Labor Day is a great time for a relaxed barbecue with family and friends. If you’re looking for simple recipes that won’t add stress to your day, you’re in luck. These 21 easy and quick recipes will make your cookout a breeze. From tasty main dishes to easy sides, to sweet desserts, you’ll find everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable Labor Day barbecue.
Fortune Cookies
Homemade fortune cookies add a fun twist to your Labor Day barbecue with personalized messages inside. These crispy cookies offer a sweet finish to your meal while giving your guests a little extra enjoyment. They provide a memorable touch that will be a highlight of your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Fortune Cookies
Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake
Red, white, and blue Bundt cake features vibrant layers that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. This festive cake adds a celebratory flair to your barbecue, making it a standout centerpiece. Its rich taste and eye-catching design will be a key highlight at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Strawberry lemonade icebox cake layers creamy strawberry and lemon flavors for a refreshing dessert. This light and tangy treat offers a cool and sweet conclusion to your barbecue meal. It’s a delightful way to end your Labor Day cookout on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Miso Glazed Chicken
Miso glazed chicken is coated with a sweet and savory glaze that creates a unique flavor profile. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, adding a rich depth to each bite. This dish will add a distinctive and memorable touch to your Labor Day barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Hearts of Palm Salad
Hearts of palm salad offers a refreshing contrast to your grilled main dishes, combining crunchy hearts of palm with tomatoes and cucumbers. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, it adds a burst of flavor and a healthy option to your barbecue spread. This salad will be a refreshing highlight at your Labor Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Lemon marinated chicken kebabs are full of bright and zesty flavor, perfect for a barbecue. The lemon juice adds a refreshing citrusy note to the grilled chicken, making it a lively and delicious option. These kebabs pair well with colorful grilled veggies, adding a cheerful touch to your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Frosted Banana Bars
Frosted banana bars are moist and packed with rich banana flavor, topped with a sweet frosting. They’re a simple and tasty way to use ripe bananas and finish off your meal. These bars will add a satisfying and delicious ending to your Labor Day barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Beer Boiled Brats
Beer boiled brats are sausages cooked in beer to infuse them with a rich and savory flavor. This cooking method enhances the brats with a deep taste that’s perfect for any barbecue. They are an easy and satisfying choice that will be a hit at your Labor Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Lemon Marinated Kefir Chicken
Lemon marinated kefir chicken offers tender and juicy meat with a tangy lemon flavor that complements the smoky grill taste. This dish provides a refreshing and flavorful option for your barbecue spread. It will bring a unique and delicious element to your Labor Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Kefir Chicken
Asian Marinated Steak
Asian marinated steak is infused with a savory blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, creating a rich flavor. Grilled to perfection, this steak enhances its tender texture with a unique twist. It’s a standout choice that will make your Labor Day barbecue memorable.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Grilled S’mores Pizza
Grilled s’mores pizza combines Nutella, marshmallows, and graham crackers on a warm pizza crust for a fun and creative dessert. This sweet and savory treat offers a new take on classic s’mores, making it a memorable finish to your barbecue. It’s sure to be a favorite at your Labor Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Fresh strawberry pie showcases juicy summer strawberries in a flaky crust, making it a delightful end to your barbecue. This pie provides a sweet and visually appealing dessert that stands out at your Labor Day gathering. Its delicious flavor and beautiful presentation will be a highlight.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie
Banana Boats
Banana boats are a fun and easy dessert, with bananas stuffed with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and caramel, then grilled until gooey. This warm and sweet treat is a simple way to wrap up your barbecue. It will be a crowd-pleasing and delicious conclusion to your Labor Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Tomato quinoa salad combines protein-rich quinoa with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for a refreshing side. Its hearty yet light texture adds a nutritious element to your barbecue spread. This salad is a perfect addition for a satisfying and healthful Labor Day meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Lime marinated grilled chicken brings a zesty tanginess that pairs well with smoky grill flavors. This vibrant and flavorful chicken is a refreshing option for your barbecue. It’s a standout choice that will add a memorable touch to your Labor Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Chewy S’mores Bars
Chewy s’mores bars capture the essence of campfire s’mores in a convenient and easy-to-make treat. These bars satisfy your sweet tooth with their nostalgic flavors and are sure to be a hit at your barbecue. They offer a delicious and memorable ending to your Labor Day meal.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Homemade Mrs. Field’s cookies dipped in white chocolate bring a touch of indulgence to your Labor Day event. These chewy cookies offer a nostalgic flavor and a creamy finish, making them a delightful treat for your guests. They’re sure to be a loved addition to your barbecue spread.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Grilled baby bok choy is marinated to enhance its natural flavors and cooked until tender with a slight crisp. This healthy and tasty option adds a unique twist to your barbecue spread. It’s a memorable choice that will stand out at your Labor Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Avocado Tomato Salad
Avocado tomato salad combines creamy avocado with juicy tomatoes, offering a refreshing side dish for your barbecue. Its bright flavors and light texture complement any cookout menu. This salad provides a nutritious and delicious highlight to your Labor Day celebration.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Kool-Aid Cupcakes
Kool-Aid cupcakes bring a burst of fruity flavors and vibrant colors to your dessert spread. These fun treats add a playful and exciting touch to your barbecue with their unique twist on traditional cupcakes. They will be a lively and enjoyable highlight of your Labor Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Kool-Aid Cupcakes
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Chipotle grilled corn on the cob is coated with a spicy chipotle butter and grilled to a perfect char. The smoky and slightly spicy flavor enhances this classic side dish, making it a standout choice for any barbecue. This corn will add a bold and memorable touch to your Labor Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob