Best Labor Day Food Ideas
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Need help putting a menu together for Labor Day? Here you’ll find the best Labor Day food ideas to make the most delicious menu for your guests over the long weekend!
Whether you’re looking for appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, or Labor Day dessert recipes, I’ve got you covered. Whatever recipe you’re looking for, you will find it here!
Labor Day Food Ideas
While so many people automatically think hot dogs and burgers for Labor Day, I want to give you more delicious options for your end of summer party! This collection of recipes is the perfect guide to make the best labor day feast for your family or friends.
I’ve got recipes for both indoor days in case it’s raining outside and outdoor parties for when it’s nice out, and you can grill.
Whether you’re looking for appetizers, veggies, main courses, or dessert recipes, you will find them below!
Labor Day Appetizers
BBQ CHICKEN NACHOS
Switch up your Labor Day menu with these BBQ Chicken Nachos! Uses shredded or leftover bbq chicken and your favorite toppings.
Get the BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe.
RED WHITE AND BLUE FRUIT KABOBS
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Kabobs are incredibly easy to make and are great for any end-of-summer party! Pair this appetizer, or finger foods, with a sweet yogurt dip or chocolate lava dip.
SPICY DEVILED EGGS
Spicy Deviled Eggs are a fun twist on a classic recipe. Enjoy a creamy filling topped with candied bacon, chives, and a drizzle of sriracha! Sweet and spicy – the best of both worlds.
Get the Spicy Deviled Eggs Recipe.
BUFFALO CHICKEN TACOS
Buffalo Chicken Tacos is one of my favorite handheld snacks. Perfect for when you need a quick appetizer, this recipe is full of slow cooker buffalo chicken, melted cheese and paired with a delicious creamy jalapeño sauce.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe.
20+ EASY AIR FRYER APPETIZERS
Here you will find some of the best easy to make Air Fryer Appetizers. This collection of snacks is full of recipes hat everyone can enjoy from Labor Day to game day.
Get 20+ Easy Air Fryer Appetizer recipes.
WATERMELON CAPRESE SKEWERS
Craving a fresh and easy appetizer? Try out these Watermelon Caprese Skewers made with sweet watermelon, fresh basil, salty prosciutto and creamy mozzarella topped with a balsamic glaze.
Labor Day Side Dishes
Green Beans With Bacon
Fresh Green Beans with Bacon make the perfect side dish with the fresh green beans and crispy bacon offering up the best bites. This recipe is my latest obsession!
Get the Green Beans With Bacon Recipe.
Avocado Corn Salad
Avocado Corn Salad is an easy recipe for a bright summer salad loaded with grilled corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, all tied together with a creamy dressing.
Get the Avocado Corn Salad Recipe.
SOUTHERN COLESLAW
Southern Coleslaw is a staple at any Labor Day cookout or backyard BBQ. This delicious side dish can be made with just a few simple ingredients and is ready in minutes!
Get the Southern Coleslaw Recipe.
42 BURGER SIDES
Looking for a collection of yummy side dishes? This 42 Amazing Burger Sides for Cookouts post will have everything you’re looking for in one place. Whether you want to enjoy your classics or switch it up and try something new, you will find your Labor Day food ideas here.
Get the 42 Amazing Burger Sides.
SUMMER BERRY SALAD
Summer Berry Salad is full of yummy summer berries and only takes around 5 minutes to make. Coated in a zesty honey lime dressing, this sweet and sour side dish will quickly become your healthy salad go-to.
Get the Summer Berry Salad Recipe.
THREE BEAN SALAD
Three Bean Salad is a crowd-pleaser that is full of bright veggies and full of refreshing flavors. This side dish is great for when you’re looking for a fun recipe that is zesty and has the perfect crunch.
Get the Three Bean Salad Recipe.
FRENCH STYLE POTATO SALAD
Have you potato salad lovers tried French Style Potato Salad? You will absolutely love it. This fun twist on an American classic is served warm, full of fresh herbs, and coated in a light and bright vinaigrette.
Get the French Style Potato Salad Recipe.
FOUR BEAN SALAD
Four Bean Vegetable Salad is colorful, nutritious, and perfect for any summer get together. It is full of crunchy veggies, healthy beans and covered in a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Get the Four Bean Vegetable Salad Recipe.
