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    Home » Holidays » Labor Day

    25 Best Recipes for a Labor Day Celebration 2024

    Published: Aug 7, 2024 Author: Sharon Rigsby

    Pinterest pin showing four Labor Day dishes including potato salad, burgers, baked beans and a red white and blue cake.

    Labor Day is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and savor the last flavors of summer. With these 25 Labor Day Recipes, Insider Tips, and our FAQ Section, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing Labor Day cookout menu that will take the stress out of hosting.

    This collection of Labor Day recipes includes everything from simple appetizers to delectable desserts and insider tips to ensure your celebration goes off without a hitch. All dishes are perfect for a casual cookout, a potluck, or a neighborhood BBQ.

    A collage of Labor Day recipes including a burger, potato salad, and baked beans.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Bite-Sized Bliss: Labor Day Appetizers That Will Wow Your Guests
    • Fresh and Flavorful: Salads That Steal the Show at Any Labor Day Bash
    • BBQ Favorites: Grilled Main Dishes to Make Your Labor Day Memorable
    • Side Dish Sensations: Tasty Companions for Your Labor Day Feast
    • Delicious Desserts to Wrap Up Your Labor Day Celebration
    • Insider Tips: Host the Perfect Labor Day Celebration with Ease
    • Frequently asked questions

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

    1
    Shrimp toast on a serving plate.
    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 in a white serving bowl with Triscuits.
    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
    Southern Deviled Eggs garnished with paprika in a long deviled egg holder.
    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
    Bacon wrapped shrimp on a white plate with carrots and celery.
    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 garnished with blue cheese on a white cutting board.
    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

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

    6
    A white bowl full of creamy potato salad topped with paprika.
    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
    7
    A large bowl of American Coleslaw containing shredded green cabbage and carrots.
    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
    8
    Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and onion in a white bowl.
    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
    9
    Tomato Avocado Feta Salad in a white serving dish.
    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
    10
    A blue and white bowl full of watermelon feta salad.
    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

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

    11
    A grilled London Broil sliced on a cutting board.
    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
    12
    Chicken on the grill with corn.
    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
    13
    A sliced pork tenderloin covered with apricot glaze.
    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
    14
    Beer can chicken sitting on a can of beer on a Big Green Egg grill.
    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
    15
    A burger with lettuce and tomato on a cutting board.
    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

    Side Dish Sensations: Tasty Companions for Your Labor Day Feast

    16
    Four grilled veggie skewers on a wooden cutting board.
    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
    17
    Southern Broccoli Salad in a white metal bowl with a blue rim.
    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
    18
    Smoked Baked Beans in a cast-iron skillet.
    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
    19
    A spoonful of Southern Mac and Cheese over the casserole.
    Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Ritz Crackers
    Southern Mac and Cheese is synonymous with Southern entertaining, and this easy-to-make recipe is the ultimate in comfort food.
    Southern Mac and Cheese
    20
    A white bowl full of cooked purple hull peans.
    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

    Delicious Desserts to Wrap Up Your Labor Day Celebration

    21
    A icebox cake decorated to look like the American flag.
    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
    22
    Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars cut on a counter with several chocolate chips scattered around.
    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
    23
    A square of a lemon blueberry icebox cake on a white plate.
    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
    24
    Fresh strawberry pie topped with whipped cream on a white plate.
    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
    25
    A clear glass trifle dish with layers of angel food cake, strawberries and whipped cream.
    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

    Insider Tips: Host the Perfect Labor Day Celebration with Ease

    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

    What’s a good Labor Day Menu?

    For our Labor Day celebration this year at the beach, I will be serving Deviled Eggs, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Beer Can Chicken, and Red White & Blue Icebox Cake for dessert.

    All of these dishes can be made the day before, and my husband will be grilling the beer can chicken, so I am home free!

    What are the most common Labor Day foods?

    At least in our neck of the woods, hamburgers and hot dogs reign supreme and will be gracing the majority of Labor Day tables.

    What are some good sides for a cookout?

    I like to serve easy side dishes that can be made ahead, such as potato salad, coleslaw, broccoli salad, and baked beans. In the South, southern peas such as purple hull peas, field peas, or white acre peas are also a common and welcome addition.

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ If you make any of these dishes, please leave a comment and give it a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones; I hope you come back soon.

    More Labor Day Recipes

    • A slice of old-fashioned pear pie on a plate with a fork.
      Old Fashioned Pear Pie Recipe (Just Like Grandma Used to Make!)
    • A stack of six lemon blueberry cookies on a plate.
      Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe (Soft and Chewy)
    • Scoops of cookie dough ice cream with chocolate chips in a white bowl.
      No Churn Cookie Dough Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips
    • Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars cut on a counter with several chocolate chips scattered around.
      Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Ashley

      August 21, 2024 at 6:13 pm

      You Are Amazing! Recipes look Amazing, Tips and suggestions…. Amazing! Thank you for taking the time to share! ❤️

      Reply
      • Brennan k wallin

        August 25, 2024 at 7:35 pm

        Those baked beans will be the hit of my labor day meal.

        Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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