Get ready to fire up your grill and wow your friends and family with these 20 delicious Labor Day recipes! As we bid farewell to summer, it’s time to gather ’round for a backyard bash that will be remembered all year long. From classic cookout favorites to sweet treats and refreshing drinks, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll share our top picks for crowd-pleasing dishes that are sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or an epic Labor Day extravaganza, these recipes will ensure your guests leave full and happy. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to throw one heck of a party!
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these mouthwatering Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers, perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck. Marinated in a mixture of honey, mustard, and herbs, the chicken takes on a sweet and tangy flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, olive oil, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the honey mustard mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Classic American Cheeseburgers with Secret Sauce
A timeless classic that never goes out of style, this recipe combines juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and a tangy secret sauce on toasted buns.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 slices American cheese
– Secret Sauce (see below)
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other toppings you desire
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble the burgers by spreading Secret Sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a beef patty, a slice of American cheese, and any desired toppings.
Secret Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1 tablespoon relish
– 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total (4-5 minutes per side for beef patties, and assembly time)
Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Get ready to sink your teeth into tender, smoky, and deliciously flavorful pulled pork sandwiches! This recipe combines the magic of slow-cooked pork with a tangy BBQ sauce and soft buns.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Smoky BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Place the pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven and cook for 8-10 hours, or until tender and easily shredded.
4. Stir in Smoky BBQ Sauce and brown sugar during the last hour of cooking.
5. Shred the pork using two forks and place it on the hamburger buns.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (slow cooker or Dutch oven), plus assembly time.
Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet impressive garlic butter grilled shrimp recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the shrimp.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Get ready to elevate your potato salad game with this loaded baked potato salad recipe! This creamy, cheesy, and crispy delight is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baked potatoes, cooled
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
– 1/4 cup diced green onions
– 1 hard-boiled egg, diced
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add cooled baked potatoes to the bowl and toss until coated with the dressing.
3. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, green onions, and diced egg.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None (prepared dish)
Serve: At room temperature or chilled.
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and spicy twist on a classic summer side dish. The combination of grilled corn, chili lime butter, and a sprinkle of cilantro is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chili flakes
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill corn ears for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lime juice, chili flakes, and cumin.
4. Once corn is grilled, slather each ear with the chili lime butter.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Homemade Lemonade with Fresh Mint
Beat the heat with this simple and delicious recipe that combines the sweetness of lemons with the cooling flavor of fresh mint. This classic summer drink is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a hot day by the pool.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Muddle the fresh mint leaves with a spoon or a muddler to release their oils and flavor.
4. Stir the mint into the lemonade mixture.
5. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required, as this is a cold drink.
Juicy Watermelon Feta Salad
Beat the heat with this light and refreshing salad that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the top.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon
This recipe is a twist on traditional baked beans, adding the smoky flavor of bacon to elevate this classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 pound smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the soaked navy beans, bacon pieces, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground mustard.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the bean mixture in the slow cooker.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this vibrant and flavorful grilled vegetable platter, perfectly balanced by a rich balsamic glaze. This recipe is perfect for warm weather potlucks or casual dinner parties.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, warm balsamic glaze in a small saucepan over low heat.
5. To assemble the platter, arrange grilled vegetables on a large plate or platter. Drizzle with warmed balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Classic Macaroni and Cheese
A comforting and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This classic recipe is a staple for many, and for good reason – it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
• 8 oz macaroni
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Cajun Sausage and Peppers
Add a spicy kick to your meal with this flavorful dish, featuring smoked sausage and roasted peppers.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb Smoked Cajun Sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa)
• 2 large bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add peppers to the skillet and stir to combine with onions and garlic. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until tender.
5. Return sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with pepper mixture.
6. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro (optional).
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar
Elevate your grilled pineapple game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with a warm cinnamon sugar crust. Perfect as a side dish or topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon.
3. Brush both sides of pineapple wedges with melted butter.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the pineapple.
5. Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
6. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Blueberry Peach Cobbler
Warm up with a sweet and tangy twist on the classic cobbler recipe. This Blueberry Peach Cobbler combines fresh blueberries and juicy peaches with a crispy, buttery crust for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries and raspberries)
– 1 cup sliced peaches
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together blueberries, peaches, sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Mix melted butter with beaten egg and milk.
5. Pour the wet ingredients over the fruit mixture.
6. Roll out pie crust to fit the top of the cobbler.
7. Place the crust on top of the filling, pressing edges to seal.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub
Elevate your barbecue game with this innovative recipe that combines the rich flavors of smoked brisket with a bold coffee rub. The result is a tender, juicy cut of meat with a depth of flavor that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole beef brisket (10-12 pounds)
– 1/4 cup ground coffee beans
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup wood chips (your preferred type of smoking wood)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the ground coffee beans, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the coffee rub.
3. Apply the coffee rub evenly to both sides of the brisket.
4. Place the brisket in the smoker, fat side up. Close the lid and smoke for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket reaches your desired level of tenderness.
5. Finish with a glaze made from your favorite BBQ sauce and wood chips (optional).
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Elevate your burger game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the earthy taste of portobello mushrooms with the char of a grilled patty. Perfect for vegetarians or veggie-lovers, these burgers are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 large Portobello mushrooms
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional: lettuce, tomato, cheese, and condiments of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the mushroom caps.
4. Grill mushrooms for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they release their juices and are tender.
5. Assemble burgers by placing grilled mushrooms on hamburger buns, followed by your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
A classic Italian appetizer that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes with the brightness of basil, all on top of crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
4. Drizzle tomato mixture over bread and top with chopped basil.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bread is toasted and toppings are heated through.
6. If using balsamic vinegar, drizzle over bruschetta just before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
A refreshing summer salad that combines the flavors of Italy with a simple and easy-to-make pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as bow-tie or penne)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. Italian dressing
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
3. Drizzle Italian dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the salad and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic treat that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser: homemade ice cream sandwiches. This recipe combines creamy vanilla ice cream, crunchy cookies, and a hint of fun.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint of vanilla ice cream
– 12-15 wafers or cookies (homemade or store-bought)
– Optional toppings: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Scoop the ice cream into balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2. Place a cookie on a flat surface and press an ice cream ball onto it.
3. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
4. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.
5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble the sandwiches.
Enjoy your homemade ice cream sandwiches!
Sparkling Berry Punch
Add a touch of sophistication to your gatherings with this refreshing Sparkling Berry Punch. Perfect for parties or casual get-togethers, this fruity and bubbly drink is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of lime for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the mixed berries and simple syrup. Stir until the berries are well coated.
2. Add the lemon-lime soda and pineapple juice to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Sparkling Berry Punch over ice in glasses and garnish with a lime slice.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix, chill, and serve!
Summary
Get ready for a Labor Day cookout to remember! Here are 20 delicious recipes that are sure to please a crowd. From classic cheeseburgers and pulled pork sandwiches to grilled shrimp, baked potatoes, and macaroni and cheese, there’s something for everyone. Add some refreshing summer treats like homemade lemonade, watermelon salad, and blueberry peach cobbler. And don’t forget the perfect BBQ sides, including smoky brisket with coffee rub and grilled vegetable platter with balsamic glaze. With these recipes, you’ll be the star of your Labor Day cookout!
