Memorial Day is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, bringing families and friends together to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. But it’s also a time to indulge in delicious food that adds joy to the celebration. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a casual gathering with loved ones, the right recipes can elevate the experience and make the day truly memorable. Below, we’ve compiled 10 Memorial Day recipes that are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
1. Birria de Res Tacos
Birria de Res, a flavorful and tender beef stew, has become increasingly popular thanks to its rich, savory taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This dish originates from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, and is traditionally served during special occasions and celebrations. For Memorial Day, it makes the perfect taco filling!
Ingredients:
- Beef chuck roast or short ribs
- Guajillo chilies
- Onion, garlic, and spices
- Corn tortillas
- Cilantro and lime for garnish
Instructions:
- Start by making the birria broth. Toast the guajillo chilies and blend them with onion, garlic, and spices until smooth.
- Slow-cook the beef until it becomes incredibly tender, soaking in all the flavors of the broth.
- Once the beef is ready, shred it and serve it in warm tortillas with a side of consommé for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: The combination of tender beef and flavorful broth is a crowd-pleaser, and the tacos can be customized with your favorite toppings.
See the Recipe for detailed instructions.
2. Grilled Greek Chicken Breasts with Whipped Feta
This recipe is a vibrant Mediterranean twist on classic grilled chicken. The whipped feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the smoky, charred chicken, making it a standout at any Memorial Day cookout.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil, lemon, and garlic
- Dried oregano
- Feta cheese
- Cream cheese
- Fresh herbs
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.
- While the chicken grills, whip feta cheese with cream cheese and fresh herbs to create a smooth, creamy topping.
- Serve the grilled chicken with a generous dollop of whipped feta.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: The grilled chicken brings a savory depth of flavor, while the whipped feta adds a refreshing creamy bite.
See the Recipe for full details.
3. Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is an easy, quick, and flavorful dish that packs a punch. It’s an Asian-inspired dish that combines the hearty beef with tender broccoli and savory ramen noodles.
Ingredients:
- Beef sirloin or flank steak
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic
Instructions:
- Slice the beef thinly and stir-fry it in a hot pan with sesame oil until it’s browned.
- Add the broccoli, garlic, and soy sauce, allowing the vegetables to cook until tender.
- Cook the ramen noodles separately and toss them into the stir fry.
- Stir everything together for a perfect, flavorful meal.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: The stir fry is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a busy Memorial Day gathering. It’s also a fantastic way to include some greens with the broccoli!
See the Recipe for step-by-step instructions.
4. Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, this Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is the perfect choice. With layers of vanilla ice cream, strawberry sorbet, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Strawberry sorbet
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Butter and sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press it into the bottom of a cake pan.
- Layer the vanilla ice cream and strawberry sorbet on top of the crust, freezing it between each layer.
- Let the cake freeze overnight for the best texture and enjoy it the next day.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm weather, and it combines the best of both creamy and fruity flavors.
See the Recipe to try it yourself!
5. No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread
Millionaire’s Shortbread is a rich dessert that combines buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and a layer of chocolate on top. This no-bake version is ideal for busy holiday weekends, saving you time while still impressing guests.
Ingredients:
- Digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Butter and sugar
- Dark chocolate
Instructions:
- Create the shortbread base by combining crushed biscuits with butter and sugar, then pressing it into a pan.
- Cook the caramel layer with sweetened condensed milk and sugar until it thickens, then pour it over the shortbread.
- Top with melted dark chocolate and chill until set.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: The no-bake nature of this dessert means you can focus on other dishes while still serving something indulgent.
See the Recipe for detailed instructions.
6. Swirled Rhubarb Bars
For a dessert that’s both tangy and sweet, these Swirled Rhubarb Bars are the perfect balance. The tart rhubarb complements the smooth, sweet custard filling, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredients:
- Rhubarb
- Eggs and sugar
- Butter and flour
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Cook the rhubarb with sugar to create a compote, then swirl it into a custard base made with eggs and flour.
- Bake the bars until golden and set, then let them cool before cutting into squares.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: Rhubarb is a seasonal ingredient that’s both unique and refreshing, perfect for spring celebrations.
See the Recipe for full directions.
7. Chocolate Sourdough Discard Cookies
If you have sourdough starter discard, this recipe for Chocolate Sourdough Discard Cookies is the perfect way to use it up. The tangy sourdough adds depth to the sweet chocolate, making for a one-of-a-kind cookie.
Ingredients:
- Sourdough starter discard
- Chocolate chips
- Butter and sugar
- Flour and baking soda
Instructions:
- Mix the sourdough discard with butter, sugar, and dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Fold in chocolate chips and bake the cookies until golden brown.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: These cookies are a creative way to make use of sourdough discard, and their chewy texture is loved by everyone.
See the Recipe for more details.
8. 3-Ingredient Ranch Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a Memorial Day classic, and this recipe adds a twist with ranch dressing for a creamy, flavorful filling. With only three ingredients, it’s easy to prepare!
Ingredients:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Ranch dressing
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions:
- Slice the hard-boiled eggs and remove the yolks.
- Mix the yolks with ranch dressing, then spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites.
- Sprinkle with paprika for a pop of color.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: These deviled eggs are quick to make and always disappear fast at parties.
See the Recipe to make them at home.
9. Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Nothing says summer like grilled baby back ribs, and this recipe infuses them with a smoky, sweet whiskey glaze that will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- Baby back ribs
- Whiskey, brown sugar, and vinegar
- Garlic and onion powder
Instructions:
- Rub the ribs with a mixture of spices, then slow-grill them until tender.
- Brush the ribs with a whiskey-based glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to create a caramelized coating.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: The ribs are juicy, flavorful, and ideal for a cookout. The whiskey glaze takes them to the next level.
See the Recipe for full instructions.
10. Zucchini Scarpaccia
This savory Italian vegetable bake is a fresh and healthy addition to your Memorial Day spread. Zucchini, onions, and herbs come together in a light, egg-based custard for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Eggs, Parmesan cheese, and flour
- Fresh herbs like basil and thyme
Instructions:
- Sauté the zucchini and onions before mixing them with eggs and herbs.
- Bake the mixture in a dish until golden and set, then serve warm.
Why It’s Perfect for Memorial Day: It’s a lighter dish to balance out the heavier foods at your feast, and zucchini is abundant during the season.
See the Recipe for the full details.
FAQs About Memorial Day Recipes
Q: Can I prepare these Memorial Day recipes in advance?
Yes! Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time. Dishes like the Strawberry Ice Cream Cake and No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread can be prepped a day or two in advance. The Birria de Res Tacos and Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs can also be marinated or cooked ahead and then reheated when needed.
Q: Are these recipes suitable for a large crowd?
Absolutely! These dishes are all crowd-pleasers and can easily be scaled up to serve a large group. For example, the Grilled Greek Chicken Breasts can be prepared in large batches, and the Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry can be doubled or tripled depending on the number of guests.
Q: Can I make any of these recipes vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! The Zucchini Scarpaccia is already vegetarian, and the Swirled Rhubarb Bars can be made vegan by using plant-based substitutes. For others, you can try swapping meat with plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
Conclusion
These 10 Memorial Day recipes will make your gathering not only delicious but unforgettable. From smoky Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs to creamy Grilled Greek Chicken Breasts with Whipped Feta, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for savory tacos or a sweet dessert like Strawberry Ice Cream Cake, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and help you celebrate the day in style. Happy Memorial Day!