I Was Short On Time—these 27 Memorial Day Recipes Saved The Day

Short on time before the big Memorial Day cookout. These 27 easy recipes made everything better. Each dish was fast, tasty, and simple to prepare. Friends and family loved the flavors and asked for more. The whole day felt easy, fun, and full of good food.

Close-up image of a snack pack filled with whipped cream topped with red, white, and blue sugar sprinkles. Packaging displays
Red,White,and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Homemade Buckeyes

Close-up of homemade buckeyes, featuring chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. One is bitten to reveal the creamy peanut butter filling inside.
Homemade Buckeyes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chocolate and peanut butter came together perfectly in Homemade Buckeyes. They were quick to make and disappeared just as fast. Everyone enjoyed the rich flavor balance without needing a lot of prep time. These little bites really brought a smile to everyone’s faces on Memorial Day.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buckeyes

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rolling out quick bites like Pizza Pinwheels saved so much time! Warm, cheesy, and layered flavors made this snack an instant winner. They were simple to prepare and disappeared in seconds. Memorial Day got a lot tastier with these around.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

Three pulled pork sliders with coleslaw on a white plate, topped with a sprig of parsley.
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Juicy and flavorful, BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw turned into the perfect hearty dish. They didn’t need hours to whip up, which made them the go-to choice. The fresh slaw added just the right crunch for a rounded bite. These sliders came through on a busy day when time was short.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

A close-up image of layered lemon raspberry cake slices topped with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tangy sweetness is what Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars brought to the table in record time. Their creamy layers were quick to prepare and felt refreshingly light. They added just the right finishing touch to the day. It was hard to believe how easy and fast these were to create.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crunchy, spicy, and cheesy that’s what Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos brought during the Memorial Day rush. Toss it all together and bake quickly; these were ready to serve in no time. The combination of flavors was bold but easy to enjoy with friends and family. This dish saved the day for anyone who needed a fast and filling option.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Creamy Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing depth to any dish, Creamy Avocado Sauce turned out to be the perfect add-on when time was tight. Ready in minutes, it paired with several options without needing much effort. The smooth texture made everything taste better instantly. It was a simple but effective solution for an already hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Close-up of three spiral pastry rolls on a black plate, filled with herbs and cheese. Green garnish and a jalapeño pepper are in the background.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Spicy and cheesy are what made Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel a standout snack when the clock was ticking. Nothing fancy here just roll, slice, bake, and enjoy right away. The kick from jalapeños paired with creamy cheese hit the spot. Memorial Day foods felt complete with these easy bites on hand.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crispy perfection took no time with Crunchy Onion Rings on the menu. Cooking them up quickly was a lifesaver when side dishes were needed fast. Their irresistible crunch added variety without stress. Time was tight but these onion rings delivered with ease.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Packed with flavor, Loaded Potato Skins were the answer to last-minute cravings. Taking just a few steps, these turned into a solid appetizer or snack. Everyone appreciated how delicious they were without complicated prep work. Memorial Day felt a little easier thanks to this quick fix.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

7 Layer Dip

A clear glass bowl with 7 Layer Dip featuring beans, white cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and black olives.
7 Layer Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fast and layered goodness defined 7 Layer Dip. It came together in a hurry, making it a top choice for hungry guests. With all the delicious combinations, it felt perfect without being complicated. When Memorial Day got hectic, this dip offered an easy fix.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic and dependable, Potato Salad came to the rescue during a busy day. Preparing it was quick but still brought a comforting element to the table. Its creamy texture and balanced flavors made it hard to go wrong. When every minute counted, this dish was there to help.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Queso Dip

Close-up of creamy cheese dip being poured over chopped tomato salsa with diced onions and cilantro.
Queso Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm and cheesy, Queso Dip made Memorial Day simpler and tastier all at once. Melting everything together didn’t take long, making it a favorite go-to option. Everyone enjoyed dipping in and finding a quick snack ready to go. When time was short, this dish truly saved the day.
Get the Recipe: Queso Dip

Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Close-up of Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies filled with white chocolate chips and raspberries, topped with fresh raspberries and white chocolate chunks.
Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet, easy-to-make Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies were the ultimate dessert fix. The combination of flavors felt rich without being time-consuming. Stir, bake, and they were ready in no time at all. Memorial Day got a little sweeter thanks to this simple treat.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fresh and quick, Antipasto Salad was ideal to toss together without spending hours. Its vibrant mix offered variety in every bite with little effort involved. Preparing it didn’t become a chore, which made it a smart choice. When things got hectic, this saved so much stress.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Fruit Pizza

