27 Memorial Day Food Ideas for a Crowd

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Memorial Day is the perfect time to enjoy delicious summer food with family and friends. Whether you are planning a backyard BBQ, picnic party, neighborhood cookout, or holiday gathering, these Memorial Day food ideas for a crowd are easy, tasty, and great for feeding many people.

From grilled chicken and juicy burgers to pasta salads, sliders, party snacks, and easy desserts, these recipes are simple to prepare and full of flavor.

These crowd-pleasing Memorial Day recipes use basic ingredients, easy cooking methods, and quick preparation steps that even beginners can follow.

Mix and match these summer BBQ foods, picnic dishes, and cookout favorites to create a fun holiday menu everyone will enjoy.

27 Memorial Day Food Ideas for a Crowd

1. Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

  • 12 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Method:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat, around 190°C, so it is hot and ready for cooking.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large bowl.
  3. Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken.
  4. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 25–30 minutes. Turn them every few minutes, so they cook evenly on all sides.
  5. Brush BBQ sauce over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of grilling. This helps the sauce become sticky and flavorful.
  6. Cook until the chicken is juicy inside and slightly charred outside. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Time: 35 mins | Temp: 190°C

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2. Classic Cheeseburgers

Ingredients:

  • 1kg ground beef
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 8 burger buns
  • 8 cheese slices
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices

Method:

  1. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
  2. Mix ground beef with salt and black pepper in a bowl until combined.
  3. Shape the beef into 8 burger patties of equal size.
  4. Cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked.
  5. Place cheese slices on top and let them melt slightly.
  6. Toast the burger buns lightly and fill them with lettuce, tomato, and cheeseburger patties.
  7. Serve warm with fries or chips.

Time: 20 mins | Temp: Medium-high heat

3. Creamy Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups cooked pasta
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sweet corn
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Method:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until soft. Drain the water and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Place the cooled pasta into a large serving bowl.
  3. Add sweet corn, chopped cucumber, and carrots.
  4. Mix mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir gently until everything is coated evenly.
  6. Chill before serving for a refreshing summer side dish.

Time: 25 mins | Temp: Cold serve

4. BBQ Chicken Sliders

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 12 slider buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw

Method:

  1. Heat shredded chicken in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add BBQ sauce and stir until the chicken becomes warm and flavorful.
  3. Toast the slider buns lightly.
  4. Fill each bun with BBQ chicken and top with coleslaw.
  5. Serve warm as an easy party snack for a crowd.

Time: 20 mins | Temp: Medium heat

5. Loaded Nachos

Ingredients:

  • 2 packets of tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1 cup cooked chicken pieces
  • ½ cup jalapeños
  • ½ cup salsa

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Spread tortilla chips evenly on the tray.
  3. Top with shredded cheese, chicken pieces, and jalapeños.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
  5. Drizzle salsa over the nachos before serving.
  6. Serve warm as a fun Memorial Day party snack.

Time: 15 mins | Temp: 180°C

6. Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

  • 8 corn cobs
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Method:

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Place the corn cobs into the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
  3. Melt butter in a small pan and stir in garlic powder and salt.
  4. Brush the garlic butter generously over the warm corn.
  5. Serve hot as a BBQ side dish.

Time: 15 mins | Temp: Medium heat

7. Grilled Sausages

Ingredients:

  • 12 sausages
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 onions sliced
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Method:

  1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium heat.
  2. Brush sausages lightly with olive oil and place them on the grill.
  3. Cook for 12–15 minutes while turning often so all sides brown evenly.
  4. Cook sliced onions beside the sausages until soft and slightly golden.
  5. Serve hot with bread rolls or dipping sauces.

Time: 20 mins | Temp: Medium heat

8. Crispy Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

  • 1kg chicken wings
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a large tray with baking paper.
  2. Place chicken wings into a bowl and coat them with oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the tray.
  4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through so both sides become crispy.
  5. Serve hot with ranch dip or BBQ sauce.

