13 Cheesy Memorial Day Recipes That’ll Win the Cookout

By Emily Richter

5/20/2026

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Memorial Day weekend is officially the kickoff to summer — and if you’re hosting (or bringing a dish), you’re going to want recipes that are easy, crowd-friendly, and packed with flavor. We’re talking cheesy dips, no-fuss mains, fresh salads, and desserts that disappear fast.

Whether you’re firing up the grill, setting out a spread, or just looking for something to bring to the party that everyone will love — these 13 recipes have you covered from appetizers to dessert.

Mains & Sandwiches

1. Copycat Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger

This one’s a showstopper. A juicy burger wrapped in a crispy quesadilla shell with melty cheese, bacon, and a creamy sauce. Better than the original — and perfect for a cookout upgrade. 🍔

Copycat Applebees Quesadilla Burger

5 from 3 votes

This Copycat Applebees Quesadilla Burger tastes even better than the real thing! You'll love this at-home version of Applebees recipe.

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2. Ham and Cheese Sliders

The ultimate party sandwich — buttery Hawaiian rolls loaded with ham and Swiss, brushed with a honey mustard glaze, and baked until golden and melty. Make a big batch because these go fast. 🧀

Ham and Cheese Sliders

4.50 from 4 votes

These baked ham and cheese sliders are a crowd pleaser! Bake in a casserole dish, and they're ready to serve in under an hour.

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3. Easy Walking Tacos

Seasoned beef, cheese, sour cream, and all the fixings — served right in the chip bag. No plates needed, minimal cleanup, maximum fun. Kids and adults alike go crazy for these.

Easy Walking Tacos Recipe

All of your favorite taco fixings are packed into individual Frito bags for an easy on-the-go dinner that feeds a crowd. This walking tacos recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is a fun and totally handheld meal for ball games, BBQs, potlucks, and more!

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4. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside — and done in minutes. A great side to burgers or soup, or just a quick snack while you’re waiting for the grill to heat up. 🔥

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

5 from 1 vote

Crispy, perfect air fryer grilled cheese is ready in less than 15 minutes and only requires 4 ingredients!

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Sides & Salads

5. Mexican Pasta Salad

A zesty, creamy pasta salad loaded with black beans, corn, peppers, and a punch of flavor from cotija cheese. Make it ahead and let the flavors get to know each other — it’s even better the next day. 🌽

Mexican Pasta Salad

5 from 4 votes

This homemade Mexican pasta salad is ultra creamy and bursting with flavor. It's a fun twist on taco night and always impresses. Pan-fry the corn for elevated flavor!

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6. Street Corn Chopped Bagels

This trendy twist on elote is packed with sweet corn, cotija cheese, lime, and chili seasoning — all piled onto a toasted bagel. It’s the perfect handheld side for outdoor eating.

Street Corn Chopped Bagel

This delicious street corn chopped bagel is made with cream cheese, bacon, eggs, corn, and cotija. Chopped up together to make the most delicious breakfast spread for your favorite bagel.

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7. Classic Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, homemade dressing, crunchy croutons, and loads of parmesan. Every cookout needs a good salad, and this one delivers. Simple, reliable, and always a hit. 🥗

Caesar Salad Recipe

With a rich and tangy homemade dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and flavorful croutons, classic Caesar salad has stood the test of time. It's simple, flavorful, and you'll never want to use store-bought dressing again. Don't skip the anchovy paste - trust me!

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Dips & Appetizers

8. Cottage Cheese Queso

Only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes — this creamy, protein-packed queso is the ultimate easy party dip. Blended cottage cheese makes it ridiculously smooth and secretly healthy. Grab your chips! 🧡

Cottage Cheese Queso

5 from 4 votes

This 4-ingredient cottage cheese queso is ultra creamy and packed with protein. It's made in under 10 minutes with a blender and microwave - grab your favorite chips and get dipping!

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9. 7 Layer Taco Dip

The classic party appetizer that never lets you down. Layers of refried beans, sour cream, guac, cheese, tomatoes, and olives — no baking required. Just assemble and watch it disappear.

7 Layer Taco Dip

This quick no-bake 7 layer taco dip is bright, colorful, and perfect for parties. Assemble in a glass pan to see all of the layers!

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10. Crockpot Queso Dip

Set it and forget it. This slow cooker queso is creamy, cheesy, and stays perfectly warm for hours — exactly what you want when you’re hosting. Velveeta + Rotel = crowd-favorite magic. 🫕

Crockpot Queso Dip

4.41 from 10 votes

This Crockpot Queso Dip is the ultimate cheesy appetizer! It’s super creamy, never clumpy, and perfect for game day, movie nights, or any get-together.

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Desserts

11. Homemade Cannoli Ice Cream

Creamy ricotta meets chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon in this no-churn ice cream that tastes like a cannoli in frozen form. Summer dessert doesn’t get more unique — or more delicious — than this. 🍦

Homemade Cannoli Ice Cream

This creamy cannoli ice cream is made with delicious cannoli filling, heavy whipping cream, and mini chocolate chips. Pop it in the freezer and serve it for dessert at your next get together.

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12. No-Bake Strawberry Tiramisu

Fresh strawberries, mascarpone cream, and ladyfingers — no oven required. This fruity twist on the Italian classic is light, refreshing, and absolutely perfect for hot summer days. 🍓

Strawberry Tiramisu

4.50 from 2 votes

This easy strawberry tiramisu is a light, fruity twist on the classic no-bake dessert. Layers of prosecco-soaked ladyfingers, fluffy mascarpone cream, and fresh strawberries come together for a simple yet impressive treat.

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13. Funfetti Dip

A sweet, sprinkle-loaded dip made with cream cheese and whipped topping — serve it with animal crackers, pretzels, or fruit. It’s festive, fun, and the kids will go absolutely wild for it. 🎉

Funfetti Dip

5 from 7 votes

This funfetti dip is made with funfetti cake mix, whipped cream, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and extra sprinkles for an easy dessert recipe!

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Tips for Your Memorial Day Spread

Make ahead what you can: The Mexican pasta salad, 7 layer dip, and strawberry tiramisu all taste better after chilling overnight. Less stress on the day of!

Set up a dip station: Put out the cottage cheese queso, crockpot queso, and 7 layer dip with a big basket of chips and let guests graze all afternoon.

Think handheld: Walking tacos, sliders, and grilled cheese are all easy to eat standing up — no need for a formal sit-down situation.

Don’t forget dessert: The cannoli ice cream can be made days ahead, and the funfetti dip comes together in 5 minutes flat.

Keep it fun: Memorial Day is about celebrating with the people you love. Pick a few recipes, keep it simple, and enjoy the long weekend! ☀️