Memorial Day Recipes

These easy Memorial Day recipes are a mix of homemade classics and fresh seasonal bites—with plenty of make-ahead options to keep your day stress-free. From crowd-pleasing appetizers to hearty mains and refreshing drinks, there's something for every taste. Whether you're craving something sweet, savory, or sippable, you're in the right place to create the perfect Memorial Day menu that’s sure to impress.

End your celebration on a sweet note with these festive desserts for Memorial Day. From fresh berries and nostalgic favorites to red, white, and blue treats that bring the patriotic spirit, these are the best Memorial Day desserts to round out your holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or keeping things low-key, these easy delectable dessert ideas are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

This Red, White, and Blue Dump Cake is as easy to make as it is festive. With layers of juicy blueberry and strawberry pie filling topped with white cake mix and buttery goodness, it’s a perfect and easy patriotic dessert. The berries bake into a jammy layer while the cake topping turns golden and crisp—no mixing bowls needed.

Get the recipe for our Red, White, and Blue Dump Cake.

Fresh, juicy, strawberries covered in a crunchy, buttery oat topping is the perfect combination of flavors, made even better served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Our Strawberry Crisp Recipe is both simple and scrumptious, and you won't be able to wait to dig into it!

Grab our Strawberry Crisp recipe.

These Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups are a fresh, festive, and effortless treat perfect for summer gatherings. With layers of juicy fresh strawberries, plump blueberries, and a cloud of homemade, fresh whipped cream, they bring a refreshing balance of sweetness and creaminess. Whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July, Memorial Day Weekend, or just craving a light and fruity dessert with fresh berries, these easy-to-make cups are a crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe for these Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups here.

Classic and cozy, my Apple Pie à la Mode features tender Golden Delicious apples tossed in cinnamon sugar, baked in a flaky crust, and topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Whether made with a lattice or solid top, it’s the kind of warm, spiced dessert that feels like home—especially with that melty ice cream on top.

Get my Apple Pie recipe.

Looking for a festive and easy-to-make dessert? This Red, White, and Blue Trifle is the perfect treat for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any summer gathering. With layers of fluffy vanilla cake, creamy pudding, and fresh berries, it's a beautiful and delicious dessert that comes together effortlessly.

Get the recipe here for our Red, White, and Blue Trifle.

There’s nothing quite like my warm Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler Recipe fresh out of the oven. This southern classic dessert combines sweet, juicy blackberries with a golden, biscuit-like, buttery crust topping that’s both tender and slightly crisp. The addition of cinnamon and a hint of lemon enhances the natural flavors of the blackberries, creating a rich, comforting treat perfect for any occasion.

Get the recipe for my Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler.

From fizzy spritzers to bold cocktails, these Memorial Day drink recipes are perfect for sipping in the sunshine. Whether you're serving up a big-batch lemonade for the kids or crafting something stronger for the adults, these festive drinks are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and packed with vibrant summer flavors.

With a hint of added sweetness, our Honey Strawberry Lemonade recipe is quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for the kids to enjoy, or to use as a base for a cocktail. This is one you will want to add to your summer menu!

Get our recipe for Honey Strawberry Lemonade.

Sweet and slightly tart, our Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink. Homemade strawberry lemonade and freshly squeezed lime juice are spiked with smooth Hennessy and citrusy triple sec to create a crisp and sparkling cocktail that you will want to treat yourself to!

Get our Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade recipe.

If you’re a fan of mojitos and love fresh berries, say hello to the summer cocktail of your dreams! This Mixed Berry Mojito Recipe combines sweet summer berries with classic mojito ingredients for the perfect summer sip.

Get Maple and Mango's recipe for this Mixed Berry Mojito.

Dive into this easy-to-make, refreshing Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, where zesty lemons meet the sweet tang of blueberries and the delicate floral notes of lavender. Perfectly refreshing and unique, this beverage will surely be a hit at any gathering or a treat for yourself on a sunny day. It's ready in less than 20 minutes.

Get the recipe for this Blueberry Lavender Lemonade here.

Aperol Margarita is refreshing and delicious! It's made with tequila, Aperol, fresh lime juice, orange juice and seltzer.

Get this Aperol Margarita recipe here.

Lend a patriotic vibe to your 4th of July or Memorial Day party with these layered Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots! They’re super festive with American flag-colored layers of red, white and blue Jello. These adult-only summer treats are deliciously sweet and boozy!

Get Jello Joy’s Red, White and Blue Jello Shots.

Red, White, and Blue Dump Cake

Red, White, and Blue Trifle

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups

Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe

When it comes to appetizers for Memorial Day, the goal is fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. These easy appetizers for Memorial Day are simple to prep, big on texture and flavor, and ideal for serving while the grill heats up. Whether you're passing them around or setting up a casual buffet, each bite brings something crowd-pleasing to the table.

This Coleslaw for Pulled Pork is creamy, tangy, and the perfect mix of crunch and flavor. With a blend of mayo, vinegar, and dry mustard, it adds a zesty bite that balances smoky, tender barbecue. Whether served on the side or piled high on a sandwich, it’s a refreshing and easy-to-make classic.

Get the recipe for our Creamy Coleslaw.

Guacamole and Chips are a timeless duo, bringing together creamy, zesty guacamole and crispy, golden tortilla chips. My homemade recipe takes things up a notch with freshly fried corn chips and a guacamole packed with bright, bold flavors. Whether you're hosting a gathering, enjoying a cozy night in, or prepping for Taco Tuesday, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit.

Get the recipe for our Guac and Chips.

Burrata Caprese is a twist on the classic Caprese salad. Marinated cherry tomatoes on top of creamy burrata drizzled with olive oil and sea salt flakes. This recipe is fresh flavorful and perfect for summer!

Get the recipe for this Burrata Caprese Salad.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Summer Berries & Honey is the perfect appetizer to enjoy during the warm months. With a creamy, whipped ricotta base, topped with fresh summer berries, a drizzle of honey, and a hint of lemon zest, this crostini recipe brings out the best of simple yet vibrant flavors. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or preparing for a special meal, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Get the recipe here for this Whipped Ricotta Crostini.

Ultimate Potato Salad– a classic potato salad that includes hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, onion, and more tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing! Perfect for any BBQ, potluck, picnic, or summer outing!

Get this Ultimate Potato Salad recipe from The Cookin’ Chicks.

Enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer with this Watermelon Feta Basil Salad, featuring juicy watermelon, salty feta, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a honey lime vinaigrette. This easy and delicious salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a light, healthy meal.

Get the Easy Watermelon Feta Basil Salad Recipe from Basics with Bails.

From smoky pulled pork to sweet-and-savory sliders, these Memorial Day meal ideas are built for backyard cookouts and casual gatherings. Whether you're feeding a crowd or keeping things low-key, these dinner ideas for Memorial Day are flavorful, easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy after a day in the sun.

This Easy Chicken Thigh Marinade is packed with flavor and makes for a juicy, tender dish that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. The combination of olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, parsley and thyme create a balanced marinade that enhances the natural richness of the chicken. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep-friendly protein, this homemade marinade is an easy go-to option.

Get our Easy Chicken Thigh Marinade.

This BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal! Slow cooked to perfection, this pork is tender, juicy, and infused with the sweet and smoky flavors of root beer and barbecue sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, weeknight dinner or meal prepping, this dish is an effortless way to feed a crowd with minimal effort.

Get the recipe for my BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer recipe.

My BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate balance of smoky, tangy, and crunchy. Tender pulled pork, slathered in rich barbecue sauce, gets piled high onto soft buns and topped with crisp, creamy coleslaw for the perfect bite. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, these sliders are an easy crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe for my BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders.

Making a crowd-pleasing dish has never been easier with our Sweet and Sour Meatballs Crockpot recipe. With hints of fresh garlic and savory soy sauce, the flavors of sweet pineapple tidbits and tangy BBQ sauce meld together in the slow cooker, resulting in a mouthwatering glaze for the meatballs.

Get our Sweet and Sour Meatballs Crockpot Recipe.

These Meatball Sliders are the perfect bite-sized comfort food! Juicy meatballs coated in tangy BBQ sauce are nestled between soft buns, brushed with butter, and topped with sesame seeds for a deliciously toasty finish.

Get our Meatball Sliders Recipe.

Our Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and sweet with tender pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and crunchy coleslaw, all tucked into soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. Whether you're hosting a game day party, summer cookout, or an easy weeknight dinner, these BBQ pork sliders are quick to assemble and bursting with flavor.

Get the recipe for these Hawaiian Roll Sliders.

No matter how you spend the holiday—gathering around the table, firing up the grill, or just soaking up the sunshine—these Memorial Day recipes are here to keep things simple and delicious. With bold flavors, minimal prep, and plenty of crowd-pleasers, your weekend menu is already off to a strong start. And if you're already thinking ahead to next year, stay tuned for even more new recipes: hot dogs with a twist, colorful pasta salads, turkey burgers packed with flavor, and summer side dishes that deserve the spotlight.

Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!

Lemon Blueberry Cookies

Easy Chicken Thigh Marinade

Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake

Best Easter Desserts

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