19 Memorial Day Side Dishes So Good You’ll Skip the Second Burger

Memorial Day sides are not just extras on the plate. They are the dishes people keep going back for while the grill is still heating up. You will notice how the right mix of classics can carry the whole meal without feeling complicated or expensive. These recipes lean on simple steps, familiar flavors, and crowd-friendly portions that stretch easily. If you want a table that feels full, relaxed, and worth gathering around, this list gives you exactly that kind of spread.

Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Layers of sweet onions bake under a thick blanket of melted cheese for a very gooey and decadent side. Prep the whole tray in advance and just pop it in the oven right before you leave the house. It adds a wonderful, bubbly look to the spread and smells so good people might forget about the meat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

This heavy, cheesy pasta is the dish I serve at my house when I want to make sure nobody leaves the party hungry. I use a blend of four cheeses to create a thick sauce that stays creamy even as it sits on a picnic table. My family always reaches for this first because the golden crust on top looks so inviting in the sun and is enough for a whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé

Sweet carrots and fluffy eggs bake into a bright orange side that feels like a treat but eats like a filling vegetable. The airy texture stays sturdy enough to travel in a deep glass dish without losing its shape. One scoop provides a pop of color to the table that really stands out next to all the grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Colorful stems and dark leaves cook down quickly into a garlicky side that looks beautiful on a serving platter. Carry this in a sealed container to keep the greens juicy and fresh until it is time to eat. A quick session at the stove is all you need to add a healthy, bright look to the barbecue spread that will have people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Buttered Cabbage

This simple, soft dish is a staple in my house because it fills up a crowd without costing a lot of money. I find that the buttery leaves hold their heat perfectly when I tuck the pan into a thermal bag for the ride. My family always asks for a second scoop because the mild flavor pairs so well with smoky burgers and is surprisingly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buttered Cabbage

Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

Thick sauce and salty bacon cook together for hours to make the smoky comfort food. Carry the whole pot right to the party to ensure the beans stay hot and ready for serving. They provide a rich, dark look to the table and offer a heavy bite that satisfies any hungry guest more than a plain bun would.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Mashed potatoes get a boost from fresh greens and butter for a very creamy and dense Irish-style side. The heavy texture makes it very easy to scoop out clean portions even when the buffet line is moving fast. It brings a cozy, home-cooked feel to the outdoor meal and keeps people full all afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine

These shiny, wine-glazed roots are what I make in my kitchen when I want a side dish that looks a bit more fancy. I love how the red wine creates a deep, dark sauce that clings to the carrots even after they cool down. My kids find the sweet glaze totally addictive, and the bright colors look great sitting next to the potato salad as a standout favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine

Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables

Hard vegetables get a rich, savory crunch when you roast them in a high-quality fat. The outside stays crisp while the inside turns soft, making them a very sturdy choice for a long car ride. They offer a deep, golden look that makes the whole vegetable tray feel like the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables

Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes

Nutty sauce and sweet maple syrup coat roasted potato wedges for a unique and earthy flavor profile. The wedges are very easy to stack in a container without making a mess. A modern, healthy look is brought to the table that offers a filling break from more traditional heavy sides.
Get the Recipe: Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes

Small potatoes get boiled and then flattened before roasting to make a lot of crunchy edges. Carry them in a flat box to keep them from getting soft or losing their crispness. They look fun and rustic on a platter and provide a great, hearty alternative to standard chips.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes

Roasted Tahini Broccoli

The sesame sauce here adds a rich, savory layer that keeps the broccoli from tasting boring or plain. My friends always ask for the recipe because the dark, roasted edges look so professional on the tray and taste even better.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tahini Broccoli

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

Citrus juice and bright vegetables roast together for a very light and zesty addition to the holiday meal. The different shapes and colors create a beautiful rainbow effect when you pile them into a large bowl. It stays perfectly intact during travel and offers a fresh taste that is just as good as any burger.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Small potato halves get filled with cheese and bacon to create a handheld version of a classic favorite. Line these up in rows on a tray to keep them organized and easy for guests to grab.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw

This bright side stays crunchy much longer than a standard green salad. I find that the creamy dressing actually helps the flavors meld together while I am driving to the party. My mom always says the deep color makes the whole table look more festive and carefully planned for a big crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw

Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms for Turkey

Savory bread cubes and earthy mushrooms bake into a moist, filling side that everyone can enjoy. The mixture holds its shape perfectly, making it very easy to serve up clean spoonfuls for a large group. It brings a traditional, comforting look to the table that feels right for a family gathering and fills everyone up fast.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms for Turkey

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

Tangy cheese and sweet fruit seeds top these charred sprouts for a very high-end look and taste. Prep the sprouts in the air fryer and just toss the toppings on once you get to the party.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

Southern Green Beans

These slow-cooked beans are like a real family heirloom. I cook them with savory meat until they are incredibly tender and full of salty flavor. My family loves how the warm, southern-style aroma fills the car, and they look beautiful and inviting in a simple ceramic bowl.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Thick onion slices get a heavy batter and a deep fry for a side that offers a massive crunch. Carry these in a vented container to keep them perfectly crisp until the burgers hit the plate. They look golden and impressive piled high in a basket and will definitely have people reaching for seconds over everything else.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Grab a few of these and build a table people won’t want to leave.