Time: 40 mins | Temp: 200°C

9. Family Taco Wraps

Ingredients:

  • 8 tortillas
  • 500g cooked chicken strips
  • 2 cups lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ½ cup sour cream

Method:

  1. Warm the tortillas slightly in a pan so they become soft and easy to fold.
  2. Place cooked chicken strips into the center of each tortilla.
  3. Add lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
  4. Fold the tortillas tightly into wraps.
  5. Serve warm with fries or salad.

Time: 20 mins | Temp: Medium heat

10. Grilled Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:

  • 2 zucchinis
  • 2 bell peppers
  • 2 onions
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Method:

  1. Wash and cut all vegetables into medium-sized pieces.
  2. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, mixing different colors for a bright look.
  3. Brush olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until tender.
  5. Serve warm with grilled meat or burgers.

Time: 15 mins | Temp: 190°C

11. Fresh Watermelon Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups watermelon cubes
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup grapes
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method:

  1. Wash all the fruits properly and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place watermelon, strawberries, and grapes into a large serving bowl.
  3. Drizzle honey and lemon juice over the fruit for extra freshness and sweetness.
  4. Mix gently so the fruit stays juicy and colorful.
  5. Chill before serving for a refreshing Memorial Day side dish.

Time: 10 mins | Temp: Cold serve

12. Mini Pizza Sliders

Ingredients:

  • 12 slider buns
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a baking tray lightly.
  2. Slice the slider buns in half and arrange them on the tray.
  3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the buns.
  4. Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
  5. Bake for about 10–12 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  6. Serve warm as a fun party snack for a crowd.

Time: 15 mins | Temp: 180°C

13. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp mixed herbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Method:

  1. Place chicken breasts into a large bowl and add lemon juice, olive oil, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Rub the seasoning over the chicken evenly and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
  3. Preheat the grill to 190°C and place the chicken on it.
  4. Cook for about 6–7 minutes on each side until juicy and lightly golden.
  5. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Time: 25 mins | Temp: 190°C

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14. Loaded Potato Salad

Ingredients:

  • 6 boiled potatoes
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup shredded cheese
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Method:

  1. Peel the boiled potatoes and cut them into medium-sized cubes.
  2. Place the potatoes into a large bowl and add shredded cheese and chopped onions.
  3. Mix mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
  4. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and stir gently so everything gets coated evenly.
  5. Refrigerate before serving for the best flavor.

Time: 20 mins | Temp: Cold serve

15. BBQ Baked Beans

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups baked beans
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a baking dish lightly.
  2. Combine baked beans, BBQ sauce, onions, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
  3. Pour the mixture into the baking dish evenly.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  5. Serve warm as a smoky BBQ side dish for summer cookouts.

Time: 30 mins | Temp: 180°C

16. Grilled Pineapple Slices

Ingredients:

  • 1 pineapple sliced
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder

Method:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat so the pineapple cooks evenly.
  2. Brush honey over both sides of the pineapple slices.
  3. Sprinkle cinnamon powder lightly over the fruit.
  4. Place the slices on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
  5. Serve warm as a sweet Memorial Day side or dessert.

Time: 10 mins | Temp: Medium heat

17. Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

  • 12 mozzarella sticks
  • 1½ cups breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Oil for frying

Method:

  1. Place beaten eggs into one bowl and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder into another bowl.
  2. Dip each mozzarella stick into the egg mixture first and then coat it with breadcrumbs evenly.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
  4. Fry the mozzarella sticks for about 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve hot with marinara sauce or ketchup.

Time: 20 mins | Temp: Medium heat

18. Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Ingredients:

  • 1kg boneless chicken cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Method:

  1. Place chicken cubes into a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Mix everything so the chicken gets coated well with seasoning.
  3. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers carefully.
  4. Preheat the grill to 190°C and place the skewers on it.
  5. Cook for 15–18 minutes while turning occasionally until fully cooked and lightly charred.
  6. Serve hot with salad or mint dip.

Time: 25 mins | Temp: 190°C

19. Memorial Day Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients:

  • 12 cookies
  • 6 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • Red and blue sprinkles

Method:

  1. Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
  2. Press gently so the ice cream spreads evenly without breaking the cookies.
  3. Roll the edges in chocolate chips and patriotic sprinkles for a festive Memorial Day look.
  4. Freeze the sandwiches for about 20 minutes until firm.
  5. Serve cold as an easy summer dessert for a crowd.

