5 Memorial Day Grilling Recipes to Feed a Crowd
5 Memorial Day Grilling Recipes to Feed a Crowd
Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start to summer—it’s a time to gather with friends and family, honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and enjoy good food around the grill. To help make your cookout a hit, we put together five of our favorite grilling recipes that are easy to prep, big on flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
1. Grilled Burgers with All Ration Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tbsp All Ration All-Purpose BBQ Rub
- Burger buns, toppings of your choice
Instructions:
- Gently mix the All Ration rub into the ground beef, form into patties.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Serve with toasted buns and classic toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
Tip: Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the burgers juicy.
2. BBQ Chicken Thighs with Fire For Effect
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fire For Effect Sweet Heat Rub
Instructions:
- Toss chicken in olive oil and rub evenly with Fire For Effect.
- Grill over medium heat, 6–7 minutes per side until internal temp hits 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tip: Chicken thighs are forgiving and perfect for grilling large batches.
3. Smoked Brats with Grilled Onions & Mustard
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh bratwursts
- 1 large onion, sliced
- Buns and spicy mustard
Instructions:
- Smoke brats at 225°F for 1.5–2 hours until internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Grill onions in a cast iron skillet until caramelized.
- Serve brats on buns with onions and mustard.
Tip: Smoking first then crisping over high heat gives you perfect snap and flavor.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
- 6 ears corn, husked
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Burn Pit BBQ Garlic Seasoning
Instructions:
- Mix garlic seasoning into the melted butter.
- Grill corn over medium heat, turning every few minutes until lightly charred.
- Brush with garlic butter before serving.
Tip: Soak corn in water for 10 minutes beforehand if grilling in the husk.
5. Memorial Day Red Slaw
Ingredients:
- 1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp celery seed
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tip: This tangy slaw cuts through the richness of grilled meats—no mayo required.
Grilling Tips for a Stress-Free Memorial Day
- Prep ahead. Form patties, season meats, and mix slaw the day before.
- Use two zones. Set up direct and indirect heat to manage flare-ups and cook thicker cuts evenly.
- Keep it simple. Focus on fewer recipes done well instead of trying to grill everything.
Flavor Pairings & Extras
- Serve with cold beers or iced tea for easy sipping.
- Add watermelon slices or a simple fruit salad to lighten the meal.
- Try your rubs as table-side seasonings—let guests sprinkle to taste.
FAQ
Can I prep these recipes the day before?
Yes! Season meats and store covered in the fridge. Slaws are better when they sit overnight.
What’s the best way to keep food warm for a crowd?
Use foil pans over indirect heat on the grill or a warm oven inside.
How many people will this feed?
This menu easily serves 10–12, with room to scale up for more.
Call to Action
Make this Memorial Day one to remember—with good food, great company, and a few Burn Pit BBQ favorites on the grill. Try one (or all) of these recipes and tag us in your feast with #GrillingToGetAway. Need more flavor? Stock up on rubs before the weekend rush!