A Backyard Celebration of Summer Flavors
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer — and nothing brings people together quite like a backyard BBQ filled with smoky favorites, fresh sides, and sweet seasonal desserts. From grilled classics to crowd-pleasing recipes, here’s a complete Memorial Day menu perfect for family gatherings, lake weekends, and summer celebrations.
Main BBQ Favorites
Classic Smoky BBQ Burgers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper
- 8 burger buns
- Cheese slices
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions
Directions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Mix beef with Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
- Form into 8 patties.
- Grill 4–5 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
- Add cheese during final minute.
- Serve on toasted buns with toppings.
Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
Directions
- Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill over medium heat for 25–30 minutes.
- Mix BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar.
- Brush sauce onto chicken during final 10 minutes.
- Grill until caramelized and slightly charred.
Grilled Brats & Sausage Board
Ingredients
- Assorted bratwursts and smoked sausages
- Hoagie buns
- Sauerkraut
- Grilled onions & peppers
- Stone-ground mustard
Directions
- Grill sausages until browned and heated through.
- Toast buns lightly.
- Serve with toppings buffet-style for guests.
Summer Side Dishes
Loaded Red Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 lbs red potatoes
- 1 cup mayo
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 slices bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 3 green onions
- Salt & pepper
Directions
- Boil potatoes until fork tender.
- Cool and cube potatoes.
- Mix mayo, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in bacon, cheese, onions, and potatoes.
- Chill before serving.
Sweet & Smoky Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 2 cans baked beans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 slices bacon
- ½ onion, diced
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
Directions
- Cook bacon and onion in skillet.
- Combine all ingredients in baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes.
Watermelon Feta Summer Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups watermelon cubes
- 1 cup feta cheese
- Fresh mint
- Lime juice
- Sea salt
Directions
- Combine watermelon and feta.
- Top with chopped mint.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over salad.
- Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 8 ears corn
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Parsley
- Salt
Directions
- Grill corn 10–12 minutes, turning often.
- Mix butter and garlic.
- Brush generously over grilled corn.
- Sprinkle with parsley and salt.
Memorial Day Desserts
Patriotic Berry Trifle
Ingredients
- Pound cake cubes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla pudding
Directions
- Layer pound cake, pudding, berries, and whipped cream.
- Repeat layers in trifle bowl.
- Chill before serving.
Peach Cobbler on the Grill
Ingredients
- 6 peaches, sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Biscuit topping or cake mix
- Butter
Directions
- Place peaches in cast iron skillet.
- Add brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Top with biscuit mix and butter.
- Grill indirectly for 30–40 minutes until bubbly.
Memorial Day Drinks
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
- Lemon juice
- Strawberries
- Sugar
- Sparkling water
- Ice
Backyard Sweet Tea Bar
Serve with:
- Peach syrup
- Mint
- Lemon slices
- Fresh berries
Hosting Tips for the Perfect Memorial Day BBQ
- Create a self-serve drink station.
- Use metal tubs filled with ice for bottled drinks.
- Prep side dishes the night before.
- Add patriotic flowers and string lights for ambiance.
- Set out lawn games for family fun.
Here’s to sunshine, smoky grills, good food, and celebrating the start of summer.