Memorial Day Party Food for a Crowd

Summer is the season of patriotism. We celebrate multiple patriotic holidays throughout the summer, all of which need good food. In fact, we kick things off with Memorial Day party food, the first “summer meal” the whole family can enjoy.

Memorial Day party food for a crowd allows us to break out some patriotic recipes while we honor those who lost their lives defending our country. Of course, we are expected to serve up some of the classics like hot dogs, french fries, a green salad, and burgers.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, after all. That is why most of the best Memorial Day recipes will consist of grilling recipes; it is a Memorial Day cookout or Memorial Day BBQ. However, we don’t have to stick to the grill.

Memorial Day Party Food Close Up of an American Flag in a Front Lawn of a Home with a Sidewalk Going Off in the Distance

We can use other cooking methods to help us put together some delicious food for our party guests. This is a better way to ensure you can put together the main dishes and the sides without spending all day working in the kitchen or at a grill.

No one wants to sacrifice the single day that makes this weekend a long weekend. The Memorial Day celebration starts with a menu. You can add some make-ahead recipes to the list, as well as some recipes you will make on Monday.

Break out the patriotic decorations, this party is going to be amazing!

Memorial Day Party Food Close Up of a Bowl of Strawberries and Blueberries on a White Surface

Memorial Day Party Food for a Crowd

We can’t talk about making a bruschetta appetizer for parties, or macaroni and cheese for a crowd, or even some edible cookie dough desserts without talking a bit of history.

Memorial Day is the day we remember the fallen soldiers of the American military. The first Memorial Day was in 1868 and was celebrated simply by decorating the gravestones of fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day Party Food View of a Field with Red and White Flowers and Small American Flags

Towns and cities would honor their local heroes in their own way. However, the holiday adapted to the times, and now we all honor the women and men of our armed forces in celebration.

This celebration can take on any appearance you like, so long as you do it honorably. Enjoy those scalloped potatoes and bowls of chicken chili with American pride!

Memorial Day Party Food Close Up of a Pineapple with Sunglasses On Laying on an American Flag

Traditional Recipes for Memorial Day

There really isn’t much of a tradition besides honoring women and men of the armed forces on Memorial Day. However, the holiday has grown and shifted with the times. Now, we celebrate Memorial Day as both a way to honor fallen soldiers and as the unofficial start of summer.

That means we need to think classic summer BBQs when building the menu. We can have things like pasta salads, Mexican street corn, and veggie kabobs. However, the best way to host a Memorial Day party is to have options.

Memorial Day Party Food a Veteran in Uniform Marching While Holding an American Flag

Let’s level up the hot dog with this gourmet hot dog recipe you can easily make on a grill. Hot dogs are a classic BBQ recipe; they are plain enough that everyone can build them as they want.

These also go to the next level with more than just mustard, relish, and onions. The other staple we can enhance is the tastiest, grilled BBQ ribs. The classics are classics for a reason. Change things up with some easy side dishes made from delicious recipes.

Memorial Day Party Food for a Crowd America Flag Themed Windmill and Top Hat on a Blue Surface

What to Have for a Memorial Day Picnic

A Memorial Day menu will depend on which activity you want to do. Most people think BBQ is the only answer on Memorial Day. However, we can just as easily plan a picnic in the park.

After all, it is the beginning of summer, which means it is the perfect time to do either a backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park. One thing to remember is that cooking hot food at home and then taking it directly to a park to eat is not much different from picking up food from a restaurant and bringing it home to eat.

Memorial Day Party Food for a Crowd Veterans Standing in a Line Holding a Flag

That means we can have a hot, savory option like these buffalo chicken sandwiches that travel very well. That would mean swapping the classic BBQ sauces out for something different this holiday weekend.

Pack a classic potato salad or some creamy slaw to go with those sandwiches, and you’re set to have huge success. Fresh fruit in this red, white, and blue fruit salad will take your picnic to the next level.

Memorial Day Party Food for a Crowd Silhouette of a Soldier Saluting the American Flag

Memorial Day Desserts

Memorial Day party food can take many different forms. Sticking to the classics is nice, but not mandatory. We don’t even have to stick with the traditional BBQ celebration. Picnics, dinner parties, whatever you want to do is up to you.

However, the one thing that is not questionable is the dessert. We can’t have a celebration without something sweet. We can easily make themed desserts like these patriotic Rice Krispies treats.

Memorial Day Party Food for a Crowd a Baby Wearing Overalls with an American Flag on Them

Memorial Day foods can also be from other patriotic holidays; we just need that patriotic spirit. Add some fresh strawberries and blueberries to the treats if you want to go the extra mile.

We can even make a dessert with delicious textures like this red, white, and blue berry dessert. It combines fluff with gelatin and more. You might even say it is a lighter option that is perfect for warm weather.

The food is important, but we can’t forget the point of the holiday. Thank you to all of those in service of this country and to all of those who paid the ultimate price for what this country stands for.