Home » 60+ AMAZING Memorial Day Recipe Ideas

60+ AMAZING Memorial Day Recipe Ideas

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Find the perfect combination of entrees, sides, and desserts with these 60+ ideas for Memorial Day recipes to fill your holiday menu.

collage for Instant Pot summer Side Dish post, featuring a large image of amish potato salad on the top left and twice-baked potatoes on the bottom right, with smaller pictures of baked beans and egg salad and corn on the cob and potato salad tightly fitted

This Memorial Day, make a meal everyone will love!

These are 60 amazing ideas for Memorial Day recipes for sides, entrees, and desserts.

If you like, you can use your Instant Pot to make the whole meal.

Or, you can load up the grill and use your air fryer and pressure cooker to make quick-and-easy sides.

I’ve arranged this list to include pressure cooker mains, sides, and desserts first. Then, scroll to the end for some air fryer, traditional grilling, and baking recipes. 

Instant Pot Main Dishes for Memorial Day

1
An overhead shot of steak cooked sous vide on a plate that was cooked sous vide and topped with butter on a white plate, served with green beans, and tri-color quinoa. A white textured napkin is on the left side of the image and a silver fork is resting on the right side of the plate.
Sous Vide Steak
Using four simple ingredients—steak, salt, pepper, and oil—you can make a steakhouse-style steak from the comfort of your home. With great results, every time. To really take it up a notch, try our compound butter with Parmesan cheese and spices.
Check out this recipe
2
make-ahead BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Pressure cooking before grilling is the secret to these great-tasting, make-ahead barbecued ribs. The ribs will be tender, and you'll have the sticky, caramelized BBQ flavor you love.
Check out this recipe
3
A bowl of Instant Pot sweet and sour country style ribs ready be be served with tongs and a slice of pineapple to the side.
Hawaiian Sweet and Sour Ribs | Instant Pot Recipe
These Boneless Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs are a great dish to share with friends and family, made with pineapple juice for a tangy Hawiiaan-inspired flavor.
Check out this recipe
4
An overhead picture of a white plate with about half a rack of Memphis style ribs smothered in homemade BBQ sauce that were cooked in an Instant Pot.
Memphis Style Ribs | Instant Pot recipe
This recipe for Memphis Style Ribs skips the long time in the smoker. By making them in the Instant Pot, you get a homemade savory barbecue sauce packed with mustard, smoked paprika and brown sugar.
Check out this recipe
5
Pressure cooker brisket sliced with a bowl of bbq sauce.
Rich & Tender Beef Brisket
The secret to this tender Instant Pot Beef Brisket recipe is the overnight marinade. You'll get long-smoked flavor in a fraction of the time!
Check out this recipe
6
Instant Pot Sloppy Joe served on a bun with pickles and sloppy Joe mix in the background.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
This Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is full of flavor from dried seasonings, tomato paste, and brown sugar. The extra time softening before pressure cooking helps the beef cook up extra tender.
Check out this recipe
7
Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork sandwiches plated and ready to serve
Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This Instant Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe makes a big batch of tender pulled pork in a sweet root beer–barbecue sauce.
Check out this recipe
8
45 degree shot of a pulled BBQ chicken sandwich, served with carrot sticks and potato chips on a white plate, with extra BBQ sauce and a spoon and chips in the background
Pulled BBQ Chicken
This Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken recipe is SO convenient. Plus, you can serve it as both sandwiches and salads, so it's great to accommodate different tastes at your get-together.
Check out this recipe
9
Instant Pot country style pork ribs close up of a bite of rib, with a plate full of ribs and BBQ sauce in the background
Country-Style Barbecue Pork Ribs
Saucy, tender Instant Pot BBQ Pork Ribs are a great make-ahead dish for Memorial Day
10
Overhead close up shot of two hot dogs topped with Instant Pot chili dog sauce, garnished with mustard, onions, and cheese
Old-Fashioned Chili Dog Sauce
Bring back that good old fashioned flavor of a tasty chili dog with this simple yet delicious recipe. Double or triple the batch for a great, ready to use freezer keeper!
11
Close-up shot of Beef and Bean Instant Pot Chili prepared in the electric pressure cooker
Beef and Bean Instant Pot Chili
This thick, hearty Beef & Bean Chili is filled with bite-size pieces of beef, red beans, and green chilies. If you're a chili fan, this is a must-try recipe!
Check out this recipe
12
A thick, stacked hamburger, with the patty cooked in the Instant Pot, topped with lettuce, tomato, mustard, pickles, avocado, and a toasted bun on a white plate with chips and a tall glass of cola in the background
Instant Pot Hamburgers
No grill? No problem! Make these delicious and juicy hamburgers in your Instant Pot.
Check out this recipe
13
Instant pot beef and cheddar sandwiches on an onion roll with ruffle cut potato chips on a wooden cutting board
Instant Pot Beef and Cheddar
Homemade Instant Pot Sliced Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches are the upgraded version of your favorite Arby’s classic, with melty cheese sauce, thin-sliced beef, and onion rolls.
Check out this recipe
14
Close-up shot of Instant Pot Chili Pasta, served in a white bowl and garnished with cilantro, shredded cheese, and white and blue corn chips, with a bowl of shredded cheese in the background
Instant Pot Chili Mac
Instant Pot Chili Pasta is a fast and savory one-pot dinner with ground sausage, tomato sauce and Tex Mex flavors.
Check out this recipe
15
two chicken salad sandwiches on croissants
Instant Pot Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Instant Pot Chicken Salad Sandwiches with grapes, pecans and a tangy sour cream-mayonnaise dressing are a classic lunch or dinner any time of year.
Check out this recipe
16
Pressure-Cooker-Chicken-Bacon-Penne-Pasta-In-Garlic-Cream-Sauce served in a red bowl.
Chicken Bacon Penne in a Garlic Cream Sauce
This Pressure Cooker Chicken Bacon Penne Pasta is a quick, easy, one-pot meal that's rich, creamy, and delicious! It's pure comfort food that's ready in about 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
17
Close up picture of Instant Pot chicken walking taco filling added to a snack back of Fritos and Cool Ranch Doritos topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
Chicken Walking Tacos
These crunchy and slightly spicy Instant Pot Walking Tacos are fun to take on the go and eat right out of the bag of chips!
Check out this recipe
18
Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Kalua Pork recipe, plated and ready to serve with pineapple and white rice
Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Kalua Pork
Smokey tender, juicy shredded pork served over rice is a Hawaiian favorite. I've transformed a popular slow cooker recipe with a 16-hour cooking time into a Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot Kalua Pork recipe that is on the table in less than 2 hours.
Check out this recipe
19
chipotle peach BBQ ribs made in the Instant Pot, served on a white rectangle tray with grilled peaches and several ribs on top, with a side of red dipping sauce and a gray napkin
tidbits-marci.com
Instant Pot Chipotle Peach Ribs
From Marci at Tidbits, these ribs feature an amazing Chipotle Spice Rub and have a side of chipotle peach sauce. They're an amazing spin on traditional ribs, and cook up quick in the pressure cooker. (Marci prefers to coil her ribs in the pressure cooker—check out how she does it!)
Check out this recipe

