Bid farewell to summer by hosting a barbecue. These crowd-pleasing Labor Day cookout recipes will help you prepare a delicious end-of-summer feast. From main dishes and side dishes to desserts and appetizers (plus a few refreshing drinks), pick and choose these recipes to add to your Labor Day menu.
Ginny’s Cucumber Salsa
“Everyone has their own version of this recipe and this is mine, lol. I took away some of the cucumbers and it made the flavors stronger. Don’t skip out on having ranch Doritos – they are key.” – Ginny
The Very Best Crab Dip Mold
“Our family has been making this for years and it is the best I’ve ever had. It is so delicious… you won’t be able to stop eating it. I want this for my last supper!” – Maggie
Ciao Bella Balsamic Grilled Chicken
“Something a little different than BBQ sauce for your chicken. I came up with this recipe because I wanted something I could marinate the day before or the morning of the day I would be grilling. All the work is done ahead of time. All that’s left is the grilling.” – Anna
One of the Greatest Grilled Burger Recipes
“This is one grill out recipe that my husband, kids, and friends have declared a must-have. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time and you’ll never have a dried out burger again!” – brooke
Mama’s Old-Fashioned Potato Salad – Dee Dee’s
“This is the way my mother and my grandmother always made their potato salad. A really nice side dish to go with BBQ! Not bad with fried chicken or for holiday meals either.” – Diane
Southern Baked Beans
“These Southern Baked Beans are sticky and sweet with just enough saltiness to balance the flavors. This is the last recipe you need.” – Debbie
No-Bake Strawberry Cake
“This recipe was given to me by a dear friend before she passed away. Every time I’ve made it, I’ve gotten rave reviews. I guarantee that you will too! It is very refreshing, and you don’t have to bake it.” – Shanita
S’more Pudding
“I served this for dessert at game night and everyone raved about how fluffy and delicious it is. One of the guests even stole her husband’s serving!!” – Melinda
Picnic Lemonade
“Hot, humid summers in the heartland call for a refreshing beverage.” – Robin
Watermelon Lime Frosty/Margarita
“Definitely an adult beverage if you add the alcohol. If you don’t like tequila you can use either vodka or gin.” – CC
Cheese Dip That Will Make You Famous
“This is a great dip that you can tailor to your particular taste and will be a hit every time you serve it!” – Crystal
Michigan Hot Dog Sauce
“My mother’s recipe for a spicy, tangy sauce for hot dogs, french fries, or hamburgers.” – Jen
Marinade for Smoked Sausage Kabobs
“This marinade is great for any kind of kabob. I use sausage with onion, pineapple, green/red peppers, etc.” – Gretchen
Cucumber & Tomato Salad
“Perfect salad for cookouts and summer meals. Put that veggie and herb garden to work!!!” – Lorene
Bacon Pimento Cheese Potato Salad
“A potato salad with pimento pepper, cheddar cheese, and bacon in a creamy dressing!” – Kevin
The BEST Glazed Fruit Salad!
“I found this recipe in a 1950s magazine. I tweaked it by adding orange marmalade, but you can use whatever preserves you like!” – Megan
Creamsicle Cake
“This is a creamsicle cake recipe I’ve had for years. It’s so good.” – Pam
Pina Colada Slush
“If you’re having a cookout or a party this summer, greet your guests with a tall, cool drink! Having a bucket of slush prepared is a very easy (…and economical!) way to serve cocktails.” – Family
Rose Sangria
“My favorite summer breeze refreshment drink!” – Theodora
Orange Glazed Chicken Wings
“This is a great appetizer for any occasion and is super easy to make. The orange marmalade and lime juice are a tangy combo and the hot sauce is the surprise kick! My family loved these and I hope you will too!” – Angela
Peppercorn KC Strip Steak
“This is so easy to prepare. You can make this on the grill, bake it, or on the stovetop. The salt and pressing makes the meat extremely tender and flavorful. Enjoy!” – A
Herbalicious Grilled Corn
“We love grilled corn at our house. This is a great accompaniment to grilled ribs, burgers, and chicken. I can smell summer already!” – Jane
No-Bake Ding Dong Cake
“Yum!!!!” – Rachel
Virgin Coco Mojito
“A non-alcoholic version of a coconut mojito.” – Mikekey
Fresh Pico De Gallo Mexican Dip For Your Crowd
“This recipe is my version of the Mexican layer dip, but I make it with my fresh homemade pico de gallo. It’s simple, affordable, and with an extra twist… Delicious!” – Jannette
BBQ Asparagus With Parmesan and Lemon Zest
“Another easy, dish-free, veggie side ‘pouch’ often used at our house. The lemon zest adds a great finish.” – Brad
Blueberry Lemon Trifle
“This is delish. It is easy to make. All my family and friends love this.” – Patsy
Lynchburg Lemonade
“Really good in the summer with cookouts. Can be made individually or by the pitcher, just adjust ingredient amounts.” – Debbie
Grilled Pineapple Pound Cake
“My sister cannot get enough of this. Any time I am grilling, you better believe she is asking if I am making this for dessert. I think she would prefer to have it over anything else, and it’s so super simple to make.” – Christa
Fresh Raspberry Pie
“Makes a really nice raspberry pie. I’ve never tried anything but fresh berries with it. It’s very simple. Make your own crust or the crust rolled up and ready to go! I usually make mine and let it sit most of the day, or make it in the evening and let it sit all night for the juices to soak up and the pie to set.” – Jen
Colorado Slush
“Everyone who has ever tasted this summertime icy drink loves it. I got this recipe from a friend about 25 years ago, when I was lucky enough to stop by her house with another friend and we were offered a taste of her new-found drink. I keep a batch of it in the freezer year-round, just in case someone stops by.” – Bonnie
Cheater Cheesecake
“A friend of mine gave me a version of this recipe. I added the pudding mix to it to solve a problem with it setting up properly. The end result is so delicious, and easy peasy to make.” – Laurie