15 Memorial Day Grill Recipes for Your First Cookout of the Season
Delicious ways to kick off the start of summer.
Isn’t Memorial Day weekend the best? It’s the first long weekend when the weather is finally nice across the country, beckoning everyone to get outside and finally fire up the grill. It’s the unofficial start to summer, a season full of cookouts and backyard bashes. And while you think there might be a lot of pressure to go all out for Memorial Day, you don’t have to! Let these easy grilling recipes set the stage for the months to come.
Take these Memorial Day grill recipes, for instance. They’re straightforward and delicious, proving you just need a few simple ingredients and a little smoke to really amp up the flavor. Crack open a cold one and make a whole beer can chicken or let some brats soak up that brew. Make a quick homemade chili as a hot dog topping, slice up some lemons for tender tilapia, or even make some nachos for all-day snacking.
And don’t forget that you can throw some side dishes on those grates, too! Fresh spring veggies like asparagus and hearty potatoes taste so good with a quick char. Then all you have to do is toss together a batch cocktail and make a patriotic dessert for a Memorial Day menu without a ton of effort. And remember, once you've bookmarked these grill recipes, you’ll be able to use them all summer long, even after the holiday is over. Happy long weekend!
Beer Can Chicken
It’s really amazing what a can of beer can do for a whole chicken. It makes the meat incredibly moist and flavorful, yet it’s pretty much a hands-off process until you slice the bird up to serve.
Get the Beer Can Chicken recipe.
Cheeseburgers
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with some burgers fresh off the grill. Once you know the right internal temperatures to satisfy everyone’s preferences, it’s really easy from there. Then have fun with the toppings you serve.
Get the Cheeseburgers recipe.
Best-Ever Grilled Ribs
Don’t stress if you’ve never made ribs before. This recipe makes it so easy to make crave-worthy ribs that are all things smoky, tender, saucy, and charred every single time.
Get the Best-Ever Grilled Ribs recipe.
Chili Dogs
Sure, you can simply grill hot dogs. But Ree’s homemade chili is so easy to make and really turns plain cookout classics into hearty bites that are just a little bit messy in the best way possible.
Get Ree's Chili Dogs recipe.
Grilled Asparagus
Oh yes, seasonal asparagus can get even better when you char it on the grill. Look for bigger stalks so you don’t have to worry about them falling through the grill grates. Or invest in a grill basket if you want to have extra-secure veggies.
Get the Grilled Asparagus recipe.
Hanger Steak
If you’re looking to serve steak but want a more affordable cut, hanger steak is the way to go. The secret is in the marinade, which flavors and tenderizes the meat throughout before it grills up for just five to seven minutes per side.
Get Ree's Hanger Steak recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Talk about fast and easy! When you cook lemony shrimp on skewers, you don’t have to worry about flipping each individual one, and it only takes a few minutes per side. They feel and taste so impressive, too.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken
Yes, there is actually Dr Pepper in this recipe! It’s in the sweet and tangy homemade sauce, which caramelizes and becomes a sticky, glossy, gorgeous coating on each piece of juicy chicken.
Get Ree’s Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Make sure everyone gets a serving of veggies! The best part about these skewers is that they go with practically any main course and are hearty enough for the vegetarian guests. Just don't forget the tangy balsamic marinade!
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Beer Brats
You serve bratwurst, they’ll disappear faster than you crack open a beer. This version is easy to make, and the end results are extra plump and juicy, and the right snap when you bite into them.
Get the Beer Brats recipe.
Grilled Tilapia
Don’t feel like stressing about the cleanup? Make everything in foil packets! Here, delicate tilapia and tender asparagus cook together with no fuss or muss. Nothing will fall through or stick to the grates.
Get the Grilled Tilapia recipe.
Grilled Potatoes
Everyone wants potatoes in some form. If you cook baby potatoes on the grill, skewers help them stay in place and cook evenly. Creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside, they’ll be a perfect side for any main course.
Get the Grilled Potatoes recipe.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos
Yes, you can make nachos on a grill. Layer tortilla chips with plenty of cheese, saucy BBQ chicken, and any toppings you desire. Use a disposable pan for easy cooking, serving, and cleanup.
Get Ree's Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos recipe.
Grilled Salmon
You don’t have to be intimidated to cook fish directly on a grill! Salmon fillets are very sturdy, so you don't have to worry about them falling apart. The simple secret is to make sure your grates are well oiled.
Get the Grilled Salmon recipe.
Grilled Sausage and Peppers
Feed a crowd what they want! Toss juicy Italian sausage together with charred peppers and onions. You’ll be done in less than half an hour. Serve with rolls so they can build their own sandwiches.
Get the Grilled Sausage and Peppers recipe.
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Cookout Sides Beyond Potato Salad and Coleslaw
Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Homemade Lemonade