Side Dish Recipes for Memorial Day

20
white bowl of potato salad with slices of hard boiled eggs in it
Instant Pot Quick Potato Salad
This Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe is so easy, you’ll want to make it all the time! Cook hard-boiled eggs and potatoes together in the pressure cooker for quick, perfectly cooked eggs and potatoes every time. This is the best Instant Pot potato salad recipe!
Check out this recipe
21
Picture of Instant Pot pasta salad with rotini, sliced cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, parmesan, and fresh parsley, in a large wooden serving bowl.
Pasta Salad | Instant Pot recipe
This Instant Pot Pasta Salad recipe is an easy BBQ side dish with Italian dressing, parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables.
Check out this recipe
22
www.foodiecrush.com
No-Mayo Potato Salad with Herbs
This ligther version of potato salad is dressed without mayo and features tons of herbs.
Check out this recipe
23
white bowl of amish potato and pasta salad
Amish Macaroni Salad
This chilled creamy macaroni salad is a great refreshing side dish for your holiday spread.
24
Close up picture of BLT potato salad made in an Instant Pot
BLT Potato Salad
Turn your favorite summertime sandwhich into a bacon-stuffed potato salad.
Check out this recipe
25
Instant pot baked potatoes with a pat of butter and fresh herbs sprinkled on top on a white plate with a butter dish in the background
Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Crisp on the outside and creamy and fluffy on the inside, Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Baked Potatoes are one of the best side dish recipes.
Check out this recipe
26
twice baked ranch poatoes on a baking sheet with a spatula under
Instant Pot Ranch Twice Baked Potatoes
Instant Pot Twice Baked Ranch Potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side dish with soft and fluffy baked potatoes topped with cheesy ranch flavor and scallions.
Check out this recipe
27
white bowl of instant pot lemon rice with a wooden spoon
Lemon Rice in the Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot Lemon Rice is an incredibly easy, flavorful side dish for Greek recipes made with long-grain rice, chicken broth and plenty of lemon.
Check out this recipe
28
Three white ramekins filled with Instant Pot baked beans served with celery and carrot sticks on the side
Instant Pot Baked Beans
For your next outdoor barbecue, use dried navy beans to make this easy Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe, featuring a classic sticky sauce of molasses, ketchup, and seasonings.
Check out this recipe
29
45 degree overhead of a blue circular egg tray filled with Instant Pot BBQ deviled Eggs with crumbled bacon with one egg removed.
Deviled Eggs with Bacon & BBQ Sauce
Try these smoky devilled eggs as an easy two-bite Mermorial Day appetizer.
Check out this recipe
30
Homemade scalloped potatoes in a serving dish ready to serve.
Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin
Instant Pot Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin are thinly sliced scalloped potatoes, coated in a rich, creamy, cheese sauce, and crowned with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. The perfect side dish for a holiday dinner—or to make any weeknight meal special!
Check out this recipe
31
Close up picture of pressure cooker queso served on chips and topped with fresh diced cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapenos.
Homemade Queso with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Beans
Instant Pot Homemade Queso Dip with pork sausage, black beans, and vegetables is a flavorful, hearty, and silky-smooth cheese dip for nachos, tortilla chips, and more. 
Check out this recipe
32
www.365daysofcrockpot.com
Instant Pot Arkansas Pig Sooie
From 365 Days of Slow Cooking and Pressure Cooking, this creamy, cheesy dip is a classic to serve at Memorial Day or any summer gathering.
Check out this recipe

Dessert Recipes for Memorial day

33
Close up overhead shot of Instant Pot cheesecake topped with triple berry compote on a white cake stand
Red White and Blue Cheesecake
