As Labor Day approaches, many of us are gearing up for one last summer hurrah: a backyard BBQ that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting friends and family or simply want to enjoy a relaxing day off with loved ones, having a crowd-pleasing menu is key. In this article, we’ll share 20 delicious Labor Day recipes that are perfect for a summer celebration.
From classic burgers and sandwiches to sweet treats like peach cobbler and s’mores dip, our roundup has something for everyone. Whether you’re a grill master or a culinary newbie, these recipes are easy to follow and require minimal fuss. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Classic Juicy Grilled Burgers with Secret Sauce
Elevate your backyard barbecues with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the perfect blend of juicy beef, crispy buns, and a tangy secret sauce. A classic twist on the timeless favorite, these burgers are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4 high-quality beef patties (80/20 or 70/30 lean to fat ratio)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Secret Sauce (see below for recipe)
Secret Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons relish
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the beef patties with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading a dollop of Secret Sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese (optional), and top bun.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. This smoky and tangy pulled pork is slow-cooked to tender perfection and served on a soft bun with a dollop of creamy coleslaw.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Smoky BBQ Rub (see below)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 cups barbecue sauce
– 8 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw, for serving
Smoky BBQ Rub:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. Rub the pork shoulder with Smoky BBQ Rub, then place in slow cooker.
3. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
4. After 6 hours, add brown sugar, vinegar, and barbecue sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Shred pork with two forks and serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these sweet and savory chicken skewers, smothered in a sticky honey garlic glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the honey garlic mixture evenly over the chicken pieces.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Tangy Coleslaw with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
This refreshing coleslaw recipe gets its signature tang from a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing, perfectly balanced to complement your favorite barbecue dishes. With just the right amount of crunch and sweetness, this slaw is sure to become a staple at your next outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage and carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Bacon and Chives
This creamy potato salad gets a boost from crispy bacon, chives, and the richness of baked potatoes. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for your favorite BBQ recipes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large baked potatoes, cooled
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: additional toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or sliced scallions
Instructions:
1. Dice the cooled baked potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the diced potatoes, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives to the bowl. Toss until everything is well coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None (using pre-baked potatoes)
Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans with Brown Sugar
Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans with Brown Sugar Recipe
Perfect for barbecues or family gatherings, these sweet and spicy baked beans are a delicious twist on traditional recipes. This easy-to-make dish combines the natural sweetness of brown sugar with a kick of heat from hot sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, combine navy beans, onion, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and hot sauce.
3. Cover the pot and bake for 6-8 hours or until beans are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a side dish.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
Elevate your summer BBQ game with this flavorful and aromatic grilled corn recipe. The combination of smoky grilled corn, spicy chili lime butter, and a hint of sweetness is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
3. Brush the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred and tender.
5. Slather the chili lime butter onto the grilled corn during the last minute of cooking.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Cheesy Garlic Bread on the Grill
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the comfort of cheesy garlic bread with the smokiness of the grill.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, cut into 8-inch pieces
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Brush both sides of the bread pieces with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Place the bread pieces on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Remove from the grill and sprinkle grated cheese evenly over each piece.
6. Return to the grill and cook for an additional minute, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of feta cheese and the brightness of mint, perfect for a light and flavorful summer side dish or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced fresh watermelon
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Add the chopped mint leaves and toss gently to combine.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Homemade Lemonade with Fresh Berries
Brighten up your summer days with this sweet and tangy homemade lemonade infused with the natural sweetness of fresh berries. This recipe is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or simply a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 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 to combine.
3. Muddle the fresh berries in a small bowl using a spoon or potato masher to release their natural sweetness and flavor.
4. Add the muddled berries to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
5. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve the lemonade over ice and garnish with additional fresh berries, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Elevate your taco game with this flavorful combination of grilled shrimp, crispy tacos, and creamy avocado crema. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Avocado crema (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced radishes, cilantro
Avocado Crema:
– 3 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with grilled shrimp, avocado crema, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoked Sausage and Veggie Foil Packets
Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch, these smoked sausage and veggie foil packets are a flavorful and convenient meal solution. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously smoky treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 smoked sausages (such as andouille or kielbasa)
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the sausages into 4-6 pieces each.
