21 Recipes that are Memorial Day Hits

You can make your Memorial Day cookout feel effortless with crowd-pleasing recipes that cover everything from smoky barbecue mains to refreshing summer desserts. You'll also find fun party-ready recipes like layered cocktails, fruit pizza, Cajun seafood boils, and creamy frozen custard for keeping guests happy all weekend long. Click through the gallery to find the Memorial Day recipes everyone will be talking about long after the grill cools down.

Molasses Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

A large casserole dish of molasses baked beans in a rich tomato sauce, topped with chopped herbs, sits on a red and white checkered tablecloth next to bowls of salt and paprika. — Molasses Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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These baked beans simmer in a rich molasses sauce that brings deep, slightly sweet flavor to every bite. Crispy bacon adds a savory balance that makes the dish feel hearty and comforting. They're the kind of barbecue side that tastes even better after the flavors have had time to settle together.
Get the Recipe: Molasses Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon Crumbles

Close-up shot of Blue Cheese Potato Salad on a platter atop the table. — Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon Crumbles. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This creamy potato salad gets a bold twist from tangy blue cheese and smoky bacon mixed throughout. Every bite feels rich and savory with just enough sharpness to keep things interesting. It's a fresh take on a cookout classic that still feels familiar and crowd-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon Crumbles

Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots

A layered dessert in a clear cup with blue, white, and red layers, topped with whipped cream, star-shaped sprinkles, red sprinkles, and a cherry. — Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These layered Jello shots bring bright patriotic colors and a playful vibe to any Memorial Day gathering. The fruity flavor and smooth texture make them easy to enjoy while mingling with friends. They're simple to prep ahead and always stand out on the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots

Tangy Dill Pickle Coleslaw

A close-up of a bowl of coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, purple cabbage, pickles, and apple pieces in a creamy dressing—perfect for easy sides or as a fresh addition to your weeknight sides rotation. — Tangy Dill Pickle Coleslaw for Barbecue. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This dill pickle slaw is packed with crunchy cabbage and briny pickle flavor in every bite. The tangy dressing keeps it crisp, refreshing, and especially good with pulled pork or grilled barbecue favorites. It's a fun side dish for anyone who loves bold pickle flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Dill Pickle Coleslaw for Barbecue

Frozen Strawberry Trifle Dessert

Layers of strawberries, cake, and creamy filling come together in this cool make-ahead dessert. The texture stays light and fluffy while bursts of fruit add refreshing sweetness throughout. It's perfect for warm-weather celebrations when you want something easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Strawberry Trifle Dessert for Summer Parties

Southern Cornbread with All Cornmeal

A cast iron skillet with golden cornbread, partially sliced, sits on a white cloth next to a plate and a bowl of chopped green onions. — Southern Cornbread with All Cornmeal (Gluten Free). Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This Southern cornbread bakes up golden outside with a soft and tender center. The flavor is comforting with just a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with barbecue and grilled dishes. It's simple enough to enjoy as a side or snack all on its own.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread with All Cornmeal (Gluten Free)

Fresh Fruit Pizza with Creamy Topping

A soft cookie crust topped with creamy filling and colorful fresh fruit makes this dessert feel bright and fun. Every slice has a mix of sweet, creamy, and juicy textures that keeps it light enough for warm days. It's an easy centerpiece for summer parties and holiday cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Pizza with Creamy Topping

Grilled Peach Burrata Salad with Hot Honey

A plate of salad with grilled peach slices, arugula, mozzarella, and nuts being drizzled with dressing. — Grilled Peach Burrata Salad with Hot Honey Drizzle. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Caramelized peaches and creamy burrata create a rich but refreshing summer salad. A drizzle of hot honey adds gentle heat that balances the sweetness perfectly. It's a simple dish that feels elegant while still fitting right into a casual cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Peach Burrata Salad

Classic Lemon Icebox Pie with Chilled Filling

This lemon icebox pie delivers a cool, creamy texture with bright citrus flavor in every slice. The crisp crust balances the smooth filling beautifully without feeling too heavy. It's a refreshing dessert that's especially welcome on hot holiday weekends.
Get the Recipe: Classic Lemon Icebox Pie with Chilled Filling

