20 Make-Ahead Memorial Day Recipes to Save You Stress

Long weekends are meant for soaking up the sun, not scrambling in the kitchen. I’ve been all about planning ahead lately, especially when it comes to holiday meals. These make ahead memorial day recipes are perfect for making in advance, so when the big day rolls around, everything’s chill—literally and figuratively. Trust me, future you will be so grateful.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Marshmallows

A glass bowl filled with creamy fruit salad, inspired by vintage recipes, is topped with a red maraschino cherry; the salad contains marshmallows, fruit pieces, and whipped cream. Silver spoons rest beside the bowl on a gray surface. — Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Marshmallows. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This nostalgic Southern fruit salad combines juicy citrus, pineapple, and marshmallows in a creamy base. It’s a refreshing and sweet addition you can make well in advance.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Marshmallows

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Three stuffed bell peppers, inspired by classic 1980s recipes, two red and one orange, filled with rice and topped with shredded cheese and chopped fresh herbs, served on a light-colored plate. — Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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These slow-cooked stuffed peppers are filled with savory sausage and rice, perfect for prepping ahead of time. Let them simmer in the crockpot for a stress-free main dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Chicken in Puff Pastry

A golden-brown pastry square topped with creamy white sauce and cracked black pepper, served on a dark plate—perfect for easy meals. — Chicken in Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Tender chicken breasts are wrapped in flaky puff pastry and served with a rich mustard cream sauce. This elegant dish is easy to prep ahead and bake right before guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Chicken in Puff Pastry

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

A serving of king ranch casserole with some avocados. — King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This creamy and cheesy Tex-Mex casserole layers chicken, tortillas, and peppers for bold flavor in every bite. Make it ahead and simply bake when you’re ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

chicken and sausage gumbo in a bowl with the ladle on the side. — Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This rich and hearty gumbo brings bold Cajun flavor with chicken, andouille sausage, and okra. Prepare it a day ahead—it gets even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Dates, Bacon, and Hot Honey

goat cheese dip in a cast iron skillet on a gray background. — Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Dates, Bacon, and Hot Honey. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This creamy goat cheese dip is sweetened with dates, smoky bacon, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey. Perfect for making ahead and baking right before your guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Dates, Bacon, and Hot Honey

Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish

A platter of deviled eggs, each topped with a sprinkle of paprika, is arranged neatly on a clear glass tray—a classic touch from beloved southern recipes. Fresh parsley sits in the center as garnish. — Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

A Southern twist on deviled eggs featuring a tangy sweet pickle relish that adds a burst of flavor. These are easy to prepare a day ahead and chill until serving.
Get the Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish

Sausage Mac and Cheese with Peppers and Onions

A casserole dish with sausage mac and cheese. — Sausage Mac and Cheese with Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This hearty mac and cheese features savory sausage with sautéed peppers and onions for a flavor-packed dish. Make it in advance and reheat for a comforting crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese with Peppers and Onions

Smoked Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese and Dill

A bowl of cream cheese salmon dip next to a bowl of crostini. — Smoked Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese and Dill. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This elegant smoked salmon dip combines cream cheese and fresh dill for a tangy and creamy appetizer. Prepare it a day ahead for flavors to develop fully.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese and Dill

Southern Cheese Straws with Sharp Cheddar Cheese

A basket of cheese straws next to glassesof wine. — Southern Cheese Straws with Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These crisp and buttery cheese straws are packed with sharp cheddar flavor, perfect for snacking ahead of your Memorial Day feast. Bake them early and store in an airtight container.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cheese Straws with Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Southern 7 Layer Salad

A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings. — Southern 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This vibrant 7 layer salad combines crisp veggies, bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing for a classic Southern side dish. It’s perfect to assemble the day before your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Southern 7 Layer Salad

Cornbread Pudding Casserole

A spoonful of cornbread corn pudding. — Cornbread Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This sweet and savory cornbread pudding is a comforting casserole perfect for make-ahead meals. It reheats beautifully, making it a great stress-free addition to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Pudding Casserole

Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky and tender buttermilk biscuits that you can prepare ahead and warm up just before serving. They’re a Southern staple that pairs well with any Memorial Day spread.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Southern Chicken and Dumplings

A pot of chicken and dumplings with chunks of chicken, carrots, and herbs in a flavorful broth. A ladle is lifting a dumpling and some chicken out of the pot, showcasing the hearty comfort food. — Southern Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This classic Southern comfort dish features tender chicken simmered with fluffy dumplings. It’s perfect to prepare a day ahead and gently reheat for a soul-warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Banana Pudding with Homemade Custard

A glass of banana pudding with a slice of banana on top. — Banana Pudding with Homemade Custard. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

A luscious banana pudding layered with rich homemade custard and vanilla wafers. Make it a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding with Homemade Custard

Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe

Close-up of creamy macaroni salad with elbow pasta, diced carrots, celery, pickles, and a mayonnaise-based dressing—just like recipes mom used to make—mixed together with two gold-colored utensils. — Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Laurens Latest.

This creamy macaroni salad features a tangy dressing that blends perfectly with tender pasta. Prepare it ahead for a cool and comforting side.
Get the Recipe: Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe

Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad

A bowl of creamy macaroni salad with kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green peas, and fresh cilantro garnish—just like one of grandma’s favorite spring dishes. — Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A colorful pasta salad with crisp veggies, olives, and a tangy dressing. This recipe is perfect for making ahead and letting flavors meld overnight.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad

BBQ Chicken Salad

A bowl of salad topped with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and drizzled with creamy dressing and barbecue sauce. — BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

This chicken salad is flavorful and easy to make ahead for picnics or gatherings. It keeps well chilled and pairs well with fresh bread or crackers.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Salad

Southern Baked Beans

Close-up of baked beans in a rich sauce, topped with pieces of crispy bacon, being stirred with a wooden spoon. — Southern Baked Beans. Photo credit: Spicy Southern Kitchen.

These baked beans are rich, smoky, and perfect for making the day before your cookout. The slow-cooked flavors deepen overnight for an irresistible side.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Beans

Make-Ahead Pulled Pork

A close-up of a pulled pork sandwich on a soft bun, topped with creamy coleslaw. — Make-Ahead Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Laurens Latest.

This pulled pork is slow-cooked to tender perfection and can be made well in advance for easy reheating. It’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for Memorial Day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Pulled Pork

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