Mac and Cheese
This is cheesy and warm. Kids love it a lot.
You need:
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Steps:
- Cook pasta and drain.
- Mix with cheese, milk, and butter.
- Stir until smooth and hot.
9. Deviled Eggs
These are easy and tasty. Great for finger food.
You need:
- 6 boiled eggs
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt and pepper
Steps:
- Cut eggs in half.
- Mix yolks with mayo and mustard.
- Put mix back into egg halves.
10. Sliders
These are mini burgers. Good for big groups.
You need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- Small buns
- Cheese
Steps:
- Make small patties.
- Grill 3–4 minutes each side.
- Add cheese and serve on buns.
11. Lemonade
This drink is sweet, cold, and fresh.
You need:
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
Steps:
- Mix lemon juice, water, and sugar.
- Stir well.
- Pour over ice.
12. Fruit Kabobs
These are fun and healthy. Great for kids to help make.
You need:
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Grapes
- Skewers
Steps:
- Put fruit on sticks.
- Chill and serve cold.
13. Baked Beans
These beans are warm and sweet. They go with any meal.
You need:
- 1 can baked beans
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
Steps:
- Mix all in a pot.
- Heat for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm.
14. S’mores
This is a fun treat for the fire pit. Just three things!
You need:
- Graham crackers
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars
Steps:
- Toast marshmallows.
- Put between crackers with chocolate.
- Press and enjoy.
15. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cold and sweet—perfect for summer. You only need two things.
You need:
- 12 cookies
- Ice cream
Steps:
- Put ice cream between two cookies.
- Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Eat cold.
Final Thoughts
Memorial Day is a time to enjoy. These foods are easy to make. They taste great and make people smile.
Pick your top recipes and start cooking. Enjoy your day with food, fun, and sunshine!