Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a time to honor our heroes and gather with family and friends. And what better way to celebrate than with a backyard BBQ? Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal with loved ones, Select Brands has the perfect appliances to help you prep a delicious spread with ease.
From air fryers and blenders to ice makers and treat machines, here’s how to make your Memorial Day celebration one to remember.
Memorial Day Recipes
Sizzling Starters: Grilled Sliders with a Twist
Pair with: Your Outdoor Grill + Toastmaster Blender
While Select Brands doesn’t make grills, our Toastmaster 5-Speed Blender can help prep flavorful sauces and burger mixes that make your BBQ shine.
Recipe: Southwest Chicken Sliders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Use the blender to combine jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, and spices into a smooth paste.
- Mix with ground chicken and form slider patties.
- Grill patties until cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Serve with chipotle mayo and avocado slices on mini buns.
Crispy Sides: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Appliance: TRU 8-Quart Air Fryer
This digital air fryer delivers crispy, delicious meals with easy-to-use preset functions and a spacious design perfect for quick family dinners or entertaining guests.
Recipe: Crispy Corn Ribs
Ingredients:
- 2 ears of corn, quartered lengthwise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Toss corn ribs with oil and spices.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Finish with lime juice and fresh cilantro.
Cool & Refreshing: Frozen Watermelon Lemonade
Appliance: Toastmaster Blender
Keep everyone cool and hydrated with a quick frozen drink.
Recipe: Frozen Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 3 cups seedless watermelon, frozen
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey or agave
- 1 cup ice
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve immediately with a mint sprig and a slice of lemon on the rim.
Sweet Treats: Red, White & Blue Mini Cupcakes
Appliance: Babycakes Mini Cupcake Maker
Perfect for kids and adults alike, this treat maker turns any holiday into a party.
Recipe: Patriotic Mini Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients on box)
- Red and blue food coloring
- White frosting
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions:
- Mix cake batter according to instructions.
- Divide into three bowls. Color one red, one blue, and leave one white.
- Fill each treat cavity with a spoonful of each color for a swirl effect.
- Cook in the Babycakes Mini Cupcake Maker for 4–5 minutes.
- Cool and top with frosting and sprinkles.
Stay Cool: Ice-Cold Drinks All Day Long
Appliance: TRU Countertop Ice Maker
No BBQ is complete without cold drinks. The TRU Countertop Ice Maker produces up to 26 lbs of ice a day—no more last-minute ice runs!
Entertain Tip: Fill mason jars with lemonade, tea, or soda and top with fresh ice, citrus slices, and striped paper straws for a festive touch.
Easy Memorial Day Hosting Tips
A little preparation goes a long way when hosting a Memorial Day BBQ. Simple setups and make-ahead planning help you spend more time with guests and less time stressing in the kitchen.
Create a Self-Serve Drink Station
Fill a cooler with ice, water, soda, and lemonade so guests can grab drinks throughout the day without crowding the kitchen.
Prep Food Ahead of Time
Chop ingredients, marinate meats, and organize serving trays the night before to make cooking much easier once guests arrive.
Set Up Simple Outdoor Seating
Add folding chairs, outdoor blankets, and festive decorations to create a comfortable backyard space for relaxing and conversation.
Keep Easy Snacks Available
Serve simple appetizers like chips and dip, sliders, or air fryer snacks to keep everyone happy while the grill heats up.
Backyard BBQ Games Everyone Will Love
Backyard games keep guests entertained and help turn your Memorial Day BBQ into an all-day family event.
Cornhole Tournament
Set up a friendly cornhole competition with small prizes for the winners to keep the fun going throughout the day.
Water Balloon Toss
A water balloon toss is a simple way to cool off and entertain both kids and adults during warm weather.
Giant Yard Games
Oversized games like Giant Jenga or Connect Four are easy to set up and perfect for casual backyard fun.
Patriotic Relay Races
Create quick relay races using beach balls, flags, or picnic items for a fun activity everyone can join.
Bring the Fun: Character-Themed Appliances
Want to add a pop of personality to your celebration? Select Brands offers appliances featuring Disney, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and more. They make perfect gifts—and great conversation starters at your gathering.
Ready to Upgrade Your BBQ Game?
Explore the full Select Brands collection to find appliances that make every holiday and everyday moment easier—and more fun.
Here’s to a flavorful, joyful, and meaningful Memorial Day.
