Memorial Day weekend is known—especially to us New Englanders—as an official marker of the start of summer. To welcome this wonderful time of year, we trade Irish coffee for cold beer, warm cookies for ice cream, and the slow cooker for the grill. Our favorite fruits are in season, and the beach is finally open to swim.
But just because the seasons are changing doesn’t mean our love for cheese does. Luckily, we don’t have to sacrifice the comfort that comes with cheesy dishes just because the sun stays out a little longer. Check out these recipes that are perfect for all the poolside barbecues that are sure to ensue (weather permitting, of course) on holiday weekend.
Salad is a must-have at any summer barbecue, and what better way to celebrate the warm weather than with a salad covered in sweet fruit, cheese, and a vanilla vinaigrette? Topped with nectarines and cheese-stuffed raspberries, this salad is a healthy and refreshing side dish or appetizer that’s perfect for the beginning of summer.
If savory is more your style, show off your barbecue expertise to your guests with this crispy grilled salad. The smoky charred romaine hearts paired with creamy goat cheese and the kick of the caramelized balsamic vinaigrette are sure to be a hit.
Photo Credit: Coupon Clipping Cook
We all know that one of the best parts of finishing cooking up a cheesy dish—besides eating said dish—is getting to eat all the toasted cheese bits that got stuck to the pan along the way. Nancy from Coupon Clipping Cook took this crunchy cheesy goodness and made it a topping on her sliders! Grill the burgers first instead of pan-frying them for added charred, crispy goodness.
Wow your guests with a sophisticated spin on a traditional cheeseburger. This recipe combines all the perfect pairings of a cheese plate—olives, mustard, figs, and honey—with a juicy, savory burger and Gorgonzola cheese, topped with a crispy prosciutto chip.
Photo Credit: Katie Workman | Northwest Herald
If burgers aren’t really your thing, but you’re still dying to hop on the Memorial Day barbecue bandwagon, try out these actually-grilled grilled cheese sandwiches to ring in the summer, posted by the Northwest Herald. Trade the bacon or pancetta for some grilled avocado slices for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
A twist on a barbecue classic, these kebabs can be served as an appetizer or as the main course in your Memorial Day shenanigans. Swap out your favorite cheese or burger toppings to make this recipe your own!
Tori Bilcik
Tori is a senior journalism major at Emerson College and a firm believer that a handful (or three) of cheese can instantly improve any dish. When she’s not scouring the artisan cheese aisle at Roche Brothers for wheels and wedges she can’t afford, she’s probably drinking tea, eating cheap pizza, or listening to sad emo punk music.
