What better way to celebrate the end of summer than with a festive Labor Day cookout? As friends and family gather to enjoy the long weekend, it's the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill and serve up some delicious food. Whether hosting a backyard Labor Day BBQ or heading to a potluck, having a range of crowd-pleasing recipes is key to a memorable celebration.
Keep reading to explore mouthwatering Labor Day food ideas to impress your guests. From classic favorites to creative sides, we've got you covered with a variety of recipes to suit different tastes and preferences.
- Classic Labor Day Recipes
- Easy Labor Day Food Ideas
- Healthy Labor Day Ideas
- Sweet Labor Day Desserts
- Refreshing Labor Day Drinks
- Celebrate Labor Day with Mrs. Fields®
Classic Labor Day Recipes
No Labor Day cookout is complete without the tried-and-true favorites that have become staples of barbecues. These classic recipes are crowd-pleasers that capture the essence of summer and outdoor cooking. A few of the best Labor Day recipes are:
1. Burgers
Burgers are a necessity at every summer cookout, and with good reason! Mix ground beef with finely chopped onions, garlic, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for the perfect burger.
Form into patties, make a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing, and season with salt and pepper. Grill on each side for just a few minutes, and top with cheese and other toppings.
2. Steak
Whether a ribeye, sirloin, or T-bone, a well-seasoned and properly grilled steak is always a showstopper at any cookout.
Choose a thick cut like ribeye or New York strip. Bring to room temperature and season generously with salt and pepper. Preheat the grill to high heat. Grill 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness.
3. Baked beans
Sweet, savory, and often infused with smoky flavors, this classic dish complements grilled meats perfectly.
In a large pot, sauté diced onions and bacon. Add canned navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and your choice of barbecue sauce. Simmer for 1 hour, then transfer to a baking dish. Bake your beans at 350°F for 30-45 minutes until thick and bubbly.
4. Hot dogs
Simple yet satisfying grilled hot dogs served in soft buns with an array of toppings allow guests to customize their meals.
For the best grilled hot dogs, make small diagonal cuts on each side to prevent splitting. Grill the hot dogs over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred. Serve in lightly toasted buns with an array of toppings like diced onions, relish, sauerkraut, ketchup, and mustard.
Easy Labor Day Food Ideas
For those looking to simplify their cookout preparations, these dishes offer Labor Day recipes that are easy for just about anyone:
5. Pasta salad
This versatile and refreshing side dish is perfect for warm-weather gatherings and can be customized to suit various tastes.
Cook a pasta of your choosing until al dente, then cool it under running water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with diced vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
Add cubed cheese and olives if desired. Toss with Italian dressing or a homemade vinaigrette. Chill for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
6. Potato salad
This creamy, comforting classic is a staple at any cookout or picnic and never fails to satisfy hungry guests.
Boil peeled and cubed potatoes until tender, then cool. Mix with chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, and minced onion. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings. Gently combine all ingredients.
Chill for several hours or overnight for the best flavor.
7. Coleslaw
This crunchy, tangy side pairs perfectly with grilled meats and sandwiches, refreshingly contrasting heavier dishes.
Thinly slice or shred cabbage and carrots. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of celery seed. Then, combine the shredded vegetables and dressing by tossing them together and refrigerate your coleslaw overnight.
Healthy Labor Day Ideas
Balance out the holiday indulgences and cater to health-conscious guests with these lighter options. A few healthy Labor Day cookout ideas are:
8. Grilled corn on the cob
This summertime favorite is a healthier alternative to buttery versions and lets the natural sweetness of corn shine.
Peel back the husks of fresh corn without removing them completely, then remove the silk. Brush olive oil onto the corn and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Pull the husks back over the corn and grill for about 20 minutes or until tender and lightly charred.
9. Veggie skewers
Vegetable skewers can help you incorporate healthier options into your cookout menu.
Cut various veggies, such as bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, into bite-sized pieces. Thread onto skewers, alternating colors for visual appeal. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
Sweet Labor Day Desserts
End the cookout with a selection of delectable BBQ desserts to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. A few sweet Labor Day recipe ideas are:
10. Ice cream sandwiches
These customizable frozen treats are perfect for hot summer days and can be prepared in advance.
To make ice cream sandwiches, soften your favorite ice cream flavors slightly. Scoop the ice cream onto the bottom of one cookie and top with another cookie. Then, press gently and smooth the edges.
11. Brownies
Rich, fudgy, and indulgent brownies are a classic dessert that pleases chocolate lovers of all ages.
Melt chocolate and butter together. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in flour and salt. Pour into an oiled pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Consider making different types of brownies to suit different preferences. For nut lovers, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or create a marbled effect by swirling cream cheese into the top layer before baking.
12. Icebox cake
This no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and ideal for hot days when you don't want to spend all your time in the kitchen.
Layer chocolate wafer cookies and sweetened whipped cream in a loaf or springform pan. Repeat layers until you reach the top of the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The cookies will soften, creating a cake-like texture. Garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.
Refreshing Labor Day Drinks
Keep your guests refreshed throughout the day. These drink recipes offer a perfect mix of classic favorites and trendy options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
13. Strawberry lemonade
This vibrant, fruity twist on classic lemonade is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for all ages. Blend fresh strawberries until smooth and strain to remove seeds. In a large pitcher, combine the puree with lemon juice, water, and sugar to taste. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Serve over ice.
14. Sangria
This Spanish-inspired wine punch is a festive and fruity option for adult guests. In a large pitcher, combine red wine, brandy, and a splash of orange liqueur. Add sliced oranges, apples, and any other fruits of your choice. Stir in a bit of sugar and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for several hours.
15. Iced tea
Iced tea is a staple of summer gatherings and comes in many flavors. To make it, brew tea like you normally would and let it cool. Then, sweeten to taste and serve over ice with lemon slices. For variations, add fresh mint leaves, peach slices, or a splash of lemonade to create different flavors.
Celebrate Labor Day with Mrs. Fields®
As you plan your Labor Day celebration, remember that Mrs. Fields® offers a delightful array of treats that can sweeten your gathering. From our iconic chocolate chip cookies to gourmet brownie trays, Mrs. Fields® provides an effortless way to serve up smiles at your cookout. Our pre-made desserts are perfect for those who want to focus on grilling recipes for Labor Day weekend without compromising on quality or taste.