A great BBQ needs killer sides to match! These 15 Memorial Day side dishes are easy, flavorful, and fit with any grilled main. They bring balance without stealing the spotlight. Perfect for rounding out your spread with zero hassle!
Spicy Cauliflower Bites
These Spicy Cauliflower Bites hit that perfect mix of crunchy and hot without a lot of prep! Toss them in the oven or air fryer, and they’re ready before the burgers even hit the grill. They bring just enough kick to wake up the plate and balance out heavier dishes. For Memorial Day BBQs, this is the kind of bold side that disappears before you even sit down!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites
Sweet Potato Avocado Toast
This version skips the bread and uses roasted sweet potato slices as the base, topped with creamy avocado for an easy but eye-catching side! It’s quick to throw together and adds something fresh and colorful to the BBQ table. People grab these Sweet Potato Avocado Toasts before they even ask what’s in them. If you want something that stands out on Memorial Day without extra work, this one always delivers!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Avocado Toast
Pickle de Gallo
This Pickle de Gallo brings a sharp, tangy twist that cuts right through anything rich or grilled! It takes minutes to make and works as a topping, dip, or even a quick side scoop. It’s the kind of unexpected combo that gets people talking — and coming back for more. For a Memorial Day BBQ, this one brings a refreshing kick that holds its own next to any main!
Get the Recipe: Pickle de Gallo
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Big, bold flavor packed into one bite makes these Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms hard to pass up! With melty cheese and hearty texture, they bring just the right kind of comfort without needing a fork and knife. Prep is fast, and they cook up even quicker. They bring a cozy, no-fuss option to the Memorial Day BBQ table that feels a little extra without any extra work!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa
That smoky-sweet combo of corn, lime, and chipotle never sticks around long! It takes barely any time to toss together and holds up perfectly next to grilled anything. You get crunch, heat, and cool all in one scoop. If you want a BBQ side that punches through the heat and brings people back for seconds, this Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa is a no-brainer for Memorial Day spreads!
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa
Mushroom Hummus
Blending earthy mushrooms into hummus turns a basic dip into something worth talking about! Just toss everything in the blender, and you’re good to go in minutes. This Mushroom Hummus is smooth, rich, and perfect for spreading, dipping, or spooning straight onto your plate. At a Memorial Day BBQ, this side brings something deeper and bolder without breaking a sweat!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus
Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Crunchy edges and gooey cheese hit all the right notes with these Loaded Smashed Potatoes! You get the comfort of a baked potato in a form that’s way easier to serve and share. Throw them on a tray and bake — that’s it. At any Memorial Day cookout, they’re the kind of side that makes people hover around the table for more!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
The garlic hits you before the lid even comes off! These Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes turn buttery and soft in the slow cooker, with crispy edges and just the right kick from parmesan. Dump it all in and let it do its thing while you focus on the grill. For Memorial Day BBQs, this is the hands-off side dish that makes people think you spent all day cooking!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets
One bite of these Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets, and people start asking who brought them. With crispy crusts and melty filling, they pack in bacon and greens without feeling heavy! You can prep them in advance and warm them up when it’s time to eat. These small bites bring just the right energy to any Memorial Day BBQ spread — they’re easy to grab and hard to stop eating!
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets
Air Fryer Steak Bites
That sizzle from the air fryer means something good is about to hit the table! These Air Fryer Steak Bites come out juicy with garlic-butter flavor in every bite, no grill required. They’re ready in minutes and disappear even faster. If you want a Memorial Day side that gets people reaching across the table, this one always wins!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Wrapped in bacon and oozing with cheese, these Smoked Jalapeno Poppers bring the heat without going overboard! They’re easy to prep ahead and smoke until golden right before serving. That first bite hits hard — smoky, creamy, spicy, and crisp all at once. Perfect for a Memorial Day BBQ where you need a side that never gets left behind!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Layers of thin potatoes baked into crispy-topped stacks make these Au Gratin Potato Stacks feel fancier than it is. You get golden edges and soft centers in every bite — no spoon required. They bake right in a muffin tin, which makes serving them a breeze. For Memorial Day BBQs, these are a crowd favorite that looks like way more work than it actually is!
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
The salty crunch of bacon pairs perfectly with just-tender asparagus in this simple Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus! It’s fast to assemble, fast to bake, and even faster to disappear. You get a lighter bite without giving up flavor. At Memorial Day BBQs, this one balances the table while still bringing bold energy!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Pasta Salad without Mayo
Cool, crunchy, and full of bright flavor, this Pasta Salad without Mayo skips the mayo but keeps all the punch! With fresh veggies and a tangy dressing, it’s light enough for a hot day and sturdy enough to last the afternoon. It’s an easy win that works with anything grilled. For a Memorial Day BBQ, this one gets scooped up before the burgers are even done!
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Hot off the pan with smoky bacon and tender shrimp, these Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are the bites people reach for without even thinking! Just a quick roast or grill, and they’re ready to serve in no time. The combo is simple but hits hard every time. This side brings fire to the Memorial Day BBQ lineup and is always the first to vanish!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
27 Festive Red, White And Blue Snacks to Share With Family and Friends
These red, white, and blue bites bring the fun without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting or just showing up hungry, there’s something here worth grabbing. Get ready to share—and maybe not want to!
16 Memorial Day Desserts That Look Fancy but Are Super Low-Effort
These 16 Memorial Day desserts strike the perfect balance between comfort and celebration. From nostalgic classics to bold new takes, each one adds heart to your table. It’s more than dessert—it’s a tribute worth sharing!
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
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