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55 Best Labor Day Recipes for Your Last Summer Cookout

Don't let the season end without one last burger!

Headshot of Kara ZaubermanBy Kara Zauberman
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Caitlin Bensel

As excited as we are for fall return, Labor Day is our chance to celebrate the end of summer in the best way we know how—with food! The three-day weekend is the perfect excuse to whip up those barbecued ribs, pasta salads, summer cocktails, and grilling recipes before the chilly weather officially sets in. So, fire up the grill and check out this list of the best Labor Day recipes. Here, you'll find everything you need for a cookout feast from the Labor Day appetizers to the red, white, and blue desserts!

Planning to spend the weekend camping or at the beach? We've got you covered! This list has plenty of camping recipes, picnic side dishes, and ice cream recipes that are perfect for enjoying in the great outdoors. Of course, no Labor Day menu would be complete without hot dogs and burgers. Ahead, you'll find tons of creative variations on the classic cookout foods, like bacon-wrapped hot dogs, cheeseburger salad, and a recipe for homemade chicken burgers topped with buffalo sauce. Looking to put those garden-fresh veggies to good use? We've also included tons of zucchini recipes, like stuffed zucchini, and tomato recipes, like upside-down tomato cornbread. For Labor Day desserts, try the ice cream treats, icebox cakes, fruit pies. So, what are you waiting for? Your summer send-off has officially begun!

1

Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad

labor day recipes spicy veggie pasta salad
Ryan Liebe

Crispy veggies and spicy pickled jalapeños give this pasta salad a ton of flavor and texture. Luckily, it also has a creamy dressing to balance everything out.

Get the Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad recipe.

SHOP SERVING BOWLS

2

Beer Brats

labor day recipes beer brats
Caitlin Bensel

Skip the hot dogs and try beer brats instead! It's a fun addition to just about any BBQ, especially when topped with all those tasty caramelized onions!

Get the Beer Brats recipe.

3

Grilled Okra

labor day recipes grilled okra
Caitlin Bensel

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy okra, but grilling the veggie is one of the easiest! You only need 15 minutes to get charred, crispy results.

Get the Grilled Okra recipe.

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4

Burrata Salad

labor day recipes burrata salad
Caitlin Bensel

As far as summer salads go, this one is as impressive as it gets. The seasonal tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese are like a match made in heaven.

Get the Burrata Salad recipe.

5

Grilled Peaches

labor day recipes grilled recipes
Caitlin Bensel

Grilled peaches are truly magical! They can be used in salads or served as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If this is your first time experiencing grilled peaches, you'll wonder why you've never tried them.

Get the Grilled Peaches recipe.

SHOP GRILL TOOLS

6

Turkey Burgers

labor day recipes turkey burgers
Will Dickey

This homemade juicy turkey patty can be dressed up any which way. We like it with pesto mayo, lettuce, avocado, and swiss cheese, but you can also try sliced tomato or roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella.

Get the Turkey Burgers recipe.

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7

Stuffed Zucchini

labor day recipes stuffed zucchini
Caitlin Bensel

When you're graced with a bumper crop of zucchini, you'll want to add this stuffed zucchini recipe to your menu! Each one is filled with sausage, marinara sauce, and cheese.

Get the Stuffed Zucchini recipe.

8

Grilled Eggplant

labor day recipes grilled eggplant
Caitlin Bensel

Eggplant is another one of those summer veggies that we just can't get enough of! Try grilling it for the easiest bbq side.

Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.

9

Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad

labor day recipes chicken drumsticks grilled peach salad
David Malosh

These drumsticks are marinated with garlic powder, shallot, and chopped tarragon. Then, they're baked and served with a fresh grilled peach salad.

Get the Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad recipe.

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10

Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sundae

labor day recipes sheet pan ice cream sundae
Caitlin Bensel

This is the best way to serve ice cream to a crowd! The crust is made from chocolate sugar cones and the filling is a combo of cherry and pistachio ice cream.

Get the Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sundae recipe.

SHOP SHEET PANS

11

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

labor day recipes loaded baked potato salad
Caitlin Bensel

Summer's end also means the end of potato salad season. This recipe includes all of your favorite loaded baked potato toppings: bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions!

Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.

12

Juicy Lucy

labor day recipes juicy lucy
Caitlin Bensel

If you've never had a Juicy Lucy before, prepare to be amazed! The burgers aren't topped with cheese like regular cheeseburgers, they're stuffed with cheese for a core of molten cheesiness that will change your world.

Get the Juicy Lucy recipe.

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13

Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread

labor day recipes upside down tomato cornbread
Caitlin Bensel

Show off those beautiful summer tomatoes while you can! This upside-down tomato cornbread will be a showstopper at your backyard BBQ.

Get the Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread recipe.

14

American Flag Cake

labor day recipes american flag cake
Ryan Liebe

Don't forget to give your Labor Day weekend the summer send-off it deserves—with cake, of course! This red velvet sheet cake has the prettiest decorations made from red, white, and blue sprinkles.

Get Ree's American Flag Cake recipe.

15

White Sangria

labor day recipes white sangria
Caitlin Bensel

You can make sangria all year-round, but white sangria is a refreshing choice for summer. And you can even use your favorite summer fruits mixed in.

Get the White Sangria recipe.

SHOP PITCHERS

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16

Cowboy Steak

labor day recipes cowboy steak
Caitlin Bensel

This cut of steak is a extra-thick, bone-in ribeye that gets meltingly tender when cooked. The best part? It's smothered in a ranch-infused butter that we can't get enough of!

Get the Cowboy Steak recipe.

17

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

labor day recipes chicken caesar pasta salad
Caitlin Bensel

This creamy, hearty side dish has everything you love about Caesar salad (including the dressing and croutons), plus the addition of noodles!

Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.

18

Grilled Pizza

labor day recipes grilled pizza
Caitlin Bensel

No need to crank the oven up for this homemade pizza recipe. It's made on the grill so you can take pizza night outdoors!

Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.

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19

Cheeseburger Sliders

labor day recipes cheeseburger sliders
Will Dickey

These sliders are smaller than your typical burger and even easier to make! They're basically the perfect solution for serving burgers to a crowd.

Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.

20

Corn Salsa

labor day recipes corn salsa
Caitlin Bensel

Here's a fun way to enjoy fresh, seasonal corn: make it into a salsa! You can scoop up the dip with tortilla chips or serve it as a topping for grilled chicken or steak.

Get the Corn Salsa recipe.

SHOP DIP BOWLS

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