7 Memorial Day BBQ Ideas

Are you looking for some tasty Memorial Day BBQ ideas? Step off the beaten path with flavors like juicy bacon-wrapped shrimp, tangy pineapple teriyaki chicken skewers, creamy bacon and ranch potato salad, spicy jalapeno cheddar cornbread, and a zesty grilled veggie platter. Wash it all down with sparkling watermelon mint lemonade. Elevate your time in your outdoor kitchen.

Are you looking for some Memorial Day BBQ ideas?

Plain ol’ hamburgers and hotdogs are always a delight if it means enjoying them fresh off the grill paired with a cold drink and a long weekend. But sometimes you just want something a little bit more unique to spice up your get-together.

This article explores seven tasty Memorial Day BBQ ideas.

7 Tasty Memorial Day BBQ Ideas

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer vacation. So, get ready to spend more time outdoors taking advantage of your grill and outdoor kitchen suite.

Here are seven tasty Memorial Day BBQ ideas your guests will remember.

1. Juicy Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Shrimp

Face it – bacon makes everything better. Wrap it around shrimp and cook it on a grill and you have yourself an appetizer that isn’t likely to stick around very long at all.

Coat your shrimp in a glaze consisting of barbecue sauce, mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Wrap the shrimp and throw it on the grill. The key is to cook the bacon a little bit first before adding it to the shrimp. Bacon takes much longer to cook than shrimp — and no one enjoys undercooked bacon.

What’s great about this Memorial Day BBQ idea is that it can be used as an appetizer or it can be part of the main course. Either way, they are a stunning addition to the table.

2. Tangy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Skewers are great when cooking outside. They are made on the grill and can be easily eaten without really even needing silverware. And, because it is all cooked so close together, the flavors of everything on your skewer combine to create a great finished product.

Cut red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, fresh pineapple, and skinless boneless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Add them to the skewers in an alternating manner.

Lather each skewer up with a tangy teriyaki sauce made of brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, minced garlic, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Then, grill them up. Just before they are almost done, lather them once again in the sauce for optimal flavor.

3. Creamy Bacon and Ranch Potato Salad

Every BBQ needs potato salad. This recipe is not your grandma’s potato salad. The best part? It doesn’t require a whole lot of effort — though it tastes like it does. This is ideal when you are busy handling other areas of your get-together.

Are you ready for the five ingredients?

• 2.5lbs of potatoes
• 1 lb bacon strips, finely chopped
• 2 cups of ranch dressing
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tsp of salt

Throw it all together and top it with scallions. It’s that easy.

4. Sparkling Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Any ice-cold beverage can be refreshing on a hot day, but that doesn’t mean every cold beverage is incredibly satisfying. But, do you know what is? This sparkling watermelon mint lemonade.

All you need is 5 ingredients.

• Seedless watermelon
• Lemons
• Sparkling water
• Agave nectar
• Fresh mint leaves

Puree the watermelon to get the juice. Then add all the ingredients together in a pitcher. Serve it over ice with fresh mint and lemon slices.

Easily turn this delectable beverage into a cocktail by adding a shot of vodka or gin to your glass.

5. Spicy Japaleño Cheddar Cornbread

Cornbread may be a Southern favorite, but this version is sure to make a bold statement at your next BBQ no matter where you live. It is moist with crispy edges and has a flavor you won’t want to miss.

With the addition of shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeño, you can take plain cornbread and turn it up a notch. It adds some spice that is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of brown sugar. The taste buds are sure to enjoy it.

While cornbread is typically cooked in an oven, it is best when made in an outdoor pizza oven.

6. Zesty Grilled Veggie Platter

A zesty grilled veggie platter is a simple and healthy addition to any outdoor BBQ. Marinate your favorite veggies in an Italian marinade or even a high-quality Italian dressing to provide extra flavor.

When you are ready, place your vegetables on the grill. You can baste them in the marinade as you cook to keep them from sticking to the grill and to keep the flavor poppin’. Choose any veggies that you fancy. A few ideas that work well include — bell peppers, squash, zucchini, portobello mushrooms, asparagus, carrots, and eggplant.

7. Decadent S’mores Brownie Bites

No BBQ is complete without something sweet. In this case, decadent s’mores brownie bites.

Another dish that works well in the pizza oven is this ooey gooey chocolatey dessert. It is made just like traditional brownies, but with mini marshmallows carefully tucked in and then covered in graham cracker crumbs.

S’mores brownie bites are great for outdoor consumption when cooked in a muffin tin using cupcake liners. Virtually mess-free! Can you really think of a more perfect dessert? We can’t!

Upgrade Your Outdoor Cooking with THOR Kitchen

Imagine cooking outdoors and having everything right at your fingertips—just as if you were in your kitchen. All you need is an outdoor kitchen suite complete with a grill, refrigerator, sink, pizza oven, and all the counter and storage space you could want.

Get your new outdoor kitchen when you shop THOR Kitchen online or use the store locator to find a local retailer.

Conclusion

From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, THOR Kitchen’s outdoor kitchen suite can take your BBQ to the next level. You can taste the difference.

So, fire up that grill and enjoy one or all of these Memorial Day BBQ ideas.