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    Home » Round Ups » 55 Best Memorial Day Party Recipes

    May 23, 2022

    55 Best Memorial Day Party Recipes

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    Start your summer off right by hosting the BEST Memorial Day Party! From drinks and appetizers to must-make grilling recipes and summer side dishes, you can find all the best recipes, tips, and tricks right here. Whether you’re throwing a big party or hosting a family gathering, this delicious variety of recipes will put your celebration over the top!

    Outdoor parties and cookouts have always been a favorite of mine, I think it just makes hosting much more fun! That being said, certain things like serving food can get harder when you’re in the heat. So, here are a couple of important tips to remember when hosting a backyard party…

    • Invest in proper serving dishes, you want to make sure that all the dishes that should be hot will stay hot, and the ones that should be chilled stay cold.
    • Make sure that you’ve timed all your recipes to be ready by the time folks start arriving. You want your appetizers and drinks ready to serve when people arrive, and your main dishes should be ready about 30 minutes to an hour after their arrival.
    • Always buy more ice than you think you’ll need, people, go through it way faster than you’d expect.
    • Set up an area at your drink table for folks to label their cups. I use chalkboard stickers on mason jars, but you can also just use sharpies on red solo cups.

    When it comes to choosing the recipes you’ll serve, I definitely recommend basing it on the crowd. If you have a lot of kids coming, choose simpler recipes that everyone can enjoy. Below you’ll find a terrific variety of Memorial classic recipes, like potato salad and grilled chicken, as well as several tasty Crock Pot recipes and delicious summer salads and sides. With so many options, it’s hard to know which to pick first!

    Items You’ll Need To Host A Memorial Day Party

    If you’ve been following me for a while, I know you must be tired of hearing this by now, but a cook is only as good as the tools in their kitchen. Whenever you’re hosting a cookout, grill night, or party, and you’re feeding a crowd, you’ll need all the BEST tools and serving dishes. These are a couple of my favorites for hosting Memorial Day…

    Cooking Tools

    • 8-Quart Crock Pot
    • Knife Set
    • Cast Iron Grill Pans
    • Baking Sheets
    • Mixing Bowls

    Items For Serving

    • Tiered Serving Trays
    • Disposable Napkins and Paper Plates
    • Mason Jars With Name Labels
    • Large Beverage Dispenser
    • Chip and Dip Serving Bowl

    Refreshing Drink Recipes

    Sparkling Berry Punch is fresh, delicious and perfect for any spring party. Made with cranberry juicy, lemon juicy, sherbert and a little sugar with a beautiful pick color.
    Sparkling Berry Punch
    With just 6 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation, you can enjoy this refreshingly sweet, citrus drink at graduation parties and Memorial Day cookouts!
    Check out this recipe
    Homemade Lemonade – A Southern Soul
    Made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup, this simple drink recipe is perfect to serve at parties and cookouts.
    Check out this recipe
    Classic Mojito Recipe – A Couple Cooks
    Here’s a classic mojito recipe, perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint!
    Check out this recipe
    Glass on a coaster filled with red wine sangria
    Best Ever Red Wine Sangria
    Made with fresh fruits, brandy, and red wine, this Sangria is great to serve at any party, from casual entertaining to Easter dinner, it’s certain to be a hit!
    Check out this recipe
    Virgin Pina Colada Recipe – The Spruce Eats
    This made-from-scratch drink is so refreshing and rich tasting, you won't even miss the alcohol.
    Check out this recipe
    Watermelon Slushie – Fifteen Spatulas
    This easy Watermelon Slushie is a natural alternative to the slushies bought at gas stations and convenience stores.
    Check out this recipe

