18 Crowd-Pleasing Dishes for Your Memorial Day Cookout

Memorial Day weekend is the official start of grilling season and outdoor get-togethers! If you’re hosting, you want a menu that’s delicious, easy to manage, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. These 18 crowd-pleasing dishes are perfect for your cookout – from smoky grilled mains to fresh sides and sweet treats, there’s something here for every taste. Get ready to fire up the grill and celebrate!

1. Classic All-American Beef Burgers

No cookout is complete without juicy, perfectly grilled beef burgers. Keep it classic or offer a toppings bar for guests to customize. These are the undisputed champions of any cookout.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (check label for simple ingredients), 1 tsp garlic powder
• Burger buns
• Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese slices, ketchup, mustard, mayo

Instructions:

1. Gently combine ground beef with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings. Do not overmix.
2. Form into 6-8 patties, slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink). Make a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium, or to desired doneness. Add cheese during the last minute of cooking if desired.
4. Serve on buns with desired toppings.

2. Grilled All-Beef Franks & Chicken Sausages

Another essential cookout staple. Offer a variety of all-beef franks and flavorful chicken sausages to please everyone. Easy, quick, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• Package(s) of all-beef franks
• Package(s) of chicken sausages (e.g., apple chicken, spicy chicken)
• Hot dog and sausage buns
• Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, relish, chopped onions, sauerkraut (check ingredients for simple, pure options)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium.
2. Grill franks and sausages, turning occasionally, until heated through and nicely marked, about 5-8 minutes for franks, and 10-15 minutes for sausages (or according to package directions).
3. Serve in buns with a variety of condiments.

3. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (Slow Cooker Friendly)

Tender, shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, served on soft buns. This can be made ahead in a slow cooker, making it a super easy main dish for a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand, check for simple, familiar ingredients), plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Slider buns or regular sandwich buns
• Optional: Coleslaw for topping

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in a slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if using), smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is very tender.
4. Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to coat.
5. Serve warm on buns, with extra BBQ sauce and coleslaw if desired.

4. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Sweet corn, kissed by the grill, and slathered in a delicious homemade herb butter. This is a side dish that screams summer and is universally loved.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill corn directly on the grates for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
4. Remove corn from grill and immediately brush generously with the herb butter.

5. Creamy Coleslaw

A classic cookout side that provides a cool, crunchy contrast to grilled meats. This version is perfectly creamy and tangy.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded (about 8 cups)
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp celery seeds (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and shredded carrot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seeds (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine.
4. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

6. Classic Potato Salad

Another must-have for any cookout. Tender potatoes, crisp celery, and onion in a creamy, tangy dressing. Everyone has their favorite version, but this one is a solid crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion or sweet onion
• 2-3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar.
3. Add the slightly cooled potatoes, celery, onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using) to the dressing.
4. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to mash the potatoes too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with paprika if desired.

7. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

Simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp mixed dried herbs (e.g., oregano, thyme, rosemary) or 2 tbsp fresh chopped herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
4. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving whole.

8. Watermelon & Feta-Style Cheese Salad with Mint

A refreshing and vibrant salad that’s perfect for a hot day. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta-style cheese, and cool mint is a winner.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 1 cup crumbled feta-style cheese (look for options made with microbial rennet if preferred)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional: Drizzle of balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, gently combine cubed watermelon, crumbled cheese, and chopped mint.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the salad. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
3. Toss very gently and serve immediately or chilled.

9. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

A versatile and beloved side dish. Rotini or farfalle pasta tossed with fresh veggies, perhaps some cubed chicken or turkey cold cuts (optional), and a zesty Italian dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotini or farfalle pasta, cooked al dente and rinsed with cold water
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives, sliced (check brine ingredients for simplicity)
• Optional: 4 oz cooked chicken or turkey breast, cubed
• Optional: 4 oz fresh mozzarella-style pearls or cubes
• 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade, check for simple ingredients)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and optional cooked chicken/turkey and mozzarella-style cheese.
2. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

10. Fruit Skewers with Honey-Yogurt Dip

A colorful, healthy, and fun way to serve fruit. Easy for guests to grab and enjoy, and the light yogurt dip is a delicious accompaniment.

