Draw crowds at your Memorial Day party with these appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts that make enough food for the whole hungry crew.
37 Big-Batch 13×9 Recipes for Your Memorial Day Bash
Updated on May 24, 2024
Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cut the slider burgers recipe in half if you want to make only one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
1/37
2/37
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake mixes up quickly and bakes while we enjoy our dinner. My son, David, loves to help decorate it. —Coleen Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without frosting and sprinkles): 297 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
3/37
Baked Beans with Pineapple
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
30 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This marvelous recipe is a staple at our neighborhood's annual barbecue. —J. Hindson, Victoria, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 266 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
4/37
Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
2 dozen (1-3/4 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
These fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 237 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
5/37
White Texas Sheet Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake gets better the longer it sits, so I try to make it a day ahead. My mother-in-law introduced this deliciously rich sheet cake to me. With its creamy frosting and light almond flavor, no one can stop at just one piece! —Joanie Ward, Brownsburg, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 409 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
6/37
Best Ever Mac & Cheese
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it’s gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that is divine. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 762 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
7/37
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/37
Nacho Tots
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
9/37
Jersey-Style Hot Dogs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings (10 cups potato mixture)
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 453 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1261mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
10/37
Parmesan Asparagus
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 107 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
11/37
New Orleans-Style Spicy Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have family members who attended college in New Orleans. This shrimp captures their favorite flavors from the Big Easy, with the right touches of spice and heat. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without bread): 242 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 211mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
12/37
Root Beer Float Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I add root beer to both the cake batter and fluffy frosting of this summery dessert to get that great root beer float taste. Serve this moist cake to a bunch of hungry kids and watch it disappear! —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 203 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/37
Sticky Chicken Wings
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll want to keep an extra stack of napkins nearby once people start reaching for these sweet and sticky wings. The brown sugar marinade makes every bite finger-lickin' good! —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 65 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 271mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
14/37
Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Take two popular restaurant nibbles, put them together and you'll have an unforgettable appetizer for your next holiday get-together. —Bridget O'Connor, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled potato skin: 122 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
15/37
Lemon Coconut Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The tangy lemon flavor of this no-fuss dessert is especially delicious on a warm day. It gives me delightful flashbacks of selling lemonade on the sidewalk as a little girl. —Donna Biddle, Elmira, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 82 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
16/37
Jimmy’s Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I simmer chicken thighs in a spicy-sweet sauce, shred them and then pile 'em high on pretzel buns to create an incredibly addictive party food. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 516 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
17/37
Beans, Bacon & Tomato Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon, tomatoes and lima beans combine for a nutrient-packed side dish that makes the perfect accompaniment to turkey. —Karen Kumpulainen, Forest City, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 230 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 666mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
18/37
Oreo Ice Cream Cake
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves dessert, and this chocolaty, layered treat is one of Mom's most-requested recipes. It's so easy to prepare this Oreo ice cream cake! —Kimberly Laabs, Hartford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 573 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
19/37
Smoky Jalapenos
Total Time
55 min
Servings
14 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make these bacon-wrapped appetizers, there are no leftovers. They can also be made with mild banana peppers or yellow chili peppers. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 86 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
20/37
Crouton Tomato Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned side uses lots of delicious tomatoes and seasonings that give it an Italian twist. Every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe. —Norma Nelson, Punta Gorda, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 197 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
21/37
Cajun Pork Sandwiches
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe's simple spice rub gives pork tenderloin an irresistible flavor. You'll watch in delight as these tasty open-faced sandwiches disappear from the buffet table! —Mae Kruse, Monee, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 112 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
22/37
Rhubarb Custard Bars
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb that they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 198 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
23/37
Tex-Mex Summer Squash Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mild-flavored yellow squash gets a big boost from flavor-packed chiles, jalapenos and red onion. This side dish also works with zucchini. —Tommy Lombardo, Euclid, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 143 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
24/37
Like ‘Em Hot Wings
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These spicy Buffalo-style chicken wings are wonderfully seasoned. They are an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that disappears quickly. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken wing section: 43 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
25/37
Pina Colada Icebox Cake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This icebox cake has all the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 377 calories, 20g fat (15g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
26/37
Blueberry Lattice Bars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Since our area has an annual blueberry festival, my daughters and I are always looking for amazing new recipes to enter in the cooking contest. These lovely bars won a blue ribbon one year. —Debbie Ayers, Baileyville, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 233 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
27/37
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of flavors makes these sandwiches so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
28/37
S’mores Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One night, my husband had some friends over to play poker, and he requested these s’mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 159 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
29/37
Tomato Focaccia
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With its medley of herbs and tomatoes, this rustic bread will liven up any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a game-day get-together. It never lasts long! —Janet Miller, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 112 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/37
Five-Cheese Rigatoni
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can resist cheesy pasta hot from the oven? This ooey-gooey rigatoni mac and cheese boasts a homemade white sauce. —Shirley Foltz, Dexter, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 362 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
31/37
Apricot Ham Balls
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family requests these ham balls for our annual open house. — Loretta Walker, Great Falls, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 192 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 525mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
32/37
Banana Split
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drugstore. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 710 calories, 31g fat (17g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 107g carbohydrate (68g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
33/37
Bacon Water Chestnut Wraps
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Our gatherings just wouldn’t be the same without these classic wraps. Throughout the years, guests have proven it’s impossible to eat just one. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 75 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
34/37
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roll your burgers, cheese and taters all into one. It's the perfect dish to use to bribe your kids; homework, chores, piano practice—consider them done when this is the reward! —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 479 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
35/37
Watermelon Sorbet
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No ice cream maker is needed to make this easy, 3-ingredient watermelon sorbet recipe. We couldn't keep enough watermelon in the house to keep up with the demand! —Kory Figura, Waverly, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 184 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
36/37
Chocolate Chip Blondies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 blondie: 102 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
37/37
Haystack Meal
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Served as the main dish at our family reunion buffet, this flavorful layered taco-style dish was a true crowd-pleaser. Folks were pleasantly surprised to find a rice layer, and everyone enjoys the creamy cheese sauce. —Jill Steiner, Hancock, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 888 calories, 55g fat (24g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1746mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
