We wait all winter for barbecue season to officially begin, and it's finally here! Memorial Day weekend is the first of many upcoming summer weekends, in which to blow the cover off that grill with some amazing meals and just-as-special side dishes.
And don't forget dessert (as if we ever could!). We've rounded-up simple, sweet, and savory recipes that will please guests of all ages this upcoming holiday weekend.
Many are so patriotic you'll want to serve them again this Fourth of July.
What's your favorite dish to serve at a barbecue?
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Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers
These yummy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers are a perfect appetizer. They're light and delicious and get the grill nice and hot so you're ready for your next course.
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Sangria
It wouldn't be holiday weekend celebration without a signature cocktail, would it? Your guests will definitely want the recipe for this drink, billed as the Best Sangria Ever by Kristin of Iowa Girl Eats.
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Pepper Jack Stuffed Doritos Burger
How amazing does this sound: Pepper Jack Stuffed Doritos Burgers? Yes, we said Doritos, everyone's favorite Nacho Cheese chip! You can almost taste it, can't you? Created by Heather of Heather Likes Food, this crunchy-salty burger will have our guests begging for more and trying to figure out the secret ingredients!
Cute Condiment Holder
No barbecue is complete without toppings! Malia of Yesterday on Tuesday thought of this ingenius way to keep your condiments all in one convenient spot. We love this idea!
Loaded Bacon Potato Salad
Hello, Loaded Bacon Potato Salad — you had us at bacon! Nikki at This Is My Key West says this is one of her most popular recipes. Complete with chives and cheddar cheese, we can definitely see why!
BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Raw bacon is in the marinade, giving these BBQ Chicken Kebabs, created by Melanie at Fabulessly Frugal a nice smoky flavor. And who doesn't love the convenience of a dish that calls for no cutlery?
Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
It wouldn't be a barbecue without hot dogs but if you've already got a loaded grill or, heaven forbid, there's rain in the forecast, these Baked Chili Cheese Dogs are a lifesaver. Lisa at Creole Contessa says prep time is just five minutes! Can this recipe get any better? We don't think so!
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Broccoli Cheese Cornbread
Want to up the wow factor when it comes to that lovable side: cornbread. Consider serving up slices of this colorful Broccoli Cheese Cornbread created by Melissa of Melissa's Southern Kitchen.
Orzo Pasta Salad
Orzo Pasta Salad is a great side dish to serve in case you have some non-meat-lovers in the mix. This little rice-shaped pasta isn't overly filling either, so you'll have plenty of room for dessert. Julia of A Cedar Spoon adds tons of fresh veggies and a hint of mint.
Fruit & Brownie Kabobs
Brownie (& Fruit) Kabobs created by Mel of Mel's Kitchen Cafe are a great (and semi-healthy) alternative to other more filling desserts. We love the fluffy, white marshmallows that give it a patriotic feel.
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Patriotic Pies in Mason Jars
As the ladies at The Nerds Wife who devised this genius Patriotic Pies in Mason Jars recipe point out, you can create any flavors you like! Using refrigerated, store-bought crusts makes them a real time-saver, perfect for any holiday get-together.
