Grilled Classics for Memorial Day
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and it's the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy classic outdoor dishes. Whether you're serving up burgers and hot dogs or trying something new, these grilled classics are sure to be a hit at your Memorial Day cookout.
Burgers
No Memorial Day cookout is complete without burgers. To make the perfect burger, start with high-quality ground beef - look for meat that's 80% lean and 20% fat for the juiciest results. Season the meat with salt and pepper, and form into patties that are about 1/2 inch thick.
Preheat your grill to high heat, and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the burgers for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. While the burgers cook, toast the buns on the grill.
Serve the burgers with your favorite toppings - classics like lettuce, tomato, and onion are always a hit, or get creative with toppings like bacon, avocado, or a fried egg.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are another classic Memorial Day dish. Choose high-quality all-beef hot dogs for the best flavor, and grill them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they're nicely charred.
Serve hot dogs with classic toppings like ketchup, mustard, and relish, or mix things up with creative toppings like sauerkraut, bacon, or grilled onions.
Chicken Skewers
For a lighter option, try chicken skewers. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into cubes and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Thread the chicken onto skewers that have been soaked in water (to prevent them from burning on the grill).
Grill the chicken skewers over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning often, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
For a flavorful twist, marinate the chicken overnight in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic Memorial Day side dish that's perfect for grilling. Soak the corn in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling - this will help it cook evenly.
Preheat your grill to medium heat, and grill the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it's nicely charred on all sides. Brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is the ultimate barbecue side dish, and it's perfect for Memorial Day. To make the best potato salad, start by boiling cubed potatoes until they're tender. Mix the cooked potatoes with chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, diced onion, and plenty of mayonnaise.
Season the potato salad with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. Chill the potato salad for at least 1 hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Watermelon Salad
For a refreshing and healthy side dish, try watermelon salad. Mix cubed watermelon with crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, and chopped mint and parsley.
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the watermelon salad chilled for maximum refreshment.
Desserts
No Memorial Day cookout is complete without a sweet treat. Try grilling fresh pineapple rings, peaches, or bananas for a simple yet flavorful dessert. Or, serve classic desserts like brownies, ice cream, or berry cobbler.
With these classic Memorial Day dishes, your cookout is sure to be a hit. Serve up burgers, hot dogs, chicken skewers, corn on the cob, potato salad, watermelon salad, and plenty of sweet treats for a summer day to remember.