47 Best Labor Day Recipes for a Cookout, BBQ, or Potluck

These easy Labor Day recipes are perfect for your end-of-summer party. Whether you're grilling out, hosting a potluck, or spending the day at the beach, you'll find tasty ideas for appetizers, sides, mains, and desserts.

Celebrate the end of summer with a delicious spread of crowd-friendly dishes. If you’re looking for the best Labor Day recipes to wow your guests and keep things stress-free, you’re in the right place.

This ultimate collection of 47 easy Labor Day recipes has everything you need to throw a memorable end-of-summer bash-think casual cookouts, backyard BBQs, beachside potlucks, or just a laid-back meal with friends and family.

From simple appetizers and make-ahead sides to juicy grilled mains and festive red, white, and blue desserts, these tried-and-true recipes are perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking a sweat. Plus, don't miss my hosting tips and FAQs below-they'll help you pull it all together with ease.

So, get ready to fire up the grill, enjoy some delicious food, and make this Labor Day celebration one to remember with these tried-and-true favorites.

Bite-Sized Bliss: Labor Day Appetizers That Will Wow Your Guests

1

Creole Shrimp Toast Recipe – Easy & Cheesy

Easy Creole Shrimp Toast is a tasty, bite-size, cheesy seafood appetizer comprised of a toasted bread round, blanketed with a flavorful filling made with cooked shrimp and two kinds of cheese. These delectable bites of heaven are so good; they will fairly fly off the plate and take less than 20 minutes to prepare. 

Creole Shrimp Toast

2

Chicken Ranch Dip Recipe

This recipe for Chicken Ranch Dip it's so easy you will feel like a rock star in the kitchen. It's also an excellent appetizer to whip up for your family or guests. 

Chicken Ranch Dip

3

Easy Classic Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe (Delicious)

Deviled eggs are always a popular side dish at potlucks, BBQs, baby showers, picnics, and neighborhood cookouts. They are as versatile as they are delicious and can also be served as an appetizer or a snack for brunch, lunch, dinner, and even breakfast.

Deviled Eggs

4

Best Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe with Brown Sugar

The Best Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are amazingly delicious, with sweet and smoky bacon glazed with brown sugar and chili powder. An easy recipe, it's simple to prepare and utterly addictive.

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

5

Buffalo Chicken Appetizers aka Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

Easy make-ahead Buffalo Chicken Appetizers, aka Buffalo Chicken Bites, feature crispy phyllo shells filled with tender chicken mixed with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, scallions, and cheddar cheese and topped with blue cheese; they are baked and ready to devour in 20 minutes.

Buffalo Chicken Appetizers

6

Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Wings are crispy, oven-baked, and coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or whenever you're craving finger-licking flavor!

Hot Honey Chicken Wings

7

BLT Dip Recipe (An Easy Cold Party Dip)

This creamy BLT Dip combines the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich into a scoopable, shareable appetizer. Perfect for parties, game day, or the Super Bowl, it's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

BLT Dip

8

Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Pecans

Whip up this Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Pecans in just 5 minutes! This quick and easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and crunchy pecans. Perfect as a cream cheese dip for crackers, it's a tasty appetizer for parties, holiday gatherings, or game-day festivities.

Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip

9

The Ultimate Party Appetizer: Goat Cheese + Balsamic Onion Magic!

Creamy goat cheese, sweet-savory bacon onion jam, and crisp crostini-this easy make-ahead appetizer disappears fast at parties! Your guests will beg for the recipe. Trust me.

Goat Cheese Crostini

10

Creamy, dreamy mushroom dip baked to perfection in a skillet!

Say hello to your new favorite party dip! This hot and cheesy mushroom dip brings all the stuffed mushroom flavor without the fuss-perfect for potlucks, game day, or holiday parties.

Stuffed Mushroom Dip

Fresh and Flavorful: Salads That Steal the Show at Any Labor Day Bash

11

Easy Southern Potato Salad Recipe

A classic Southern Potato Salad, just like Grandma used to make; this easy old-fashioned side-dish is creamy, tangy deliciousness. And, it's full of crunchy dill pickles, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, and must-have hard-boiled eggs!

