Looking for some Memorial Day recipe inspo? We’ve got the lineup that’ll have the whole family reaching for seconds!
Memorial Day weekend is finally here, and it’s the perfect time of year to fire up the grill, gather with friends and family, and enjoy the good weather.
If you’re hosting or going to a potluck, the struggle of deciding what to make is real.
Don’t sweat it! We’ve rounded up the best Memorial Day recipes, from smoky grilled mains to crowd-pleasing sides and desserts that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Finger-Lickin’ Mains
Whether you’re craving smoky ribs, juicy grilled chicken, or hearty Southern classics, these main dishes are some of the best Memorial Day recipes, and they’re sure to steal the show.
1. Grilled Chicken Tenders
Marinated in zesty lime juice, Italian dressing, and honey, these tenderloins rival Cracker Barrel’s famous grilled chicken. They’re super juicy, full of flavor, and hard to resist.
2. Easy Sloppy Joes Recipe
Skip the canned sauce! Ground beef, crispy fried onions, cheddar, and Manwich come together for a messily delicious sandwich upgrade.
3. Southern Shrimp & Grits
Plump shrimp, cheesy grits, crispy bacon, and bell peppers make this the ultimate comfort dish — perfect for your holiday cookout!
4. Easy Baby Back Ribs in Oven
No smoker? No problem. These ribs bake to fall-off-the-bone tender with zero hassle and 100% flavor.
5. Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Fresh, zesty, and loaded with flavor, these tacos are a quick win for any Memorial Day menu.
6. Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe, Southern-Style
Let your slow cooker do the work! This juicy, Southern-style pulled pork has a fun surprise ingredient you won’t see coming.
7. Fuss-Free Southern Fried Chicken
Ranch dressing and buttermilk make the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken ever. No fuss, just pure flavor.
8. Maple Glazed Pork Chops
Sweet, savory, and super simple. This mouthwatering maple glaze works magic on pork or chicken.
9. Simple Southern Fried Catfish
A crispy cornmeal crust and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice make this seafood dish a guaranteed hit, even for those who aren’t big on fish!
10. Mississippi Chicken Over Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Buttery, tangy shredded chicken on top of creamy sweet potatoes? Now that’s comfort food done right!
Soul-Warming Sides
No cookout is complete without these Southern-style sides. They’re packed with big flavor and super easy to prepare.
11. Italian Pasta Salad
With zesty dressing, crunchy veggies, and perfectly tender pasta, this great dish is the potluck MVP.
12. Vinegar Slaw
A tangy, mayo-free slaw with just cabbage, sugar, and vinegar. It’s simple, refreshing, and absolutely delish.
13. Deep South Buttermilk Cornbread
Moist, tender, and perfectly golden with a signature crispy crust, this is the only cornbread recipe you’ll need.
14. Fried Green Tomatoes
An iconic Southern classic featuring crisp, golden-fried green tomatoes coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust.
15. Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love a super short ingredient list and loads of cheesy goodness? This tasty side is a family favorite every single time!
16. Craving Beans
Baked beans and hot dogs unite for an all-time classic combo that’s hearty, nostalgic, and downright comforting.
17. Mexican Street Corn Pasta
Charred corn, lime, chili powder, and creamy dressing are tossed with pasta to create bold flavors in every bite.
18. Dr. Pepper Meatballs
These meatballs are the perfect mix of sweet and tangy, with a soda glaze that’s totally addictive. Trust me, they’ll be gone before you know it!
19. Southern Scalloped Potatoes
Soft, crispy potatoes smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. So simple, so satisfying!
20. Baked Corn on the Cob With Herb Butter
A summer cookout classic. Sweet, juicy, and roasted to golden perfection. Topped off with rich herb butter that takes it to the next level.
Sweet-as-Pie Desserts
End your feast on a high note with these easy, crowd-friendly sweets. They’d make the perfect finale to your Memorial Day recipes lineup.
21. S’mores In the Oven
No campfire? No problem. Gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and graham crackers bake up just right.
22. Lemon Syllabub
Made with only 5 ingredients, this dessert is a luscious, lemon-infused whipped cream delight. It’s rich, indulgent, and oh-so-delicious.
23. Ashley Mac’s Coconut Caramel Pie
Rich, creamy coconut, paired with nutty caramel and a buttery, golden crust. Does it get any better than that?
24. Cherry Crisp Recipe
Think luscious cherries baked under a golden, crumbly topping, ready to enjoy in just 10 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream for the win!
25. Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes
A fun twist on a classic favorite! These light and fluffy orange cupcakes, topped with smooth vanilla frosting, taste just like a creamsicle in every bite.
26. Impossible Lemon Pie
Custardy, zesty, and bursting with fresh flavors, this pie is made with Bisquick for a fuss-free dessert that is sure to wow.
27. Patriotic Punch Bowl Cake
Layers of cake, creamy pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and fresh berries all come together to make a trifle that’s not just tasty but looks amazing.
Ready to take your summer BBQ up a notch? Fire up that grill, grab your favorite fixin’s, and let the good times roll. With these Memorial Day recipes, you’ll have a spread that’ll have everyone talking.
Good people, great food, and a grateful heart – that’s what Memorial Day’s all about!
The post 20+ Best Memorial Day Recipes (from Grilled to Desserts!) appeared first on Southern Plate.
