Memorial Day is opening day for grilling season — and a day of remembrance first. Many families mark it with a moment of silence at 3 PM local time (the National Moment of Remembrance) before the burgers land. This Memorial Day cookout menu serves ~10: low-and-slow ribs for the planners, fast burgers and dogs for the crowd, and the classic red-white-and-blue dessert finish. Estimated calories per serving are included for planning. Cooking for a crowd at the lake instead of home? The no-cook Cook Out tray strategy at the bottom travels well.
The Menu (with Estimated Calories)
Estimates are per typical serving of homemade food — your mileage (and your mayo hand) will vary.
| Dish | Est. calories | Cook's notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked spare ribs (1/3 rack) | ≈620 cal | Rub overnight; 3-2-1 method; sauce at the end |
| Smash burgers with secret sauce | ≈560 cal | Two thin patties beat one thick one for crowds |
| Grilled brats with peppers & onions | ≈480 cal | Simmer in beer/onion bath, finish on grill |
| Deviled eggs (2 halves) | ≈130 cal | Make morning-of; chill till serving |
| Creamy coleslaw | ≈170 cal | Or vinegar slaw (≈90) for a lighter table |
| Grilled asparagus & zucchini platter | ≈80 cal | Olive oil, salt, lemon zest — 4 minutes |
| Cornbread muffins | ≈190 cal | Cast-iron if you can; honey butter alongside |
| Red drink: strawberry lemonade (16 oz) | ≈170 cal | White: spiked-free pina colada slush; Blue: berry-infused water |
| Flag cake / berry trifle | ≈380 cal | Pound cake, whipped cream, strawberries, blueberries |
| Watermelon wedges with flaky salt | ≈90 cal | The official first watermelon of summer |
🛒Shopping List (10 guests)
- 3 racks spare ribs; dry rub; 1 bottle BBQ sauce
- 4 lb ground chuck + buns; 12 brats + rolls; peppers, onions
- 2 dozen eggs; 2 cabbage heads or 2 bags slaw mix
- Asparagus + zucchini; cornmeal muffin mix; butter, honey
- Strawberries, blueberries, pound cake, whipped cream/cool whip
- Lemons (2 lb), sugar; 1 seedless watermelon; 10 lb ice; water cases
⏱️Make-Ahead Timeline
- Saturday: rub ribs; make slaw dressing; bake/buy pound cake.
- Sunday morning: deviled eggs; berry prep; beer-onion brat bath.
- 6 hrs out: ribs on at 225–250°F (or oven-then-grill cheat: foil at 300°F 2.5 hrs, grill to finish).
- 45 min out: brats simmer then grill; vegetables on.
- 15 min out: smash burgers in batches (160°F); rest ribs tented 20 minutes before slicing.
- 3 PM: pause for the National Moment of Remembrance.
💲Budget
Ribs are the splurge: budget $120–$170 for 10 with ribs, or $70–$100 swapping ribs for chicken quarters. Watch Memorial Day weekend meat sales — ribs and ground beef are the classic loss leaders.
🍱 No-Grill Shortcut: Fake It With Cook Out Trays
Hosting without cooking is a proud Southern tradition. Order one Regular Tray per guest (Big Double, BBQ and strips mains travel best), double the hushpuppies and Cajun fries, add a round of $3.99 shakes for dessert, and decant Huge Teas over ice. Official restaurant menu and locator: cookout.com ↗.
FAQs
What food is traditional for a Memorial Day cookout?
Grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs and chicken; potato salad and slaw; deviled eggs; corn; watermelon; and a red-white-and-blue berry dessert. Regional tables add pulled pork (Carolinas), brats (Midwest) or brisket (Texas).
How do I keep food safe at an outdoor Memorial Day cookout?
Cold foods at or below 40°F over ice, hot foods above 140°F, nothing out more than 2 hours (1 hour if it is over 90°F outside). Chill leftovers in shallow containers.
What can I serve guests who do not eat pork or beef?
Grilled chicken and turkey burgers, veggie skewers, black-bean burgers, and the full sides table. Cook veggie items in a foil tray to avoid cross-contact.