Southern Potato Salad

12

Old Fashioned American Coleslaw Recipe (Creamy)

This American classic southern-style coleslaw has it all: fresh, crunchy green cabbage, shredded carrots, and a homemade coleslaw dressing with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar.

Coleslaw

13

Old Fashioned Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onions in Vinegar

Old Fashioned Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onions in Vinegar features a lovely combination of fresh flavors with crisp, cool cucumbers, sweet, ripe tomatoes, and just a touch of zesty red onions. These vegetables are marinated in a simple but tasty, sweet and tangy, salad dressing made with apple cider vinegar.

Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onions in Vinegar

14

Tomato Avocado Feta Salad Recipe with Fresh Corn

Flavorful Tomato Avocado Feta Salad with Fresh Corn is a refreshing and vibrant dish full of ripe summer tomatoes bursting with juiciness, creamy and buttery avocado, tangy feta cheese, and tender sweet corn with its natural sweetness.

Tomato, Avocado, Corn Salad

15

Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil and Blueberries

Every bite of this make-ahead, cold and refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil and Blueberries tastes like a beach party in your mouth! It features a winning combination of sweet ripe watermelon, tangy feta cheese, juicy blueberries, fresh basil, and an optional tangy homemade vinaigrette dressing.

Watermelon Feta Salad

16

Southern Pea Salad with Herb Buttermilk Dressing

A fresh and flavorful Southern twist on classic pea salad, made with tender field peas, crisp summer veggies, and a creamy herbed buttermilk dressing. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches.

Southern Pea Salad

17

Purple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

This vibrant Purple Cabbage Coleslaw is creamy, crunchy, and packed with tangy-sweet flavor. Made with simple ingredients like mayo, vinegar, and apple juice concentrate, it's the perfect Southern side dish for BBQs, tacos, sandwiches, and more. Quick to make and easy to prep ahead-this coleslaw is as versatile as it is delicious!

Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

18

Spicy Coleslaw with a Kick-The BEST Slaw for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This spicy coleslaw is creamy, crunchy, and bold! The perfect side dish or sandwich topper for BBQs, pulled pork, or potlucks. Easy to make and packed with flavor-your new go-to slaw recipe!

Spicy coleslaw

BBQ Favorites: Grilled Main Dishes to Make Your Labor Day Memorable

19

Easy Grilled London Broil with Marinade Recipe

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering Grilled London Broil! This recipe transforms an affordable cut of beef into a succulent and flavorful delight, thanks to my overnight London Broil marinade recipe that tenderizes and infuses every bite with deliciousness.

Grilled London Broil

20

Easy Grilled Half Chicken Recipe with Dry Rub

Easy Grilled Half Chicken with Dry Rub is a delicious and flavorful main dish that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a tasty weeknight dinner idea, or just craving some juicy and tender chicken, this recipe is a winner. 

Grilled Half Chicken

21

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze Recipe

In this recipe for Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze, pork tenderloin, one of the most tender cuts of pork, is covered with a luscious homemade dry rub that infuses it with incredible flavor. Then it is grilled and slathered with an amazing sweet and savory apricot glaze.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze

22

Beer Can Chicken Recipe – Big Green Egg

This recipe for grilled Beer Can Chicken is a fun and unique way to achieve perfectly grilled chicken that will make your friends and family think you are a prize-winning BBQ Pit Master!

Beer Can Chicken

23

The Ultimate Smoked Burgers Recipe

Smoked Burgers, which are prized for their rich meaty flavor, feature ground chuck patties that are smoked low and slow in a grill or smoker and then reverse seared in a cast-iron skillet.

Smoked Burgers

24

Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

These juicy grilled BBQ chicken thighs are seasoned with a smoky spice rub, cooked using a foolproof two-zone grilling method, and glazed with sticky-sweet barbecue sauce. Quick, easy, and packed with bold flavor-perfect for summer cookouts, casual dinners, or meal prep!