Ingredients:

• Assorted fresh fruit, cubed or balled (strawberries, melon, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, blueberries)
• Wooden skewers
  For the Honey-Yogurt Dip:
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain yogurt)
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and prep all fruit. Thread fruit onto skewers in a colorful pattern.
2. Arrange fruit skewers on a platter.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract (if using) for the dip.
4. Serve fruit skewers with the yogurt dip.

11. Grilled Veggie Skewers

A fantastic way to get your veggies! Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions marinated in a light vinaigrette and grilled until tender-crisp and slightly charred.

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables: Bell peppers (various colors), zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms – cut into 1-1.5 inch pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden ones in water for 30 mins)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Add chopped vegetables and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
2. Thread marinated vegetables onto skewers.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp and have nice grill marks.

12. Caprese Salad Platter

Simple, beautiful, and always a hit. Slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella-style cheese, and basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 lb fresh mozzarella-style cheese, sliced
• Large fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella-style cheese on a large platter.
2. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between the slices.
3. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

13. Corn and Black Bean Salsa

A vibrant, flavorful salsa that can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or as a zesty side dish. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and a tangy lime dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 2 cups frozen corn, thawed)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional, seeds removed for less heat)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the bean and corn mixture and toss well to combine.
4. Best if chilled for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips or as a side.

14. Deviled Eggs

A classic potluck and cookout appetizer that disappears quickly. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly bite-sized.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Paprika, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Halve the hard-boiled eggs lengthwise. Gently remove the yolks and place them in a small bowl.
2. Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth.
3. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and vinegar to the mashed yolks. Mix well until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg white halves.
5. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish. Chill until ready to serve.

15. Iced Tea & Lemonade Bar

Offer a refreshing beverage station with pitchers of freshly brewed iced tea (sweetened and unsweetened) and lemonade. Include lemon wedges, fresh mint, and perhaps some berries for guests to customize their drinks.

Ingredients:

• Black tea bags (for iced tea)
• Lemons (for lemonade and garnish)
• Sugar or preferred sweetener
• Fresh mint sprigs
• Assorted berries (optional)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Brew strong black tea, sweeten as desired (or leave unsweetened), and chill.
2. Prepare fresh lemonade, sweeten to taste, and chill.
3. Set up a station with pitchers of iced tea and lemonade, a bucket of ice, and bowls of lemon wedges, mint, and berries.

16. Seven-Layer Dip (Beef or Bean Version)

A party favorite that’s always a hit with a crowd. Layers of deliciousness served with tortilla chips for dipping. Use seasoned ground beef or stick to a vegetarian bean base.

Ingredients (for a ground beef version):

• 1 lb ground beef, cooked, drained, and seasoned with taco seasoning
• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
• 1 cup guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• Optional: Sliced green onions, jalapeños
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions:

1. In a clear glass dish or deep platter, spread the refried beans in an even layer.
2. Top with the seasoned ground beef.
3. Carefully spread the guacamole over the beef layer.
4. Spread the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) over the guacamole.
5. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
6. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, and any other optional toppings.
7. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips.
   (For a bean-only version, simply omit the ground beef layer or add an extra layer of a different type of seasoned bean.)

17. Brownies or Chocolate Chip Cookies

No cookout is complete without a classic, easy-to-eat dessert. A big platter of homemade (or good quality store-bought) brownies or chocolate chip cookies is always a winner.

Ingredients:

• Your favorite brownie recipe or mix
• Your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe or dough

Instructions:

1. Bake brownies or cookies according to recipe or package directions.
2. Let cool completely, then cut into squares or arrange cookies on a platter.

18. S’mores Bar

If your cookout extends into the evening and you have a fire pit or grill access, a s’mores bar is a fun, interactive dessert. Provide graham crackers, various chocolate bars, and marshmallows for roasting.

Ingredients:

• Graham crackers
• Large marshmallows
• Assorted chocolate bars (milk, dark, etc. – check for simple ingredients)
• Roasting sticks

Instructions:

1. Set out all ingredients on a platter or table.
2. Let guests roast their own marshmallows over a safe heat source and assemble their s’mores.

Enjoy your delicious and crowd-pleasing Memorial Day cookout!