25 Memorial Day Cookout Recipes for a Crowd

Hosting a backyard get-together? These Memorial Day cookout recipes for a crowd are designed to be easy, festive, and totally doable—even if you’re feeding a lot of people.

Set everything out buffet-style with a large serving tray and some flag toothpicks so even the simplest foods look party-ready.

1. Backyard BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

A platter of pulled pork sliders topped with coleslaw and small American flags on a red and white checkered tablecloth, surrounded by paper plates and a bowl of ketchup.

These sliders are a crowd-pleaser because they’re easy to grab, easy to serve, and easy to make ahead.

They’re perfect for a buffet table where people can build their own with extra sauce and slaw.

Ingredients

Directions

Pat the pork shoulder dry and coat it all over with BBQ rub, pressing it in so it sticks.
Place the pork in a large slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours (or HIGH for 5–6 hours) until it shreds easily.
Shred the pork directly in the cooker using two forks, then stir in 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce to make it saucy but not soupy.
In a bowl, toss coleslaw mix with apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt for quick tangy slaw.
Toast slider buns briefly if you like, then pile on pulled pork, add slaw, and set out the remaining sauce for drizzling.

2. Red, White, and Blueberry BBQ Chicken Skewers

A platter with grilled chicken skewers topped with small American flags, next to rows of strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple chunks on a patriotic-themed tablecloth.

These skewers look festive without being fussy, thanks to a red-and-blue berry pop against juicy chicken.

They’re also easy to portion, which makes serving a big group way simpler.

Ingredients

Directions

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes so they don’t burn.
Toss chicken with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then thread onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
Add a few strawberry halves and scattered blueberries near the ends for color (keep most berries off direct high heat so they don’t fall apart).
Grill skewers over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes.
During the last 3–4 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce using a basting brush so it caramelizes without burning.
Serve right away and add flag toothpicks to the platter for an easy patriotic touch.

3. Classic Cheeseburgers for a Crowd

Rows of cheeseburgers with small American flags on top are arranged on a tray next to patriotic-themed plates on a wooden table.

These burgers are simple, juicy, and the most reliable “everyone eats” option. Set them up buffet-style so guests can customize without you being stuck assembling nonstop.

Ingredients

Directions

Divide ground beef into 24 equal portions (about 3.3 oz each) and form patties using a burger press.
Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then press a small dimple in the center of each patty.
Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side for a classic cookout burger (adjust for thickness and preference).
Add cheese slices during the last minute and close the lid so it melts fast.
Toast buns cut-side down for 30–60 seconds.
Use an instant-read thermometer if you want consistent doneness across batches, then serve with toppings on the side.

4. BBQ Hot Dogs with a Patriotic Topping Bar

Hot dogs with small American flags, condiment trays with ketchup, diced onions, relish, shredded white cheddar, and a stack of USA-themed plates on a red checkered tablecloth.

Hot dogs are easy, nostalgic, and perfect when you need to feed a lot of people quickly. A red-and-white topping bar makes them feel more festive with almost no effort.

Ingredients

Directions

Preheat the grill to medium heat and arrange hot dogs in a single layer.
Grill for 6–8 minutes, rolling often so they brown evenly and don’t split.
Warm buns for 30 seconds so they’re soft and lightly toasted.
Set out toppings in a condiment tray including ketchup, diced onion, relish, and white cheddar.
Let guests build their own, then keep a covered tray of extra dogs warm on the cooler side of the grill.

5. Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

A platter of grilled chicken thighs with barbecue sauce sits on a table set with patriotic-themed napkins and tablecloth.

Chicken thighs stay juicy on the grill, which makes them perfect when you’re feeding a crowd. The honey BBQ glaze turns sticky and glossy in the best way.

Ingredients

Directions

Season chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grates lightly.
Whisk BBQ sauce with honey in a bowl.
Grill thighs 5–6 minutes per side, keeping the lid closed between flips.
Brush glaze on both sides using a basting brush during the last 4–5 minutes, flipping once or twice so it caramelizes without burning.
Rest 5 minutes before serving so the juices stay in the meat.

6. Smoky BBQ Turkey Burgers

A row of cheeseburgers with mini American flags on top sits on a tray next to star-patterned plates and red, white, and blue cutlery on a picnic table.

These turkey burgers are a lighter option that still feels totally cookout-worthy. They’re great when you want more variety than just beef burgers on the table.

