18 Memorial Day Burgers and Sliders to Make for an Easy Summer Cookout
It wouldn’t be a BBQ without ‘em on the grill.
If there’s one thing on a Memorial Day menu that pleases a crowd, it’s well actually, two things: burgers and sliders! You’ll hear juicy patties sizzling on the grill all summer long, but since Memorial Day weekend kicks off this season of backyard get-togethers and casual cookouts, it’s prime time to whip up your favorite homemade burgers and sliders—or try one that’s new to you.
If you’re hosting a cookout over the long weekend, we’ve rounded up some of the most delicious Memorial Day burgers and sliders, all of which are flavorful, satisfying, and easy to cook up. Whether you’re craving an all-American cheeseburger or a creative flavor combination, this list proves that they absolutely deserve a spot at the table. While many of the below recipes are made with ground beef, you’ll find other equally tasty substitutes like ground pork, ground turkey, and even black beans for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
A majority of these burgers are made on the grill, but if the weather doesn’t hold up, there are plenty of patties you can cook up on a cast-iron skillet or beneath your broiler. Of course, no burger is complete without Memorial Day sides, whether it’s crunchy coleslaw, potato salad, or a juicy slice of watermelon.
Ready to kick off grilling season? These Memorial Day burgers and sliders will make your cookout unforgettable and summer entertaining a lot easier.
Classic Cheeseburger
The most crowd-pleasing choice? A classic cheeseburger, of course! Even picky eaters will love sinking their teeth into these juicy patties flavored with Worcestershire sauce and layered with gooey cheese.
Get the Classic Cheeseburger recipe.
Lamb Burgers
If you want something different than the conventional beef burger, try these 20-minute lamb burgers. The patties are made with warm spices (including cinnamon!) before they’re layered with a Greek-inspired feta sauce and topped with a feta-olive skewer.
Get the Lamb Burgers recipe.
Sesame-Soy Salmon Burgers
Not interested in spending your Memorial Day hovering over a grill? These sesame-soy salmon burgers cook under a broiler in just a few minutes! A scoop of the tangy-yet-minty cucumber salad will perfectly complement the sticky-sweet glaze.
Get Ree’s Sesame-Soy Salmon Burgers recipe.
Smash Burgers
For fans of the smash burger, this skillet version is crunchier, gooier, and easier than ever! In just 15 minutes, you’ll have layers of caramelized patties and melted cheese stuffed between soft, buttery buns for your Memorial Day cookout.
Get Ree’s Smash Burgers recipe.
French Onion Burgers
Caramelized onions are a topping that’ll make any burger all the better. Spread mustard onto the seeded buns for a tangy touch, and throw on a handful of arugula for a peppery finish.
Get Ree’s French Onion Burgers recipe.
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
You don’t have to limit your guests to full-size burgers. Sliders are equally delicious yet they’re easier to serve and eat. For a fun twist on a classic, try Philly cheesecake sliders piled high with griddled ribeye, golden onions, and Cheez Whiz.
Get the Philly Cheesesteak Sliders recipe.
Pork Burgers
Specialty burgers that feature ground pork in lieu of ground beef, plus mouthwatering mix-ins like bacon, breadcrumbs, and sage will set your summer cookout apart.
Get the Pork Burgers recipe.
Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
Yep, even vegetarians can enjoy a big, juicy burger at your Memorial Day cookout! How? Combine black beans with chipotle chiles, breadcrumbs, and veggies; form the mixture into patties; heat them on a skillet; and pile on mashed avocado and pickled jalapeños!
Get Ree’s Chipotle Black Bean Burgers recipe.
Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar
These turkey burgers might be lighter than the average beef patty, but they have all the flavor—and then some! Each one is packed with crispy bacon and a creamy sauce on a pretzel bun.
Get Ree’s Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar recipe.
Smash Burger Sliders
A bite-sized take on the famous smash burger, these sliders have all the crispy, gooey goodness as the original—but, with a dozen servings, these are ideal for a group. Serve them as an appetizer or a supplement to other grilled mains.
Get the Smash Burger Sliders recipe.
Spicy Queso Burgers
Turn your burgers into comfort food by spooning creamy queso over the smoky chorizo-beef patties. With green chiles stirred into the sauce and pickled jalapeños piled on top, this recipe also has a spicy kick that’ll really up the ante.
Get Ree’s Spicy Queso Burgers recipe.
Homemade Chicken Burgers
These chicken burgers are lean but not at all bland. Thanks to mix-ins like sour cream, breadcrumbs, chives, and mustard, this Memorial Day burger is big on flavor. The best part? It’ll be ready in 20 minutes tops!
Get the Homemade Chicken Burgers recipe.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Another meatless option for your Memorial Day cookout? Portobello mushroom burgers. With a tangy marinade and a golden finish, these veggie burgers are so satisfying that even meat eaters will want a bite!
Get the Portobello Mushroom Burgers recipe.
Sausage-and-Peppers Burgers
Instead of worrying about wilting lettuce or drooping tomatoes, prep your burger toppings on the skillet! These Memorial Day burgers are piled high with sautéed peppers and onions that add color and freshness.
Get Ree’s Sausage-and-Peppers Burgers recipe.
Grilled Chicken Sliders
A similar (yet smaller!) iteration of chicken burgers, these grilled chicken sliders are flavored with Cajun seasoning and adobo sauce, which will bring a fiery kick to your cookout. Stuff them between dinner rolls with some onions, lettuce, and cheese.
Get Ree’s Grilled Chicken Sliders recipe.
Caribbean Burgers with Mango Slaw
Your first cookout of the summer could benefit from some Caribbean flavors! The patties here are infused with teriyaki sauce, broiled until lightly charred, and garnished with fresh mangos and a spicy slaw.
Get Ree’s Caribbean Burgers with Mango Slaw recipe.
Salisbury Steak Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
Burgers and fries are the ultimate cookout combination, but this recipe takes thing up a notch with Salisbury steaks and sweet potato fries (frozen for convenience!).
Get Ree’s Salisbury Steak Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Spicy Whiskey BBQ Sliders
These sliders are customizable: Make them with beef, bison, turkey, or any other ground meat that strikes your fancy. The barbecue sauce spiked with whiskey and jalapeños will steal the show!
Get Ree’s Spicy Whiskey BBQ Sliders recipe.
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Cookout Sides Beyond Potato Salad and Coleslaw
Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Homemade Lemonade
