Memorial Day is a special time to gather with loved ones, reflect, and celebrate the start of summer. This year, why not wow your guests with a Memorial Day feast? Whether you’re looking for easy sheet pan meals, hearty casseroles, or creative takes on traditional favorites, these 10 recipes will ensure your holiday celebration is filled with flavor and joy.
This comprehensive guide includes 10 Memorial Day feast recipes that bring together diverse flavors from creamy casseroles to savory meats, perfect for any BBQ, picnic, or indoor gathering. Not only are these recipes crowd-pleasers, but they’re also easy to prepare, making them ideal for stress-free hosting. Let’s dive into each one!
1. Easy Sheet Pan Beef Bulgogi
Beef Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish known for its savory-sweet flavor profile. This easy sheet pan beef bulgogi recipe is a perfect Memorial Day feast addition because it’s quick, flavorful, and requires minimal effort. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, then roasted with vegetables on a sheet pan. The result is a tender, juicy meal that’s bursting with flavors your guests will love.
2. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
A creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, spaghetti, and a delicious blend of cheeses. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish for Memorial Day. You can prepare it in advance and bake it just before serving, which frees you up to spend time with your guests. The creamy sauce and melted cheese create a perfectly balanced dish that’s hearty yet satisfying.
3. Crockpot Cashew Chicken
If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful dish that requires little prep, look no further than Crockpot Cashew Chicken. This dish combines chicken, cashews, and a savory sauce for a sweet-and-salty flavor that’s irresistibly delicious. It’s also great for serving a large crowd and can be made the day before and reheated, making it an ideal option for a Memorial Day feast.
4. Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Yes, it’s a Christmas Breakfast Casserole, but this recipe can easily be enjoyed any time of the year, including Memorial Day. Filled with eggs, cheese, bacon, and vegetables, this casserole is perfect for brunch or as a hearty side dish during your Memorial Day feast. Plus, it’s fully customizable to suit your family’s taste, so feel free to switch up the fillings with your favorite ingredients.
5. Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti will not disappoint. This rich and creamy dish takes the classic spaghetti and transforms it with the addition of cream cheese, giving the sauce a velvety texture. Perfect for a Memorial Day feast, it pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
6. Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up Casserole
For a cozy and satisfying Memorial Day feast, Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up Casserole is a must-try. This recipe takes all the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie and transforms them into a quick and easy casserole. The biscuit dough bakes up golden and fluffy, encasing a creamy chicken filling that’s packed with vegetables. It’s comfort food at its finest.
7. French Onion Stuffed Potatoes
Take baked potatoes to the next level with French Onion Stuffed Potatoes. These potatoes are loaded with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs, giving them a rich, savory flavor. Perfect as a side dish for your Memorial Day feast, these stuffed potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats or hearty casseroles.
8. Denver Omelet Egg Muffins
For an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch option, Denver Omelet Egg Muffins are a great choice. These bite-sized treats are made with eggs, peppers, onions, and ham, just like a classic Denver omelet but in muffin form. They’re easy to make, portable, and perfect for serving a group at your Memorial Day feast.
9. One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
If you’re craving a creamy, rich pasta dish without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is the answer. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, creamy Alfredo sauce, and tender fettuccine in one pan for an easy and delicious meal. It’s the perfect dish to impress guests at your Memorial Day feast, and the best part is that cleanup is a breeze!
10. Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
End your Memorial Day feast on a sweet note with Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini. These crispy, flaky pastry tubes are filled with a rich and creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, vanilla, and whipped cream. It’s the perfect dessert to serve after your savory dishes and will add an authentic Italian touch to your celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Yes! Many of these Memorial Day feast recipes can be prepared in advance. Casseroles like Chicken Spaghetti Casserole and Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up Casserole can be assembled the night before and baked on the day of the celebration. Crockpot Cashew Chicken is also an excellent make-ahead option.
Q: Are these recipes easy to scale for large gatherings?
A: Absolutely! All of these recipes can be scaled to serve a larger crowd. For example, One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo and Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti are easily adaptable by increasing the ingredient quantities.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with these recipes?
A: Consider serving classic Memorial Day side dishes like grilled vegetables, macaroni salad, or coleslaw. You can also pair these meals with lighter options like fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the main dishes.
Q: Can these recipes be made without meat?
A: Yes! While some of the recipes include meat, many can be adapted to be vegetarian-friendly. For example, you can swap chicken for tofu or vegetables in dishes like the Crockpot Cashew Chicken or One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo.
Conclusion
Memorial Day is all about celebrating with loved ones, and there’s no better way to do that than with an unforgettable Memorial Day feast. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or slow-cooking, these 10 recipes offer something for every taste. From creamy pastas to hearty casseroles and mouthwatering desserts, each dish is crafted to bring people together over delicious food.
Make this Memorial Day one to remember by trying these recipes and creating a feast that’s not only easy to make but bursting with flavor. Enjoy the start of summer with good food, great company, and a table full of memorable dishes.