3. Divide the vegetables among four sheets of foil, placing a sausage piece in the center of each packet.
4. Drizzle with cooking spray or oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Fold the foil to create a tight seal around the ingredients.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Thighs
Pineapple Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Thighs: Sweet and savory flavors come together in this mouthwatering recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh pineapple wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and ginger until well combined.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve warm with fresh pineapple wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Firecracker Hot Dogs with Spicy Relish
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold and spicy hot dog recipe! Crunchy, flavorful firecrackers add a satisfying crunch to juicy hot dogs topped with a creamy, spicy relish.
Ingredients:
– 4 hot dogs
– 1 cup firecracker crackers (or plain crackers crushed into crumbs)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup Spicy Relish (see below for recipe)
– Optional toppings: chopped onions, sliced jalapeños, and/or shredded cheddar cheese
Spicy Relish Recipe:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Place hot dogs on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, toast firecracker crackers in a toaster or under the broiler for a few seconds.
4. Assemble hot dogs by spreading melted butter on each dog, followed by a sprinkle of toasted firecrackers.
5. Top with Spicy Relish and add optional toppings if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Veggie Platter with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with a colorful and flavorful platter featuring grilled vegetables smothered in a rich balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer BBQs or potlucks, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 zucchinis, sliced
– 2 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer over low heat.
5. Reduce glaze by half, stirring occasionally.
6. Arrange grilled vegetables on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Warm up with a classic peach cobbler recipe, perfectly paired with creamy vanilla ice cream for a sweet and satisfying dessert. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh peaches, sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together peaches, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; stir until combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Roll out biscuit dough (homemade or store-bought) to fit the top of the cobbler.
6. Place on top of peach mixture and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Blueberry Peach Sangria for a Crowd
Bring the warmth of summer to your gathering with this refreshing and fruity blueberry peach sangria, perfect for feeding a crowd. With its sweet and tangy flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any outdoor party or picnic.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio work well)
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 cup fresh peaches, diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– Fresh mint leaves and additional blueberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine white wine, blueberries, and peaches.
2. Add granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add triple sec or orange liqueur and stir to combine.
4. Chill sangria in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and additional blueberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (serve chilled)
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
A flavorful twist on traditional burgers, these grilled portobello mushroom burgers are a vegetarian’s dream come true. Earthy and savory, they’re perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your favorite toppings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, 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 tender and slightly charred.
5. Assemble burgers by placing grilled mushroom caps on hamburger buns, then adding your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches with Cookies
Beat the heat with a cool treat that’s sure to become a favorite – homemade ice cream sandwiches made with fresh cookies and creamy vanilla ice cream!
Ingredients:
– 1 pint of your favorite ice cream (we recommend classic vanilla)
– 12-15 store-bought or homemade chocolate chip cookies
– Ice cream scoop or spoon
Instructions:
1. Scoop the ice cream into balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2. Place a cookie on a flat surface and place an ice cream ball on top of it.
3. Sandwich another cookie on top of the ice cream to create a sandwich.
4. Repeat with remaining cookies and ice cream.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and enjoy!
Campfire S’mores Dip with Graham Crackers
Gather around the campfire and delight your friends with this gooey, chocolatey treat that’s easy to make and sure to please. This s’mores dip is a twist on the classic campfire snack, using a rich chocolate mixture as the base instead of individual marshmallow treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 package graham cracker crumbs (about 1 1/2 cups)
– Marshmallows, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Arrange graham cracker crumbs on a large platter or serving dish.
4. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the graham crackers, spreading evenly.
5. Serve warm with marshmallows for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill and impress your friends and family with these 20 delicious Labor Day recipes! From classic juicy burgers to sweet and spicy baked beans, tangy coleslaw to loaded baked potato salad, and smoky pulled pork sandwiches to grilled shrimp tacos, there’s something for everyone on this list. Plus, don’t miss out on the amazing sides and desserts, including cheesy garlic bread, grilled corn on the cob, and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream. With these recipes, you’ll be the ultimate Labor Day BBQ champion!
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