A close-up of a vibrant fruit tart topped with slices of kiwi, strawberries, mango, grapes, and blueberries arranged in a decorative pattern.
Fruit Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A refreshing twist made Fruit Pizza the unexpected star at a moment’s notice. It didn’t take long to put together, and the colorful presentation was fun for everyone. The easiest dessert to enjoy without spending forever in the kitchen. Memorial Day desserts felt extra special with this as the centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background.
Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When time was tight, these came to the rescue with their quick prep and tangy flavor. Making Key Lime Bars felt like a breeze, yet they delivered such a refreshing dessert. They were the perfect sweet ending for a busy Memorial Day. Effortless and delicious, they put the finishing touch on the day.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Grilled Veggie Kebobs

Close-up of grilled veggie kabobs with zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and onions, garnished with fresh herbs.
Grilled Veggie Kebobs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pulling together something tasty in no time made these the MVP of the day. Grilled Veggie Kebobs were colorful, quick, and exactly what everyone needed. They packed so much flavor into such little effort. Plus, they made every moment feel that much easier.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kebobs

Ice Cream Cake

Close-up of strawberry shortcake slices topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Layers of cake, cream, and strawberries are visible.
Ice Cream Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A quick fix that brought smiles to everyone’s faces, this dessert didn’t need much work. This Ice Cream Cake felt like magic simple yet special. It was perfect for cooling down and fitting into a busy schedule. Even with limited time, it impressed everyone that day.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

No time, no problem this was exactly the solution to that stressful rush. Quinoa Salad came together faster than expected and brought just the right balance. It looked good, worked for everyone, and kept things stress-free. Easy to make, even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Those last-minute plans were saved by something comforting and quick. Putting together Mac and Cheese helped keep things simple and felt like a lifesaver. It was warm, easy, and met everyone’s needs without much fuss. This classic dish made the day feel smooth and seamless.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Green Salad

A close-up of a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and pecans on a plate with a gold fork.
Green Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fast, fresh, and ready to go, this simple dish fit perfectly into the crazy day. Green Salad added color and health without too much effort. Its simplicity matched the need for speed while still feeling complete. A great choice for when there’s no time but still plenty of hunger.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When the rush was on, this quick option stole everyone’s attention. Making Bacon Wrapped Smokies was easy, yet they felt almost too good to be true. They brought just the right balance of flavor with barely any prep. A perfect fix for those short-on-time hustle moments.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Being pressed for time meant something quick was needed, and this worked like a charm. Macaroni Salad came together fast and kept the energy flowing at the table. Keeping it simple while still feeling complete was all anyone needed that busy day. Done quickly, eaten happily.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Strawberry Shortcake

A close-up of a delectable strawberry shortcake reveals layers of biscuit, whipped cream, and fresh strawberry pieces on a plate. In the background, a bowl of strawberries enhances the sweet temptation.
Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A time-saver that didn’t skimp on quality, this dish made itself known in the best way. Whipping up Strawberry Shortcake brought joy without much work. It kept things sweet and easy during what felt like a nonstop day. A reliable choice when every minute counted.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rushing around didn’t stop this dish from being an instant favorite. Honeycrisp Salad was simple, quick, and full of pleasant surprises. It added a refreshing option to the spread without taking much prep time. Just the thing everyone needed during a packed day.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie with a slice removed on a white plate. Topped with lime wedge and zest, the crust is golden brown. A hand touches the plate edge, and a small bowl with cream is nearby.
Key Lime Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Busy plans didn’t get in the way thanks to how easy this was to make. Putting together Key Lime Pie felt smooth and quick while delivering so much flavor. Its tangy and creamy combo worked in every way with almost no effort. It solved that end of day dessert dilemma beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

Close-up image of a snack pack filled with whipped cream topped with red, white, and blue sugar sprinkles. Packaging displays
Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When the schedule barely allowed for extra steps, this dish made life simpler. Bringing Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad to the table got everyone curious and happy fast. It was a breeze to prepare, perfect when there’s hardly any time. A quick fix with a fun presentation.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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