Grilled Chicken Thighs

25

Smoked Spare Ribs Recipe

These smoked spare ribs are everything you want in a summer BBQ recipe-tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and slathered with sticky BBQ sauce. Whether you use a Traeger, charcoal grill, or your oven, this easy smoked ribs recipe delivers every time. Great for cookouts, holidays, and family dinners.

Smoked Spare Ribs

26

How to Grill Filet Mignon: A Foolproof Recipe

Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, this Grilled Filet Mignon recipe shows you how to achieve steakhouse-quality results at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Grilled Filet Mignon

27

Grilled Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

Thanks to a simple marinade with coconut milk and lime, this Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with tropical flavor. Cook it on the grill or indoors on a grill pan. Perfect for lunches, dinners, or a neighborhood barbecue.

Grilled Coconut Lime Chicken

Side Dish Sensations: Tasty Companions for Your Labor Day Feast

28

Amazing Grilled Vegetable Kabobs Recipe

Amazing Grilled Vegetable Kabobs are just that, amazing! Sweet, smoky, caramelized grilled veggies packed with flavor and cooked on a skewer are the ultimate BBQ side dish. Quick and easy to prepare, vegetable kabobs aka veggie skewers are quick to disappear too. Even your pickiest eaters will love these grilled vegetables! 

Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

29

Southern Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon & Craisins

Easy Southern Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Craisins is a healthy, make-ahead, delicious, cold vegetable salad. In addition to the broccoli and Craisins, it's loaded with pecans, cheese, tomatoes, and bacon!

Broccoli Salad

30

Best Smoked Baked Beans Recipe

A quintessential BBQ side dish, Smoked Baked Beans made with brown sugar and bacon are smoked low and slow in a cast-iron skillet on the grill for a rich smoky flavor. Absolutely delicious and supremely easy to prepare, this foolproof recipe always gets rave reviews.

Smoked Baked Beans

31

Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

I've been making this Southern baked mac and cheese for over 50 years, and it never fails to bring rave reviews. With its creamy cheese sauce and buttery Ritz cracker topping, this recipe is old-fashioned comfort food you'll want to share again and again.

Southern Mac and Cheese

32

Easy Peasy Purple Hull Peas Recipe

This easy recipe for Purple Hull Peas transforms tasty legumes into a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed side dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

Purple Hull Peas

33

Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges - Ready in Just 15 Minutes!

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside-these air fryer sweet potato wedges are packed with flavor and ready in minutes! The perfect side dish or snack with your favorite dipping sauce!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

34

Smoked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Sinfully delicious, Smoked Sweet Potatoes topped with Maple Bourbon Butter will rock your world with their sweet and savory smoked potato goodness. The light smoky flavor goes beautifully with the delicate sweetness of the potato, and this incredible side dish is super easy to make. 

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

35

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans (Blistered)

Is there anything better than fresh green beans transformed into a garlicky, cheesy, lemony masterpiece? With just a handful of ingredients and a cast iron skillet, you will have an awesome addition to a busy weeknight meal, while special enough to shine on your Thanksgiving table.

Blistered Green Beans

36

Easy Loaded French Fries: Cheese, Bacon, and All the Fixins!

Golden waffle fries topped with a rich, velvety cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions-these Loaded French Fries are the ultimate indulgent appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion!

Loaded French Fries

37

Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe

Introducing my Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe. It epitomizes a classic Southern side dish cooked to perfection in a trusty cast iron skillet.

Fried Corn

Delicious Desserts to Wrap Up Your Labor Day Celebration

38

Red, White, and Blue No-Bake Icebox Cake Recipe

How better to celebrate the 4th of July than with my old-fashioned Red, White, and Blue No-Bake Icebox Cake! This easy layered 4th of July dessert is filled with heavenly whipped cream, graham crackers, fresh sweet strawberries, and delightfully juicy blueberries.

Red white and Blue Icebox Cake

39

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars

Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars. This no-bake dessert is a game-changer.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars

40

Easy Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake Recipe

Easy Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake is the ultimate summer treat! This dreamy, no-bake dessert layers zesty lemon pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy graham crackers with luscious blueberry pie filling.