Red White and Blue Cheesecake with a cookie crust and fresh berry compote is the perfect pressure cooker dessert for the 4th of July, or any patriotic celebration.
Check out this recipe
34
A horizontal 45 degree angle shot of a small hinged-lid jar filled with berry rhubarb sauce sitting on a wooden board. A small silver spoon is inserted deep into the jam, ready for scooping. Fresh rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are scattered on the wooden board. And two small white bowls filled with strawberries and raspberries are on the right edge of the frame.
Berry Rhubarb Sauce
This Berry Rhubarb Sauce is made in the Instant Pot pressure cooker for a fast and easy homemade ice cream topping that you can whip up in a flash!
Check out this recipe
35
Pressure Cooker Key Lime Pie on a white plate
Pressure Cooker Key Lime Pie
A tart, creamy key lime pie with a graham cracker crust “baked” in the pressure cooker, then served topped with some lightly sweetened whipped cream.
36
How to dip cheesecake bites by using a lollipop stick.
Instant Pot Cheesecake Pops
Instant Pot Cheesecake Bites are the perfect make-ahead holiday treat! Smooth, creamy cheesecake balls dipped into rich milk chocolate and decorated with your favorite toppings.
Check out this recipe
37
Four mini mason jars filled with mini tropical cheesecakes, topped with crushed pineapple topping and a maraschino cherry on top
Instant Pot Tropical Mini Cheesecakes
These cute Instant Pot Mini Cheesecakes are a fun tropical dessert made with coconut cookies, a fluffy coconut–cream cheese filling, and a sweet pineapple topping.
Check out this recipe
38
Overhead picture of an Instant Pot s'more cheesecake topped with marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate, placed on a wooden cutting board.
S’mores Cheesecake | Easy Instant Pot Recipe
This S’mores-inspired Instant Pot Cheesecake has a buttery graham cracker crust and creamy marshmallow filling. Best of all, it's topped with graham crackers, melted chocolate and chocolate shards, and toasted marshmallows.
Check out this recipe
39
Close up of a layered strawberry cheesecake, cooked in an Instant Pot pressure cooker, garnished with a drizzle of strawberry sauce and fresh strawberries
Layered Strawberry Cheesecake
Layered Instant Pot Strawberry Cheesecake is a classic dessert that's dressed up with white and pink layers and a delicious made-from-scratch strawberry topping that is SO easy to make in your pressure cooker!
Check out this recipe
40
Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Raspberry Cheesecake on a cake stand
Pressure Cooker Raspberry Cheesecake
A stunning, fruity dessert with deep chocoalte ganache and fresh berries on top.
Check out this recipe
41
Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Nutella Rolo Cheesecake on a cake stand
Pressure Cooker Nutella Rolo Cheesecake
Go all-in with this chocolatey caramel masterpiece topped with your favorite candies.
Check out this recipe
42
overhead of peanut butter cheesecake with reeses cups on top
Pressure Cooker Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
Chocolate and peanut butter unite in this sweet, decadent and nutty cake made in the Instant Pot.
Check out this recipe
43
half pint jars filled with Pots de Crème made in an electric pressure cooker, topped with whipped cream and chocolate jimmies
Pressure Cooker Chocolate Pots de Crème
Individual pots de creme are an easy-to-serve make-ahead dessert perfect for parties.
Check out this recipe
44
The Best Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Rice Pudding in short glasses
The BEST Instant Pot Rice Pudding
Make the best Instant Pot rice pudding with this a 100-year-old recipe I updated for the pressure cooker, and it's quick, easy-to-make comfort food at it's best.
Check out this recipe
45
A white bowl with Instant Pot dairy free rice pudding with rice cherries, and a wooden spoon.
Cherry Almond Rice Pudding | Dairy Free
This Cherry Almond Rice Pudding is made dairy-free thanks to coconut oil and almond milk. It’s full of sweet-tart dried cherries and has an ultra-creamy texture, thanks to long-grain white rice.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer & Other Traditional Recipes

