Memorial Day Recipes My Family Keeps Asking For—29 They Love Every Year

It starts with one dish, then suddenly everyone’s asking if I brought the same one from last year. These 29 picks have somehow become tradition, not because they’re fancy, but because they never miss. There’s always something that disappears first, and it’s never what I expect. That’s what makes it fun.

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper. — Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Strawberry Poke Cake

A slice of cake with a light pink and beige interior, topped with white frosting and sliced strawberries. — Strawberry Poke Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Everyone loves a sweet ending, especially when it involves strawberries. This cake is a hit at our gatherings, with its juicy strawberry surprise inside making it unforgettable. Strawberry Poke Cake becomes the talk of the table every time. It’s pretty simple but leaves a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

Big Mac Sloppy Joe

Two sesame seed burgers with cheese, shredded lettuce, ground meat, and pickles, stacked on a plate. — Big Mac Sloppy Joe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Merging two classic favorites into one has never failed to please the crowd. It’s got all the flavors of the iconic burger but with the homey touch of a sloppy Joe. Big Mac Sloppy Joe is a genius twist on traditional BBQ fare. Always a winner, it keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sloppy Joe

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.

Queso Dip takes snacking up a notch, adding smoothness and richness to any spread. It’s a go-to for dipping chips, veggies, or pretty much anything within reach. Warm and inviting, it’s impossible not to gather around. No matter the crowd, it disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Queso Dip

Creamy Avocado Sauce

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

If you’re looking for something versatile, look no further. This sauce pairs well with basically everything, from tacos to grilled chicken. Creamy Avocado Sauce is our go-to for adding a smooth, rich texture to any dish. It’s always a hit, making whatever it’s served with instantly better.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

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.

Who said salads were boring? This one’s a festive, sweet-salty treat that catches eyes with its patriotic colors. Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad brings a crunch that’s unexpected but very welcome. It’s a favorite for its uniqueness and the fun it adds to our menu.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

Charcuterie Board

It’s not just food; it’s an art display on a platter. With a variety of meats, cheeses, and fruits, it allows for creativity and caters to all preferences. Charcuterie Board is a feast for the eyes and the belly. It’s the centerpiece that starts conversations.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Pigs in a Blanket

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that win the biggest applause. These little guys are always a massive hit, wrapped in their cozy dough blankets. Pigs in a Blanket offer a bite-sized yum that’s impossible to resist. They disappear faster than anything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background. — Marshmallow Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who can say no to cookies, especially when marshmallows get into the mix? These treats bring a soft, gooey delight that’s just right. Marshmallow Swirl Cookies become the star for those with a sweet tooth. They’re the perfect blend of comfort and fun in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

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.

For those craving something crispy, these are surefire. They’ve got that perfect golden crunch that makes a rewarding sound. Crunchy Onion Rings are exceptionally good, standing out even in a table full of contenders. Always gone by the end of the meal, they’re a true crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Loaded Potato Skins

When potatoes get dressed up with all the best toppings, you know it’s going to be good. These aren’t just any potato skins; they’re a whole flavor experience. Loaded Potato Skins pack in all the favorites, making them a hearty choice everyone looks forward to. They’re a balance of crispy, creamy, and everything nice.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

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.

Ever imagine fruit and pizza together? Here’s a sweet take that brings bright colors and fresh flavors atop a soft crust. Fruit Pizza isn’t just dessert, it’s a conversation piece. Its vibrant appeal and fresh taste make it a refreshing break from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background. — Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Missing that restaurant-quality side dish is a common feeling. These biscuits bring the taste of dining out right to our backyard. With Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits, the flaky, cheesy goodness becomes a home-comfort favorite. They often get requested even outside of holiday seasons.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Brats in a Blanket

Sliced sausage wrapped in golden-brown pastry, sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds. — Brats in a Blanket. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Imagine taking a familiar favorite and giving it a hearty twist. That’s what happens when brats get wrapped up, cozy and ready to impress. Brats in a Blanket upgrade the ordinary into something memorable. It’s the kind of tweak to tradition that gets thumbs up all around.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Patriotic Gumdrops

