20 BEST Labor Day Menu ideas and recipes for the last weekend of summer from appetizers to dinner, dessert and even some refreshing cocktails!
Are you pulling out all the stops for the last weekend of summer? I know I am – damn the calories – full feed ahead. Because if the warm sunny days have to come to an end, at least I’m going out with a bang.
Let’s get this Labor Day Menu planned. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes from appetizers to main dish steak, chicken and ribs plus sides to go with all of them.
I have you covered with some of the best summer desserts too that take in all the delicious summer produce and a couple of refreshing beverages that practically beg for summer to go on and on.
It’s not like we could forget about Labor Day weekend. But daaang did it creep up this year! In case you’re on the hook for hosting – or bringing a dish to someone else’s party, I’ve got you covered. Of course, the first question is:
What is a good Labor Day Menu?
The answer is: there’s no one Labor Day menu for all – that’s why there are so many tasty options to choose from! Appetizers, grilled meats, sides and more – woo hoo!
Appetizers:
The best way to kick off a good party!
cheesy sausage wonton cups:
This is my family’s all time favorite appetizer that my niece got us started making years ago. Wonton cups are filled with spicy ground sausage and cheese and baked until crisp. Watch the VIDEO and see how easy they are to make. Then see how fast they disappear!
Zucchini Pizza Bites:
Bite size sliced zucchini topped like a cheesy pepperoni pizza! Tangy pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese and spicy pepperoni. Delicious, low-carb appetizer that does not sacrifice taste.
restaurant style blender salsa:
Whips up in just 5 minutes from canned tomatoes and a few spices – just add your favorite tortilla chips! We LOVE this bold flavored, chunky style salsa. If you forgot you were supposed to bring something to the party (been there!), this is your recipe.
caprese skewers
These little skewers are super popular and so easy to customize with smoked meats, pesto or even cooked tortellini! Start with grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze – then let your imagination soar!
air fryer buffalo cauliflower:
Break out the air fryer and sink your teeth into these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. Another quick and easy recipe. Crispy outside, tender veggie inside and loaded with big, bold flavor. Serve with ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
mexicali dip:
This is another recipe that my family has been making forever. Swipe your favorite tortilla chips into this creamy, spicy super easy 4 INGREDIENT Dip that whips up in 5 minutes in the micro!
Main Dish:
It’s not a summer barbecue without some grilled meat, amiright? If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s also a slow cooker option that’ll hold its own against any grilled recipe.
Grilled Marinated Flank Steak:
The BEST steak marinade out there = this tender, juicy flank steak loaded with flavor. BONUS: it grills in under 10 minutes. Don’t let summer end without making this one!
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs:
Another case of the marinade makes the meat. Every bite is loaded with flavor and the sweet pineapple caramelizes as it cooks giving it that tropical vacation flavor!
Grilled Pizza:
If you’ve ever wondered how to grill pizza – you have, haven’t you? – I’ll walk you through every step. It’s easy and absolutely the best pizza – EVER with flavor and texture like the best artisan pizza restaurants!
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork:
5 minutes prep then it’s hands off, relax and enjoy the party! Beer braised barbecue pulled pork made in the SLOW COOKER. Saucy, tender meat – shredded and served up with a pile of rolls and some crispy slaw for guests to help themselves. The ultimate in stress-free entertaining.
Grilled Steak Kabobs:
Juicy marinated steak skewered with mushrooms, peppers and onions and grilled to juicy perfection. You might say I kinda have a thing for meals on a stick!
Grilled Spare Ribs:
Dry rubbed St. Louis style ribs slow grilled for the ultimate flavor. Slather on some homemade beerbecue sauce and grab a handful of napkins! Yum!
sides that are practically a meal in themselves:
Potato Salad:
Friends, this is the Potato Salad by which all other Potato Salads are judged. Watch the VIDEO and see how easy it is to make the BEST Potato Salad with potatoes, hard boiled eggs and crispy bacon blended with creamy real mayonnaise.
Creamy Mac and Cheese:
Macaroni and cheese from scratch – right off the stove or baked with a buttery crispy breadcrumb topping. This comfort side dish goes with anything.
italian Tortellini Pasta salad:
Quick and easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad with cheese-stuffed tortellini and bursting with flavor like a classic Italian sub. Salami, pepperoni, tomatoes and more drizzled with Italian vinaigrette, this pasta salad actually is a complete meal.
grilled potatoes in foil:
If you haven’t guessed, I LOVE POTATOES! These grilled potatoes are seasoned with ranch then diced with onions and grilled in foil until tender and browned. They’re finished with crispy bacon and gooey melted cheddar cheese plus a dollop of sour cream. Fo Shiz.
it’s not a meal without dessert
Air Fryer Fried Oreos:
Okay maybe you couldn’t go to the fair this year – ugh – we all know why, but moving on. These AIR FRIED warm Oreo Cookies are wrapped in refrigerated biscuit dough then cooked until golden and dusted with powdered sugar without a single drop of oil. Bam!
No Bake Cheesecake Jars:
This light, fresh and easy-to-make NO BAKE cheesecakes are served up in individual Mason jars. Graham cracker crust, an aggressive layer of creamy cheesecake plus seasonal fruit. The ideal size and perfect for parties and picnics!
Blueberry Nectarine Cobbler:
Two of my favorite summer fruits – blueberries and nectarines (or peaches) for a deep dish dessert bursting with flavor and covered with a simple cake like topping — and don’t forget the ice cream!
S’mores Cookies:
Okay I saved my favorite summertime dessert for last. A camping favorite without the tents these bite size graham cracker cups are filled with toasted mini marshmallows and plenty of gooey melted chocolate. Finger licking is totally acceptable.
Something to wash it down:
homemade lemonade:
Fresh squeezed lemons, sugar and water – that’s it – just simple ingredients for old fashioned lemonade just like you get at the county fair! Kid friendly and for a quick adult cocktail, just add vodka.
sea breeze cocktail:
Grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and vodka with a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s the ultimate summer cocktail, my personal favorite and as refreshing as its name. This delightful cocktail comes with a warning – it goes down easily!
Enjoy and have a safe holiday weekend!
If you tried any of these Labor Day Menu recipes or any others on the blog then I hope you’ll leave a comment and some stars!
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