21 Memorial Day Side Dishes So Good They Get Refilled Before the Burgers Flip

Let’s be real: while everyone talks up the grill, the side table actually carries the entire cookout. Nobody wants to watch hungry guests crowd around a single bag of chips while the meat takes forever to finish. You need big, welcoming platters of comforting classics that have people grabbing a second scoop before the first round of burgers even leaves the grates. These 21 simple side staples come together with zero fuss, guaranteeing your holiday spread is an instant hit.

Green beans topped with crispy bacon pieces in a bowl, with a serving spoon and napkin beside it. — Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine

You simmer carrot rounds in a sweet sauce with a splash of red wine until they are soft and shiny. It is a smart way to turn a basic vegetable into a standout side dish for your backyard buffet. The rich flavor pairs beautifully with smoky grilled meats, making this bowl vanish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine

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.

These potato slices get baked until the edges are crispy, then piled high with melted cheddar, real bacon pieces, and chives. Set them out on the picnic table early as a fun finger food while the grill heats up. Your friends will scoop them up fast because they taste exactly like a loaded baked potato in a single bite.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites

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.

You toss potato cubes with savory herbs and bake them until they are warm and tender. It is a fantastic option when you want a hearty side dish that is way more satisfying than a standard bag of chips. Plus, it holds its heat perfectly while everyone hangs out in the yard.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Stuffing

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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 Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Bright green asparagus spears get a fast spin in the air fryer until they have a perfect, tender crunch. Toss them with coarse salt and fresh lemon juice right before serving to give them a sharp, zesty kick. It is a super fast side that cuts through heavy meats and keeps you out of a hot kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Hot Dog Chili

Chili cheese hot dog with French fries on a white plate, set on a beige placemat next to a green napkin. — Hot Dog Chili. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Thick, seasoned ground meat simmers into a rich sauce that upgrades your backyard grilling station completely. Spoon this savory topping into a warm bowl so friends can load up their plates at the picnic table. You’ll find this hearty addition becomes the most popular item on the patio before the meat is done.
Get the Recipe: Hot Dog Chili

Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

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. — Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

You load up the slow cooker with beans and thick pork strips to let them get sweet, smoky, and rich. Turning the machine on early in the morning means your holiday prep work is completely stress-free. No backyard cookout feels complete without a big scoop of these traditional beans next to a burger.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Casserole

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

Green broccoli and white cauliflower florets bake inside a smooth, velvety blanket of melted cheddar cheese. Slide the bubbling pan onto the outdoor buffet table to feed a big crowd of friends and neighbors. It is a warm, gooey bake that guarantees everyone finishes their vegetables before the main plates arrive.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Casserole

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.

Roasted orange wedges get a heavy drizzle of rich sesame paste and sweet syrup for an incredible contrast. Arrange the warm pieces on a rustic platter to introduce your friends to a wonderful modern flavor mix. You’ll find this unique side dish pairs beautifully with basic grilled links or classic beef patties.
Get the Recipe: Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

A cheesy green bean casserole being served from a white baking dish with a spoon. — Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Fresh green beans give this scratch-made classic a wonderful snap beneath a rich cream sauce and a mountain of crunchy fried onions. Using fresh vegetables instead of canned ones keeps the dish tasting bright and homemade. It is a comforting side that always brings back fond memories of family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

My Grandmother's Recipe for 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. — My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet mashed carrots bake under a golden, crispy cracker crust for a wonderful old-school flavor. Sharing this timeless side dish adds a lovely touch of nostalgia to your Memorial Day menu. The bowl always clears out fast because the sweet and buttery taste appeals to guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe

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 Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

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Earthy potato cubes and fresh broccoli roast together on a single sheet pan until the edges turn brown and crisp. Empty the whole batch into a giant bowl for a simple, high-volume side that fills up hungry bellies. It is a foolproof combination to serve when the grill line starts getting long.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

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. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This smooth, rich orange mash switches out the usual sticky toppings for a mountain of toasted, crunchy hazelnuts. You can easily assemble the pan early so you can focus entirely on chatting with your guests on the deck. It is a sturdy bake that holds its heat beautifully while people mingle outside.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

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 bake inside a fluffy, golden bread batter that goes perfectly with any smoky grilled main course. Scoop deep into the warm pan to give your holiday crowd a truly comforting summer spoonful. This traditional favorite disappears quickly because the soft, buttery texture is pure joy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Casserole

Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes

Crispy smashed potatoes topped with fresh dill and shredded Parmesan cheese on a plate. — Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Small whole potatoes get boiled, flattened with a glass, and roasted in the oven to a gorgeous golden crunch. Scatter a handful of dried herbs across the top to keep the flavor simple but incredibly delicious. It is a fantastic, low-cost side dish option that feeds a massive crowd on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes

Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

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

Tender elbow noodles sink into a bubbling mix of four different cheeses for a great dairy comfort food. I rely on this heavy baked pasta pan to ensure no one leaves my backyard gathering feeling hungry. Simple, cheesy comfort always wins over a crowd, and everyone will fight over the crispy corner pieces.
Get the Recipe: Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

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.

Crisp cabbage ribbons get tossed with a zesty lime dressing to bring a bright, refreshing crunch to the plate. Keep the bowl chilled in the fridge until the exact moment your holiday guests arrive on the patio. This colorful salad provides a wonderful, light balance to the heavy charred items coming off the fire.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Coleslaw

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

A stack of crepes topped with crumbled feta cheese and drizzled with balsamic glaze, served on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Thick cabbage rounds roast quickly in the air fryer until the outer leaves turn sweet and dark. Drizzle a tangy balsamic syrup and creamy goat cheese over the hot slices for a unique holiday side dish. This fast trick transforms a basic budget vegetable into a fun, modern snack for a casual cookout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

Buttered Cabbage

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

Shredded cabbage softens beautifully inside a hot skillet with plenty of rich, savory melted butter. This simple recipe is a lifesaver when your holiday guest list suddenly grows larger at the last minute. The stovetop work is completely effortless while delivering a comforting addition to your weekend buffet.
Get the Recipe: Buttered Cabbage

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

A hand dips a fried zucchini fritter into a small bowl of white cream sauce on a gray plate. Other fritters and lemon wedges are arranged around the bowl on a marble surface. — Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Shredded summer squash combines with salty feta cheese to fry up into beautiful little green patties. Stack the crisp rounds high on a platter to offer your guests a fun handheld finger food. This fast recipe empties out completely well before the first round of burgers finishes cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans

Baked sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows in a round dish, partially eaten, with a metal serving spoon visible. — Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Smooth sweet potato mash pairs with a toasted layer of gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans for pure comfort. Place this classic dish near the end of your buffet line to offer a beloved holiday tradition. It keeps your guests feeling incredibly well fed while keeping your grocery spending low.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans

Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

Crisp green beans sauté quickly with savory pork bits and sweet onions for an effortless summer side. This traditional skillet combination brings a wonderful, rustic feel straight to the picnic table. Your family will finish every single bite because smoky bacon grease makes any green vegetable taste incredible.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

Fill up the platters, pass the serving spoons, and let the side table steal the show tonight.