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    Home / Recipes / Course / Appetizer

    2 May 19, 2015 Appetizer  |  

    Throw a Backyard Memorial Day Bash with these 12 Simple Recipes (and tips!)

    Half Beer Can Chicken

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Memorial Day is right around the corner, and it’s about that time to dust off your grill, gather friends and family, and throw a big, backyard bash.  I’ve put together a short list of simple recipes to help you get the party started.  But first, let’s talk party tips:

    1. Don’t make your whole menu from scratch.  Pair one or two (or three) of the recipes below with store-bought items to keep your event stress-free.  Just make sure everything is good-quality.
    2. If friends or family ask to bring something, tell them alcohol or ice.  I always forget to buy extra ice.
    3. Keep one or two foam coolers (or big buckets) handy to store extra ice.
    4. When grilling, make sure you’ve got enough charcoal or propane to fuel the whole party.
    5. Get your friends and family involved with the grilling process!  No need to slave over the coals in solitude.  Burger-flipping, timer-checking and temperature-taking are all good tasks for a guest.
    6. Target is a really good source for affordable disposable plates, cups, napkins and flatware.  Ditch the basic paper plates and red solo cups, and liven up your disposables!
    7. Music is important to keep the atmosphere enjoyable and energetic.  Keep the playlist out of reach (lock your laptop, hide your mobile device, etc.) to avoid drunken, hostile takeovers.  If you see someone trying to fuss with the music, kindly ask for a request, and add their song to the playlist.

    Now, on to the recipes.

    The Drinks

    Hop, Skip and Go Naked

    A refreshing mix of IPA, lemon vodka and fresh citrus, this Hop, Skip and Go Naked cocktail is the perfect sipper when manning a smoking hot grill.

    Hop, Skip and Go Naked cocktail

    El Comediante

    Red Bell Pepper Infused Rum, the star ingredient in this whimsical cocktail, is like summer in liquid form.  Ginger syrup, ginger ale, mint and red wine join the party, creating an effervescent drink that just hits the spot on a laid-back Holiday weekend.

    El Comediante

    The Apps

    Tomato and Horseradish Cocktail Sauce

    Roasted tomatoes and fresh horseradish take this appetizer classic to the next level.  Serve with poached, grilled or roasted shrimp, and be sure to keep everything well-chilled if leaving out for an afternoon.

    Cocktail Sauce With Shrimp

    Deviled Eggs 3 Ways

    Another modern-retro appetizer that will please any crowd.  My friends always ask for more Avocado Bacon Deviled Eggs, so I make extra!

    Deviled Eggs 3 Ways

    The Mains

    Grilled Dry-Aged Steak

    Grilled steak + butter + herbs + garlic = Meat Perfection.  If you plan on serving this recipe for a crowd, I would recommend slicing the steaks into manageable strips (after they’ve rested), so your guests don’t have to wrestle with the bone.

    Grilled Dry Aged Steak

    Beer Can Chicken

    A healthy option for your Memorial Day barbecue. Start with a whole chicken rubbed in a flavorful mix of sugar, salt and spices.  Grill the chicken atop a sturdy can filled with light beer and aromatics.  The finished chicken is so deliciously tender.

    Beer Can Chicken

    Jorge’s Bacon Cheeseburgers

    Skip the pre-formed burger patties, and make your own custom burger blend instead.  The burger below is made with chuck, short rib, bacon and shredded sharp cheddar.  Grind your own meat at home (it’s easy!) or ask your butcher to do it.

    Jorge's Bacon Cheeseburger

    Grilled Tri-Tip

    This West Coast cut of beef is marinated in olive oil, garlic, rosemary and lemon, then seared on a hot grill until wonderfully charred.  Red slices of juicy tri-tip are paired with a super fresh Italian Salsa Verde.  When slicing tri-tip, be sure to go against the grain!

    Grilled Tri Tip with Salsa Verde

    The Sides

    Grilled Kale Caesar Salad

    While you’ve got the grill all fired up, throw on some leaves of lacinato kale, then make this salad!  If you’re feeling ambitions, make the Caesar dressing and croutons from scratch.  If you’ve already got enough on your plate menu-wise, go ahead and use good quality store-bought versions.

    Grilled Kale Caesar with Torn Croutons

    Fermented Garlic and Dill Pickles

    Sour pickles are the perfect accompaniment to smokey, grilled meats.  If you want to make these, be sure to start as soon as possible!  They take several days to ferment.

    Fermented Garlic and Dill Pickles

    The Sweets

    Peanut Butter and Jelly Hand Pies

    This kid- (and adult-) friendly dessert is made simple with the use of frozen puff pastry.  Double or triple batch it for a crowd.

    Peanut Butter & Jelly Hand Pies

    Dark Chocolate Brownies with Pistachios and Easy Salted Caramel Sauce

    Everyone loves a good brownie.  I would recommend cutting these decadent beauties in 16 (instead of 9) for a crowd.  A small bite of something sweet is the perfect ending to a big meal.

    Dark Chocolate and Pistachio Brownies with Salted Caramel

    That’s all for now!  I hope you all have an enjoyable and safe Memorial Day Weekend :)!

    2
    Brandon and Federico
    Brandon

    I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!

