Make Your Labor Day Cookout Menu Mouthwateringly Good with These Easy Recipes
If you’re planning a Labor Day cookout or get-together, you need these recipes on your holiday menu! With a long weekend, some hot coals, a cold drink or two, and some friends in the back yard, we can't think of a better way to spend the last official holiday of summer. Take a look at some of our favorite appetizers, dips, entrées, and desserts for the occasion!
Grilled Sausages
Just look at those grill marks. Dreamy! Add your favorite toppings, and a platter of these sausages will win you "host of the year."
Get the recipe for Grilled Sausages.
Grilled Hotdogs with Fixin's
Pickles and onions, tangy horseradish, or spicy chiles: Which fixin' will be your favorite? (Good news: You can try all three!)
Get the recipe for Grilled Hotdogs With Fixin's.
Worcestershire-Glazed Burgers
If you're looking to switch up your traditional burger recipe, give this one a try! It may just become your new favorite burger.
Get the recipe for Worcestershire-Glazed Burgers.
Italian Pasta Salad
A solid, no-nonsense bowl of pasta salad at a cookout is like the bass riff in a great Country song: It may not get all the attention, but everyone would notice if it was missing.
Get the recipe for Italian Pasta Salad.
Orzo Pasta Salad
Want to shake up your pasta salad game? Try this French-style version, with kale, bell pepper, two kinds of cheese, and a red wine vinaigrette.
Get the recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad.
BLT Potato Salad
Give your standard potato salad a serious upgrade with everyone's favorite BLT flavors.
Get the recipe for BLT Potato Salad.
Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad
For those craving something a little lighter, fruity, and on the healthier side, this salad's the way to go. It's loaded with fresh watermelon, onion, feta, and refreshing mint.
Get the recipe for Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad.
Beef Burgers with Jalape?os, Cheddar, and Crispy Pepperoni
Is it even a cookout if there aren't burgers on the grill? This spicy version will cause fireworks.
Get the recipe for Beef Burgers with Jalape?os.
Simple Locally Grown Green Salad
If you're looking to add some healthy greens to your Labor Day menu, this farm-fresh salad is sure to be a hit! Fill it with the freshest ingredients for maximum flavor!
Get the recipe for Simple Locally Grown Green Salad.
Zebra Semifreddo
A combo of whipped cream and ice-cream sandwiches, this semi-homemade semifreddo is the ultimate easy-to-make dessert. You can assemble this make-ahead treat in minutes and then leave it in the freezer up to two days before your Labor Day festivities. Drizzle the cinnamon-chocolate drizzle on just before serving, then slice it up and enjoy!
Get the recipe for Zebra Semifreddo.
Find more Labor Day Desserts here.
Eggplant Burgers with Yogurt-Feta Sauce
For your vegetarian guests, these eggplant burgers are the real deal. This flavor-packed sandwich is so good even meat-eaters love it!
Get the recipe for Eggplant Burgers with Yogurt-Feta Sauce.
Root Beer Baked Beans
This classic side gets a boost of unexpected flavor, making it a fun addition to your Labor Day cookout!
Get the recipe for Root Beer Baked Beans.
Grilled Corn Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Shallot
Corn salad is so good, it shouldn't be this easy to make. This side dish takes just 15 minutes and it's be gone in seconds!
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Shallot.
Key Lime Pie
This recipe comes straight from the Florida Keys! It comes from Doug Shook, the longtime chef at the Key West institution Louie's Backyard. You can serve it plain, as we have, or do as they do at Louie's and top it with whipped cream and fresh berries. Either way, it's the perfect dessert for your Labor Day festivities!
Get the recipe for Key Lime Pie.
Marinated Chicken and Onion Kebabs
For those looking for something a little lighter, these kebabs don't sacrifice on flavor. They're an excellent addition to the menu!
Get the recipe for Marinated Chicken and Onion Kebabs.
Fried Pickles with Buttermilk Ranch
There just aren't many things more satisfying than dunking a crispy fried pickle into a cool bowl of ranch dip. We have a feeling your guests will agree.
Get the recipe for Fried Pickles with Buttermilk Ranch.
Grilled Summer Squash with Lemon-Scallion Dressing
Labor Day's the perfect time to try out one of those summery side dish recipes you'll soon have to retire. Plus, with all the grilled meat and heavier dishes on the table, veggies will be a welcome addition.
Get the recipe for Grilled Summer Squash with Lemon-Scallion Dressing.
Charred Baby Peppers with Lime and Cashew Vinaigrette
This side dish is full of bright, fresh flavor, and also adds a lot of color to your plate.
Get the recipe for Charred Baby Peppers with Lime and Cashew Vinaigrette.
Corn Cobettes With Basil Butter
Herb-infused butter, plus a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, makes these mini corn cobs stand out from the rest of the side dishes on your table. They're just plain adorable to boot.
Get the recipe for Corn Cobettes with Basil Butter.
Chive Potato Salad
We're not here to knock the merits of an old-fashioned potato salad; we're just here to upgrade it. This chive-topped version isn't just free from mayo—it's doubly flavorful too, thanks to Dijon mustard and fresh herbs.
Get the recipe for Chive Potato Salad.