Not everything has to be made in the pressure cooker! These are some of our favorite air fryer, grilling, and baking recipes that I have posted over the years. Any of these would make an awesome addition to your celebration.

46
Close up picture of a salmon fillet cooked in an air fryer topped with diced green onions, a lemon wedge, and asparagus on the side.
Air Fryer Salmon
Check out this recipe
47
Overhead picture of air fryer asparagus, topped with salt and fresh lemon juice, with lemon wedges and serving tongs.
Air Fryer Asparagus
This Air Fryer Asparagus recipe makes crisp-tender stalks flavored with your favorite seasonings and topped with lemon zest for a delicious, healthy side dish.
Check out this recipe
48
www.barbarabakes.com
Southwest Chipotle Burger Sliders
Smoky, spicy burger sliders are an easy and delicious way to upgrade your burgers this Memorial Day.
Check out this recipe
49
www.barbarabakes.com
Chicken Caprese Burger
Take your burgers in a lighter direction with these refreshing Caprese Chicken Burgers.
Check out this recipe
50
www.barbarabakes.com
Queso Bacon Burgers with Avocado Salsa
Creamy avocado salsa is the perfect green spread on these cheesy bacon burgers.
Check out this recipe
51
www.barbarabakes.com
Spicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Fire u the grill for these spicy and lime-marinated grilled pork tenderloin. p
Check out this recipe
52
www.barbarabakes.com
Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper Pork Chops
Throw these zesty lemon pepper pork chops on the grill for a twist on classic burgers and hot dogs this Memorial Day.
Check out this recipe
53
www.barbarabakes.com
Ice Cream Waffle Bowl Recipe
Have a DIY ice cream sundae spread with homemade waffle bowls for a fun treat for all ages.
Check out this recipe
54
www.barbarabakes.com
Red, White & Blue Berry Puff Pastry Parfaits
Decorate each creamy layered parfait with a stunning fruity star to really put the cherry on top.
Check out this recipe
55
www.barbarabakes.com
Red White and Blue Cheesecake in a Jar
These cheesecake jars are beautifully layered and full of sweet, creamy flavors and a no-bake crust.
Check out this recipe
56
www.barbarabakes.com
Red White and Blue Fruit and Cheese Skewers
Mak your appetizer spread fun and festive with these patriotic fruit and cheese skewers.
Check out this recipe
57
www.barbarabakes.com
Frozen Virgin Strawberry Margarita
These frosty fruit drinks can be non-alcoholic or spiked for an adult beverage.
Check out this recipe
58
www.barbarabakes.com
Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake Roll
Eeryone loves ice cream in the summer, and this elegant rolled cake is a fun way to serve it to a crowd.
Check out this recipe
59
www.barbarabakes.com
Fruit Pizza
This beautiful dessert puts seasonal produce on display in a delicious and centerpiece-worthy way.
Check out this recipe
60
www.barbarabakes.com
Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe
There's nothing more classic American than soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies to end a meal.
Check out this recipe

Planning to make any of these recipes?
Leave us a comment below to tell us what you’re making!

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