Crowd Pleasing Recipes Perfect for Summer Gatherings
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and I’m sharing the tried-and-true Memorial Day cookout recipes I come back to year after year. Picture this… sunshine, a table full of delicious food, and a few simple cookout recipes enjoyed alongside family and friends.
There’s truly nothing better than Memorial Day entertaining to kick off the season! As we welcome the return of summer grilling, I’ve rounded up a collection of dishes perfect for the holiday weekend. From crowd-pleasing sides and grilled favorites to easy summer appetizers, these eight Memorial Day cookout recipes are guaranteed to complement any summer celebration. Grab your ingredients, throw on your red, white, and blue, and get ready for a delicious Memorial Day weekend spread!
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Oven-Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
While these aren’t prepared on a grill, I would be remiss not to mention these good old fashioned Oven-Baked Chili Cheese Dogs! Golden buns stuffed with hot dog, chunky chili, shredded cheese, onion, and oven-baked to perfection! This nostalgic recipe is a certified crowd-pleaser that couldn’t be easier to prepare (or enjoy).
Turkey Burgers
When it comes to my favorite Memorial Day cookout recipes, this Turkey Burger is at the very top of the list. It took years to perfect, but it’s truly become a staple in my home and the homes of many friends and followers! The juicy patty is packed with flavor and made using clean, everyday ingredients in less than 5 steps. Fresh, simple, and so easy. Pssst… you can even cook them indoors using a grill pan—no outdoor grill required! This recipe will be your new go-to this grilling season.
6 Bean Baked Beans
No cookout is complete without a spread of delicious side dishes. This Memorial Day, swap out traditional baked beans for my 6 Bean Baked Beans! It’s one of those recipes that looks and tastes impressive, but couldn’t be easier to prepare. People are always asking for the recipe at the end of the meal! This recipe will truly be the star of the side dish show.
Tequila Marinated Beef Skewers
When I think of summer cookout recipes, many of them revolve around a grill. If you’re looking for a healthy summer grilling recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor, look no further than My Tequila Marinated Beef Skewers. Sliced beef tenderloin threaded onto bamboo skewers, soaked in a perfectly balanced marinade and then grilled to perfection. These delicious hand-held bites are a family favorite and the perfect recipe for summer entertaining.
White Sangria
What’s a Memorial Day cookout without a refreshing beverage?! This White Sangria recipe is the ultimate summer sip. Light, fruity, refreshing, and oh-so easy to make. I love the ease of preparing cocktails in bulk when entertaining. Simply prepare in advance, garnish with your favorite seasonal fruits, and serve! You can even prepare my Red Sangria to give guests an array of options!
Dipping Trio
Here in Texas, we don’t mess around when it comes to chips & dips! A simple dip trio is the perfect light bite for summer entertaining. My go-to lineup consists of my homemade salsa, guacamole, and last but not least… smoked queso dip. The beauty of this dipping trio is in the ease (and the incredible taste, of course). Each item is easy to prepare, and even easier to enjoy! Simply serve it in a dip set, and leave it out for guests to enjoy!
Build Your Own Cheeseburger Bar
Cheeseburgers are a longtime summer grilling staple, and this delicious recipe is my go-to! The juicy patty, toasted bun, and tantalizing toppings are just so hard to beat. When hosting a group I like to take this classic cheeseburger recipe one step further with a “Burger Bar”… a display of fixings including sauces, cheeses, and toppings. This spread is fun, easy and allows guests to create the summer burger of their dreams.
Ice Cream & Spiked Berries
Last but not least… a sweet treat to end the Memorial Day festivities! What better way to cool down on a hot summer day than with ice cream?! My Ice Cream and Spiked Berries recipe is the ideal summer treat. It’s a seasonally appropriate and flavorful take on traditional vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s slightly different from the norm, yet still easy to make… this is the answer!