    Delicious Summer Appetizers To Feed A Crowd

    Homemade Ranch Dip served with fresh vegetables and chips.
    Homemade Ranch Dip
    Whether you’re serving it with a veggie platter or a pile of chips, this tasty dish is sure to have your friends and family begging for the recipe!
    Check out this recipe
    Black Bean and Corn Salsa – A Southern Soul
    Made with 6 simple ingredients and in just 10 minutes, this salsa makes a great appetizer.
    Check out this recipe
    Crispy Potato Skins – Small Town Woman
    These Crispy Potato skins are topped with smoked bacon, green onions, and plenty of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese. 
    Check out this recipe
    Party Chicken Salad is loaded with tender chicken, green grapes, carrots and celery topped with almonds and tossed in a creamy dressing. It's the perfect recipe for entertaining.
    Party Chicken Salad
    Tender chicken, crunchy celery, toasted almonds, and juicy grapes are tossed together in a bright lemony dressing to create Party Chicken Salad.
    Check out this recipe
    Quick and Easy Delicious Peach Salsa – Cooking Chew
    Grilling the peaches softens them and gives them that smoky, caramelized flavor that will knock this recipe out of the park.
    Check out this recipe
    Air Fryer Chicken Wings – A Southern Soul
    Extra crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Air Fryer Chicken Wings are totally irresistible! 
    Check out this recipe
    Pastry wrapped little hot dogs for pigs in a blanket.
    BEST Pigs in A Blanket
    Made using just 5 simple ingredients, you can enjoy this recipe as an appetizer, dinner, or an easy-to-make snack, in under 30 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy Greek Feta Dip – Damn Delicious
    Takes just 15 minutes (or less) to whip up using feta, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and fresh herbs!
    Check out this recipe
    BEST Guacamole Recipe – Well Plated By Erin
    Guac lovers each have their personal definition of what makes the Best Guacamole Recipe, and this is mine.
    Check out this recipe
    Beef Sliders made with cheese and sliced beef.
    Easy Beef and Cheddar Sliders
    These delicious sliders are great served as an appetizer for parties, game day celebrations, potlucks, and family gatherings. 
    Check out this recipe
    Cowboy Caviar – Dinner At the Zoo
    This cowboy caviar is a colorful and hearty dip that’s loaded with beans, avocado and veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade sauce. 
    Check out this recipe
    Mexican Corn Dip – A Southern Soul
    Mexican Corn Dip is creamy, cheesy with just the right amount of spice from chilies. 
    Check out this recipe

    Amazing Crock Pot Dishes For Hosting

    Pulled pork in a crock pot shredded with 2 forks.
    Best Crock Pot Pulled Pork
    Juicy, perfectly seasoned pulled pork cooked low and slow is the ultimate recipe for casual entertaining and parties!
    Check out this recipe
    Crock Pot Ribs – Spend With Pennies
    Crock Pot Ribs come out melt in your mouth tender and so full of flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken – Bake it With Love
    This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is an absolutely creamy and cheesy shredded chicken bacon ranch that's perfect for sandwiches, dips, potlucks, and so much more! 
    Check out this recipe
    Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs – A Southern Soul
    Hawaiian Meatballs smothered in a sweet tangy sauce with pineapple and fresh ginger are cooked low and slow in the crock pot.
    Check out this recipe
    Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip – The Cookie Rookie
    Creamy, cheesy, tangy and a little bit spicy, this Crockpot buffalo chicken dip is one delicious game day appetizer. 
    Check out this recipe
    BBQ Little Smokies (Slow Cooker) – The Life Jolie
    BBQ Little Smokies are everything you could possibly want for your game day spread!
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon Creme Brulee is creamy, light and perfectly baked with a sugar topping that's amazing to crack into!
    Ultimate Crock Pot Party Meatballs
    Tender, succulent meatballs smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce is a crowd-pleasing recipe you can enjoy any time of year! 
    Check out this recipe
    Queso Blanco In The Slow Cooker – Rachel Cooks
    Queso Blanco in the slow cooker is a breeze to make – easy crockpot queso! 
    Check out this recipe
    Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders
    With only 5 ingredients, Mississippi Chicken cooked in the slow cooker is tender, juicy, and packed with spicy flavors. 
    Check out this recipe

    Family Favorite Grilling Recipes

    Grilled Lemon Chicken – A Southern Soul
    Tender, juicy grilled chicken gets an extra boost of flavor from lemons, this simple, flavorful recipe for Grilled Lemon Chicken has so many uses.
    Check out this recipe
    Grilled Watermelon Recipe – Love and Lemons
    This grilled watermelon recipe is such a fun summer side dish! I top each wedge with a tangy, spicy mix of fresh corn, feta, avocado, and basil.
    Check out this recipe
    Grilled Jerk Chicken Kebabs – The Modern Proper
    Loaded with warm spices and brightened up with pineapple and peppers this family-friendly dinner is always a hit.
    Check out this recipe
    Alabama White BBQ Sauce – A Southern Soul
    This classic sauce is terrific on chicken, pork, fish, or fries and just about anything in between, plus it’s made in just 5 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Sauce – Jar Of Lemons
    Savory, delicious Spicy Grilled Shrimp topped off with cilantro, lime, and a sweet minced tomato and pineapple sauce.
    Check out this recipe
    Perfect Grilled Steak – Iowa Girl Eats
    Perfect Grilled Steak with Herb Butter features a homemade steak seasoning and buttery herb finish.
    Check out this recipe
    BBQ Chicken Legs – A Southern Soul
    This quick and easy-to-master recipe makes the best, most flavorful chicken you’ll ever sink your teeth into. 
    Check out this recipe
    Low Country Boil – Baked Bree
    It’s a South Carolina classic that you can pour out onto a newspaper lined table, crack a beer and go to town.
    Check out this recipe
    Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce – A Southern Soul
    Originating in North Carolina, this sauce is easy to make with just 6 ingredients. This traditional sauce is for anyone who takes their pork BBQ seriously.
    Check out this recipe

