21 Memorial Day Sides That Sit Proudly Beside Every Burger and Hot Dog

A great backyard burger only goes so far if the rest of the plate is just a handful of stale potato chips. The real success of a holiday cookout happens in the space right next to the mains, where the cold salads and charred corn do the heavy lifting. These 21 Memorial Day sides are the classic, crowd-pleasing staples that no long weekend spread feels complete without. They are sturdy enough to survive an afternoon in the sun and delicious enough to completely steal the spotlight from the grill.

A wooden spoon scoops up baked stuffing with bread cubes and herbs from a casserole dish. — Sausage Stuffing with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Stetted.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Fresh garden beans and a rich cheese sauce create a modern update to the classic holiday staple that everyone loves. Steam the vegetables until they are just tender before baking to keep them from becoming mushy. It is a fantastic way to offer a comforting, creamy bite that balances out a smoky grilled patty.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

Toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans provide a sweet and gooey topping for these smooth, mashed potatoes. Spread the toppings evenly across the dish so every person gets a bit of that sugary crunch. You’ll find that this festive favorite adds a lovely touch of sweetness to a plate filled with savory barbecue favorites.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

This Roasted Cauliflower Bake

A baked dish with roasted cauliflower florets covered in a green herb sauce is displayed in a white ceramic baking dish. A sprig of fresh parsley garnishes the top. A small bowl of olive oil and a few scallions are placed beside the dish. — This Roasted Cauliflower Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This bright green cauliflower dish is what I whip up in my house when I want a side that looks as fresh as a spring garden. I find that the herb sauce adds a zesty punch that cuts right through the richness of a greasy burger. My family loves the bright color it brings to the table, and it’s a foolproof way to make a humble vegetable feel like a star addition to the meal.
Get the Recipe: This Roasted Cauliflower Bake

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus

A plate of roasted asparagus topped with almond slices, capers, and parsley. Two lemon wedges are placed on either side of the asparagus. The dish is presented on an oval white plate. — Roast Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy tips and tender stalks make this high-speed vegetable dish a reliable winner for any outdoor gathering. Toss the spears in a little lemon juice and garlic to give them a bright flavor that pops. This quick-cooking method is a smart strategy for getting a healthy green on the plate without taking up any precious oven space.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus

Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

Baked four-cheese macaroni in a rectangular white casserole dish. — Four Cheese Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

A blend of four different cheeses creates a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every single noodle. Bake the tray until the top is bubbly and has a few golden-brown edges for the best texture. It is a great side dish for a hot dog that ensures nobody leaves the table feeling hungry.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

This Buttered Cabbage

Shredded sautéed cabbage with herbs and a pat of butter on top, served on a gray plate. — This Buttered Cabbage. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This simple, melt-in-your-mouth cabbage is both inexpensive and savory. I love how a little bit of high-quality butter transforms the leaves into a silky treat that pairs perfectly with smoked meats. My house guests always ask for the secret ingredient, and it’s a brilliant way to serve a huge crowd on a very tight budget.
Get the Recipe: This Buttered Cabbage

Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables

A casserole dish filled with roasted broccoli, potatoes, chickpeas, and diced vegetables. — Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Using rich duck fat gives these seasonal vegetables a deep, savory crust that is impossible to achieve with regular oil. Roast the medley at a high temperature to ensure the edges become perfectly caramelized and sweet. You’ll find that this indulgent technique makes a simple tray of produce feel like a high-end restaurant dish sitting next to the grill.
Get the Recipe: Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables

Homemade Corn Casserole

Two rectangular slices of light golden-brown cake with a slightly crumbly texture are placed side by side on a patterned plate. — Homemade Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet corn kernels and a moist, bread-like base combine for a Southern-style comfort dish that always disappears first at a potluck. Mix in a handful of shredded cheese if you want to add an extra layer of savory goodness. This rustic bake is a reliable way to add a bit of sunshine and heartiness to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Casserole

These Slow Cooker Baked Beans

A white bowl filled with a red kidney bean stew, including visible pieces of meat or vegetables, sits on a dark cloth napkin with a fork and spoon beside it. A small bunch of parsley is on the table nearby. — These Slow Cooker Baked Beans. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These thick, smoky beans loaded with crispy bacon are what I serve at my house for a backyard barbecue experience. The long, slow simmer allows the flavors to meld into a rich sauce that complements anything from the grill. My family considers this a mandatory part of the menu, and it’s a brilliant way to have a hot side ready without any last-minute stress.
Get the Recipe: These Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Sweet Potato Stuffing

A baking dish filled with a baked oat and fruit mixture, topped with a sprig of rosemary. A spoon rests in the dish. Oats and cranberries are scattered on the table, and a small bowl of cranberries is visible in the background. — Sweet Potato Stuffing. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cubes of roasted sweet potato add a colorful and earthy twist to a traditional herb-scented bread stuffing. Use plenty of fresh sage and thyme to give the dish that classic holiday aroma that everyone craves. You’ll find that this hearty mixture is a great way to bridge the gap between a spring cookout and a classic family feast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Stuffing

Mexican Coleslaw

Bowl of colorful coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro, next to lime wedges and tortillas. — Mexican Coleslaw. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

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A zesty lime dressing and a hint of spice give this crunchy cabbage salad a much-needed kick compared to the creamy versions. Fold in some fresh cilantro right before serving to keep the flavors tasting bright and clean. This refreshing crunch is a clever way to lighten up a plate filled with heavy grilled proteins.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Coleslaw

This Sautéed Rainbow Chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs. — This Sautéed Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This colorful pan of leafy greens is what I assemble in my kitchen for a quick and nutritious addition to a weekend lunch. I love how the stems make the dish look like a piece of art sitting next to a standard bun. My family appreciates the light, garlicky flavor, and it’s a perfect way to use up fresh produce while keeping the meal balanced.
Get the Recipe: This Sautéed Rainbow Chard

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Salty feta cheese and sweet pomegranate seeds make a fancy topping for these perfectly crispy sprouts. Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top to tie all the complex flavors together. It is a modern, stylish side that holds its own alongside even the most impressive steak or bratwurst.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli

A baking tray with roasted vegetables including broccoli, potatoes, bell peppers, and lemon slices on a wooden table. Nearby, there are containers of spices and a spoon resting on the tray. — Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Garlic-scented potatoes and tender broccoli florets roast together on a single sheet for an easy and effective dinner partner. Space the vegetables out on the pan to ensure they get a nice sear rather than steaming.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli

This Sweet Potato Casserole

A slice of crumbly dessert topped with a dollop of white cream is presented on a dark plate. The dessert is garnished with chopped nuts, and a fork rests in front of it, partially obscuring the dessert. — This Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This nutty version of the classic potato dish is what I prepare in my kitchen when I want a more sophisticated crunch than marshmallows provide. I find that the hazelnuts add a deep, toasted flavor that makes the whole tray feel more grown-up.
Get the Recipe: This Sweet Potato Casserole

Grandmother's Carrot Casserole

A delightful slice of carrot cake with a dollop of whipped cream graces a decorative black and white plate. A fork rests invitingly on the cake while a white and blue cup peeks from the background, almost like the perfect ending to a recipe for an unforgettable carrot casserole. — Grandmother's Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet carrots are baked into a soft and comforting dish that has been a beloved family tradition for generations. Top the casserole with crushed crackers to give it a nostalgic texture that reminds everyone of home. This heritage recipe is a wonderful way to bring a touch of history to your modern holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Grandmother's Carrot Casserole

Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Mini baked potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. — Loaded Baked Potato Bites. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Miniature potato halves topped with all the classic fixings offer a fun and easy-to-grab version of a steakhouse favorite. Garnish each bite with a tiny dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives. These tiny treats are a reliable way to make sure your guests have something filling to munch on while the burgers are still cooking.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Broccoli Cauliflower Bakes

A fork lifting a cheesy, baked casserole from a dish with melted cheese stretching. — These Broccoli Cauliflower Bakes. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These cheesy, veggie-packed casseroles are guaranteed to get everyone to eat their greens. The rich cheese sauce hides the healthy vegetables under a blanket of pure comfort. My family never leaves a single bite behind, and it’s a great pick to make a large amount of produce feel like a total indulgence beside your hot dogs.
Get the Recipe: These Broccoli Cauliflower Bakes

Fresh Green Beans and Mushrooms

Sautéed green beans and mushrooms on a plate, garnished with lemon wedges. — Fresh Green Beans and Mushrooms. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Sautéed mushrooms add savory to a pan of crisp, vibrant green beans. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds to add a nice contrast to the tender vegetables. You’ll find that this light and elegant side is a great way to balance out a menu filled with heavy, charred meats.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Green Beans and Mushrooms

Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato fries topped with a creamy white sauce, herbs, and sesame seeds on a baking tray. — Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Nutty tahini and sweet maple syrup create a creamy glaze that makes these roasted potato wedges feel incredibly unique. Sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top for a little extra texture and a fancy look. This globally-inspired side is a smart way to introduce new flavors to a classic American cookout.
Get the Recipe: Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes

This Sausage Stuffing

This savory blend of bread, fresh herbs, and browned sausage is a side that could almost be the main event. I find that using high-quality artisan bread makes the texture much more interesting than a standard box mix. We love the hearty, meaty flavor, and it’s a perfect way to ensure your grilled spread feels like a true holiday celebration.
Get the Recipe: This Sausage Stuffing

Upgrade your holiday cookout with these Memorial Day sides, perfectly complementing every burger and hot dog.