The definitive Memorial Day grill-out guide

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to celebrate than with a fantastic barbecue? This grilling guide is packed with delicious recipes, from crowd-pleasing appetizers to satisfying mains, refreshing drinks, and sweet finishes. Get ready to fire up the grill and create a memorable feast for family and friends. I’ve also included some handy tips and tricks to ensure your grilling experience is a sizzling success!

Appetizers:

Peach Salsa: This vibrant and fruity salsa combines sweet grilled peaches with zesty lime, red onion, and cilantro for a refreshing and summery dip. Tip: Grilling the peaches enhances their sweetness and adds a smoky depth. Serve with tortilla chips.

Hummus: You can’t go wrong with creamy hummus served with vegetables and pita chips. You can make your own or opt for store-bought to save time. 

Grilled Halloumi Skewers: These grilled halloumi skewers are the perfect bite-sized appetizers featuring marinated halloumi and tender grilled vegetables. Tip: Assemble and marinate the skewers ahead of time until ready to grill. 

Queso: A warm and cheesy Mexican queso dip perfect for serving with tortilla chips and the perfect start to a feast of grilled meats.  Tip: Keep the queso warm in a slow cooker or on the cooler side of the grill.

Bruschetta with Crostinis: Toasted crostinis topped with a fresh mixture of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze. Tip: Toast the bread slices on the grill for an extra smoky flavor. Make the bruschetta ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. 

Meats:

Burgers: This is a comprehensive guide to grilling juicy and flavorful burgers. Learn tips for choosing the right meat, shaping patties, and achieving the perfect cook. Tip: Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties to keep them tender. My personal favorite way to make a burger is with mayo, mustard, cheese, and topped with grilled or sautéed onions. 

Skirt Steak with Chimichurri: Tender and flavorful skirt steak topped with an Argentinean condiment called Chimichurri. It’s simple, fast, fresh, and incredibly delicious! Tip: The chimichurri can be made in advance. 

BBQ Chicken Kabobs: Skewers of chicken and pineapple marinated in a sweet and tangy BBQ and teriyaki sauce and grilled until caramelized and juicy.

Grilled Ribs: Smoky, tender grilled ribs seasoned with a dry rub, then slathered in BBQ sauce; another classic BBQ meat.

Grilled Brats: Learn how to grill bratwurst perfectly, ensuring they are cooked through with a nice char. Serve in buns with your favorite toppings. 

Sides: 

Grilled Vegetables: Simple grilled vegetables tossed in a vibrant dressing add a lovely herby touch to a grillout spread. 

Jalapeno Poppers: Jalapeno Poppers are one of my favorite sides/appetizers to grill up in the summer. The balance of the spicy jalapeno peppers, creamy cheese, and crispy salty bacon is just so scrumptious. 

Baked Beans: Baked Beans are a classic BBQ side dish and add a sweet, savory, and smoky complement to grilled meats and veggies, and they’re even better homemade. 

Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw dressed with a creamy dressing, perfect for balancing the richness of grilled meats. Tip: Make the coleslaw a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld.

Elote Salad: A deconstructed version of Mexican street corn (elote), featuring grilled corn kernels mixed with a creamy, tangy dressing, chili powder, and cotija cheese. 

Grilled Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier and slightly sweet alternative to traditional fries, grilled to a tender inside and slightly crispy outside.

Drinks: 

Sparkling Summer Lemonade: This fun, fruity twist on lemonade is enhanced with mixed berries and fresh mint and finished with sparkling water. 

Sparkling Raspberry Limeade: A vibrant and tangy drink combining the sweetness of raspberries with the tartness of lime, all topped with refreshing bubbles.

Mint Iced Tea: A classic iced tea infused with fresh mint for a cool and aromatic sipper.

Watermelon Agua Fresca: A light and incredibly refreshing Mexican drink made from blended watermelon and water and finished with lime. 

Strawberry Basil Iced Tea: Another unique and flavorful iced tea option combining the sweetness of strawberries with the herbaceous notes of basil.

Desserts:

Grilled Cinnamon Sugar Pineapple: Grilling pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars, making it even sweeter and more flavorful, especially when coated in cinnamon sugar. Best served with scoops of vanilla ice cream. 

Key Lime Pie: A tart and refreshing classic pie with a creamy key lime filling and a graham cracker crust. Tip: Make this pie ahead of time and chill it thoroughly for the best flavor and texture.

Banana Pudding: A creamy and comforting Southern dessert made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and rich custard, topped with whipped cream. Tip: Assemble the banana pudding a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Trifle: A beautiful and easy-to-serve dessert featuring layers of creamy cheesecake filling, lemon curd, fresh blueberries, and cake. Tip: Assemble the trifle in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers.

Grilled Banana Split:  A fun and slightly smoky twist on the classic banana split, grilling the bananas before topping them with ice cream, caramel, or chocolate sauce, and toasted pecans. Tip: Feel free to get creative and set up a banana split bar, complete with various toppings. 

With this comprehensive grilling guide, you’re sure to find something to host a fantastic Memorial Day BBQ celebration! Will you be making any of these recipes for your Memorial Day gathering? Let us know in the comments. Happy Grilling!