CRANBERRY BROCCOLI SALAD
This easy Summer salad is great for picnics, family get-togethers and backyard BBQs. Full of fresh broccoli, crunchy bacon and sweet cranberries, this side dish will quickly become a family favorite.
AIR FRYER TWICE BAKED POTATOES
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are full of fresh broccoli, melty cheese and bacon. This crispy baked potato is full of flavor is goes great with any Labor Day meal.
Main Course Recipes
MEATBALL PIZZA
Meatball Pizza is not your normal go-to when it comes to Labor Day food ideas, but this is great for a colder Labor Day weekend when you want to make a delicious recipe indoors. Full of parmesan, garlic, and basil flavors, you’ll see why this is a family favorite.
Get the Meatball Pizza Recipe.
MUSHROOM SWISS BURGER
Mushroom Swiss Burger is a perfectly seasoned burger sauteed in butter and covered in tender mushrooms. It’s a great hearty dish and is packed full of savory, comforting flavors.
Get the Mushroom Swiss Burger Recipe.
SHEET PAN PANCAKES FROM MIX
This non-flip pancake recipe has to be one of my favorites! Sheet Pan Pancakes from Mix is great for Labor Day brunch or even breakfast for dinner. You only need four ingredients, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make.
BBQ PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are one of the easiest foods to make for a cookout, potluck, or Labor Day BBQ. Just toss your chicken, favorite homemade BBQ sauce, and some seasonings in your slow cooker, and it’s ready in just 3-4 hours. Don’t forget to serve on a soft bun and top with a crunchy slaw!
CALIFORNIA CHICKEN SALAD
California Chicken Salad is a healthy version of the mayo-based classic. This chicken salad has a creamy Greek yogurt dressing and is full of crunchy celery, grapes, and cashews. It’s great to add to croissants, crackers or served over top of your favorite salad.
Get the California Chicken Salad Recipe.
BLACKENED CHICKEN TACOS
Blackened Chicken Tacos are one of my family favorites. Full of bold flavors, this recipe is easy to make, seasoned to perfection and nestled in warm tortillas, and topped with fresh toppings. Great for a Labor Day get-together!
Get the Blackened Chicken Tacos Recipe.
CILANTRO LIME SPICY SHRIMP TACOS
This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos is one of my favorite recipes. With sweet and spicy mango pineapple salsa, this Tex-Mex favorite is great for a Labor Day taco bar!
LAZY LASAGNA CASSEROLE
This Lazy Lasagna Casserole is full of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, meat sauce and mini lasagna noodles. It’s great for large parties with an easy cleanup!
Get the Lazy Lasagna Casserole Recipe.
Easy Grilled Recipes
BBQ SMOKED PULLED CHICKEN
There is nothing better than the flavor of BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken that has been on the smoker for a few hours. This recipe is great for Labor Day celebration sandwiches, tacos, or to eat on its own!
Get the BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken Recipe.
BBQ TRI TIP
This super simple BBQ Tri Tip recipe is full of flavor and perfect for any backyard BBQ or Labor Day party. Whether you have a gas grill or charcoal grill, this recipe will quickly become your grilling go-to.
Get the BBQ Tri Tip Recipe.
GRILLED CORN ON THE COB
Looking for an easy grilled side dish? This vegan Grilled Corn on the Cob, or Vegan Elote, recipe is quick, easy, and has a creamy tofu sauce. Add a little spice on top of your sweet corn with red hot chili powder on top.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe.
GRILLED ONION BACON CHEDDAR BURGER
This Grilled Onion Bacon Burger is thick, juicy, and great for any Labor Day celebrations. This easy to make classic beef burger has Coca-Cola caramelized onions and a fluffy brioche bun.
HOMEMADE TURKEY BURGERS
Homemade Turkey Burgers are perfect for those who are looking for something a little healthier but are still packed full of flavor. This burger recipe is full of grated garlic, onion, and tangy worcestershire sauce. Perfect for an easy dinner!
Get the Homemade Turkey Burgers Recipe.
GRILLED LOBSTER TAILS
Thinking about cooking a lobster tail sounds really complicated, but it’s actually really simple. This easy Labor Day grilled recipe may not be classic, but it is delicious.