Ingredients

Directions

In a bowl, combine ground turkey, panko, eggs, and BBQ rub just until combined.
Form 16 patties and press a small indentation in the center to prevent puffing.
Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
Check the thickest patty with an instant-read thermometer and cook until it reaches 165°F.
Add cheddar in the last minute if using, then serve on buns with toppings on the side.

7. BBQ Bratwurst with Grilled Onions

A tray of hot dogs topped with grilled onions and mustard, each garnished with a small American flag, next to red, white, and blue star-patterned paper plates.

Brats are hearty, easy to batch-cook, and perfect for a casual holiday cookout. Serve them with a big pile of grilled onions so they feel extra special.

Ingredients

Directions

Preheat the grill to medium and set a cast iron skillet on one side to heat up.
Melt butter in the skillet, then add onions and cook, stirring, until soft and golden.
Grill bratwurst for 12–15 minutes, turning often with tongs so they brown evenly.
Warm buns for 30 seconds, then assemble with onions and plenty of mustard.

8. Sheet Pan Macaroni Salad (Big Batch)

A tray of macaroni salad with chopped vegetables sits on an American flag-themed tablecloth, surrounded by patriotic plates and napkins.

This creamy macaroni salad is classic cookout comfort and it makes a lot without much effort. It’s great for making ahead so your grill time stays focused on the mains.

Ingredients

Directions

Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool quickly.
In an extra-large mixing bowl, whisk mayonnaise and mustard until smooth.
Add cooled pasta, celery, red pepper, and relish and toss until evenly coated.
Cover and chill at least 2 hours so the flavors meld, then stir once more right before serving.

9. Creamy Red Potato Salad with Dill

A bowl of creamy potato salad garnished with fresh dill sits on a red checkered tablecloth with patriotic plates and corn on the cob in the background.

This potato salad is creamy, tangy, and holds up well at a buffet table. It’s a perfect make-ahead side when you want something classic but not boring.

Ingredients

Directions

Boil red potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes, then drain well.
Cool potatoes for 15 minutes so the dressing doesn’t get watery.
Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon, dill, and celery seed until smooth.
Toss dressing with potatoes, cover, and chill at least 2 hours; taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

10. Sweet and Smoky BBQ Baked Beans (Grill-Friendly)

A pan of baked beans topped with pieces of bacon and small American flag toothpicks, sitting on a checkered tablecloth with festive plates in the background.

These beans are sweet, smoky, and feel like a must-have cookout side. They’re easy to keep warm on the grill while everything else finishes cooking.

Ingredients

Directions

Pour baked beans into a foil pan and stir in BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, bacon bits, and onion powder.
Place the pan on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and close the lid.
Heat 25–35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until bubbling and thickened.
Keep covered and warm until serving time.

11. Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter

Grilled corn on the cob with seasoning and fresh herbs, stacked on a plate with metal skewers, on a checkered tablecloth.

This corn is smoky, sweet, and bright, which makes it perfect on a hot day. It’s a fast side that cooks while your mains finish up.

Ingredients

Directions

Grill corn over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until lightly charred.
Mix butter with lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
Insert corn holders and brush the butter on generously using a basting brush.
Serve warm on a big platter so people can grab and go.

12. Garlic Butter Foil Packet Potatoes

A bowl of seasoned baby potatoes garnished with chopped herbs, with a small American flag and patriotic-themed plates in the background.

Foil packet potatoes are an easy side that cooks right on the grill with minimal fuss. They’re buttery, fluffy, and great for feeding lots of people.

Ingredients

Directions

Cut large pieces of heavy-duty foil and double-layer them so the packets don’t tear.
Divide potatoes among 4–6 packets, then drizzle with melted butter.
Sprinkle each packet with minced garlic, salt, and parsley, then seal tightly leaving a little steam space.
Grill over medium heat for 22–28 minutes, flipping once using tongs.
Open carefully (steam is hot) and fork-test; grill a few minutes longer if needed.

13. Grilled Veggie Tray with Red-White Color Pop

A plate of assorted grilled vegetables including zucchini, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and red peppers on a checkered tablecloth.

This grilled veggie mix balances out the heavier BBQ foods and looks extra pretty on a platter. The red peppers and onions keep it naturally patriotic.

Ingredients

Directions

Toss zucchini, red peppers, onion, and mushrooms with olive oil and Italian seasoning.
Preheat the grill to medium-high and place a grill basket on the grates.
Cook veggies 10–14 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until tender with light char.
Transfer to a platter and serve warm or at room temperature.

14. Easy BBQ Ranch Wings (Grill Method)

A plate of grilled chicken wings sits on a picnic table with patriotic plates and napkins, accompanied by a bowl of dipping sauce.

