Best Memorial Day Recipes for a Crowd

ByEva Filer
3 Comments

Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer, and that means it's time to fire up the grill, gather with friends and family and enjoy some seriously good food with big flavor. This Memorial Day Recipes roundup is full of crowd-pleasing favorites that are simple to make and big on flavor, for a backyard BBQ or casual picnic in the park this long weekend.

Memorial Day Recipes Collage of Mains Sides and Desserts

These easy Memorial Day recipes are a mix of homemade classics and fresh seasonal bites; with plenty of make-ahead options to keep your day stress-free. From crowd-pleasing appetizers to hearty mains and refreshing drinks, there's something for every taste.

Jump to:

Memorial Day Desserts

End your celebration with something sweet. From fresh berry desserts to festive red, white and blue treats, these easy Memorial Day desserts are perfect for backyard BBQs, summer gatherings, and holiday weekends alike.

Red, White, and Blue Dump Cake

This Red, White, and Blue Dump Cake is buttery, fruity, and perfect for summer celebrations. An easy dessert that always looks festive on the table.

Memorial Day Recipes Red White and Blue Dump Cake in a Bowl
Red, White and Blue Dump Cake
This Red, White & Blue Dump Cake is a festive, easy dessert with berry pie filling, white cake mix, and butter. Just layer and bake!
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blue Dump Cake Served in a Bowl

Red, White, and Blue Candy

This Red, White, and Blue Candy is chocolatey, crunchy, and full of festive color. An easy no-bake treat for summer parties and patriotic celebrations.

Red, White and Blue Bark Candy broken into pieces with M&Ms, Oreos and sprinkles
Red White and Blue Candy
Try this easy recipe for Red, White, and Blue Candy, a no-bake dessert that is perfect for summer celebrations and parties.
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blue Candy Bark with M&Ms Oreos and sprinkles cut up

Red, White, and Blue Cookies

These Red, White, and Blue Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of patriotic color. A fun, easy dessert for Fourth of July parties and summer gatherings.

Red, White and Blue Cookies with M&Ms in them all piled on parchment paper
Red White and Blue Cookies
Enjoy Red, White, and Blue Cookies packed with vibrant colors and flavors. Perfect treat for holiday festivities and gatherings.
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blue MMs Cookies

Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes

These Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes are festive, colorful, and perfect for patriotic celebrations. With a fun surprise inside, they're an easy dessert for summer parties and holiday gatherings.

Red, White and Blue Cupcakes cut in half on a plate to show Jello colors inside
Red, White and Blue Cupcakes
These Red, White and Blue Cupcakes are festive, fluffy, and filled with Jello stripes. Perfect for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blue Poke Cupcakes on a Plate Cup Open

Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake

This Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake is bright, festive, and perfect for patriotic parties. An easy summer dessert that always stands out on the table.

Red, White and Blue Cake slice on a plate with icing and blueberries
Red, White and Blue Poke Cake
This Red, White and Blue Poke Cake is an easy, colorful Fourth of July dessert that's fluffy, fun, and perfect for patriotic parties.
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blue Poke Cake slice on a plate with a fork

Layered Cheesecake

This Layered Cheesecake is creamy, colorful, and perfect for patriotic celebrations. The red, white, and blue layers make it a fun dessert for parties and potlucks.

Red, White and Blue Layered Cheesecake on a plate with whipped cream close up
Layered Cheesecake
This Layered Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and vibrant with red, white & blue layers. Perfect for July 4th, Memorial Day or any celebration.
Check out this recipe
Layered Cheesecake with Blue White and Red layers Closer up

Strawberry Crisp Recipe

This Strawberry Crisp Recipe is sweet, buttery, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor. The golden oat topping makes it even better served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Memorial Day Recipes Strawberry Crisp being Scooped Out of Baking Dish
Strawberry Crisp Recipe
Fresh, juicy, strawberries covered in a crunchy, buttery oat topping is the perfect combination of flavors, made even better served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Our Strawberry Crisp Recipe is both simple and scrumptious, and you won't be able to wait to dig into it!
Check out this recipe
Strawberry Crisp Recipe Being Scooped Out of Dish

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups

These Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups are fresh, festive, and perfect for summer gatherings. With berries and homemade whipped cream, they're a light and easy patriotic dessert.

Memorial Day Recipes Red White and Blue Fruit Cups
Red, White and Blue Fruit Cups
These Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups are the ultimate summer dessert. Fresh fruits and whipped cream make a crowd-pleasing treat.
Check out this recipe
Red White Blue Fruit Cups All Made on a Counter

Apple Pie a la Mode

This Apple Pie a la Mode is warm, cozy, and full of classic apple pie flavor. Served with vanilla ice cream, it's an easy dessert that always feels timeless.

Memorial Day Recipes Apple Pie on a Plate with Ice Cream
Apple Pie a la Mode
Apple Pie a la Mode: warm spiced apples, buttery crust, and melty vanilla ice cream come together for the ultimate cozy, classic dessert.
Check out this recipe
Apple Pie a la Mode Slice on a Plate

Red, White, and Blue Trifle

This Red, White, and Blue Trifle is light, creamy, and layered with fresh berries and soft cake. It's an easy patriotic dessert that looks beautiful on any summer table.

