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Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who have served our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, making it the perfect occasion for a festive gathering with family and friends. Today I share with you my Ultimate Memorial Day Menu to help make your planning easy. To help you plan, we’ve put together the Ultimate Memorial Day Menu – a collection of our favorite recipes that will make your holiday celebration both delicious and stress-free. And it wouldn’t be a holiday without eating.
Planning – Avoiding Stress
To avoid the stress of having family and guests descending on your house for the holiday, be prepared. Start early. Start first by picking what you want to make. Research the recipes and do your shopping early. Then, try do whatever preparation that can be completed a day or two ahead – like cutting vegetables, forming your burgers, making a side dish.
Appetizers to Start the Celebration
Kick off your Memorial Day celebration with these crowd-pleasing appetizers. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for munching on while the grill heats up.
1. BEST PICKLE DIP No outdoor meal would be complete without pickles. How about pickles turned into a dip.
2. TOMATILLO BRUSCHETTA If you would like to try something just a little different. Here is a fusion bruschetta that uses tomatillos for that sweet, sour and just a little spicy flavor.
3. GLUTEN FREE FOCACCIA If you need to accommodate any gluten free party goers, here is a great recipe for a focaccia that no one will miss the gluten.
Delectable Sides and Salads to complement the main course
The veggies and salads are a must for any outdoor dinner. This is a chance to have a little fun and make things you don’t have at other times of the year.
1. GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD This is such a fun dish that is grilled to perfection. You can pick almost any vegetables but I love the corn in this one.
2. DILL POTATO SALAD No holiday gathering is complete without a good potato salad. The combination of the dill, mustard and red wine vinegar make this classic recipe, tangy and creamy that’s sure to be a hit.
3. DECONSTRUCTED MEXICAN ELOTE Serve up a big bowl of of this traditional Mexican corn with crispy tortilla chips. This simple and delicious appetizer is always a crowd favorite and my wife’s favorite.
4. BROCCOLI STEM COLE SLAW The recipe was created to avoid waste with the stems of the broccoli. However, this recipe will find ways to make on to your table at other times of year.
5. BBQ SAUCE No BBQ is complete without BBQ Sauce. Try making your own. It is so much easier than you think.
Main Courses for the Grill and Smoker
The star of any Memorial Day menu is the grill. These main courses are sure to impress your guests and satisfy their appetites.
1. GRILLED CHICKEN AND CHEESE SANDWICH My grilled chicken recipe features tender, juicy charred chicken, melty cheese and coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for your evening.
2. BBQ SALMON For a delicious and healthy option, try our BBQ salmon. We need a good seafood option to round out the menu.
3. GRILLED TURKEY ONION BURGER This is an amped up cheeseburger. This recipe is loaded with cheese and onions guaranteed for Dad to spill on his shirt.
4. SMOKED POT ROAST SANDWICH If you have a smoker, here is a sandwich that is sure to delight. By using pot roast, it is not an all day affair to get this ready. Take advantage of the bbq sauce that you made and use it in this recipe.
5. DOUBLE CHEESE STUFFED SMOKED MEATLOAF For my final Memorial Day recipe I am getting a little chefy on you. This recipe is loaded with cheese, smoked to perfection and served over creamy polenta (that piece could certainly be left out).
Sweet Treats to End on a High Note
No meal is complete without dessert. These sweet treats are the perfect way to end your Memorial Day celebration.
1. NO CHURN APPLE BUTTER BISCOFF ICE CREAM This ice cream recipe is so good and so easy to make. Your guests will go home full and talking about this one.
2. CHURRO ICE CREAM SANDWICHES One other ice cream recipe that is so much fun our these churro ice cream sandwiches. The churro is made as a cookie. These are so much fun.
Conclusion
I hope you truly enjoy your holiday weekend with family and friends and that you have some really good food. I hope my Ultimate Memorial Day Menu gives you some inspiration for your menu and a few ideas on how to make the day of cooking a little easier for you.
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