A collection of summer-inspired recipes to celebrate this Memorial Day deliciously. From Smoked Pulled Pork to Chicken Lollipops that are a crowd favorite; I have you covered this holiday!
Oh hello, 3-day long weekend! I am so looking forward to your sexy, carefree attitude, your grilling scents, and your tempting dishes! For most folks, Memorial weekend signifies the start of summer.
Appetizers and Finger Foods
If you ever went some a cookout or gathering I threw or my parents threw there always, ALWAYS were appetizers and finger foods. Mom, traditionally, would have a single 8′ bingo table at the very front of the ‘line’ full of nothing but these snacky-type/nibbles of food.
Ultimate Buttery Maple Bourbon Glazed Candied Bacon Pineapple Spears
Get ready for a mouthwatering culinary adventure with a sweet and savory twist. Imagine crispy bacon, candied ham, juicy pineapple that’s baked to perfection and finished with a decadent buttery maple bourbon glaze!
Cheesy Heirloom Tomato Garlic Butter Tart
Crispy, flaky phyllo pastry crust brushed with garlic butter & sprinkles of cheesy bread crumbs, topped with the summer’s freshest heirloom tomatoes and basil.
Ultimate Loaded Beer Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Dip
This loaded cheesy dip starts with the Hoosier Hill Beer Cheese Mix, more beer, shredded cheddar & smoked Gouda, crispy bacon, and minced jalapenos! This dip comes together in minutes!
Cheesy Dill Pickle Bacon Cheese Ball
Chopped dill pickles mixed with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and seasonings make this dish the life of any party!
The Ultimate Guide To Grilling Baked Potatoes
Grilling regular and sweet potatoes can take your outdoor cooking to a whole new level. Learn my tips on how to perfectly grill both types of potatoes. Get ready to elevate your grilled potato game!
Boursin Stuffed Mushroom Caps On The Smoker
These cheesy stuffed mushroom caps are a flavor explosion in every bite. A true culinary delight that’s perfect for any occasion!
Easy One Bowl Italian Herb Ricotta Dip with Sundried Tomatoes
Made with rich ricotta cheese, fragrant Italian herbs, and flavorful sundried tomatoes, this dip is a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Elevate Your Grill Game with Flame Kissed Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a fiery explosion of flavor! Flame-kissed cheesy jalapeño poppers, oozing with melted cheese and savory bacon, are always a huge crowd favorite.
Mains
Sure I can share with you hot dogs and burgers (traditional) but nowadays, folks want a full-on experience when it comes to food. Oh, I’ll still serve up grilled dogs and killer bacon cheeseburgers but I do have to also have other stuff there.
As Mom would say, “something for everyone!”.
Mastering the Art of Smoked Pork Butt: My Secrets To The Best Fall-Apart Pork!
Learn my secrets to fall-apart, perfectly smoked pork shoulder butt with the most incredible bark. Super tender and packed with so much flavor. Truly one of the best-pulled pork you’ll ever have!
Fire up the Flavor with Grilled BBQ Chicken Lollipops
Chicken Lollipops are a delicious, flavorful, and fun-to-eat twist on classic grilled chicken! Fire up the grill today and elevate your BBQ game with flame-kissed BBQ chicken lollipops.
Easy Sheet Pan Smoked Italian Sausage Ricotta Zucchini Boats
Looking for a mouthwatering and crave-worthy meal that is both gluten-free and keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor? Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s bursting with cheesy Italian flavors, easy to make, and delicious!
Grilled Chicken al Pastor on the Big Green Egg
Fire up the grill as we’re making the most amazing grilled chicken al pastor with slices of fresh pineapple and onions! It’s a fiesta flavor bomb of deliciousness!
Ultimate Summer Hot Dogs – Grilled Bacon Wrapped & Stuffed
When it comes to the best summer hot dog, these grilled bacon-wrapped cheese and sauerkraut stuffed hot dogs are the best bite of the summer!
Ultimate Loaded Italian Sausage & Beef Burgers
Mouth-watering and packed with flavor, these crafted loaded Italian sausage and beef burgers are elevating burger night! Stuffed with roasted red peppers, gooey cheese, and fresh spinach, these burgers make every bite a mouthwatering masterpiece!