Memorial Day Recipes Red White and Blue Trifle in a Dish
Red, White and Blue Trifle
My Red, White and Blue Trifle is a festive, easy dessert with layers of cake, pudding, and berries. Perfect for festive summer gatherings!
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blue Trifle with Blueberries in the back

Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler

This Blackberry Cobbler recipe is warm, buttery, and packed with sweet blackberry flavor. Served fresh from the oven, it's a simple dessert that feels classic and comforting.

Memorial Day Recipes Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler on a Plate with Ice Cream
Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
Warm Blackberry Cobbler Recipe with juicy berries and a golden buttery topping, brightened with cinnamon and fresh lemon.
Check out this recipe
Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler on a Plate with a Fork

Memorial Day Drinks

From fizzy spritzers to bold cocktails, these Memorial Day drink recipes are perfect for sipping in the sunshine. Whether you're serving up a big-batch lemonade for the kids or crafting something stronger for the adults, these festive drinks are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and packed with vibrant summer flavors.

Honey Strawberry Lemonade

This Strawberry Lemonade is bright, refreshing, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. It's an easy summer drink that works just as well on its own or dressed up for parties.

Memorial Day Recipes Honey Strawberry Lemonade in Glasses
Honey Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
With a hint of added sweetness, our Honey Strawberry Lemonade recipe is quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for the kids to enjoy, or to use as a base for a cocktail. This is one you will want to add to your summer menu!
Check out this recipe
Honey Strawberry Lemonade in Glasses with Honey Spoon

Bomb Pop Cocktail

This Bomb Pop Cocktail is colorful, refreshing, and perfect for summer parties. Inspired by the classic popsicle, it's a fun drink for patriotic celebrations.

Bomb Pop Cocktail with a Popscile as a garnish on a cutting board with stars all around
Bomb Pop Cocktail
This Bomb Pop Cocktail is a nostalgic red, white & blue drink made with simple ingredients. Great for summer parties & patriotic holidays.
Check out this recipe
Bomb Pop Cocktail with popsicles as garnish

Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade

This Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade is bright, fruity, and perfect for warm weather. Fresh strawberry and citrus flavors make it an easy cocktail for summer gatherings.

Memorial Day Recipes Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade in Glasses
Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade
Light, refreshing, and easy to sip, this Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade is made with fresh strawberry lemonade, lime and Hennessy.
Check out this recipe
Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade in a Glass with Lime and Strawberry

Madras Cocktail

This Madras Cocktail is bright, fruity, and easy to sip on warm days. With cranberry and citrus flavors, it's a refreshing cocktail for summer gatherings and casual nights in.

Madras Cocktail with limes and oranges around
Madras Cocktail
The Madras Cocktail mixes vodka, cranberry, orange & lime juice for a fruity, refreshing drink that's perfect for warm days and casual hangs.
Check out this recipe
Madras Cocktail with a straw and lime slice

Frozen Non Alcoholic Pineapple Margarita

This Frozen Non Alcoholic Pineapple Margarita is icy, tropical, and perfectly refreshing. With pineapple and citrus in every sip, it's an easy mocktail for warm summer days.

Frozen Non Alcoholic Pineapple Margarita up close with honey beside
Frozen Non Alcoholic Pineapple Margarita
Savor the refreshing, tropical taste of a Frozen Non Alcoholic Pineapple Margarita. Perfect for summer celebrations and family-friendly fun.
Check out this recipe
Frozen Non Alcoholic Pineapple Margaritas on a counter with a pineapple in the back and honey to the side

Watermelon Punch

This Watermelon Punch is bright, fruity, and packed with fresh watermelon flavor. With citrus and a refreshing finish, it's the perfect cocktail for summer parties and backyard gatherings.

Watermelon Punch Served in a Glass Over Ice with Cubed Watermelon Garnish
Watermelon Punch
This Watermelon Punch is a bright, citrusy summer cocktail with vodka, triple sec and fresh watermelon juice for a sweet, zesty sip.
Check out this recipe
Watermelon Punch with Ladle in Punch Bowl with Sliced Lemons, Limes, and Watermelon Cubes

Red, White and Blue Jello Shots from Jello Joy

Lend a patriotic vibe to your 4th of July or Memorial Day party with these layered Red, White and Blue Jello Shots! They're super festive with American flag-colored layers of red, white and blue Jello. These adult-only summer treats are deliciously sweet and boozy!

Memorial Day Recipes Red White and Blue Jello Shots close up

Get Jello Joy's Red, White and Blue Jello Shots.

More Recipes

Memorial Day Appetizers

When it comes to appetizers for Memorial Day, the goal is fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. These easy appetizers for Memorial Day are simple to prep, big on texture and flavor, and ideal for serving while the grill heats up. Whether you're passing them around or setting up a casual buffet, each bite brings something crowd-pleasing to the table.

