BEST Labor Day Menu – 20 top recipes for the last weekend of summer from appetizers to dinner, dessert and of course – refreshing cocktails!
Friends, I’m pulling out all the stops for the last weekend of summer because if warm sunny days have to come to an end, I’m going out with a bang! Who’s with me?
I have you covered with some of my favorite recipes from appetizers to main dish steak, chicken and ribs plus all the sides to go with them.
Of course, I’m also sharing the best summer desserts and some refreshing beverages that practically beg for summer to go on and on.
WHY THIS IS THE BEST LABOR DAY MENU:
- This list was hand selected by me because all recipes are easy to make crowd pleasers.
- The whole menu is covered – appetizers, grilled meats, tasty sides, beverages!
- Each recipe has been tasted and approved by my family and friends.
BEST LABOR DAY MENU APPETIZERS:
The only way to kick off a good party!
Watermelon Feta Bites:
Quick, easy NO COOK appetizer with just 4 INGREDIENTS. Loaded with fresh summer flavors.
Mexican Street Corn Jalapeno Poppers:
Spicy jalapenos packed with melty cheeses and charred corn, topped with crispy bacon. Jam packed with BOLD flavor — air fry, grill or bake.
Restaurant Style Blender Salsa:
It’s just not a party without chips and salsa and this one whips up in just 5 minutes using canned tomatoes!
We LOVE this bold flavored, chunky style salsa. If you forgot you were supposed to bring something to the party (been there!) and need a last minute recipe, this one’s for you.
Caprese Skewers:
These little skewers are huge on flavor and super popular with readers.
They’re easy to customize by adding cured meats, pesto or cooked tortellini!
Start with the basic: tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze – then let your imagination soar!
Cowboy Queso:
Next level queso with spicy chorizo sausage, creamy, melty cheeses, black beans, corn, tomatoes and cilantro. Stovetop or slow cooker — toss in a bag of your favorite tortilla chips and it’s a party!
MAIN DISH IDEAS:
It’s not a summer barbecue without grilled meat. I said it and I stand by it.
Grilled Chicken Burgers:
These burgers have it going on. Grilled seasoned ground chicken patties topped with melty pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions and chipotle mayonnaise. Serve ’em up with some tangy dill pickles. The BOMB!
Grilled Marinated Flank Steak:
The BEST steak marinade you will find anywhere. This NO FAIL recipe will give you tender, juicy steak with more delicious flavor than you can imagine and it grills in 10 minutes.
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs:
Another marinade makes the meat. Every bite is loaded with flavor and the sweet pineapple caramelizes as it cooks giving it an irresistible tropical vibe.
Grilled Pizza:
If you’ve ever wondered how to grill pizza – I’ll walk you through step by step. It’s easy and will be the best pizza you’ve ever eaten.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork:
If you live in Michigan you know the weather can change in seconds.
If that’s the case where you are, make this Beef Braised Pulled Pork in your slow cooker. Just 5 minutes prep then hands off, relax and enjoy the party!
Shred it and serve it 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 perfection. It’s a whole meal on a stick!
Grilled Bone In Chicken:
Easy 5 step recipe for the best grilled bone-in chicken – juicy meat inside — crispy skin outside.
BEST LABOR DAY SIDE DISHES:
Potato Salad:
The Potato Salad by which all other Potato Salads are judged. Watch the VIDEO and see how easy it is to make this classic side dish with tender potatoes, hard boiled eggs and crispy bacon blended with creamy real mayonnaise.
Creamiest 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 – especially barbecue!
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad:
Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad with cheese-stuffed tortellini and bursting with the flavors of a classic Italian sub. Salami, pepperoni, tomatoes and more drizzled with Italian vinaigrette.
Grilled Potatoes in Foil:
Ranch seasoned diced potatoes tossed with onions and grilled in foil until tender and browned. Finish with crispy bacon, gooey melted cheddar and a dollop of sour cream.
BEST LABOR DAY MENU DESSERTS
No matter your dessert love language, I have you covered.
Easy No Churn Ice Cream:
No ice cream maker – and no churning – are needed for this simple recipe!
Ready for the freezer in minutes — super creamy homemade ice cream with chunks of chocolate, swirls of salted caramel and bits of crushed pretzels.
Air Fryer Fried Oreos:
Oreo cookies wrapped in crescent dough air fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar. This easy air fryer recipe is like the ones from your local fair but uses NO oil and couldn’t be more delicious!
No Bake Cheesecake Jars:
Easy-to-make NO BAKE cheesecake – light, fresh and served up in individual Mason jars. Graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake and fresh seasonal fruit.
The ideal size and perfect for parties and picnics!
Blueberry Peach Cobbler:
Two of my favorite summer fruits – blueberries and peaches for a deep dish dessert bursting with flavor — 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.
BEST SUMMERTIME COCKTAILS:
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!
Sea Breeze Cocktail:
Grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and vodka with a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s the ultimate refreshing summer cocktail. This delightful cocktail should come with a warning – it goes down easily!
Enjoy and have a safe holiday weekend!
Tried any of the Best Labor Day Menu recipes? Leave a comment, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and TAG ME with a photo of yours on social media! @agoudalife or #agoudalife