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    Categories: Appetizer Tags: roundup

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marye says

      May 20, 2015 at 7:44 am

      These are great ideas! I love summer entertaining… I totally agree with make a few things from scratch and fill in with quality prepared foods. 🙂

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:32 pm

        Thanks Marye 🙂

        Reply
    2. Mirlandra @ Mirlandra's Kitchen says

      May 20, 2015 at 8:40 am

      This is a great collection! I think that cocktail would be a hit at our place. Not to mention that chicken looks perfect! Thanks.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:31 pm

        Thanks Mirlandra. Enjoy your holiday!

        Reply
    3. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says

      May 20, 2015 at 8:55 am

      Our Canadian long weekend just passed and we got together with our neighbours to cook. One of my favourite traditions is each of us making something to contribute to the BBQ! This way the stress is not all on one person!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:31 pm

        That’s a fun tradition! Sometimes I go that route, other times I’m more controlling 😉

        Reply
    4. Christine from Cook the Story says

      May 20, 2015 at 9:17 am

      These recipes all look delicious, but that tri-tip steak needs to make an appearance at our house soon.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:31 pm

        For sure, it’s a good one. Thanks!

        Reply
    5. Arthur in the Garden! says

      May 20, 2015 at 10:12 am

      Yummy!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:30 pm

        Thanks Arthur 🙂

        Reply
    6. GiGi Eats says

      May 20, 2015 at 10:54 am

      I cannot believe MEMORIAL DAY is THIS MONDAY – wtf!? Where did the time fly?! That being said, I NEED THAT CHICKEN!! He is standing erect JUST FOR ME! 😉

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:30 pm

        I know right?! It’s almost summer! I realized I need to start working on some new grilling recipes. Have a great weekend!

        Reply
    7. The Food Hunter says

      May 20, 2015 at 1:09 pm

      I think Memorial Day is now my favorite holiday!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:29 pm

        Haha thanks :)! I do love a good backyard barbecue.

        Reply
    8. Liz Schmitt says

      May 20, 2015 at 1:53 pm

      A marvelous collection of recipes and terrific tips – enjoy the holiday!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:29 pm

        Thanks Liz. You enjoyed weekend as well.

        Reply
    9. Steph @ Steph in Thyme says

      May 20, 2015 at 4:52 pm

      What a beautiful, inspiring roundup! And you just blew my husband’s mind with the beer can chicken. Love the deviled eggs three ways, too.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:28 pm

        Thanks Steph :)!

        Reply
    10. J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats says

      May 20, 2015 at 6:47 pm

      Loved this menu! Especially the cocktails can’t imagine what the red bell pepper one tastes like, I’m so intrigued! And the IPA is perfect as many of my friends love IPAs but I am not a fan….a cocktail is the perfect compromise. For whatever reason IPA + grapefruit = so much easier to drink than an IPA alone, I think Craft & Commerce has something like that I’ve tried before 😀

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:28 pm

        Thanks Joyce! Yeah the IPA cocktail is nice and balanced. Bitter, but more in the refreshing side. And no IPA aftertaste! Have a great weekend.

        Reply
    11. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says

      May 20, 2015 at 10:51 pm

      Great set of tips and wonderful line of delicious eats in this post…except, what to do when your backyard is smaller than your bathroom.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 5:26 pm

        Thanks Michelle. Weeeeeelllll if it’s that small, then I would take the party inside 😉

        Reply
    12. Connie | URBAN BAKES says

      May 21, 2015 at 7:21 am

      I love this list you composed. Such great reminders, especially with that ice. I ALWAYS forget ice or never seem to have enough. PS: first time on your blog, very nice!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 3:02 pm

        Thanks Connie and welcome! Haha yes, ice is crucial.

        Reply
    13. Loriann Cargill Bustos says

      May 21, 2015 at 7:51 am

      I truly can not decide which recipe I want to try first! Everything loos amazing!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 3:01 pm

        Thanks Loriann!

        Reply
    14. Heidi @foodiecrush says

      May 21, 2015 at 12:01 pm

      Target is always on my list of sources for anything having to do with entertaining. Fun tips!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 3:01 pm

        Thanks Heidi! I’m just a few minute walk from Target, so I’m always checking out their new products. Enjoy your holiday weekend!

        Reply
    15. Kaitie @ Fuchsia Freezer says

      May 22, 2015 at 5:17 am

      First off, love your pictures! They are fantastic. And I love the recipes! The peanut butter & jelly hand pies are awesome!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 22, 2015 at 2:59 pm

        Thanks so much!! They are super tasty 🙂

        Reply
    16. Lisa @ Whisk & Cleaver says

      May 25, 2015 at 11:12 am

      Such a great roundup! I can’t wait to try your tri-tip (one of our go-to’s for grilling) and those Brownies look divine. Happy grilling!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 26, 2015 at 6:35 am

        Thanks Lisa! Have you ever tried Cardiff Crack?

        Reply
    17. Olivia @ Olivia's Cuisine says

      May 26, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      This is such a great round up! Too bad I can’t grill on my fire escape… Or even if I could, I doubt it would be fun. lol Also, had a good laugh on the thought of having to protect the playlist from a drunken, hostile takeover. I never do, and it’s mostly my husband taking over and playing the awful music he likes to listen too.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        May 27, 2015 at 6:47 am

        Haha thanks Olivia! It’s the worst when someone grabs the iPhone and just starts flipping through songs while the party is going on 😛 OR, when they play 1 minute of a song, switch to the next, 1 minute, switch, and so on.

        Reply

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    Brandon and Federico

    I'm Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Read More…


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