Ultimate Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter

Cajun Seafood Boil in a bucket strainer inside the stock pot. — Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

A seafood boil loaded with bold Cajun seasoning and buttery garlic flavor instantly turns dinner into an event. Every bite feels messy, flavorful, and meant for sharing around the table. It's the kind of meal that brings everyone together for a relaxed celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter

Southern Peach Cobbler with Golden Crust

Sweet peaches bubble beneath a golden topping with lightly caramelized edges in this classic peach cobbler. The warm filling feels comforting while the crisp topping adds just the right texture. It's even better served warm with something cold on top.
Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Cobbler with Golden Crust

Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Shrimp Pineapple Skewers are served hot with white rice, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of chopped herbs, all beautifully arranged on a white plate. — Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with Sweet Heat. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Juicy shrimp and caramelized pineapple bring sweet and spicy flavor together in every bite. The grill adds smoky char that makes these skewers taste extra special without much effort. They're perfect as a light main dish or easy party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with Sweet Heat

Greek Watermelon Salad with Feta Cheese

Sweet watermelon and salty feta create a refreshing mix that feels perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp vegetables and fresh herbs keep the flavors bright, clean, and balanced. It's a simple side that adds color and freshness to any Memorial Day menu.
Get the Recipe: Greek Watermelon Salad with Feta Cheese

Carolina BBQ Chicken with Tangy Sauce

A plate with grilled chicken breast topped with yellow sauce and chopped herbs, served alongside steamed green beans. — Carolina BBQ Chicken with Tangy Sauce. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Tender grilled chicken coated in tangy Carolina-style barbecue sauce stays juicy and flavorful from the first bite to the last. The balance of sweet and tangy flavor works perfectly for casual cookouts and family dinners alike. It's one of those reliable crowd-pleasers everyone goes back for.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken with Tangy Sauce

Homemade Vanilla Frozen Custard

This homemade frozen custard has an ultra-creamy texture that feels richer and smoother than regular ice cream. The vanilla flavor is soft, classic, and comforting without being overpowering. It's the perfect cold treat for cooling off after a long day outside.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Frozen Custard

Dry Rub Grilled Flank Steak for Cookouts

Sliced seasoned steak arranged on a white oval plate, with a portion of unsliced steak in the background. — Dry Rub Grilled Flank Steak for Cookouts. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

A bold dry rub creates a flavorful crust on this juicy grilled flank steak while keeping the center tender. It slices beautifully for serving a crowd and pairs easily with all your favorite summer sides. This is the kind of hearty main dish that disappears quickly at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Dry Rub Grilled Flank Steak for Cookouts

Lemon Jello Poke Cake with Creamy Topping

This lemon poke cake stays extra moist thanks to bright citrus gelatin soaked throughout the cake. A creamy topping balances the sweet and tangy flavors for a dessert that feels light and refreshing. It's colorful, nostalgic, and easy to bring to parties.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Jello Poke Cake with Creamy Topping

Classic Southern Potato Salad with Pickle Flavor

This Southern potato salad gets its bold flavor from sweet gherkins, pickle juice, and creamy dressing tossed with warm potatoes. The texture stays rich and comforting while the tangy finish keeps every bite balanced. It's a nostalgic barbecue side that's perfect for making ahead.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Potato Salad with Pickle Flavor

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

A buttery pretzel crust adds salty crunch beneath creamy filling and bright strawberry topping in this chilled dessert. The mix of textures makes every slice feel balanced, rich, and refreshing at the same time. It's one of those desserts guests always ask about after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Pie with Sweet and Salty Layers

Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Fall-Apart Texture

These smoked baby back ribs turn incredibly tender while soaking up rich smoky barbecue flavor. The meat pulls away easily with every bite while still staying juicy and satisfying. They're always one of the first dishes people grab at summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Fall-Apart Texture

Red, White, and Blue Layered Party Cocktail

This layered patriotic cocktail looks festive and colorful before anyone even takes a sip. The citrusy flavor keeps it light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy during outdoor celebrations. It's a fun drink for Memorial Day parties and backyard barbecues alike.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Layered Party Cocktail