Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May each year. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials and placing flags or flowers on the graves of the fallen. They may also hold family gatherings and barbecues as a way to celebrate the sacrifices made by those who died in military service.
When is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. It was originally known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in military service. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday in May. In 2023, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 29.
What foods are traditionally eaten on Memorial Day?
There are a few classic American foods that are traditionally served on Memorial Day:
- Burgers – Juicy grilled hamburgers are a backyard BBQ staple.
- Hot dogs – These grilled sausages are an easy food for feeding a crowd.
- Potato salad – Creamy potato salad is a popular side dish.
- Coleslaw – Cool, crunchy coleslaw complements rich BBQ meats.
- Baked beans – Smokey, saucy beans are a satisfying side.
- Corn on the cob – Grilled corn is a classic summer treat.
- Watermelon – Refreshing slices of juicy watermelon say summer.
- Iced tea – A chilled glass of iced tea hits the spot on a hot day.
- Apple pie – American as apple pie is a patriotic dessert option.
These classic dishes like burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, and pie are commonly served because they are easy to prepare for large gatherings. The weekend holiday is popular for backyard BBQs and picnics, so grilled foods and cool sides tend to be on the menu. Fruits like watermelon also make sense for the late springtime holiday.
What is the most popular Memorial Day food?
According to various surveys and polls, the number one most popular food served on Memorial Day is the classic American hamburger. Burgers are typically the star entrée of any Memorial Day BBQ. In a national survey conducted by Coca-Cola, burgers came in as the top Memorial Day menu item.
Here are some key facts about Memorial Day burgers:
- 90% of Americans will eat a burger on Memorial Day weekend.
- On average, each American will eat nearly 4 burgers over the holiday weekend.
- Over 225 million pounds of ground beef and burgers will be consumed.
- Top burger additions include cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and bacon.
Burgers continue to dominate Memorial Day menus because they are tasty, filling, and a perfect food for grilling in the backyard. Their popularity shows no signs of waning.
Other top Memorial Day foods
While burgers take the #1 spot, other top contenders for popular Memorial Day foods include:
- Hot dogs
- Steak
- Chicken
- Ribs
- Pasta salad
- Potato chips
- Strawberries
- Corn on the cob
These tasty grilled meats, sides, snacks, and fruits round out the top 10 most served items on Memorial Day menus across America.
Regional and state favorites
While burgers, hot dogs, and barbecue fare are overall favorites coast to coast, some states have their own unique or special foods associated with Memorial Day weekend.
| State | Popular Memorial Day Foods |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Biscuits, fried okra, Gulf shrimp |
| Alaska | King salmon, reindeer hot dogs |
| Arizona | Carne asada, cactus fruit |
This table shows some of the region-specific foods that are enjoyed in different states on Memorial Day, from seafood in Alabama to Mexican-inspired dishes in Arizona.
Most popular Memorial Day side dishes
The sides and fixings are just as important as the protein when it comes to Memorial Day meal planning. Here are some of the most popular Memorial Day side dish recipes:
- Potato salad – 79% of Memorial Day menus
- Coleslaw – 69%
- Baked beans – 51%
- Macaroni salad – 45%
- Corn on the cob – 44%
- Cornbread – 30%
- Watermelon – 30%
- Grilled vegetables – 29%
These tasty sides complement the hot grilled meats and burgers perfectly. Cool, mayo-based salads provide contrast to charred proteins. Warm, baked beans and grilled corn add to the classic barbecue feel. And fruits like watermelon give a refreshing finish.
Most popular Memorial Day desserts
Memorial Day menus are rounded out with classic Americana desserts. The most popular sweet treats to serve are:
- Apple pie – Warm with ice cream, it’s down home goodness.
- Strawberry shortcake – Sweet biscuits with ripe, red strawberries.
- Brownies – Rich, fudgy chocolate is a crowd pleaser.
- Cookies – Kids love chocolate chip, peanut butter, and sugar cookies.
- Fruit salad – A light, refreshing option to finish the meal.
- Ice cream sundaes – Cool off with patriotic red, white, and blue toppings.
These Memorial Day desserts are easy to serve for a large group. They also take advantage of fresh spring and summer produce like apples and strawberries.
Memorial Day food and drink trends
While traditional American classics remain go-to choices, some modern food and drink trends are also shaping Memorial Day menus. Some recent trends include:
- Plant-based meats – Vegetarian and vegan burgers are increasing in popularity.
- Infused cocktails – Flavored vodka, lemonades, sangrias, and spiked seltzers are on the rise.
- One-dish meals – Skillets, kabobs, sheet pan meals require less work.
- Fun kids’ foods – More chicken nuggets, tater tots, and snack mixes are being served.
- Nostalgic flavors – Old fashioned recipes like banana pudding are making a comeback.
Americans are loving convenient new innovations but also reminiscing with childhood throwback dishes. Overall, menus are becoming more diverse to meet the tastes of all generations.
Memorial Day food safety tips
When cooking for groups on Memorial Day weekend, proper food safety is essential. Follow these tips when preparing holiday feasts:
- Wash hands and surfaces often
- Separate raw and cooked foods
- Cook meats to a safe internal temperature
- Keep hot food above 140°F
- Chill salads and perishables below 40°F
- Discard leftovers after 4 days in the fridge
Being diligent about temperature control, avoiding cross-contamination, and promptly refrigerating leftovers are key to prevent the spread of bacteria and foodborne illness.
Conclusion
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, filled with BBQs, picnics, and delicious food. The number one food item on most Memorial Day menus is the classic American hamburger, a staple at backyard grilling parties coast to coast. Other popular foods include hot dogs, steaks, chicken, ribs, salads, sides, and fresh summer fruits. Traditional desserts like apple pie, brownies, and cookies also grace the tables. While paying tribute to fallen military personnel, Memorial Day provides the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill, gather family and friends, and dig into quintessential American deliciousness.