50+ Memorial Day Recipes – Grilling, BBQ & Cocktails

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer grilling season. And honestly? There’s no better reason to fire up the grill than to celebrate freedom and hang out with people you love.

But here’s the thing — I don’t just want you grilling any old hot dogs. I want you making something that’ll have your guests talking about your cookout all summer long. That’s why I’ve compiled 50+ of my best Memorial Day recipes: burgers that’ll change your life, ribs that fall off the bone, seafood that tastes like you spent all day prepping (spoiler: you didn’t), sides that actually steal the show, and cocktails cold enough to cool you down between bites.

First and foremost — thank you to all the soldiers and veterans out there. Because of your sacrifice, we get to enjoy our freedom and celebrate this incredible holiday. This one’s for you.

Now let’s get to the good stuff.

Main Dishes & Burgers

Your grill’s main event. These are the recipes people come back for.

• Memorial Day Onion Slice Burgers — Classic griddle burgers with crispy edges and juicy centers.
• Green Chile Burgers with Guacamole Mayo — Spicy and fresh with that cooling guac kick.
• NY Strip Steaks with Bourbon Steak Sauce — When you’re feeling fancy.
• Grilled Peppercorn Steak — Simple, elegant, delicious.
• Flank Steak Tacos — Perfectly seasoned beef in a hand-held package.
• Asian BBQ Beef Kabobs — Steak and stir-fry vibes on a stick.
• Portabella Mushroom Burgers — For your vegetarian guests (and meat lovers too).
• Grilled Pork Chops — Juicy, seasoned, impossible to mess up.

Chicken Recipes

Affordable, versatile, and cooks faster than you think.

• Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken — Bright, simple, crowd-pleasing.
• Orange and Honey Grilled Chicken — Sweet and tangy glaze.
• Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken — Smoky heat with sweet fruit.
• Braided Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers — Impressive presentation, easy execution.
• Grilled Chicken Bruschetta — Low-carb, high-flavor appetizer or light main.
• Peppered Chicken Tacos — Spiced perfectly.
• Smoked Chicken Drumsticks — Crispy skin, tender meat.
• Spicy Barbecue Buffalo Wings — Finger-licking good.
• Grilled Hot Wings — Even spicier than the BBQ version.

Seafood

Because summer and seafood go together like fireworks and freedom.

• Grilled Lobster Rolls — Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for weeknight.
• Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe — Complete how-to guide.
• Salmon with Mango Salsa — Fresh, bright, restaurant-quality.
• Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp — Fast, flavorful, feeds a crowd.
• Honey and Sake Glazed Shrimp — Asian-inspired glaze.
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Roasted Peppers — Handheld and delicious.
• Grilled Scallops — Buttery and elegant.
• Grilled Mahi-Mahi Tacos — Firm fish that grills beautifully.
• How to Grill Tuna to Perfection — Complete cooking guide.

Grilled Pizza

• Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza — Smoky crust, tangy sauce.
• Grilled Shrimp Pizza — Seafood meets pizza.
• Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Pizza — Lighter option with depth.
• Basic Pizza Crust on the KettlePizza — Perfect charred crust.

Sides & Vegetables

These aren’t just add-ons — they’re the sides people request by name next year.

• Quick Grilled Potato Salad — Smoky upgrade to the classic.
• Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad — Fire-roasted corn, fresh flavors.
• Grilled Artichoke Hearts — Elegant vegetable side.
• BLT Salad — Bacon, grilled tomato, charred croutons.

Homemade Condiments

Why buy store-bought when homemade tastes better and impresses everyone?

• Get Sauced! – Homemade Ketchup — No high fructose corn syrup, just real flavor.
• Get Sauced! – Homemade Mustard — Tangy and customizable.
• Homemade Barbecue Sauce — The centerpiece of great grilling.
• Brat Sauce AKA Stadium Sauce — Tangy hybrid sauce for any grilled meat.
• Bacon Onion Jam — Sweet, savory, absolutely addictive.

Appetizers & Extras

• Grilled Meatballs — Smoky and juicy.
• Jalapeno Cheddar Bratwurst — Spicy sausage upgrade.

Desserts

• Grilled Peaches — Sweet, caramelized, impressive.
• Balsamic and Honey Glazed Nectarines — Stone fruit perfection.
• Ultimate Smores — Level up the classic campfire treat.

Cocktails & Drinks

Cold drinks to cool you down between bites.

• All-American Boozy Slushy Cocktail (Red, White & Blue!) — Patriotic and refreshing.
• The All American Bomb Pop Cocktail — Summer in a glass.
• Watermelon Jello Shots — More like Watermelon Jello Cocktails, honestly.
• Vodka Limonata — Crisp and citrusy.

Pro Tips for Memorial Day Grilling:

• Prep everything the day before. Marinate meats, chop vegetables, make your sauces. You want to be hanging with guests, not stuck in the kitchen.
• Don’t skip the temperature check. A good instant-read thermometer (I use ThermoWorks Thermapen MK4) means perfectly cooked meat every single time.
• Rest your meat. It’s the difference between juicy and dry. Let steaks and burgers rest for 5 minutes minimum.
• Keep your grill clean and hot. A clean grill prevents sticking and creates better sear marks.
• Make extra sauce. People always want more.

Hope you all have a safe and happy Memorial Day. Take time to remember those who sacrificed for our freedom.

— Rex