Get the Lobster Tails Recipe.
PELLET GRILL SMOKED MEATLOAF
This Pellet Grill Smoked Meatloaf is a wonderful smoker recipe because once you make it, you’ll never want to go back indoors to cook your meatloaf. Covered in tangy sauce, this smoked meatloaf is perfect for Labor Day comfort food.
Get the Pellet Grill Smoked Meatloaf Recipe.
SMOKED BEER CAN CHICKEN
Nothing can compare to the flavor that you get from this smoker recipe. Smoked Beer Can Chicken is great for get togethers, game days, or a lazy weekend.
Get there Traeger Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe.
WHOLE30 BBQ CHICKEN
This Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe is packed full of flavor and Whole30 approved. Juicy grilled chicken covered in a homemade sugar-free, dairy-free sauce, great for any Labor Day get-together.
Easy Pasta Salad Recipes
MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD
This easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad is loaded with fresh flavors like juicy tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and cucumbers! It’s one of my favorite pasta salads for Summer, BBQs, or picnic side dish recipes!
Get the Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe.
SOUTHERN MACARONI SALAD
Southern Macaroni Salad is a staple at many Labor Day celebrations. Try this make-ahead pasta salad recipe that is full of elbow macaroni, veggies and is topped with a tangy dressing.
Get the Easy Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe.
GREEK LEMON CUCUMBER PASTA SALAD
Did you know that pasta can actually be light and refreshing? This Greek Lemon Cucumber Pasta Salad is full of color and topped with a zesty lemon fresh mint vinaigrette.
SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD
Seafood Pasta Salad is full of lump crab meat, and shrimp and covered in a creamy homemade dressing. It’s the best recipe for backyard BBQs, birthday parties, and family get together.
Get the Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe.
Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad
What’s a summer salad without colorful fruit? This Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad is full of juicy chicken, farfalle pasta, grilled peaches and is tossed in a citrusy marinade dressing.
Labor Day Desserts
CHERRY CHEESECAKE
No Bake Cherry Cheesecake is super easy and affordable to make. This recipe is great for bake sales, holiday parties, and Labor Day backyard BBQs.
Get the Cherry Cheesecake Recipe.
RED WHITE AND BLUE COOKIE BARS
Who doesn’t love a cookie bar? These Patriotic Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars are great for snacking on the go. They only take a little time to make and are great to put out as an easy handheld desserts at your next party.
PHILADELPHIA NO BAKE CHEESECAKE
Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake is a classic and a staple when it comes to baking. All you need is cream cheese and a few more ingredients. This cheesecake is great on its own or perfect as a base for your favorite cheesecake toppings.
MANGO POPSICLES
Simple Mango Popsicles are amazing to make on a hot summer day. They’re full of sweet and topical flavors, are healthy, and you only need five ingredients!
Get the simple Mango Popsicles Recipe.
BERRY CAKE
Berry Cake is full of soft vanilla cake layers, sweet buttercream, and colorful berries. This recipe is gluten-free, nut free, egg free, and can easily be made vegan. Enjoy this beautiful cake for a great dessert using in season berries.
Get the Berry Cake Recipe.
PEACH COBBLER POUND CAKE
For all you peach lovers and cake lovers, this recipe is for you. This Peach Cobbler Pound Cake has a rich pound cake flavor, is filled with peaches, and is covered in a brown sugar topping.
Get the Peach Cobbler Pound Cake Recipe.
STRAWBERRY JELLO PIE
One of the easiest make-ahead desserts you can ever make is a Jello pie. This simple Strawberry Jello Pie is full of fresh strawberries and jello in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Be sure to give it enough time to chill in the fridge before serving.
Get the Strawberry Jello Pie Recipe.
TRADITIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP CANNOLI DIP
You’re going to fall in love with this Cannoli Dip! This simple recipe is great to whip up for any party or get-together. Whether you’re dipping it with waffle cones or eating it with a spoon, this will quickly become one of your go to desserts.
DARK CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
Dark Chocolate Brownies will have your house smelling delicious and your mouth watering in no time. These decadent brownies are great for chocolate cravings, bake sales and a quick dessert to take to a Labor Day potluck.
Get the Dark Chocolate Brownies Recipe.
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