Menu Monday: Your Ultimate Memorial Day Backyard Feast

Memorial Day is a time to gather, remember, and celebrate the freedom we enjoy—thanks to those who gave everything. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood cookout, a family picnic, or just craving an elevated backyard bite, Iacofano’s has your flavor game covered.

This week’s Menu Monday features three cookout classics you can make at home or let us cater for you:
Smash Burgers, Creamy Mac & Cheese, and Tangy Southern Slaw.

🍔 All-American Smash Burgers

Juicy, crispy-edged, and stacked with flavor, these burgers deliver that diner-style sizzle right in your backyard.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs 80/20 ground beef
• 1 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder
• 8 slices American or cheddar cheese
• 4 potato buns, toasted
• Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo

Instructions:

1. Heat griddle or cast iron to medium-high.
2. Divide beef into 8 loose 3-oz balls—no shaping!
3. Season and smash onto the griddle until crisp on edges.
4. Flip, melt cheese, and stack two patties per bun.
5. Toast buns and build with your favorite toppings.

🔥 Chef’s Tip: Add bacon jam or spicy mayo for an extra punch.

🧀 Creamy Southern Mac & Cheese

Rich, cheesy, and soul-satisfying—this is the dish your guests will fight over.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow pasta, 4 tbsp butter, ¼ cup flour
• 3 cups whole milk + 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella, 1 cup Velveeta (optional)
• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
• Optional topping: ½ cup panko + 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta al dente.
2. Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in warm milk/cream.
3. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
4. Combine with pasta, pour into baking dish.
5. Add optional buttery panko topping and bake at 350°F for 25 mins.

🔥 Make it yours: Try jalapeños, crispy bacon, or hot sauce swirled in.

🥬 Tangy Southern Slaw

Crisp, cool, and just the right amount of tang to cut through your BBQ plate.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag cabbage slaw mix or ½ head shredded cabbage + 1 carrot
• ½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp celery seed, salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk dressing ingredients.
2. Toss with cabbage and carrot.
3. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

🔥 Upgrade it: Add thin-sliced green apples or radish for extra crunch.

🎉 Want Us to Bring the Feast?

From backyard setups to large-scale catered BBQ spreads, Iacofano’s is here to make your Memorial Day gathering effortless and delicious.

📞 Call us to book
📍 Serving Charleston, Columbia, Charlotte, Cleveland & beyond
📦 Drop-off or staffed cookout stations available

Let’s remember, celebrate, and gather over great food.

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at Iacofano’s Catering & Events.
Let us know if you try any of these recipes—we’d love to see your photos and