The Memorial Day Cookout Plan You’ll Wish You Had Last Year

Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer, and it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill, invite your crew over, and enjoy the sunshine. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a park picnic, or a beach cookout, one thing’s for sure: the food needs to be delivered.

The key to a successful Memorial Day cookout? A balanced plan with a few show-stopping mains, crowd-friendly sides, and easy desserts that don’t require a full day in the kitchen. In this post, we’ll break down a summer cookout plan that’s flavorful, practical, and heat-tested.

Plus, see how The MeatStick, a wireless smart meat thermometer, helps you cook confidently without guesswork. Right now, the all-new MeatStick V is up to 38% off — just in time for your summer grilling plans.

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Crowd-Pleasing Proteins for the Grill

Photo by @steven_smokehouse

Classic Burgers and Hot Dogs (with a Gourmet Twist)

Let’s face it, you can’t host a cookout without burgers and dogs. But that doesn’t mean they need to be basic. A few small upgrades can make a huge difference and leave your guests raving.

Burger Tips:

• Go for 80/20 ground beef. It gives you the right amount of fat to stay juicy.
• Season generously. A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce is a safe, flavorful base.
• Flatten patties with a thumbprint in the center to prevent them from puffing up while grilling.
• Offer a DIY topping bar with sharp cheddar, sautéed mushrooms, pickles, crispy bacon, and sauces like sriracha mayo or BBQ aioli. Mix and match to create the ultimate combo for flavor. Nothing beats the look and taste of a mouth-watering burger fresh off the grill.

Hot Dog Upgrades:

• Go beyond the basic frank. Serve bratwursts, spicy links, or even plant-based sausages to cover all tastes.
• Toast your buns on the grill for extra flavor and texture.
• Try toppings like caramelized onions, pickled jalapeños, creamy coleslaw, or chili and cheese.

Having easy handheld options is perfect for guests who want to graze without sitting down for a formal meal.

Photo by @funnys_bbq

BBQ Chicken, Ribs, and Steak Cooked Just Right

This is where you elevate the cookout. Big proteins bring big flavor, but they also come with more risk if you're not watching temps closely. Undercook them and it’s unsafe. Overcook them and you're wasting good meat.

Memorial Day Grill Favorites & Ideal Temps:

• Bone-in chicken thighs: 165°F. More flavorful and forgiving than breasts. Marinate overnight in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and rosemary for max impact.
• Baby back ribs: 195–203°F. Low and slow is your friend. Use a dry rub, wrap them in foil after two hours, and finish on high heat for caramelization.
• Ribeye or NY strip steak: 130–135°F for medium-rare. Let steaks rest 30 minutes at room temp before grilling. Always rest after cooking.

Pro Tip: These cuts aren’t cheap. Don’t ruin them with guesswork. The MeatStick helps monitor internal temps in real time from your phone, so you can stay chill with your guests instead of hovering over the grill.

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Easy Side Dishes That Travel Well

Great sides are the glue of a memorable cookout, and they don’t need to be fussy. Just focus on dishes that hold up in the heat, are easy to prep in batches, and can be made the night before.

Photo by @outside.grilling

Grilled Veggies and Corn on the Cob

Veggies on the grill not only look amazing but add a smoky, charred depth that contrasts perfectly with meats. They’re also great for anyone who wants a lighter option or a satisfying light lunch.

Grill-friendly veggie options:

• Zucchini and yellow squash (sliced lengthwise)
• Red onions (in thick rings or wedges)
• Bell peppers (halved or quartered)
• Portobello mushrooms (marinated for extra depth)
• Cherry tomatoes (on skewers so they don’t roll away)

Brush everything with olive oil, season with sea salt and pepper, and toss on the grill. Serve warm or at room temp with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Corn on the cob tips:

• Soak corn in the husk for 30 minutes before grilling for moisture.
• For max flavor, peel back the husks, slather with butter, garlic, chili powder, or cotija cheese, then rewrap and grill.

Pasta Salad, Coleslaw, and Potato Salad

These classic sides are cookout staples for a reason. They hold well in coolers and can be made ahead of time in large batches.

Classic pasta salad idea:

• Rotini or farfalle pasta
• Cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumber
• Feta cheese and lemony vinaigrette
• Optional: chickpeas or green onions for extra flavor

Coleslaw tip: Skip the mayo. A mix of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and celery seed makes a bright, crunchy slaw that pairs beautifully with BBQ meats.

Potato salad tip: Use red or Yukon gold potatoes, boil until just tender, then toss with grainy mustard, olive oil, chopped dill, and scallions. Or go for creamy potato salads made with Greek yogurt and a touch of ranch dressing for a lighter twist. It’s a classic, comforting side dish that always disappears fast.

Bonus: Want a refreshing salad? Try a watermelon and cucumber combo with lime juice and mint leaves. It’s hydrating, light, and perfect for family cookouts. Don't forget to bring chips for dipping to round out your spread of cookout food ideas.

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Drinks and Desserts to Finish Strong

No one wants to sip a lukewarm soda or eat a dessert that melts in two minutes. These picks are tried, tested, and heat-friendly.

Drinks (Kid-Approved + Crowd Favorites)

Keep things simple and refreshing, especially if it’s a hot day. Not everyone drinks alcohol, and the kids need options too.

Drink Station Must-Haves:

• Homemade lemonade or hibiscus iced tea with lemon juice for brightness
• Sparkling water with lemon, lime, or berry flavors
• Cucumber mint water in a dispenser or mason jars
• Fruit punch or juice boxes for kids
• Ice chest with plenty of ice, cups, and napkins

Make it self-serve so you’re not playing bartender all day.

Desserts That Don’t Need an Oven

Cookout desserts should be low-fuss and portable. You want options that won’t melt into a puddle or require refrigeration.

Smart dessert picks:

• Skillet s’mores: Layer graham crackers, chocolate chunks, and marshmallows in a cast-iron skillet, then pop it on the grill until gooey
• Grilled peaches or pineapple: Slice, brush with honey or brown sugar, and grill cut-side down until caramelized
• Brownie bites or cookie bars: Bake the day before and cut small for easy sharing
• Ice cream sandwiches:Pre-wrap in foil and toss in a cooler with ice packs
• Sliced fresh fruit: Keep watermelon, strawberries, fresh berries, or citrus in the cooler for a light and refreshing finish
• Add a scoop of ice cream on top of warm grilled fruit for a show-stopping dessert everyone will remember

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Quick Recap: What to Prep for Your Cookout

Proteins:

• Burgers, hot dogs, bratwursts
• Chicken thighs, ribs, steak

Sides:

• Pasta salad, potato salad, coleslaw
• Grilled corn, veggie skewers

Drinks:

• Lemonade, juice boxes, cucumber water

Desserts:

• Skillet s’mores, grilled fruit, brownies, ice cream

Tools:

• Grill tools, cooler, foil, napkins
• The MeatStick smart thermometer

Planning a cookout shouldn’t be complicated. With this guide and The MeatStick by your side, you can focus on what matters most: great food and good company, not worrying about overcooked chicken or dry steak.

Cook smarter this Memorial Day — and save up to 38% on the new MeatStick V while you're at it. Explore the full collection and grill with confidence.

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Memorial Day is more than just the start of summer — it's a time to gather with friends and family, reflect, and enjoy the simple things that make life good. Whether you're flipping burgers, slow-cooking ribs, or building the ultimate side spread, having a plan (and the right tools) makes everything easier. Bookmark this blog, try something new this year, and most importantly — enjoy the cookout 🧡