21 Memorial Day Side Dishes You’ll Make Every Year

Memorial Day isn’t just about firing up the grill—it’s about the sides that show up with it. The best ones are easy to make, crowd-approved, and good enough to bring back year after year. These 21 Memorial Day side dishes check every box without trying too hard. They’re the kind of recipes that quietly earn a spot on the table every time.

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice. — Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes take 35 minutes to make and use russet potatoes, butter, and cream for a smooth, rich result. The texture is light and fluffy, with a buttery finish that feels like comfort food done right. It pairs well with anything grilled, making it a repeat favorite for holiday meals. The flavor is mellow and satisfying with a subtle savory depth.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts are ready in 25 minutes and feature Brussels sprouts, olive oil, and a bold Indian spice blend. The result is slightly crispy edges with warm, aromatic seasoning in every bite. They offer something different from the usual sides without feeling out of place. The flavor is earthy with just the right kick of spice.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots come together in about 30 minutes using fresh carrots, garlic, and a drizzle of honey. They land right in the sweet-savory zone, with tender carrots coated in a sticky glaze. The garlic balances out the sweetness, keeping the flavor grounded. It’s a reliable side that never gets skipped over.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans take 20 minutes and rely on green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and butter for a sharp, umami-rich flavor. They’re savory with just enough punch to make you reach for seconds. The beans stay crisp-tender, holding their shape and texture well. It’s a smart option when you need something fast but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta need 30 minutes and combine sprouts, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta. The roasting brings out nutty notes while the cheese adds creamy tang. It’s a more textured take on the usual roasted veg. The result is warm, crisp, and sharp in all the right ways.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Easy Oven Asparagus

Easy Oven Asparagus takes just 20 minutes to prepare. It’s made with asparagus, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The stalks are tender with slightly crisp tips and a fresh, grassy flavor. This is a clean, no-fuss option that always works. Serve it warm or at room temperature—either way, it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted honey-glazed carrots take about 35 minutes. Carrots, honey, and butter are combined for a caramelized finish. The edges get sticky and golden while the centers stay soft. This dependable mix of sweet and savory works with grilled meats. You get deep flavor from just a few pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables take 45 minutes to blend carrots, potatoes, and parsnips with oil and herbs. The mix roasts until golden and crisp outside, tender inside. It’s hearty, colorful, and fits right into any cookout spread. The flavor is woodsy, slightly sweet, and savory.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices are made in 40 minutes with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter. The edges get caramelized while the inside stays velvety. They walk the line between savory and dessert in a way that fits right in. The taste is sweet, buttery, and warm with spice.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions come together in 25 minutes with fresh beans, garlic, and crispy onions. They’re crunchy, salty, and just garlicky enough to stand out. The fried onions add texture and a little nostalgia. It’s a classic combo that always gets eaten first.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded Cauliflower Mash takes 30 minutes and uses cauliflower, cheese, sour cream, and green onions. It’s creamy and rich with all the flavor of loaded potatoes, but lighter. You get a smooth texture with pockets of melted cheese and bite from the onions. It’s a great low-carb swap that still feels satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans are ready in 15 minutes with green beans, garlic, and crushed red pepper. They’re crisp, spicy, and packed with bold flavor. The heat wakes up the plate without overpowering everything else. It’s a fast way to make green beans more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes take 40 minutes and rely on Yukon gold potatoes, garlic, and nutty brown butter. The texture is creamy and smooth with a deep, roasted flavor. The garlic hits mellow and warm, not sharp. It’s a richer take on a staple side dish.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts take 30 minutes, including Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. They come out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a tangy-sweet glaze. The balsamic adds depth without overpowering the vegetable’s natural taste. It’s a side that feels a little more dressed up.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon. — Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Surprise Potatoes bake in about 50 minutes using sliced potatoes, cheese, and a creamy seasoned sauce. The top gets bubbly and golden while the middle stays soft and rich. It’s a crowd-pleaser with familiar flavors and just enough mystery to get attention. The taste is cheesy, savory, and classic.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs. — Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard is done in 20 minutes with chard, garlic, and olive oil. The stems stay crisp while the leaves soften, making for a contrast in texture. It’s a quick way to work in some greens without fuss. The flavor is earthy and slightly peppery.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Spinach Colcannon takes 40 minutes and uses mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, and green onions. It’s creamy, garlicky, and comforting with a bit more green than usual. The spinach folds in smoothly for a slightly fresher version of a traditional side. It tastes familiar but a little brighter.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

A plate with mashed potatoes and meat on it. — Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers comes together in 30 minutes with green cabbage, red bell pepper, and garlic. The cabbage softens while the peppers keep a bit of bite. The mix is simple, colorful, and tastes both savory and sweet. It works with anything grilled or roasted.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

A black bowl filled with vegetables on a table. — Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Indian-Style Okra Curry takes 35 minutes and combines okra, tomatoes, onions, and warming spices. The gravy is rich, the okra stays firm, and the spices bring heat and complexity. It’s a bold side that still works next to familiar mains. The flavor is deep, earthy, and a little tangy.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks on Spicy Sweet Potato Puree take 50 minutes and pair thick cauliflower slices with creamy sweet potatoes and heat from chipotle. The result is a hearty side that eats almost like a main. The puree is smooth and spicy, while the cauliflower is tender with crispy edges. It’s a full-flavor option that holds its own.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice takes 15 minutes and uses cauliflower, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. It’s light, fluffy, and citrusy with a fresh herbal twist. The texture is closer to couscous than rice, but it holds up well. It’s a fast, bright side that works with anything grilled.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice