Hosting a last-minute Memorial Day barbecue? Feeling the “what the heck am I going to feed everyone?” panic? Deep breath, friend—I’ve got you.
Whether you’re pulling something together last-minute or just want to keep it low-key without sacrificing style (or flavor), this is your go-to guide for an easy Memorial Day barbecue with make-ahead apps, simple sides, crowd-pleasing mains, and a few budget-savvy décor ideas.
And yes—there’s a free printable shopping list so you don’t forget the burger buns!
🔥 Memorial Day Barbecue Mains: Keep It Classic (and Crowd-Pleasing)
Let’s be real—when it comes to a backyard barbecue, no one’s expecting a five-star menu. They want something tasty, filling, and straight off the grill. So don’t overcomplicate it. Stick with the classics, throw in one fun twist if you’re feeling it, and call it a day.
Here are a few easy (and budget-friendly) main dish ideas that’ll keep everyone happy:
🍔 1. Burgers & Hot Dogs
You truly can’t go wrong. They’re affordable, easy to prep in bulk, and beloved by kids and grown-ups alike.
Savvy Tips:
- Buy ground beef in bulk and form your own patties to save money.
- Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a few condiments to create a mini toppings bar.
- Grill hot dogs in batches and keep them warm in a slow cooker if needed.
🌭 2. Sausage & Peppers
Want something that feels a little more elevated than a hot dog, but still low-effort? Go for grilled sausage links (Italian or bratwurst) served with sautéed onions and bell peppers.
Budget Tip: Swap in hoagie rolls—they’re often cheaper than specialty buns and sturdier for heavier toppings.
🍗 3. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs
More affordable than chicken breasts and packed with flavor. You can prep these the night before with a marinade or dry rub, then toss them on the grill when guests arrive.
Shortcut: Bake them halfway through the day before, then finish them on the grill for that smoky, caramelized flavor—without the wait.
🍖 4. Pulled Pork Sliders
If you’re expecting a larger group and want something you can prep ahead, a slow-cooked pork shoulder is the way to go.
Serve with:
- Slider buns
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
Boom—instant DIY slider bar that feels special but takes minimal effort.
🧀 Easy Memorial Day Appetizers
Skip the fancy trays. You don’t need anything complicated—just a few easy crowd-pleasers you can prep ahead or assemble in minutes.
Ideas to try:
- Caprese skewers (tomato + mozzarella + basil + balsamic drizzle)
- Veggie cups with hummus or ranch at the bottom
- Tortilla pinwheels (cream cheese, deli meat, spinach—roll and slice!)
- Classic chips + salsa + guac combo (because obviously)
None of these quite hit the mark for you and your guests’ appetites? Explore more easy appetizer ideas!
🥗 Best Memorial Day Barbecue Side Dishes
For your Memorial Day barbecue, let’s keep the sides light, fresh, and make-ahead friendly.
Top picks:
- Pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and Italian dressing
- Fruit skewers, or just a big fruit bowl if you’re short on time (make it festive by using red and blue fruits – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Watermelon wedges (bonus points if you sprinkle with Tajín for a little kick!)
- Coleslaw or broccoli salad (this was a hit at our backyard bash!)
- Corn on the cob—grilled or boiled with butter and seasoning
Need to stretch your menu on a budget? Pasta salad and watermelon are your MVPs.
🧊 Drinks, Desserts, & Easy Memorial Day BBQ Serving Ideas
Don’t overthink the drinks!
- Fill a cooler with sodas, seltzers, and juices
- Or prep big-batch lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water in pitchers
- Add a bottle of rosé or a case of beer for the adults
Simple sweet treats:
- Brownies (cut into stars or squares!)
- Ice cream sandwiches
- DIY shortcake bar with store-bought pound cake, whipped cream, and berries
🎉 Memorial Day BBQ Decorations That Take 5 Minutes
We’re keeping it casual. Here’s how to decorate for your Memorial Day BBQ without adding a ton of extra stress to your week. Afterall, it’s all about getting people together, not creating an Instagrammable photo opp.
Easy ideas:
- Red, white, and blue napkins or paper plates
- A few mini American flags in mason jars
- Dollar Tree tablecloths in patriotic colors
- String lights, if your party’s in the evening
- A cute chalkboard sign that says “Welcome to the BBQ!”
Explore more DIY patriotic decoration ideas for Memorial Day and 4th of July —–> Red, white, and blue decoration ideas.
🛒 Make It Easy: Grab Your Printable Memorial Day BBQ Shopping List
Want to take one more thing off your plate? Download the Savvy Swarey Memorial Day BBQ Shopping List—everything you need for this menu, all in one place.
Final Thought: Hosting a Memorial Day BBQ doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive, or stressful. Keep the food classic, the setup simple, and enjoy the long weekend with your favorite people. You’ve got this.