Time: 25 mins | Temp: Freeze until firm

20. Classic Coleslaw Salad

Ingredients:

  • 5 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 carrots grated
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt

Method:

  1. Place shredded cabbage and grated carrots into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt in another bowl until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix until evenly coated.
  4. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes before serving.
  5. Serve cold alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or sandwiches.

Time: 15 mins | Temp: Cold serve

21. Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups macaroni
  • 4 cups milk
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp salt

Method:

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until soft. Drain the water and set it aside.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in flour until smooth.
  3. Pour in milk slowly while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
  4. Add cheddar cheese and salt, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy.
  5. Combine the cheese sauce with macaroni and transfer it to a baking dish.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  7. Serve warm as a comforting Memorial Day side dish.

Time: 35 mins | Temp: 180°C

22. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

  • 1kg shrimp peeled and cleaned
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt

Method:

  1. Place shrimp into a bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
  2. Mix well so the shrimp gets coated evenly.
  3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers carefully.
  4. Preheat the grill to 200°C and place the skewers on it.
  5. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and lightly charred.
  6. Serve hot with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.

Time: 10 mins | Temp: 200°C

23. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 8 burger buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw

Method:

  1. Heat shredded chicken in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add BBQ sauce and stir until the chicken becomes warm and coated well.
  3. Toast the burger buns lightly for extra crunch.
  4. Fill each bun with BBQ chicken and top with fresh coleslaw.
  5. Serve warm as an easy crowd-pleasing sandwich recipe.

Time: 15 mins | Temp: Medium heat

24. Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

  • 12 boiled eggs
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp mustard
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Paprika for garnish

Method:

  1. Peel the boiled eggs and slice them in half lengthwise.
  2. Remove the yolks and place them into a bowl.
  3. Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
  4. Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture evenly.
  5. Sprinkle paprika on top for extra flavor and color.
  6. Serve chilled as a simple Memorial Day appetizer.

Time: 20 mins | Temp: Cold serve

25. Family Taco Cups

Ingredients:

  • 12 tortilla cups
  • 2 cups cooked taco meat
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • ½ cup salsa

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place tortilla cups on a baking tray.
  2. Fill each cup with cooked taco meat evenly.
  3. Top with shredded cheese and bake for about 8 minutes until warm.
  4. Remove from the oven and add lettuce and salsa on top.
  5. Serve immediately as an easy finger food for parties.

Time: 15 mins | Temp: 180°C

26. Garlic Breadsticks

Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza dough roll
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp mixed herbs
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a tray with baking paper.
  2. Roll the pizza dough into a rectangle and brush melted butter over the top.
  3. Sprinkle garlic powder, mixed herbs, and mozzarella cheese evenly.
  4. Cut the dough into strips carefully.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cheesy.
  6. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Time: 20 mins | Temp: 180°C

27. Strawberry Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups strawberries
  • 8 cups cold water
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • ½ cup sugar

Method:

  1. Wash the strawberries well and blend them with 1 cup of water until smooth.
  2. Pour the strawberry mixture into a large jug.
  3. Add lemon juice, sugar, and the remaining cold water.
  4. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
  5. Chill before serving with ice cubes for a refreshing Memorial Day drink.

Time: 10 mins | Temp: Cold serve

Final Thoughts:

These Memorial Day food ideas for a crowd are perfect for summer BBQ parties, picnic gatherings, backyard cookouts, and family celebrations.

From juicy grilled chicken and cheesy burgers to creamy pasta salads and fun party snacks, these easy recipes are simple to prepare and packed with delicious summer flavors.

You can mix different BBQ dishes, side dishes, grilled foods, and desserts to create the perfect Memorial Day menu for a large group. The best part is that these crowd-friendly recipes use simple ingredients and easy step-by-step methods, making them great for beginners and busy hosts.

Serve these tasty Memorial Day foods with cold drinks, sweet desserts, and fun outdoor games to make your holiday gathering extra special and memorable.

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