Memorial Day weekend has always felt like the unofficial beginning of summer at Our Good Life. The grill comes out, family gathers around patio tables, and favorite recipes make their annual return. Some foods simply taste like summer memories, juicy burgers, grilled corn, strawberry desserts, and icy cocktails enjoyed while the sun slowly sets.
 |
Over the years, Memorial Day has become more than a holiday meal in our family. It has become a celebration of togetherness, tradition, and welcoming the slower rhythms of summer. One of our favorite traditions has been our annual Memorial Day Burger Cook Off, where the family creates over the top burgers and friendly competition takes over the kitchen and grill. ()
If you are planning your own Memorial Day gathering this year, here are some delicious ideas inspired by recipes and traditions from Our Good Life.
Build a Burger Worth Remembering
A classic Memorial Day burger deserves a little creativity. Over the years, we have made everything from Hawaiian burgers with grilled pineapple to cream cheese burgers topped with bacon and candied jalapeños. One year even featured a mac and cheese burger that completely stole the show. Our Marinated Burger is one of our top recipes!
A few fun burger ideas for your cookout:
- Baked Roasted Garlic Burgers
- Pulled pork burgers topped with BBQ sauce and onion rings
- Cheeseburgers with homemade special sauce
- Pretzel bun burgers with cream cheese and candied jalapeños
- Sliders for easy entertaining
One thing we have learned from years of burger competitions: the toppings matter just as much as the burger itself.
Don’t Forget the Summer Sides
The side dishes often become the unexpected stars of Memorial Day gatherings. Grilled corn with lime butter sauce has been a favorite in our family for years because it pairs beautifully with smoky grilled foods and feels perfectly summery. ()
Other easy Memorial Day side ideas:
- Caprese salad with fresh basil
- Pasta salad loaded with summer vegetables
- Watermelon and berry fruit salad
- Ultimate mac and cheese
- Winter Citrus Salad
Fresh seasonal ingredients help the whole meal feel bright and celebratory.
Make Dessert Feel Like Summer
Memorial Day desserts should feel easy, nostalgic, and colorful. One of my favorite recipes from the blog is the Strawberry Shortcake Trifle, layered with strawberries, cake, and creamy filling. It is beautiful on a picnic table and easy to make ahead before guests arrive. ()
Other delicious dessert ideas include:
- Strawberry shortcake
- Ice cream sandwiches
- Berry parfaits
- Lemon bars
- Red, white, and blue fruit trays
Simple desserts often work best because everyone wants to get back outside and enjoy the evening.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
Every Memorial Day gathering needs something cold and festive to sip while the grill heats up. Over the years, we have loved playful summer cocktails like Bomb Pop drinks and frozen rosé creations. ()
You might serve:
- Frozen lemonade cocktails
- Berry sangria
- Sweet tea
- Sparkling water stations with fresh fruit
- BBeeritas with lime salt
- Classic lemonade for the kids
A self-serve drink station also makes entertaining easier.
Memorial Day Is About More Than Food
While the food is certainly delicious, Memorial Day always carries a deeper meaning. It is a time to pause and remember those who served and sacrificed, and to appreciate the blessing of gathering with the people we love. Some of my favorite Memorial Day memories involve lingering around the patio long after dinner is over, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying being together.
That may be the true secret ingredient behind every good Memorial Day meal.
Good food tastes even better when shared with people you love.
For more Memorial Day inspiration, recipes, and entertaining ideas, visit Our Good Life Food & Entertaining Archives.
Post a Comment