Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial kick-off to summer, and our first chance of the season to fire up the grill and cook up our favorite warm-weather meals. We’ve put together a list of our favorite fares for the season of sun.
Best Memorial Day Appetizer
Light up your appetizer spread with a patriotic cheese board. We used a metal star cutter and thick-sliced provolone and muenster cheese to give our patriotic cheese boards their festive look. Whether you are celebrating with a large group or it’s just you, charcuterie and cheese boards always present well and taste delicious. Make sure to pair local seasonal fruit and veggies with crackers, meats, and cheeses that your guests (and you) enjoy.
Must-Have Memorial Day Recipes: Main Course Favorites
Summer grilling calls for simplified meals that are big on taste but short on prep time. This trio of burgers does not disappoint. We’ve included beef, chicken, and turkey burgers to give your backyard BBQ an elevated flavor profile.
Pepper Jack Stuffed Burgers with Poblano Cream Sauce
This delicious recipe elevates the classic burger experience by infusing it with the rich and spicy essence of Pepper Jack cheese. Complementing it perfectly is a creamy sauce featuring the smoky nuances of roasted poblano peppers, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings for both comfort and gourmet dining.
Tandoori Chicken Burger with Yogurt Sauce
Our Tandoori Chicken Burger is a delightful fusion of the bold flavors of traditional Indian cuisine with a beloved American classic. Nestled within a soft bun and topped with a refreshing yogurt sauce infused with herbs and spices, this burger offers a harmonious balance of heat and coolness in every bite.
Turkey Cheddar Burger with Apple Slaw
Next time you find yourself craving a burger, enhance the experience with this delectable twist on a classic recipe. Juicy turkey patties are infused with savory cheddar cheese, creating a succulent base that promises to satisfy your cravings. Topped with a crisp and refreshing apple slaw, featuring the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Memorial Day Desserts: Grilled and Chilled Delights
Give your summer kickoff meal a sweet sendoff with one of these fruit-forward treats.
Mini Patriotic Cheesecakes
These individual-sized cheesecakes are bursting with flavor. With a buttery graham cracker crust as the base, each creamy cheesecake layer is swirled with vibrant red and blue hues, creating a visually stunning and mouthwatering dessert. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a medley of fresh berries, these mini cheesecakes are a delicious embodiment of national pride.
Grilled Pineapple Sundae
This delectable dessert combines the smoky sweetness of grilled pineapple with the creamy decadence of ice cream offering a perfect balance of summer flavors. Topped with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted coconut, each bite is simply perfection.
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake
This recipe takes the beloved combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy shortcake, and velvety whipped cream to new heights by adding a touch of smoky flavor from the grill. Juicy strawberries are grilled to perfection, intensifying their natural sweetness and infusing them with a subtle smokiness that perfectly complements the buttery richness of the shortcake. Layered with pillowy clouds of whipped cream and served warm, this is a decadent treat that promises to delight your taste buds.
Grilled Banana Split
This indulgent treat takes ripe bananas to new heights by grilling them to caramelized perfection, infusing them with smoky depth and enhancing their natural sweetness. Each luscious banana half is then topped with scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of rich chocolate and caramel sauces. Finished with a sprinkle of crunchy nuts and a dollop of whipped cream, this is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings while adding a touch of summertime flair to your dessert repertoire.
Don’t forget to spend some time making ice cream this summer too.