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Summertime means cookouts, and Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to the grilling season. I’ve put together a list of 75 Memorial Day recipes from appetizers to desserts. I’ve got you covered! So fire up the grill and get cooking!

When I think of Memorial Day food ideas, the first thing that comes to mind is BBQ and burgers. A table set with a spread of pasta salads, potato salads, and grilled meats is always a winner in my book. And, of course, no cookout is complete without a few patriotic desserts!

How to Plan a Memorial Day Menu

When it comes to planning a Memorial Day menu, the sky’s the limit! If you’re having a big party or get-together, you may want to go all out with a full spread of appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts. If you’re keeping things on the smaller side, a few simple recipes will do the trick.

• Count your guests – Plan for about 1 main per person, plus 2-3 sides and a dessert to round out a good Memorial Day menu.
• Account for dietary needs – Include options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free eaters. And make sure to include lots of seasonal produce like fresh berries, stone fruits, lettuces, and asparagus.
• Include make-ahead recipes – Choose a few dishes that can be prepped the day before to keep things stress-free. Desserts and salad dressings are great for this.
• Don’t forget the extras – Stock up on condiments, drinks, napkins, and plenty of ice for outdoor gatherings.
• Keep it casual – Choose recipes that don’t require a knife and fork for easy serving and cleanup. And keep a large trash can nearby for guests to clean up their mess.

75 Memorial Day Recipes

This Memorial Day recipe roundup has something for everyone – no matter your style, budget, or dietary needs.

How to Keep Food Warm

• Oven: As long as you’re not cooking anything in the oven, you can set it to 200°F and store dishes in there to keep them warm.
• Aluminum Foil: If your oven is not free, you can simply use aluminum foil, which has reflective properties that protects the food from light and oxygen. The foil reflects the thermal energy back to the food which maintains the moisture, flavor, and texture.
• Crock Pots and Instant Pots: Think of recipes that can be made in your crock pot or instant pot that will keep warm during the party. You can even use them to keep foods warm even if you don’t cook in them.
• Insulated coolers: You can use a cooler to keep food hot as well as cold. The insulation technology that keeps out the heat to maintain cold foods also works to trap heat in and keep food hot for hours at a time. You can even line the cooler with aluminum foil for even better results.

How to Store all the Leftovers

If you’re like me, you always end up with leftovers after any big gathering. And while I’m not complaining (leftovers are the best!), it can be tricky to know how to store all of them. Here are a few tips:

• Make sure everything is cooled completely before storing.
• Label everything with the name and date. This will help you keep track of what’s what and also ensure that nothing gets lost in the back of the fridge.
• Use plastic containers or freezer bags. This will help keep your food fresh and prevent it from drying out.
• If you have any perishable items (like meat or dairy), make sure to store them in the fridge.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Fourth of July Recipes, Salad Recipes, No-Bake Desserts, and Summer Recipes.

If you found this recipe roundup for for Memorial Day Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!