The Best Grilled German Bratwurst Burgers Stuffed With Cheese & Sauerkraut
Prepare to take your taste buds on a flavor-packed journey of a perfectly grilled bratwurst burger stuffed with sauerkraut and gooey Swiss cheese. A slice of red onion, crispy sauerkraut, and whole-grain mustard on a pretzel bun will make this your new favorite burger!
Mom’s Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – The Best Recipe!
No summer cookout is complete without a tray of stuffed cabbages! Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, seasoned ground meats and a rich tomato sauce make this the perfect summer comfort food. Plus these freeze beautifully!
Salads and Sides
If you’ve been following along on Facebook, you’ll know I’m going through an arduous process to recreate my Mother’s FAMOUS potato salad. Every recipe of hers I’ve recreated (from memory as she never wrote things down) I’ve been successful. However since I hate potato salad (hers had tons of mayo and chunks of veggies), I refused to eat it.
However Mr. Fantabulous LOVES this stuff. He loved it when my sister made it using her recipe but sadly Dianna passed away and she, too, never wrote down the recipe either. So for now, here are some other amazing sides and salads to serve!
Charred Corn Black Bean & Shrimp Salsa
This chunky salsa takes full advantage of summer-fresh vegetables, herbs, seasoned shrimp, and a honey lime drizzle in the most delicious and addictive way!
How To Perfectly Grill Italian Parmesan Asparagus
Truly the best grilled asparagus you’ll ever eat! Perfectly smoky & coated in an Italian Herbed oil & Cheese that will keep the family coming back for more!
The Best Esquites (dip version of Elote Mexican Street Corn)
This Elote (Mexican Street Corn) is truly the best dip ever. Grilled corn mixed with a luscious creamy spicy mixture, spices, fresh cilantro and Cotija cheese!
Watermelon Berry Feta Salad
Say HELLO TO SUMMER YUM with this Watermelon Berry Feta Salad! Watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries mixed into a refreshing & delicious salad topped with fresh mint, feta cheese, and a honey-lime glaze. Kick it up a notch with a balsamic drizzle too!
Ultimate Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
Transform chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and cooked pasta coated in a homemade ranch dressing into the most amazing pasta salad!
Ultimate One-Pot Spicy Southwestern Cheesy Pasta
The perfect one-pot pasta & cheese dish! Cavatappi noodles coated in a delicious spicy southwestern cheese sauce with bits of corn, bacon, and hatch chiles! Easy, cheesy, and there’s no draining required!
Ultimate Grilled Brussels Sprouts Salad With Bacon Pecans and Cranberries
Our favorite holiday and summer salad! Shaved Brussels sprouts & shallots grilled in bacon drippings mixed with toasted pecans, and cranberries then drizzled with a maple dijon vinaigrette.
The Best Classic Diner-Style Coleslaw
Retro diner-style coleslaw with that perfectly balanced sweet & tangy dressing mixed with cabbage, carrots, onions, and seasonings.
Sweets & Treats
I honestly don’t recall a single cookout, BBQ, or gathering growing up that never had at least 1 sweet treat. From pies to cookies, freeze pops to Jell-O salad, we had it all.
3-Layer Chocolate Cream Dream Pie
Creamy? ✔ Dreamy? ✔ Chocolatey? ✔ Fantabulously Delicious? ✔ You owe to yourself and everyone you love to make this pie!
White Chocolate Cheesecake Frosted Berry Cookie Pizza
Say hello to YUM! A soft vanilla sugar cookie topped with white chocolate cheesecake, glazed berries & kiwi finished with a white chocolate drizzle.
Black & Blue Berry Crisp
A combination of Black and Blueberries topped with a crispy cinnamon oat pecan streusel makes for one easy and delicious anytime dessert!
Grandma’s Orange Cream Ice Box Pie
My Grandmother’s orange cream ice box pie with NILLA Wafers crust is luscious, creamy, dreamy, and no-bake! It’s the perfect warm-weather pie!
Streusel Crumb Smoked Apples with Maple Pecans and Bourbon
Fire up the smoker for the perfect fall dessert. These smoked apples are topped with maple, bourbon, craisins, and pecan oat streusel. All you need to decide is whether to top them with vanilla ice cream and a butterscotch drizzle or caramel.
What Are Your Favorite Memorial Day Foods?
Grilling has become a huge part of my life. I’m adding more and more grilled foods on here, plus throughout social media. Is there something you absolutely must have at your cookouts (besides cold beer lol)?
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