We’re gearing up for Memorial Day weekend in my house. While we remember those who served in the armed forces and died for our freedoms, it’s also a time to enjoy friends and family and unofficially kick off summer.
I’ve got a few recipes in mind that I think my guests will enjoy, but if you’re trying to decide what to make for your cookout take a look at these flavorful recipes.
The sweet taste of Amy Jajliardo’s (Mt. Vernon, ME) Apricot Barbecue Sauce for Grilling will be a great addition to your cookout. It’s sweet thanks to apricot preserves but has a bit of heat from the chipotle sauce and spice from the taco seasoning. Baste your chicken or pork chops in this and they’ll turn out fantastically flavorful.
If hot dogs are on your menu, make a batch of Jen Smallwood’s (Portsmouth, VA) Michigan Hot Dog Sauce.
Meaty, sweet, tangy, and spicy, it’s everything you’d want on a hot dog. If you have leftovers make sure to make a batch of french fries and add this sauce on top (with a little cheese). So good!
When your baked beans are requested by family and friends at get-togethers, like Laura Huffman’s (Rock Hill, SC) Baked Beans w/Bacon are, you know the recipe must be good. Only Laura’s baked beans aren’t good… they’re great.
Bacon on top of anything is delicious and this is no exception. It adds smokey flavor that works well with the sweetness of the ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Dijon mustard gives the baked beans a slight zing I loved.
Another recipe I’ve fallen for is Hidemi Walsh’s (Plainfield, IN) Maple Bacon Potato Salad. It’s definitely not traditional, but I think your guests will fall for it too. In fact, Nancy Dudley made the recipe and said she’d “triple [it] next time.”
This really is a tasty spin on traditional potato salad. As Hidemi notes, “Since bacon and maple syrup are a great match, I added a little bit of maple syrup for dressing.” It’s the dressing that really makes this potato salad. The maple flavor is subtle and provides a sweet, rich accent to the tasty taters and salty bacon. It’s a sweet, savory and delicious recipe.
“I do a lot of cooking for the hospitality team at my church and I was trying to mix things up and create something new,” explains Millie York (Lebanon, TN) of how she came up with her Holy Guacamole Pasta Salad. “This was a huge hit at the event I took it to.”
If you’re a fan of avocados, then you’re going to love this recipe. The spices, textures, and ingredients blend really well. Break with a traditional pasta salad and serve this at your next cookout.
“Put my mind in gear for my first adventure in grilling pineapple and it turned out to be a huge success,” shares Dayle Click (Twin Falls, ID). “I fixed my Nunu’s ‘Danc’n Orange’ Glazed Grilled Pineapple for our Lions Club Picnic and everyone wanted to know how I did it and was asking for the recipe.”
Grilled fruit is a summertime favorite and I can’t wait to unofficially start summer with this super tasty pineapple. Smokey chipotle and sweet orange are the prominent flavors in the delicious glaze. They really bring out the flavor of the fresh pineapple. Serve on top of vanilla ice cream for a fabulous dessert. You could also add a slice to burgers or chop the pineapple and add to a salad.
If you’re looking for even more ideas on what to grill at your Memorial Day cookout, check out our Grilling Favorites collection. It’s packed with delicious grilling recipes. Happy Memorial Day!