Wings feel like a party food and they’re perfect for snacking while people mingle. This version is saucy, smoky, and easy to batch-cook.

Ingredients

Directions

Pat wings dry and toss with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
Preheat the grill to medium and place a nonstick grill mat on the grates.
Grill wings 25–30 minutes, turning every 5–6 minutes so they brown evenly.
Brush with BBQ sauce using a basting brush during the last 6–8 minutes, turning once or twice for a glossy finish.
Serve hot and keep a warm covered tray ready for the next batch.

15. Lemon Pepper Shrimp Skewers

A rectangular platter of grilled shrimp skewers garnished with lemon wedges sits on a red, white, and blue tablecloth near patriotic-themed plates.

These cook fast, look impressive, and add a lighter option to the spread. They’re perfect for guests who want something other than burgers and chicken.

Ingredients

Directions

Clean the grates with a grill brush and preheat the grill to medium-high.
Toss shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper, and garlic powder.
Thread onto metal skewers and grill 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Transfer to a platter immediately so they don’t overcook from residual heat.

16. Grilled Quesadillas with Red Peppers and White Cheddar

A plate of quesadillas with melted cheese and tomato filling, each decorated with a small American flag toothpick, sits on a patriotic-themed table setting.

Quesadillas are a sneaky-easy crowd food because you can slice them into tons of wedges. The red peppers and white cheddar keep the vibe festive and colorful.

Ingredients

Directions

Preheat the grill to medium and place a grill pan on the grates to heat.
Brush one side of each tortilla with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder.
Place tortillas butter-side down, add white cheddar and red peppers to half, then fold closed.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and melty, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
Slice into wedges using a pizza cutter and serve on a big platter.

17. Grilled Caesar Salad Platter

Grilled romaine lettuce halves topped with croutons, shaved cheese, Caesar dressing, and lemon wedges on a rectangular platter.

This salad is a fun surprise that makes your cookout feel a little “extra” in the best way. The grill adds smoky char, and it comes together fast.

Ingredients

Directions

Preheat the grill to medium-high and lightly coat cut sides of romaine with olive oil spray.
Grill cut-side down 1–2 minutes until lightly charred (you want grill marks, not wilted lettuce).
Arrange on a large platter, drizzle with dressing, and top with parmesan and croutons.
Serve with lemon wedges so people can squeeze on extra brightness.

18. Watermelon Feta Salad with Blueberries

A wooden bowl of watermelon salad with blueberries, feta, and mint sits on a red checkered tablecloth, with plates, food, flowers, and American flags in the background.

This salad is refreshing, colorful, and instantly feels like summer. It’s also naturally red-white-and-blue, which is perfect for the holiday table.

Ingredients

Directions

Combine watermelon and blueberries in an extra-large bowl.
Whisk lime juice with honey, then drizzle over the fruit.
Gently fold in feta and mint right before serving so it stays fresh and crisp.

19. Big Batch Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

A bowl of rotini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, black olives, mini mozzarella balls, and pepperoni slices on a blue-checkered tablecloth. Stacked plates and utensils are visible in the background.

This pasta salad is the kind of side people keep scooping back onto their plate. It’s easy to make ahead and holds up well at an outdoor party.

Ingredients

Directions

Cook rotini until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water to cool.
Combine pasta with Italian dressing in an extra-large bowl.
Add tomatoes, olives, mozzarella pearls, and pepperoni if using.
Chill at least 1 hour, then stir again and add a splash more dressing if it looks dry.

20. Loaded Grilled Potato Skins

A plate of loaded potato skins topped with cheese, bacon, sour cream, green onions, and mini American flags, set on a checkered table with summer foods in the background.

Potato skins are an instant party hit and they’re easy to grab like an appetizer. They’re crispy, cheesy, and perfect for a big group.

Ingredients

Directions

Microwave or bake potatoes until just tender, then cool until you can handle them.
Slice in half and scoop out some middle, leaving about ¼-inch of potato inside the skin.
Brush skins with olive oil and grill on a grill-safe pan for 6–8 minutes to crisp.
Flip, add cheddar and bacon bits, then close the lid 2–3 minutes to melt.
Top with sour cream and green onions right before serving.

21. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad Bowl

A clear bowl filled with layered blueberries, strawberries, banana slices, and mini marshmallows arranged in a flag pattern on a patriotic-themed table.

This is the easiest patriotic “recipe,” and it makes the whole table look festive. It’s also a great balance to the savory grill foods.

