The Hidden History Behind 7 Classic Memorial Day Cookout Foods

Photo credit: Aquiles Adrianza via Unsplash. Article by Nitya Rao. Mental Floss – May 22, 2026.

For Americans, “Sun’s out, buns out” is the unofficial motto of Memorial Day weekend—in more ways than one. Not only is it time to shed a few layers and kick off swimming season at the local pool, but it’s the first excuse of the year to fire up the grill and drop a few patties into those pillowy potato buns. Data from the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association shows that nearly 58% of Americans host a cookout over the long weekend, making it the second biggest grilling holiday of the year, right behind the Fourth of July. […]

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