🎉 Memorial Day Burger Cookout
SEO Guide Updated July 2026
Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to grilling season — which also means it's often the first time all year the grill gets real use. A little extra prep goes a long way for the season's first big cookout.
Plan your headcount early
Memorial Day gatherings tend to grow as the date gets closer. Lock in your guest count and run it through our Burger Party Calculator so you're shopping for the real number, not a guess.
Check your gear before the season's first cookout
If the grill has been sitting all winter: check the propane level or charcoal supply, scrub down the grates, and test the igniter before the day of. See our Equipment Guide for what's worth having on hand.
Crowd-pleasing styles for a first cookout
Keep it approachable for a broad group: a Classic Cheeseburger covers everyone, and a BBQ Burger gives you one bolder option without overcomplicating the menu.
Have a weather backup plan
Memorial Day weather is unpredictable in a lot of the country. Keep a cast iron skillet or griddle ready as an indoor backup — see our Griddle vs Grill guide — so a little rain doesn't cancel the cookout.
Round out the spread
Corn on the cob, coleslaw, and watermelon are classic warm-weather sides. Add any of them straight to your plan with the Burger Night Planner's sides picker.
Burger HQ Picks Recommended Gear
Stainless Grill Accessory Kit
Long tongs, a wide spatula, and a basting brush so you are not fighting your own tools over a hot grill.
Check price →Adjustable Burger Patty Press Mold
For thick, even, restaurant-uniform patties (great for grilling). Adjustable thickness, non-stick, dishwasher safe.
Check price →As an affiliate site, I Love Hamburger may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
What's a classic Memorial Day cookout menu?
Burgers (and often hot dogs) are the centerpiece, rounded out with classic warm-weather sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, and watermelon.
How much beef do I need for a Memorial Day cookout?
Plan on about 1/3 lb of ground beef per adult for a normal appetite — see our How Much Ground Beef Per Person guide, or just run your numbers through the Party Calculator for an exact shopping list.
What if it rains on Memorial Day?
Move the cook indoors to a cast iron skillet or griddle — you'll get a great sear either way. See our Griddle vs Grill guide for the indoor method.