Ingredients

Directions

Add strawberries and blueberries to an extra-large bowl.
Right before serving, toss banana slices with lime juice, then fold into the fruit.
Add mini marshmallows if you want a fun, kid-friendly twist.
Serve with a serving spoon set so it’s easy to scoop.

22. Strawberry Lemonade Punch (Family-Friendly)

A glass drink dispenser filled with berry lemonade sits on a picnic table, surrounded by striped straws, clear cups, and a bowl of fresh berries.

This punch is bright, festive, and easy to make in a big dispenser. The berries make it look party-perfect with barely any work.

Ingredients

Directions

In a drink dispenser, stir lemonade concentrate with 10 cups cold water until fully dissolved.
Add strawberry juice and a big scoop of ice.
Right before serving, gently stir in sparkling water so it stays fizzy.
Add strawberries and blueberries for a red-and-blue look.

23. Grill-Toasted Shortcake Cups (Red-White-and-Blue)

Rows of dessert cups filled with layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, and topped with either blueberries or halved strawberries, arranged neatly on a tray.

These dessert cups are cute, easy, and perfect when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. Grilling the cake adds a toasted flavor that makes it taste extra special.

Ingredients

Directions

Toss sliced strawberries with powdered sugar and let sit 10 minutes so they get juicy.
Grill pound cake slices 30–60 seconds per side until lightly toasted (watch closely).
Cube the grilled cake and layer in dessert cups with whipped topping, strawberries, and blueberries.
Chill until serving and set out mini spoons.

24. Foil Packet Berry “Cobbler” Packs

Plates of mixed berry cobbler topped with powdered sugar, served in foil on white plates with small American flags, arranged on a red, white, and blue tablecloth.

These foil packets are warm, gooey, and perfect for a campfire-style cookout finish. They’re also easy to prep ahead and toss on the grill when you’re ready.

Ingredients

Directions

Cut 10–12 large squares of heavy-duty foil and double-layer each one.
Divide strawberries and blueberries among the foil squares and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of cake mix over each portion, then drizzle with melted butter.
Seal tightly and grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until bubbly.
Open carefully and serve as-is or top with vanilla ice cream.

25. Star-Spangled Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

A tray of rectangular ice cream sandwiches with chocolate cookies, vanilla ice cream, and red, white, and blue sprinkles on the sides; dessert plates nearby.

These are a fun, make-ahead dessert that looks festive without complicated decorating. They’re cold, sweet, and perfect after a hot day outside.

Ingredients

Directions

Bake brownies in two lined 9x13 pans using parchment so they lift out easily; cool completely.
Use a serrated knife to level the tops if needed, then cut into large squares (or press shapes with a star cookie cutter).
Soften ice cream slightly, spread a thick layer onto half the brownies, then top with the remaining brownies.
Roll edges in red-white-and-blue sprinkles and freeze until firm.
Slice into sandwiches and keep frozen until serving time.

FAQ

How do I keep a cookout buffet organized so people can serve themselves easily?

Set out food in a logical order: plates first, then mains, then sides, then toppings and sauces, using a large serving tray and a condiment tray to keep things tidy.

Put serving tools with each dish so people don’t steal the same spoon from three different bowls.

What’s the easiest way to avoid overcooking chicken and burgers when cooking in batches?

An instant-read thermometer is the quickest way to stay consistent across batches. It also helps you pull food at the right moment, then rest it briefly so it stays juicy.

Can I make any of these ahead so I’m not stuck in the kitchen during the party?

Yes—cold sides like potato salad and pasta salad are perfect to prep the night before, then store in containers with lids.

Desserts like brownie ice cream sandwiches can be made and frozen early so you can focus on the grill later.

How do I keep grilled foods warm while the next batch cooks?

Use a covered foil pan made with foil pans and keep it on the cooler side of the grill with the lid closed. That gentle heat holds food without drying it out.

Any easy ways to make the spread feel more patriotic without extra cooking?

Lean on naturally colorful foods like strawberries and blueberries, plus quick details like flag toothpicks.

Even basic burgers and hot dogs look instantly more festive with the right serving touches.

Memorial Cookout Recipes

Having the right basics on hand (like grill tools and heavy-duty foil) makes the whole day feel easier and less messy.

If you want the table to feel extra festive, add simple red-white-and-blue touches with sprinkles, bright fruit, and cute details like flag toothpicks.

And if you’re shopping last-minute, grabbing buffet essentials like a drink dispenser or extra-large mixing bowl can save you so much stress on party day.

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