Close-up of star-shaped gummy candies in red, blue, and white, coated with sugar. — Patriotic Gumdrops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet, chewy, and decked out in red, white, and blue, these little gems add a pop of color and fun. Patriotic Gumdrops are not just candy; they’re a festive nod to the occasion. They make for a playful pick-me-up and a great way to spread the holiday spirit. Easy to love, they’re a simple joy.
Get the Recipe: Patriotic Gumdrops

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, creamy, and rolled up in a bite-sized package. If you like a bit of heat paired with a lot of flavors, this is your go-to. Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel makes an appearance and instantly becomes the topic of interest. They’re the perfect kick our feast needs without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

Vanilla and lemon cupcakes with swirled pink raspberry buttercream frosting, each topped with a fresh raspberry, arranged closely together. — Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When life gives us lemons, we make these cupcakes. Topped with raspberry frosting, they’re a sweet and tangy treat. Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting match the cheerful vibe of the day perfectly. It’s almost impossible to stop at just one.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Close-up of grilled chicken wings with a crispy texture, next to a red bowl of creamy dipping sauce. — Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing the popular chain’s flavors home has never been more successful. These wings offer that perfect blend of spicy, tasty, and slightly sweet. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings are a game changer, making you reconsider all other wing recipes. They have just the right kick to keep the party lively.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds. — Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Small in size but huge in flavor, these sliders are a must-have at our table. Perfect for hands of all sizes, they make eating fun and easy. Turkey Sliders are a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on taste. They’re the kind of mini sandwiches that disappear before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

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.

No need for a choice between cake or ice cream when this dessert exists. It’s the best of both worlds, offering layers of creamy goodness. Ice Cream Cake proves to be a showstopper every year. It’s a cooling treat that perfectly rounds off the meal.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Tzatziki

Looking for a refreshing dip that’s a bit out of the ordinary? This one brings a creamy, garlicky, and fresh cucumber taste that’s hard to beat. Tzatziki is versatile, acting as a dip or a sauce, making it a crowd favorite. It’s the cool, tangy addition we didn’t know we needed.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl. — Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta isn’t just for sit-down dinners; this dish proves it belongs at every celebration. Tossed with salami and other goodies, it’s hearty and full of flavor. Italian Pasta with Salami makes its way to the heart of every pasta lover with ease. It’s the dish that brings comfort and festivity together.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies. — Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Combining everyone’s favorite cookie with the creaminess of cheesecake? Yes, please. This dessert is rich, indulgent, and all kinds of wonderful. Oreo Cheesecake is a dream come true for sweet enthusiasts. It’s the kind of treat that has everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

Taco Dip

Glass bowl with layered dip topped with guacamole, sliced jalapeños, black olives, and tomatoes. A tortilla chip is dipping into the bowl. — Taco Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

It’s like the essence of a taco captured in a scoopable form. Layered with all the best parts, it’s interactive and full of flavors. Taco Dip gets the party started right from the first bite. It’s an engaging way to enjoy the taste of tacos without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip

Waldorf Salad

Bringing a classic to the table with a mix of crisp apples, nuts, and more. It’s a refreshing side that balances out the heavier mains. Waldorf Salad is a nod to tradition with a twist. Its freshness and crunch offer a gratifying contrast to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Why settle for one flavor when you can have three? This ice cream brings chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry together in harmonious layers. Neapolitan Ice Cream is a throwback that never gets old. It offers a bit of everything for everyone, making it a universal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

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.

For something on the lighter side, these kebobs are a colorful and tasty option. They bring a variety of vegetables to the forefront, grilled to perfection. Grilled Veggie Kebobs are a must-have for adding some freshness to the feast. They’re a simple way to enjoy the flavors of warmer days.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kebobs

Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups

These cups are a playful dessert that layers colors of the flag with deliciousness. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re a creative take on a classic. Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups are fun to make and even more fun to eat. They perfectly capture the spirit of the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside. — Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you want to bring some tropical flair to the table, this salad does it with style. The combination of mango and shrimp is refreshing and light. Mango Shrimp Salad offers a sweet and tasty experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s the dish that feels like a mini vacation.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

If you think cheese balls are passé, think again. Bacon and jalapeño give these a modern twist that’s irresistible. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls are the appetizer that keeps everyone hovering around the table. They’re bite-sized but pack a punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

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.