    Must-Make Salads and Side Dishes

    Potato Salad For A Crowd is the perfect side dish! It's an easy make ahead dish with potatoes, eggs, celery and relish mixed with a creamy dressing.
    Potato Salad For A Crowd
    Potato Salad For A Crowd is a classic side dish that’s a must-serve for any family gathering, covered-dish supper, and great for cookouts.
    Check out this recipe
    Chipotle Bacon Baked Beans – A Southern Soul
    Smokey, sweet with just the right amount of spice, Chipotle Bacon Baked Beans are great for family dinners, potlucks, and a must for cookouts and barbecues!
    Check out this recipe
    BEST Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn) – A Couple Cooks
    Elote is classic Mexican street corn, grilled and slathered in an irresistible sauce. Built-in handles make for easy eating!
    Check out this recipe
    Cheese and candied pecans tossed in spinach salad.
    Strawberry Spinach Salad (Fresh and Easy)
    Spinach, fresh strawberries, candied pecans, and feta cheese crumbles are tossed together with a vibrant and flavorful dressing to create a salad that’s perfect for spring and summer celebrations!
    Check out this recipe
    Macaroni Salad – Sugar Spun Run
    Made with classic ingredient staples including celery, red pepper, and onion and dressed up in a simple creamy mayo-based dressing, this is guaranteed to be a hit at every cookout and potluck this year!
    Check out this recipe
    Spicy Cucumber Tomato Salad
    It’s loaded with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions along with creamy Feta cheese then tossed in a bright, spicy herb dressing.
    Check out this recipe
    BLT Pasta Slad with green napkins.
    BLT Pasta Salad
    Smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, and sweet ripe tomatoes tossed in a creamy dressing with your favorite pasta is a perfect salad or side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Classic Coleslaw – Ahead Of Thyme
    Whether you need a side dish to bring to a family barbecue or picnic, or an easy make ahead lunch to pack for work or for a potluck, classic coleslaw brings a fresh, crisp, and creamy game-changer to the table.
    Check out this recipe
    Mediterranean Pasta Salad – A Southern Soul
    Juicy tomatoes and cucumbers along with salty olives, red onion, tender pasta, and spinach are tossed together with creamy feta cheese in a homemade dressing for a crave-able salad that’s so easy to make! 
    Check out this recipe
    Sunshine Fruit Salad
    Sunshine Fruit salad is sweet, fresh, and perfect for any party or celebration at any time of the year! 
    Check out this recipe
    Fresh Watermelon Salad With Feta – Erin Lives Whole
    Perfect for a warm day where you don’t feel like cooking, this watermelon salad will satisfy both your sweet and savory cravings!
    Check out this recipe
    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
    Loaded with tender chicken, smokey bacon, gooey cheese and seasoned with ranch dressing flavor, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
    Check out this recipe
    Wooden spoon with Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

    Summer Dessert Recipes

    Lemon Curd in a jar with a spoon to fill cookies
    Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies
    Melt in your mouth, tender buttery cookies filled with lemon curd are a dessert lover’s dream come true! 
    Check out this recipe
    5-Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade Pie – Southern Bite
    Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk, and canned frozen lemonade concentrate in a graham cracker crust, they’re just so delicious and just taste like summer!
    Check out this recipe
    Fresh Peach Crumb Bars – Saving Room For Dessert
    These Fresh Peach Crumb Bars also travel well and keep for days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
    Check out this recipe
    Best Ever Key Lime Pie – Once Upon A Chef
    Made with ordinary limes, this “Key lime” pie tastes every bit as authentic as the real deal — plus it’s easier to make!
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy 3-Ingredient Fruit Dip – A Southern Soul
    Creamy, sweet, and made with only 3 ingredients, this fruit dip is terrific served any time of the year!
    Check out this recipe
    Homemade Cherry Pie – Sally’s Baking Addiction
    My homemade cherry pie is perfectly sliceable with a thick almond-hinted cherry pie filling and a golden brown buttery flaky pie crust.
    Check out this recipe
    No Churn Ice Cream (6 Flavors) – Life Made Simple
    This Easy No-Churn Ice Cream Is Made With Just 4 Simple Ingredients. It’s Creamy, Sweet And Makes The Perfect Base For Your Favorite Mix-Ins.
    Check out this recipe

    Filed Under: Memorial Day, Round Ups, Summer Tagged With: block party, Memorial Day, party food, roundups

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    Hey there! I’m Donya and I’m so glad you are here. Great Holiday Recipes is where you’ll find recipes, ideas, and inspiration to help you celebrate life.

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