17 Easy Make-Ahead Sides for a Stress-Free Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is officially the start of backyard season, but let’s be real—nobody wants to spend their Monday stuck at a cutting board while everyone else is out on the porch with a drink. The secret to a holiday that actually feels like a break is leaning into the sides you can prep on Sunday. These 17 side dish staples handle the heavy lifting early, so you can focus on the grill and the company without the last-minute kitchen scramble.

A wooden spoon holds cheesy mashed potatoes topped with bacon bits and chopped green onions. — Twice Baked Loaded Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Homemade Corn Casserole

Two rectangular slices of light golden-brown cake with a slightly crumbly texture are placed side by side on a patterned plate. — Homemade Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This golden bake is full of sweet kernels and a tender, comforting texture that feels like a real win. It’s one of those easy staples that stays moist on the table and pairs perfectly with anything you’re pulling off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Casserole

Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

A person holds a chip topped with diced tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and olives, over a bowl filled with the same ingredients. The background is a light-colored countertop. — Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Bright layers of creamy beans and fresh veggies make this the first thing people grab when they arrive. It’s a reliable way to keep the crowd happy while the grill preheats—just set it out with a big bag of chips and relax.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

These creamy bites use apple cider vinegar for a clean, tangy finish that’s a nice change of pace. They have a smooth, velvety filling that makes them a high-protein favorite for early arrivals.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Yukon Golds give these a naturally buttery texture that holds up well if you need to keep them warm in a slow cooker. The roasted garlic adds a savory depth to your Memorial Day spread without any extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots

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

Rainbow carrots are an easy way to get some color on the table without having to try too hard. The honey-glazed edges get just the right amount of char in the oven—a sweet break from the smoky flavors on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots

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.

Whipped with cream cheese for a light and fluffy finish, these potatoes provide a soft, reliable base for the whole meal. It’s an easy staple to scale up for a big family gathering when you need something everyone likes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

15-Minute Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Cooked asparagus in a white bowl. — 15-Minute Oven-Roasted Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tucking these spears into a foil pack ensures they stay tender-crisp without any messy cleanup afterward. It’s a fast way to get some greens on the table so you can get back to the porch conversation.
Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad

This hearty salad is loaded with turkey and smoky bacon, making it a high-protein staple that’s filling enough to stand on its own. Making it ahead of time lets the flavors meld into a cooling, honest side for a hot afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad

Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon

A white bowl filled with a red kidney bean stew, including visible pieces of meat or vegetables, sits on a dark cloth napkin with a fork and spoon beside it. A small bunch of parsley is on the table nearby. — Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These beans are a sticky-sweet classic that practically cook themselves while you handle the rest of the party. They are a reliable, slow-simmered staple that belongs on the plate next to a stack of ribs or burgers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Tiny grains of couscous and snappy asparagus get a bright lift from fresh citrus for a light alternative to a heavy salad. It’s an easy way to keep your holiday plate feeling fresh and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

White wine and garlic give these beans a punchy finish that cuts right through the richness of a cookout. They stay vibrant and snappy on the buffet line—making them a great make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans

Using just one pan for these savory beans makes the post-party cleanup a lot easier. The savory sauce provides a grounded flavor that highlights the crunch of the fresh garden veggies.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Honey Garlic Carrots

Glazed in a sweet and savory garlic butter, these carrots have a glossy finish that makes them look great on the table. They are a simple, high-impact side that vanishes quickly once the long weekend feast begins.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chilled pasta salad is full of crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes for a cooling texture that beats the May heat. It’s a smart choice for a busy weekend since it stays fresh while sitting outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Garden-Fresh Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie couscous salad in a white serving bowl on a wooden board. — Garden-Fresh Veggie Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Packed with colorful vegetables and salty feta, this 25-minute staple is a simple way to add a bit of garden beauty to your table. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead win.
Get the Recipe: Garden-Fresh Veggie Couscous Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

A green bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese sits on a table next to a floral napkin, a fork, and a spoon—an irresistible choice for Memorial Day BBQ dishes. — Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This creamy, island-style classic has a hint of sweetness that’s a nice contrast to spicy BBQ sauces. It’s a nostalgic staple that feels exactly like a summer vacation in a single bite.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Twice Baked Loaded Potato Casserole

This comforting bake is layered with melted cheddar, crisp bacon, and green onions for a real crowd-pleaser. It’s a flexible staple that lets you prep everything early so you only have to pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Loaded Potato Casserole

Load up your plate, find a sunny spot on the grass, and enjoy a holiday that’s actually about relaxing.