Coleslaw for Pulled Pork

Memorial Day Recipes Coleslaw for Pulled Pork in a Bowl
Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
This Coleslaw Dressing Recipe is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. It's the perfect match for barbecue and an easy classic for any meal.
Check out this recipe
Coleslaw Dressing Recipe in a Bowl up close

Guacamole and Chips

Memorial Day Recipes Guacamole and Chips Served
Guacamole and Chips
Guacamole and Chips are a timeless duo, bringing together creamy, zesty guacamole and crispy, golden tortilla chips. My homemade recipe takes things up a notch with freshly fried corn chips and a guacamole packed with bright, bold flavors.
Check out this recipe
Guacamole and Chips served in a bowl with tortillas in the background

Burrata Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes from Rebecca Taig

Burrata Caprese is a twist on the classic Caprese salad. Marinated cherry tomatoes on top of creamy burrata drizzled with olive oil and sea salt flakes. This recipe is fresh flavorful and perfect for summer!

Memorial Day Recipes Burrata Caprese Salad on a Serving Platter

Get the recipe for this Burrata Caprese Salad.

Sausage Queso Dip

This Sausage Queso Dip is warm, creamy, and loaded with bold flavor. It's an easy party dip that's perfect for sharing with tortilla chips.

Spicy Sausage Queso in an oval dish with cheese dripping down the front
Sausage Queso Dip
Warm and cheesy, this Sausage Queso Dip combines spicy sausage and Velveeta for a crowd-pleasing party dip.
Check out this recipe
Spicy Sausage Queso in an oval dish from above with corn chips all around

Baked Jalapeño Popper Dip

This Baked Jalapeño Popper Dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon and jalapeño flavor. It's an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer with just the right amount of heat.

Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip on a cutting board with corn chips all around
Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip
Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip is creamy, cheesy and smoky with bacon and a spicy kick from jalapeños. An easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Check out this recipe
Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip close up with a scoop missing

Memorial Day Dinner Ideas

From smoky pulled pork to sweet-and-savory sliders, these Memorial Day meal ideas are built for backyard cookouts and casual gatherings. Whether you're feeding a crowd or keeping things low-key, these dinner ideas for Memorial Day are flavorful, easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy after a day in the sun.

Easy Chicken Thigh Marinade

Memorial Day Recipes Easy Chicken Thigh Marinade on Baked Chicken Thighs
Easy Chicken Thigh Marinade
This Easy Chicken Thigh Marinade is packed with flavor and makes for a juicy, tender dish that's perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. The combination of olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, parsley and thyme create a balanced marinade that enhances the natural richness of the chicken.
Check out this recipe
Easy Chicken Thighs Piled on a Platter

Crock Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork

Memorial Day Recipes BBQ Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker with Root Beer Shredded
BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer
This BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal! Slow cooked to perfection, this pork is tender, juicy, and infused with the sweet and smoky flavors of root beer and barbecue sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, weeknight dinner or meal prepping, this dish is an effortless way to feed a crowd with minimal effort.
Check out this recipe
BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer Shredded with Forks

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Memorial Day Recipes BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Stacked on a Plate
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
My BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate balance of smoky, tangy and crunchy. Tender pulled pork, slathered in rich barbecue sauce, gets piled high onto soft buns and topped with crisp, creamy coleslaw for the perfect bite.
Check out this recipe
BBQ pulled pork sliders with coleslaw stacked on a cutting board Close up

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Crockpot

Memorial Day Recipes Sweet and Sour Meatballs being Spooned out of a Crockpot
Sweet and Sour Meatballs Crockpot
Making a crowd-pleasing dish has never been easier with our Sweet and Sour Meatballs Crockpot recipe. With hints of fresh garlic and savory soy sauce, the flavors of sweet pineapple tidbits and tangy BBQ sauce meld together in the slow cooker, resulting in a mouthwatering glaze for the meatballs.
Check out this recipe
Sweet and Sour Meatballs Crockpot on a Serving Spoon

Meatball Sliders

Memorial Day Recipes Meatball Sliders being picked up
Meatball Sliders
These Meatball Sliders are the perfect bite-sized comfort food! Juicy meatballs coated in tangy BBQ sauce are nestled between soft buns, brushed with butter, and topped with sesame seeds for a deliciously toasty finish.
Check out this recipe
Meatball Sliders Being Held Close Up

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Memorial Day Recipes Hawaiian Roll Sliders Stacked
Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Our Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and sweet with tender pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and crunchy coleslaw, all tucked into soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls.
Check out this recipe
Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Stacked

No matter how you spend the holiday: gathering around the table, firing up the grill, or just soaking up the sunshine, these Memorial Day recipes are here to keep things simple and delicious.

And if you're already thinking ahead to next year, stay tuned for even more new recipes: hot dogs with a twist, colorful pasta salads, turkey burgers packed with flavor, and summer side dishes that deserve the spotlight.

More Round Up Collections

More ROUND-UPS

3 Comments

  1. This is such an outstanding collection of patriotic desserts and summer recipes, perfect for Memorial Day and summer holidays. Can't wait to try these out! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *