48 Foolproof Memorial Day Menus

From the Recipe Creator: Cream cheese stuffed peppers are easy to make, easy to travel with and wonderful to eat at room temperature. This platter can be made all summer long for each red, white and blue holiday! The dish also accommodates those who eat meat and those who don’t. With or without the bacon, these peppers are delish! —Tina Martino, Hewitt, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California

From the Recipe Creator: No Memorial Day menu is complete without Southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve been making this recipe for years. Whenever my family has a summer get-together, everyone requests it. The nectarines and berries look beautiful together, and the topping is the perfect accent. —Mindee Myers, Lincoln, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: This creamy, comforting slow-cooked side tastes marvelous with almost any main dish on your Memorial Day menu and is a snap to assemble with frozen hash browns. It’s a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of my Memorial Day menu. Folks can’t get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: I changed a recipe I found and ended up with this rich, fresh-tasting dessert. Decorated to resemble a flag, it’s perfect for a patriotic-themed Memorial Day menu. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: When our children were small and I was busy trying to get done all those extra things that are part of a mom’s normal schedule, I would make this quick hot dog casserole. Kids love it! —JoAnn Gunio, Franklin, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: You’ll discover why this treat is so popular in San Francisco. It’s snack heaven—ice cream, delicious oatmeal cookies and a touch of chocolate. Swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor, such as chocolate, caramel or cherry when making your own copycat It’s-It ice cream sandwiches. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California

From the Recipe Creator: These cute cakes offer a fun and kid-friendly way to use broccoli in your Memorial Day menu. They’re tasty as a side dish paired with any meat, or serve them with salsa and a dollop of fat-free sour cream for a festive appetizer. —Tracy Eubanks, Ewing, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: Is there a kid around (or a kid at heart) who wouldn’t gobble up this cookie dough dip with graham crackers? It beats dunking them in milk, hands down! You can also try it with apple wedges. —Heather Koenig, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. Instead, the adults devoured my mini mac and cheese. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Detroit’s Faygo Rock & Rye soda (or pop, as we call it in Michigan) gives these pork roast sandwiches such unique flavor with notes of vanilla and cherry. These sandwiches are a hit at summer picnics and Faygo pop brings back fond memories of growing up in Michigan. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: When my children were young, I would often dress up fresh fruit in this easy salad. Decades later, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren still love digging in to the fruity layers. The salad goes well with a Memorial Day menu that has barbecued meats or cold sandwiches. —Jonnie Adams Sisler, Stevensville, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: I love Tater Tot casserole, but wanted a lighter version of the recipe. The Taste Recipes Test Kitchen slashed the fat in this classic dish, while keeping all the Tots my family loves. Who know you could have healthy Tater Tots?! —Scott Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: My family simply adores my daughter’s fudgy s’mores brownies. The cinnamon graham cracker crust and the dark chocolate brownies bring our passion for s’mores to a whole new level! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I love fried Oreos at the county fair every summer. Since this version cooks up quickly in the air fryer, I can enjoy my favorite summer treat all year round! Lemon zest and lemon yogurt add a burst of flavor to the batter, and a dusting of powdered sugar makes for a pretty Memorial Day menu addition. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: We use this onion rings recipe as a burger topping to add an extra element to already fantastic burgers. These onion rings are also perfect for giving your salads a little crunch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: When I need a quick dessert, this is the recipe I reach for most of the time. I usually have the ingredients on hand so I can whip it together in just a few minutes. —Rashanda Cobbins, Taste Recipes Food Editor

From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: The best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. They’re an essential to any Memorial Day menu. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This punch looks so pretty with all the colorful fruit floating in the bowl. It has a refreshing taste and is easy to put together. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Loaded Cowboy Queso is the ultimate dip for a Memorial Day menu! This easy appetizer loaded with cheese, beer, black beans, tomatoes and sausage is our family’s favorite recipe. I often serve it with homemade tortilla chips sprinkled with taco seasoning. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: Pineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you’re short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for your Memorial Day menu. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: It isn't a summer cookout without potato salad, but the stuff from the deli just isn't our thing. I toyed with many recipes until I developed this one. Now if I even mention grilling or barbecuing, it's my family's top request for a side. —Paul Cogswell, League City, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My husband’s favorite pie is blueberry, made with fresh picked northern Ontario blueberries. Adding peaches and a rustic crust creates a bit of summer fun, perfect for a picnic. —Christine Kropp, London, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: I am always looking to kick things up a notch with heat and my husband really likes jalapenos, so I thought this savory joe would be perfect for a make-ahead entree on our Memorial Day menu. Adjust the jalapeno amounts to your preference, and serve with your favorite chips. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: I love sweet and spicy flavors, so I created these pickled grapes. They are excellent as an appetizer, a sneaky addition to salads or a topper in your favorite Bloody Mary. —Carla Hinkle, Memphis, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: Summer’s the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You’d never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii

From the Recipe Creator: Get ready to rock the grill with this wonderfully fragrant, spicy chicken. The bold marinade includes hints of cinnamon, cayenne and thyme. We like to think of this dish as “chicken with attitude.” —Judy Kamalieh, Nebraska City, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: During the dog days of summer, my family looks for a cold, thirst-quenching drink. I like this ons because it’s sparkling, refreshing and fast and easy to make.

From the Recipe Creator: When I decided to try making sherbet, which is one of my favorites, blackberries were in season in my mom’s garden. I love the flavor of daiquiris, and lime and rum blend with the juicy blackberries! —Shelly L. Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: Almost too pretty to eat, this colorful salad combines mint, chipotle pepper and honey to create a refreshing sweet-spicy flavor combination. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

From the Recipe Creator: We love to cook and experiment with new dishes. We found this recipe online but were missing a few of the ingredients, so we improvised. We like the results. —Brenda Joyner, Pateros, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Simple ingredients make clever use of leftover chicken in an innovative dish any home cook would be proud to plate. I like to serve it with a side of fresh fruit. —Lisa Abbott, New Berlin, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This is a wonderful appetizer to add to your Easter, Mother’s Day or Memorial Day menu. The roasted carrots give this hummus such a bright, fresh flavor. People who say they don’t like hummus have loved this version! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

From the Recipe Creator: This is my low-carb version of Nashville hot chicken. We try to cut carbs as much as possible, so the fried breaded version and the sandwich version of this dish were out. Instead, I make a baked rendition with the same delicious flavors. This is also amazing made with chicken tenders and served in wraps. —Fay A. Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I love preparing these easy-to-make shrimp tacos. Hatch chiles are a staple ingredient in my home state of Texas, and this was the very first recipe that I conquered with them. Mix and match your favorite toppings—salsa and avocado would be perfect additions. —Deborah Jamison, Austin, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: As the primary caregiver for my grandma, I am trying to cook healthier for her. I am fascinated with Mediterranean cuisine. It is much easier to have chicken and vegetables off the kabob, which inspired this sheet-pan dinner. —Chelsea Madren, Fullerton, California

From the Recipe Creator: I got this pineapple smoothie recipe over 20 years ago. I’ve tried several diabetic recipes, and this is one of the best. —Margery Bryan, Royal City, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: My kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blueberry ones are always a favorite! They’re the perfect treat to end a day full of yummy Memorial Day dishes. —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas