Even though summer officially starts in late June, for us Americans, the unofficial start is Memorial Day. Designated as a holiday after the Civil War and gaining its official federal holiday status in 1971, is our time to salute the U.S. military, but also a time for parades, ceremonies, and backyard BBQs across the nation — the ultimate summer welcoming celebration!
BBQs have long been a staple of Memorial Day celebrations. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 80% of U.S. homeowners own a grill – the most important staple for a BBQ. Pork rinds, however, are a close second in our book.
At a BBQ, pork rinds are always great on their own, but you can make them even better by pairing them with your homemade salsa, guacamole, or spinach and artichoke dip! The salty crunch of pork rinds provides the perfect contrast to the creamy or spicy flavors of the dips — perfect for munching while the main course is on the grill!
Krutones®, our low-carb crouton alternative, are a delicious topping for your favorite cookout salads! Sprinkle them over a bed of mixed greens or use them as a garnish for a southwestern-inspired taco salad. You will be surprised how much more flavor and crunch these add than your typical croutons.
Don’t worry about the potato chips — serve up a bowl of pork rinds alongside classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans. Their bold flavor and crunchy texture are the perfect complement to smoky grilled meats and tangy sauces
No BBQ is complete without dessert, and there's one sweet treat that never fails to impress: our Sweet Pork Rind Granola. This unique twist on granola combines the crispy, savory bite of pork rinds with a sweet touch, making it a versatile addition to your Memorial Day menu. It's an ideal topping for parfaits or ice cream sundaes, adding an unexpected crunch to your favorite desserts. So when you've finished grilling and it's time to satisfy your sweet tooth, make sure you have this granola on hand—it's bound to become a crowd favorite!
Ingredients:
3 cups Southern Recipe Small Batch Pineapple & Ancho Chile Pork Rinds
½ cup butter
6 Tbsp. natural keto-friendly sweetener or monk fruit
½ cup pecans, chopped
½ tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
In a small saucepan, combine sweetener and butter and melt over medium heat. Stir constantly and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Add the pecans to the mixture and continue to heat for another 2 minutes. Remove the butter mixture from the heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Add pork rinds in a medium bowl and slowly pour the butter mixture over the rinds, toss to coat. Pour the coated pork rinds onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet and let cool. Store at room temperature in a sealed container.
Be sure to check out the rest of our great pork rind recipes, and tag us in all your recipe photos on Instagram @SouthernRecipeSmallBatch for a chance to be featured on our social media!