Planning a Memorial Day get-together? Whether you’re firing up the grill, heading to a potluck, or just looking for easy dishes to feed a hungry crowd, this lineup has you covered. From juicy beer brat bites and brisket-loaded baked beans to creamy sweet potato salad and no-fuss mac and cheese cups, these recipes are made to impress (without stressing you out). Throw in a few make-ahead options and a mess-free shrimp boil, and you’ve got everything you need for a laid-back, flavor-packed holiday weekend!
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

These shrimp boil foil packets from Damn Delicious include all the flavors of a classic shrimp boil, wrapped up in easy, mess-free foil packets. Loaded with shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and baby potatoes, it’s a full meal with perfect seasoning and a kick of heat. Grill or bake – either way, clean-up’s a breeze!
Sweet Potato Salad
This beautiful salad from Natasha’s Kitchen bursts with flavor and texture – roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy goat cheese all tossed with fresh kale. A simple maple vinaigrette ties it all together with just the right touch of sweetness. Stand out from the crowd with this dish to pass – it makes a great side for any Memorial Day table.
Brisket Baked Beans Recipe
Smoky, sweet, and loaded with tender brisket, these baked beans from Steven Raichlen’s Barbecue Bible bring serious flavor to the table. They’re rich, meaty, and the perfect way to use up burnt ends or brisket trimmings. A sensational side that easily steals the show at any cookout.
Beer Brat Bites
These bratwurst bites from Dinner at the Zoo start on the grill, then get a quick toss in a beer glaze for extra flavor. Slice them up, serve with toothpicks, and you’ve got a no-fuss crowd-pleaser that works great for backyard parties. Use whatever beer you like – porter, lager, or pale ale all do the job. Just don’t expect leftovers!
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Cups
Golden and crispy on the outside, rich and cheesy inside – these baked mac and cheese cups from Delicious Little Bites are the ultimate handheld comfort food. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and perfect for serving as appetizers (or even a casual main). Great for parties or anytime you want mac and cheese with a fun twist!
Southern Cornbread Salad
This layered salad is a Southern staple – crumbled cornbread, beans, veggies, cheese, and a creamy ranch-style dressing stacked into one delicious dish. This version from 12 Tomatoes looks impressive but takes just minutes to make (especially with store-bought cornbread). Scoop straight from the dish – no tossing required. It’s fresh, filling, and always a crowd favorite!
Churro Blondies
Skip the fryer – these churro blondies from Apple Cake Annie bring the cinnamon-sugar magic without the mess. Think rich, chewy blondie base with swirls of chocolate and a hit of warm spice. Just one bowl, no mixer, and about 30 minutes from start to finish. They’ve got that churro flavor you love, with gooey centers and streaks of melted chocolate that are almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Dip
Bright and smooth, this key lime cheesecake dip from The Salty Marshmallow packs all the flavor of key lime pie in a quick, no-bake recipe. It’s ready in 10 minutes, with just the right balance of tart and creamy. Not too sweet, and easy to serve with fruit, graham crackers, or pretzels. It makes a generous batch – perfect for bringing to a party, though you might want to keep it to yourself!
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