10 Memorial Day Meal Prep Hacks (Make-Ahead Sides & Mains)

Is the thought of cooking multiple Memorial Day dishes from scratch making you anxious? 

The pressure to prepare everything fresh on the day of the celebration can lead to a chaotic morning and missed moments with loved ones. 

Last-minute cooking not only stresses you out but can also result in unevenly cooked dishes and flustered service. What if you could spend the holiday relaxed, enjoying the festivities instead of being tied to the kitchen? 

These 10 Memorial Day meal prep hacks provide the perfect solution, allowing you to prepare delicious sides and mains ahead of time so you can focus on what truly matters—celebrating with family and friends.

🍲 Freezer-Friendly Marinades That Save Time

Lock in Flavor Weeks Ahead

Marinate meats like chicken and steak in zip-top bags with your favorite marinade, then freeze. The flavors deepen over time, and you’ll save precious hours on the day of. Simply thaw and grill.

Pro Tip: Use flat-bottom freezer bags to save space and freeze marinades in portions for different dishes.

🥗 Pre-Chopped Veggie Packs for Effortless Salads

No More Last-Minute Chopping

Chop veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and onions in bulk and store them in airtight containers. They stay fresh and crisp, ready for salads or sides.

Hack: Rinse and dry veggies thoroughly before chopping to extend their freshness.

🍪 Dessert Jars That Assemble in Seconds

Layered Delights That Impress

Layer granola, yogurt, and berries in jars for parfaits. Store separately until ready to serve.shake gently to mix or serve as-is for a beautiful presentation.

Idea: Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts for extra flair.

🍗 Vacuum-Sealed Slow-Cooker Meals

Set It and Forget It

Prepare slow-cooker meals like pulled pork or bean salads in advance and vacuum-seal them. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.

Tip: Use freezer-safe containers if prepping a week ahead.

🥘 Make-Ahead Casseroles That Bake to Perfection

Feed a Crowd with Minimal Effort

Assemble casseroles like mac and cheese or quiche and refrigerate or freeze. Bake straight from the fridge on the day of.

Pro Tip: For frozen casseroles, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

🥤 Pre-Mixed Drinks in a Jug

No More Bartending Duty

Mix pitchers of sangria, lemonade, or iced tea and store in the fridge. They’re ready to pour and impress guests with minimal effort.

Hack: Add fresh herbs or fruit for a last-minute upgrade.

🥪 Sandwich and Wrap Stations with Prepped Fillings

Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing

Chop deli meats, cheeses, and veggies and arrange them on a grazing board. Let guests build their own sandwiches or wraps.

Idea: Add unique toppings like pesto or hummus for variety.

🍳 Breakfast Casseroles with a Twist

Brunch Made Easy

Prepare breakfast casseroles with hash browns, cheese, and veggies the night before. Bake fresh in the morning for a hot, delicious start to the day.

Tip: Use non-stick spray for easy cleanup.

🥤 Pre-Frosted Cupcakes

Dessert Done Right

Bake cupcakes and frost them a day or two ahead. Store in an airtight container. They’ll be fresh and ready when guests arrive.

Pro Tip: Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

🥗 Mason Jar Salads That Stay Fresh

Individual Portions with No Wilting

Layer salad ingredients in mason jars with dressing at the bottom. Shake before serving for a fresh, crisp salad every time.

Hack: Store dressing separately if prepping more than two days in advance.

🎉 Memorial Day should be about relaxation and enjoyment, not kitchen chaos. 

These meal prep hacks save time, reduce stress, and ensure everything tastes delicious. By prepping ahead, you’ll have more time to connect with loved ones and enjoy the holiday spirit. 

Try 2-3 hacks this year and experience the difference! Share your favorite Memorial Day meal prep hack in the comments below and tag us in your photos. 

Let’s make this holiday both delicious and stress-free!