12 Must-Try Labor Day Recipes for the Ultimate Backyard Feast
Is there anything better than kicking back with great food, good friends, and long summer vibes on Labor Day?
Whether you’re grilling, snacking, or craving something sweet, there’s a recipe here for you.
Labor Day is the unofficial send-off to summer, and for me, that always means one last big backyard gathering. It’s a chance to soak up the sunshine, fire up the grill, and pile the table high with dishes that everyone can dig into. Whether you’re craving something smoky, creamy, crunchy, or sweet, I’ve pulled together twelve recipes that are absolute crowd-pleasers.
From juicy burgers and sticky BBQ ribs to zesty dips, fresh sides, and even a decadent dessert, this list covers all the bases. Some of these recipes lean into classic comfort food, while others bring in just the right touch of heat or a surprising twist that keeps things interesting. I love putting together a spread like this because it gives everyone something to get excited about—there’s always a mix of bold flavors, cooling bites, and dishes that you just know will disappear fast.
And let’s be real: the best part about holiday weekends like this isn’t just the food, it’s the memories made around the table. But the food definitely helps set the mood. If you’re planning a backyard BBQ, potluck with friends, or a family cookout, these dishes are perfect for filling plates and sparking conversations.
So grab your favorite grilling tongs, stock up on napkins (you’ll need them!), and let’s dive into twelve recipes that will make your Labor Day spread unforgettable.
Fresh, zesty, and perfect for scooping.
Classic Pico de Gallo
This fresh pico de gallo is the ultimate appetizer for a backyard party. It’s crisp, bright, and full of juicy tomato flavor that balances out all the heavier mains.
🌿 Fresh & Flavorful
Loaded with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lime.🥑 Crowd-Friendly
Pairs perfectly with chips, guac, or even spooned over grilled meats.
2. Rainbow Macaroni Salad
A potluck staple, done just right.
Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad with a Tangy Twist
I love a macaroni salad that’s creamy without being heavy, and this one hits the sweet spot with a tangy dressing that keeps every bite balanced.
🍋 Tangy & Creamy
That zingy dressing brings it to life.🥗 Make-Ahead Friendly
The kind of side that tastes even better after chilling.
3. Creamy Jalapeño Slaw Hot Dogs with Crispy Shallots
A backyard hot dog with personality.
Creamy Jalapeño Slaw Hot Dogs with Crispy Shallots
These aren’t your average dogs—creamy jalapeño slaw and crispy shallots take them to another level. They’re fun, bold, and guaranteed to be the most-talked-about item at the cookout.
🌶️ Spicy & Crunchy
The slaw adds creaminess with just the right kick.🌭 Elevated Classic
Turns a simple hot dog into a star dish.
4. All-American Backyard Burger
Juicy, smoky, and absolutely essential.
All-American Backyard Burger
No Labor Day grill-out is complete without a burger, and this one is as all-American as it gets. Perfectly seasoned and grilled for that smoky flavor, it’s the centerpiece of any backyard feast.
🔥 Flame-Grilled Flavor
That char makes all the difference.🧀 Fully Customizable
Stack it high with cheese, pickles, and your favorite condiments.
5. Sunset Patio Guacamole
Creamy, zesty, and dangerously addictive.
Sunset Patio Guacamole
I always make guacamole in big batches because it disappears so quickly. This version is extra creamy, with plenty of lime and cilantro to keep it bright.
🥑 Ultra Creamy
The avocado really shines here.🍅 Perfect for Sharing
Serve with chips, veggies, or as a burger topper.
6. Deviled Egg Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon
Two cookout classics in one.
Deviled Egg Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon
This mash-up combines deviled eggs with potato salad and throws crispy bacon into the mix—basically everything you love in one bowl.
🥓 Smoky & Savory
Bacon adds that irresistible crunch.🍳 Deviled Twist
Rich, creamy egg flavor makes it stand out.
7. Brown Butter Banana Bread Blondies
Sweet, nutty, and a little indulgent.
Brown Butter Banana Bread Blondies
You can’t end a Labor Day feast without dessert, and these blondies are the perfect send-off. The brown butter adds a toasty depth to the banana bread flavor, making them impossible to resist.
🍌 Comforting & Familiar
Banana bread, but in blondie form.✨ Rich & Buttery
That brown butter gives it a gourmet touch.
8. Stovetop Mac & Cheese with Sharp Cheddar & Parmesan
Creamy, cheesy, and totally comforting.
Stovetop Mac & Cheese with Sharp Cheddar & Parmesan
This stovetop mac is quick to pull together but tastes like you spent all day on it. The mix of cheddar and parmesan makes the sauce tangy, sharp, and downright crave-worthy.
🧀 Cheesy Perfection
A double-cheese combo that melts beautifully.⏱️ Weeknight Easy
Comes together in minutes—no baking required.
9. BBQ Pineapple Jalapeño Glazed Chicken Wings
Sticky, sweet, spicy, and finger-lickin’ good.
BBQ Pineapple Jalapeño Glazed Chicken Wings
These wings bring that perfect Labor Day vibe—juicy, charred, and coated in a pineapple-jalapeño glaze that’s both sweet and fiery.
🍍 Sweet & Spicy
That tropical glaze is next-level.🍗 Grill-Ready
Perfect for making in big batches outdoors.
10. Spicy Honey Garlic BBQ Shrimp Skewers
Fast, flavorful, and slightly messy in the best way.
Spicy Honey Garlic BBQ Shrimp Skewers
If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual burgers and ribs, these shrimp skewers are a winner. They grill up quickly and are loaded with garlicky, spicy-sweet flavor.
🍯 Sweet Heat
Honey and chili flakes create the perfect glaze.🦐 Summer-Friendly
Light but still packed with flavor.
11. Smoky Backyard BBQ Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone, saucy, and unforgettable.
Smoky Backyard BBQ Ribs
Nothing says “holiday cookout” like a slab of sticky ribs. These are slow-cooked to perfection, kissed with smoke, and brushed with plenty of tangy sauce.
🔥 Bold & Smoky
Classic BBQ flavor in every bite.🍖 Crowd Favorite
Guaranteed to be the first platter empty.
12. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Bites
Sweet, salty, and totally refreshing.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Bites
These little bites are elegant but also incredibly simple, making them a great appetizer to balance out the heavier BBQ dishes.
🍈 Fresh & Juicy
Melon keeps it light and refreshing.🥓 Salty Contrast
Prosciutto adds that perfect savory balance.
That’s the full spread—twelve dishes that cover every craving, from fresh apps to hearty mains and a sweet finale. The best part? You can mix and match depending on your crowd, or go all-in and serve the whole lineup for a true Labor Day feast.
