Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial start of summer. The weather warms up, the drinks get colder, and the grill finally comes out of hibernation. And if there’s one thing you absolutely have to have at your Memorial Day BBQ, it’s Burgers. 

Why? They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser: easy to scale up whether you’re hosting two people or twenty, endlessly customizable, and perfectly suited for a laid-back day spent outside. While everyone is hanging out, chatting, and soaking up the sunshine, Burgers keep things simple and satisfying without pulling you away from the party.

To help you pull off the perfect Memorial Day cookout, we’ve rounded up all of our best tips for entertaining and pro tricks for making the Very Best Burgers around. 

Why Burgers Belong on Memorial Day BBQ Menus

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a backyard Burger. Maybe it’s the sizzle of patties hitting a hot grill, or the way everyone gathers around to build their perfect bite. Burgers keep it casual but still feel like a treat. They’re also incredibly practical; you can cook a big batch at once, keep them warm, and let guests serve themselves when they’re ready.

Plus, Burgers are one of the few dishes that truly work for everyone. From classic cheeseburger lovers to those who want to pile on toppings or skip the bun altogether, you can easily accommodate different tastes without making separate meals. That’s a win for any host!

What to Grill for the Ultimate Spread

When it comes to Memorial Day BBQ ideas, there’s no need to overcomplicate your menu. Lean into the classics and focus on doing them really well.

Start with high-quality beef Burgers as your centerpiece. Pre-formed patties from Schweid & Sons make things especially easy because they take the guesswork and prep time out of shaping your Burgers. (For your own edification, here’s What Makes the Best Burger Patties and why ours are top notch.)

For toppings, think classic and crowd-friendly:

• American cheese for a nostalgic, melty finish
• Sharp cheddar for a little more bite
• Crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onions
• Pickles for crunch and tang
• Ketchup, mustard, and mayo

If you want to get a bit fancy, you can also include extras like caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or a tangy special sauce. If you need more inspiration, check out our favorite Must-Try Burger Recipes from Food Influencers.

And don’t forget the sides! Grilled corn on the cob is a Memorial Day must. It’s easy to throw on the grill alongside your Burgers, and the slight char adds incredible flavor. Brush it with butter, sprinkle with salt, or even add a little chili powder and lime for a fresh twist. A simple pasta salad, chips, or a crisp green salad rounds out the spread without adding stress.

👉TIP: Set everything out buffet-style in a Burger bar so guests can build their own perfect burger. It’s interactive, fun, and ensures everyone gets exactly what they want.

Entertaining Tips for a Stress-Free Cookout

Hosting a Memorial Day gathering should feel fun, not frantic. A little planning ahead goes a long way in making sure you actually get to enjoy your own party.

Start by prepping all your toppings in advance. Wash and dry your lettuce, slice your tomatoes and onions, and arrange everything on a platter or in small bowls. Store them in the fridge until guests arrive, then bring them out all at once. Not only does this save time, but it also makes your setup look polished and inviting.

If you’re using Schweid & Sons Burger patties, you’ve already cut out one of the most time-consuming steps: forming patties. Our pre-formed patties are consistent in size and thickness, which means they cook evenly and take the guesswork out of grilling. 

You can also toast your buns lightly on the grill just before serving. It takes less than a minute but adds a subtle crunch and prevents them from getting soggy once the Burger is assembled.

👉TIP: Designate a grill zone and a serving zone. Keep the grill area clear so you can focus on cooking, and set up a separate table for buns, toppings, and sides. This keeps traffic flowing and prevents guests from crowding around the grill while you’re trying to manage cooking times.

How to Grill Burgers Like a Pro

Even though Burgers are simple, a few key techniques can take them from good to “goodness gracious, what kind of magic did you use on this Burger?”

First, make sure you’re starting with a clean grill that has been properly preheated. You want it hot enough to create a nice sear, which locks in juices and adds flavor. Once your patties hit the grill, resist the urge to press them down. That squeezes out all the flavorful juices and can lead to a dry, crumbly Burger. (Unless, of course, you’re making Smashburgers, in which case, smash away!) 

Flip your Burgers only once if possible and add cheese during the last minute or two of cooking so it melts perfectly without overcooking the meat. If you’re toasting your buns (highly recommended), do it cut-side down on the grill for just a minute until they’re lightly golden.

Need more tutelage? Check out our guide on How to Cook the Very Best Burger.

Understanding Burger Doneness

Cooking Burgers to the right temperature is key for both flavor and food safety. If you like to offer different levels of doneness, it’s helpful to know the general temperature ranges:

• Medium-Rate: About 130-135°F (warm red center) 
• Medium: About 140-145°F (warm pink center) 
• Well-Done: About 160°F and above (fully cooked, no pink)

That said, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption. If you’re serving a mixed crowd, including kids, older adults, or anyone with a compromised immune system, it’s best to aim for that well-done temperature to be on the safe side.

Using an instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to get it right every time. It takes the guesswork out of grilling and ensures your Burgers are cooked exactly how you intend. If you accidentally overdo it, here are our best tips for Rescuing an Overcooked Burger.

Should You Rest Your Burger?

One of the most overlooked steps in grilling Burgers is letting them rest. It might be tempting to serve them straight off the grill, but giving your Burgers a few minutes to chill out under foil makes a noticeable difference in their consistency.

As the Burgers cook, the juices inside get pushed toward the center. Letting them rest allows those juices to redistribute throughout the patty, so they stay inside the meat instead of running out onto your plate when you take a bite. The result? A juicier, more flavorful Memorial Day Burger.

Simply transfer your Burgers to a plate or tray, tent them with foil, and let them sit for about 3–5 minutes before serving. It’s a small step that delivers big payoff.

Bringing It All Together

At the end of the day, the ultimate Memorial Day BBQ isn’t about complicated recipes or over-the-top techniques, it’s about creating a relaxed, delicious experience that brings people together. Burgers check every box: they’re easy to prepare, fun to customize, and perfect for enjoying outdoors with friends and family.

By keeping your menu simple, prepping ahead, and relying on quality ingredients like pre-formed Schweid & Sons Burger patties, you can focus less on the logistics and more on the moment. Add in a few thoughtful touches, like a chilled cooler with drinks, perfectly grilled corn on the cob, a well-stocked toppings bar, and Burgers cooked just right, and you’ve got everything you need for a memorable kickoff to summer.

So fire up the grill, grab your favorite people, and let Burgers take center stage this Memorial Day.

Need more BBQ ideas for Memorial Day?

We’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite Burger recipes that are perfect for warm weather gatherings:

• Boursin Bliss Burger
• Mediterranean Burger
• Triple Smashburger
• Roasted Poblano Burger
• Spicy Hawaiian Burger
• Double Decker Cheeseburger

• What’s your go-to Burger build on Memorial Day? Tag Schweid & Sons on Instagram using @schweidandsons or #schweidandsons and let us know in the comments!
• Are you prepared for Memorial Day? Find all of the available Schweid & Sons premium ground beef blends here.
• Look for Schweid & Sons premium ground beef at your local grocer using our store locator linked here.
• Sign up for the Schweid & Sons email newsletter for all the latest recipes and ground beef news.