Labor Day Recipes: The Ultimate Cookout Menu to End Summer

Savor the last delicious moments of summer with an incredible feast of the best Labor Day recipes! We’ve curated a collection perfect for your holiday gathering, from juicy grilled meats and refreshing side dishes to sweet desserts and vibrant beverages. Say goodbye to summer on a high note with these easy-to-make recipes that guarantee your cookout will be a resounding success!

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. Before diving back into busy schedules filled with school, sports practices, meetings, and other fall activities, take advantage of one last holiday weekend to enjoy festive, summery, and easy recipes. Whether you’re figuring out what dish to bring to a barbecue, a park potluck, a pool party, or a family gathering, these Labor Day menu ideas are sure to be a hit. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delectable treats!

But don’t put away those serving platters just yet! Football season, and all the game-day fare that comes with it, is right around the corner. Prepare to transition from summer cookouts to cozy game-day gatherings!

Best Labor Day Snacks to Kick Off the Party

Prepare a variety of these tasty and easy-to-make snacks for casual munching throughout the Labor Day weekend. These appetizer recipes are perfect for keeping your guests happy and satisfied before the main course.

Caprese Salad with Burrata: Elevate the classic Caprese salad with creamy burrata cheese. A simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt complete this end-of-summer salad stunner. This refreshing and visually appealing appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser.

Hot and Creamy Artichoke Dip: This dip is the ultimate comfort food! Serve this crowd-pleaser with pita chips, vegetables, or French bread for dipping. For an impressive presentation, spoon it into a hollowed-out bread bowl. It’s easy to make and can even be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Blackberry Jam Meatballs: These mini pork meatballs are coated in a simple glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible. Serve them on toothpicks as the ultimate late-summer appetizer. The unique flavor combination will leave your guests wanting more!

Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip: Ditch the store-bought spice packets and opt for this fresh and flavorful homemade dip. Scoop it up with homemade potato chips for a truly special treat, or keep it simple with store-bought chips. The fresh ingredients make a world of difference!

Everything Puff Pastry Pigs in a Blanket: This elevated take on a retro appetizer is topped with flavorful Everything Bagel seasoning. Set out various mustards for dipping. These pigs in a blanket are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers: These cheesy jalapeño poppers are filled with a cream cheese and bacon mixture, topped with Panko breadcrumbs, and air-fried to golden brown perfection. Best of all, they cook up in just 8 minutes! These poppers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a quick and easy way to add some spice to your Labor Day gathering.

Grilled Buffalo Shrimp: Tender shrimp are tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce and grilled to perfection. Perfect as a zesty appetizer, a standout main dish, or a crowd-pleasing addition to your summer cookouts. Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Easy Corn Fritters: Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, this fast, flavor-packed recipe comes together in minutes. Simply stir all the ingredients together in one bowl, then scoop, sizzle, and serve! These fritters are a delicious and easy way to use up summer corn.

Refreshing Drinks for a Crowd to Quench Your Thirst

Stir up a pitcher of these delightful drinks that are perfect for both adults and kids. From fruity cocktails to refreshing mocktails, these beverages will keep everyone cool and hydrated throughout the Labor Day festivities.

Pitcher Bloody Marys: Set up a DIY Bloody Mary bar so guests can customize their drinks with all the fixings. You can also substitute the vodka with tequila for Bloody Marias. This interactive drink station is sure to be a hit with the adults!

White Sangria for All Seasons: Add any fruit you have on hand to a bottle of crisp white wine for easy, delicious sangria. Make it first thing in the morning so the wine has a chance to infuse with fruity flavor. This refreshing and adaptable drink is perfect for any summer gathering.

Sparkling Strawberry Cocktail (or Mocktail): An herby thyme syrup seasons this fruity drink. Add vodka for a cocktail or keep it virgin for a refreshing mocktail – your choice! This versatile drink is perfect for both adults and kids and can be easily customized to suit different preferences.

Delicious End-of-Summer Main Courses for Your Labor Day Cookout

Some of the best Labor Day cookout ideas are casual, handheld fare. These easy-to-eat main courses are perfect for a relaxed and fun celebration. From sliders to chicken tenders, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Let the Crockpot do all the work! Scoop the flavorful pulled pork into Hawaiian rolls or homemade hamburger buns (the quick recipe doesn’t require yeast!). This easy main course is perfect for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Grilled Sirloin Sliders with Bacon: Serve up big flavor in a tiny bun with all the fixings. Pickled red onion relish adds a colorful and tangy touch. These sliders are a delicious and portable option for your Labor Day cookout.

Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders: Cheddar crackers are the surprise ingredient for a flavorful, crunchy coating, perfect for the kids’ table. These chicken tenders are a fun and easy option that both kids and adults will love.

Easy Homemade Mini Corn Dogs: Few things are more fun to eat than food on a stick! Have dishes of ketchup and mustard on hand for dipping. These mini corn dogs are a playful and delicious addition to your Labor Day menu.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: This 30-minute recipe doubles as a main course for vegetarians and a side dish for everyone else. Top it with crushed crackers or toasted panko breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch. This creamy and comforting dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Sensational Side Dish Recipes to Complete Your Labor Day Meal

The best sides spread will include a variety of flavors and ingredients to suit all tastes. These side dish recipes offer a range of options, from creamy potato salad to refreshing watermelon salad, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Potato Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing: A tangy vinegar-based dressing accents the smoky bacon and creamy potatoes in this ubiquitous cookout side dish. It’s delicious at room temperature, which makes it perfect for a potluck. This classic potato salad is elevated with a warm bacon dressing, adding a smoky and savory element to the dish.

Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette: Two of summer’s favorite veggies are paired in an irresistible salad with a fresh herby dressing. This light and refreshing salad is the perfect way to showcase seasonal produce.

Bread and Butter Pickles: Tangy quick pickles make a yummy topper for burgers or a refreshing side dish. These pickles add a delightful crunch and tangy flavor to any meal.

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup: Watermelon season is coming to an end, and this salad is a sweet and savory way to celebrate this summertime treat. For an impressive presentation, keep the watermelon half intact and scoop it out to use as a serving bowl. This refreshing salad is a perfect way to enjoy watermelon before the summer ends.

Greek Pasta Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette: Loaded with fresh veggies, this tangy pasta salad is a substantial side for a get-together. This vibrant and flavorful salad is a crowd-pleasing addition to any cookout.

Irresistible Labor Day Dessert Ideas for a Sweet Ending

For a sweet end to your summer celebrations, serve up a fun and festive dessert. These dessert recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and adding a touch of celebration to your Labor Day cookout.

Frozen Lemonade Pie: This cool and refreshing no-bake treat comes together in minutes, but be sure to make it ahead of time so it has a chance to firm up. This pie is a perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.

American Flag Cookie Cake: Show your patriotism in the sweetest way possible with this shortbread cookie cake topped with sweetened cream cheese and fruit. This festive cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for Labor Day.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: These easy bars are a delicious mash-up of three favorite desserts. They’re rich, decadent, and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Grilled Peaches: Before the grill cools, cook up this fruity treat and top it with ice cream and a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce. This grilled dessert is a simple yet elegant way to end your Labor Day cookout.

Slice-and-Bake Butter Cookies: Rolled in festive sprinkles, these easy cookies can be made ahead of time to save on day-of prep. These cookies are a fun and easy dessert that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

Looking for additional desserts that celebrate America? Check out this roundup of red, white and blue desserts!

Enjoy your Labor Day cookout with these delicious and easy-to-make recipes! From snacks and drinks to main courses, sides, and desserts, this menu has everything you need to celebrate the end of summer in style.