S'mores Three Ways
We wouldn't think about hosting a Labor Day party without this quintessential summer dessert on the menu. Choose from three new varieties—Strawberry S'mores, Chocolate S'mores 2.0, or Peanut Butter S'mores—to make it your own.
Get the recipe for S'mores Three Ways.
Spicy Watermelon Cocktail
Make the most of your late-summer fruit with this delicious drink. Jalape?o-infused liquor gives it just enough warmth to keep guests sipping, while the watermelon keeps it refreshing.
Get the recipe for Spicy Watermelon Cocktail.
Hot Dogs with Quick Cast-Iron Beans
If you typically cook with your cast iron skillet over the stove or in the oven, prepare to be amazed at what happens when you place it over the grill. It prepares this easy side dish in just 15 minutes.
Get the recipe for Hot Dogs with Quick Cast-Iron Beans.
Easy Fresh Peach Cobbler
This classic American biscuit-topped dessert would make the perfect Labor Day treat! With fresh peaches and homemade biscuits on top, you just can't beat it.
Get the recipe for Easy Fresh Peach Cobbler.
Brandied Strawberry Shortcakes with Malted Whipped Cream
Give classic strawberry shortcakes a tasty upgrade for your Labor Day festivities! Try soaking the berries in brandy and adding some malted milk powder to the whipped cream.
Get the recipe for Brandied Strawberry Shortcakes with Malted Whipped Cream.
Rancharita Cocktail
Make a big batch of this perfect party drink and put it in your most festive pitcher. The ratio — two parts tequila to one part each cointreau, blood orange juice, and lime juice — is easy to scale for a crowd.
Get the recipe for Rancharita Cocktail.
Watermelon Amaro Pops
Who doesn't love a cold, boozy treat on a hot day? These easy-to-make pops blend fresh watermelon with a touch of orange liqueur for a decidedly grown-up dessert.
Get the recipe for Watermelon Amaro Pops.
Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
The best part of this chicken and black bean nachos foil pack? It's totally portable, so you can tote your personal portion around at the party. All the better to mingle with your friends!
Get the recipe for Chicken and Black Bean Nachos.
Restaurant-Style Salsa
Say goodbye to the jarred stuff! Serve this homemade salsa with warm tortilla chips and you've got a party! Fresh lime juice and herbs make all the difference.
Get the recipe for Restaurant-Style Salsa.
Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie
Get your fruit fix courtesy of this crowd-pleasing pie that features a jam-like filling. Also, look at all of that crumble topping. Yes, please!
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie.
Whiskey River Cocktail
Sometimes whiskey can sound dark and heavy, but this cocktail has a real spring to it. Cardamom simple syrup adds sophistication, while a mix of citrus juices makes it a refreshing choice for the holiday weekend.
Get the recipe for Whiskey River Cocktail.
Spiced Peach Hand Pies
These flavorful little pies are the ultimate warm weather dessert! This recipe combines fresh peaches with warm cinnamon and a lemon-sugar glaze.
Get the recipe for Spiced Peach Hand Pies.
Cowboy Steaks and Potatoes with Broccoli and Cheddar-Scallion Spread
Extra-hungry guests will appreciate your including these hefty, bone-in rib eyes and cheesy baked potatoes at your Labor Day party!
Get the recipe for Cowboy Steaks and Potatoes with Broccoli and Cheddar-Scallion Spread.
Puff Pastry Star Cookies
These simple “cookies” couldn’t be easier. Switch up the filling with your favorite jams and jellies for a sweet and patriotic treat!
Get the recipe for Puff Pastry Star Cookies.
Any Fruit Crisp
This easy-peasy "recipe" works with whatever's in season, or whatever's in the fridge. Serve this sweet and fruity treat to your Labor Day party guests with a scoop of ice cream.
Get the recipe for Any Fruit Crisp.
Parmesan Tots with Dipping Sauce
Parmesan tots? Say no more—we're sold. These kid-friendly bites will please even the most discerning guests, but you may want to make a double batch—they're bound to go fast.
Get the recipe for Parmesan Tots with Dipping Sauce.
Green Beans with Crispy Chickpeas
A charcoal grill adds a lot of extra flavor to this spiced crispy bean salad.
Get the recipe for Green Beans with Crispy Chickpeas.
Green Beans and Crushed Salt-and-Vinegar Chips
Even the kids will be eating their veggies thanks to this green bean platter. In fact, they might just even go in for seconds!
Get the recipe for Green Beans and Crushed Salt-and-Vinegar Chips.
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
No al fresco party is complete without a tall glass of lemonade. Here, Mason jars and fresh berries add to the charm.
Get the recipe for Old-Fashioned Lemonade.
Classic Southern Pimento Cheese
This traditional recipe is a must-have at your Labor Day get-together or any kind of social gathering.
Get the recipe for Classic Southern Pimento Cheese.
Tossed Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
A fresh, crunchy salad is all but necessary during a Labor Day cookout. This one fills the bill nicely.
Get the recipe for Tossed Salad with Green Goddess Dressing.
Mini Stars Berry Pies
There's no better Labor Day dessert than a miniature pie, which requires no messy cutting or serving in order to feed your guests. Just don't forget the vanilla ice cream.
Get the recipe for Mini Stars Berry Pies.
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