Memorial Day is to many pitmasters what opening day is to baseball fans. For BBQ lovers, this day kicks off the best time of year and, naturally, the proper way to celebrate is with an old-fashioned Memorial Day cookout. Gearing up for a big Memorial Day BBQ this year? We’ve got a generous helping of ideas that will help you get the finger-licking flavors and unforgettable good times to make this Memorial Day cookout your best one yet! 

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1. Find a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to cook in batches.

Many people like to make Memorial Day cookouts a larger event where family, friends and neighbors can come together to celebrate. These are some of our pitmasters’ favorite grilling ideas for large groups: 

• No Flip Burgers: Burgers are a Memorial Day classic, and these burgers are even better because (with the help of a pellet grill) you don’t even need to flip them to get them done just right!
• Competition BBQ Ribs: Few cookout guests can resist a sweet and tender rack of ribs, so bust out this competition-style rib recipe if you want to become the blue-ribbon neighborhood chef.
• K.I.S.S. Wings: Wings are an American classic, and this recipe keeps it deliciously simple for juicy wings sure to be a smash hit with your guests.
• Simple Pulled Pork: If you’ve got some time to plan ahead, a pork butt will make a whole party’s worth of tender and flavorful pulled pork that goes great in sliders, nachos or just about anything else.

2. Whip up some scrumptious sides.

Sides are an indispensable part of a proper cookout spread, so find some tasty recipes to complement your BBQ creations! Check out a few of our favorite recipes for prize-winning picnic sides:

• Homemade Mac and Cheese: Just about everybody likes mac and cheese, so use Grilla’s quick and easy recipe to make some mac that everybody will want seconds of.
• Homemade Grilla Grills Coleslaw: The refreshing taste of coleslaw is a warm weather delight that’s also a must-have if you’re serving pulled pork, so use this incredibly simple recipe to get some cool and crispy slaw with just the right tang.
• Homemade Baked Beans: Another beloved BBQ side and cookout staple, baked beans are no sweat when you follow this rich and hearty recipe.
• Smoked Deviled Eggs: A plate of deviled eggs is already a cookout classic, but with just 30 minutes in the smoker, you’ll discover a whole new level of flavor you never knew they could have!
• Be inclusive by offering a green salad, some hummus, crusty bread and some fruit for guests with dietary considerations.

Rule Your Next Cookout with a WiFi Pellet Grill

3. Plan some games that are easy to pick up and enjoy.

A selection of party games can help keep the energy up and ensure that everybody’s got something fun to do. Lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole, horseshoe tossing, badminton and bocce ball are fun for all ages and simple enough for anybody to pick up and play. And for the grown ups, all of the above games definitely go well with a cold beer or cocktail!

Don’t want to miss out on the fun while you’re manning the grill? A WiFi pellet grill like the Silverbac with Alpha Connect from Grilla Grills will let you track all of the essentials straight from your phone! With the included smart meat probes and user-friendly app, you’ll have everything you need to grill smarter and never miss a moment.

4. Remember the reason we’re celebrating.

Of course, Memorial Day is much more than an excuse to get the grill going. When you’re celebrating, keep in mind the many U.S. service members who gave their lives so you can enjoy your time with family and friends! Here are some of the ways that people choose to show their appreciation for the U.S. military on Memorial Day:

• Decorating with patriotic motifs in red, white and blue
• Collecting donations for reputable nonprofits that serve military families and wounded veterans
• Screening a military history documentary on a backyard projector or outdoor TV
• Learning and performing patriotic songs (if you have musically inclined guests or family)
• Observing the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time

Find the Perfect Wood Pellets for Every Smoking Project

We bet you can almost smell the grill firing up now! As you’re making your plans, don’t forget to make sure you’ve got the essentials like a set of grilling tools or a bag of high-quality natural wood pellets for your pellet grill. For more savory, smoky inspiration, don’t forget to check out our full collection of pellet grill recipes, too!