Lemon Blueberry Ice Box Cake

41

Old Fashioned Strawberry Pie Recipe with Jello

A blast from the past, no-bake Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie with Jello and a graham cracker crust is bursting with fresh flavors. The fool-proof pie filling is full of ripe, lush, sun-kissed strawberries immersed in a delectable strawberry glaze made with strawberry jello.

 

Strawberry Pie

42

Strawberry Trifle with Angel Food Cake Recipe

Strawberry Trifle with Angel Food Cake with fresh luscious strawberries, billowy whipped cream, and heavenly angel food cake is easy, elegant, and delicious!

Strawberry Trifle

43

Big Chewy Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate and Pecan Cookies Recipe

Looking for the perfect cookie recipe? These Big Chewy Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate and Pecan Cookies are a delightful mix of chewy oats, sweet cranberries, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans. Bake a batch today and share the joy!

Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Cookies

44

Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe – No Bake

No-bake Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes with a creamy filling and cookie crust-perfect for Easter, summer parties, or a kid-friendly snack! Easy, make-ahead, and totally irresistible!

Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes

45

Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe (Soft and Chewy)

These soft and chewy lemon blueberry cookies are the ultimate homemade treat! Bursting with flavor, they're simple to make from scratch with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon.

Lemon Blueberry Cookies

46

These Strawberry Brownies Taste Like Summer & Look Like a Dream

Fudgy brownies + strawberry buttercream + chocolate glaze = dessert magic! These easy strawberry brownies are perfect for potlucks, parties, or an after-school snack.

Strawberry Brownies

47

Sweet & Tangy Perfection: This Lemon Blackberry Tart is a Must-Try!

A buttery shortbread crust, zesty lemon filling, and swirls of blackberry goodness-this Lemon Blackberry Swirl Tart is as delicious as it is gorgeous! Get the easy recipe now!

Lemon Blackberry Tart

Insider Tips: Host the Perfect Labor Day Celebration with Ease

Planning a Labor Day cookout or beach bash? These quick tips will help you prep, delegate, and serve with ease-so you can enjoy the day as much as your guests do.

1. Plan Ahead: Start by making a list of everything you need, including food, drinks, and decorations. Create a timeline for shopping, prepping, and setting up to ensure you have everything ready well before the party starts.
2. Delegate Tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family to help with specific tasks, like setting up tables, decorating, or manning the grill. Delegating can help lighten your load and make the process more enjoyable.
3. Potluck Perfection: Encourage guests to bring a potluck dish. This will reduce your workload and allow everyone to share their favorite recipes.
4. Simplify the Menu: Choose recipes that are easy to prepare. Dishes that can be made ahead of time are ideal for stress-free hosting.
5. Prep Ahead: Prepare as much as possible before the party day. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and do everything you can ahead of time to minimize last-minute tasks.
6. Create a Beverage Station: Set up a self-serve drink station with various beverages, including non-alcoholic options. This allows guests to help themselves and keeps you from playing bartender all day.
7. Keep It Simple: Use disposable plates, cups, and napkins for easy cleanup. This saves time and allows you to focus more on enjoying the party rather than worrying about dishes.
8. Relax and Enjoy: Remember, the most important part of hosting is enjoying the company of your guests. Once the party is underway, take time to relax, mingle, and enjoy the moments with friends and family.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to Plan Your Labor Day Menu?

I hope these recipes help you host a fun and flavorful celebration! Whether you’re grilling on the porch or picnicking at the beach, there’s something here to make your gathering unforgettable. If you try one of these dishes, leave a comment or snap a pic and tag me-I'd love to see what you're serving!

About Grits and Pinecones
Welcome to Grits and Pinecones, where I share easy, tried-and-true Southern recipes that are perfect for busy home cooks. From make-ahead holiday menus to classic comfort food favorites, you'll find simple ingredients, clear instructions, and dishes your family will ask for again and again. Nothing fussy, just flavorful food made with love.