This Is the Weekend I Cook Like I Mean It
Labor Day is my favorite excuse to slow down, fire up the grill, and gather everyone around the table one more time before summer slips away.
I always go big on this weekend. Not complicated — just generous. The kind of spread where there is something for everyone and nobody leaves hungry.
These are the recipes I reach for every single year. Tried, tested, and guaranteed to make your Labor Day feel like the celebration it deserves to be.
Let’s celebrate!
Before You Fire Up the Grill, Read This
A little planning goes a long way. Ask yourself these three questions before you finalize your menu:
- How many dishes can be made ahead? The more you prep in advance, the more time you spend with your guests instead of in the kitchen.
- How much work will I have day-of? Aim for no more than one or two things that need active attention on the day. Everything else should be ready to go.
- Is there something for everyone? A good spread has a mix — something grilled, something cold, something sweet. Cover the bases and nobody goes home hungry.
How I Pull Off a Stress-Free Labor Day Spread
Make-Ahead Is Your Best Friend. Pasta salads, dips, and desserts all hold beautifully in the fridge. When guests arrive, you are ready with a drink in hand.
Create a Self-Serve Drink Station. Set up a cooler with cold drinks and a pitcher of lemonade or sangria. Guests love helping themselves and it keeps traffic out of the kitchen.
Keep the Menu Balanced. Pair grilled meats with lighter sides like slaw, fruit salads, or grilled veggies. It gives everyone options and makes your spread look beautiful.
Add a Touch of Summer Decor. Fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit on the table, or a few candles outside instantly make things feel special. You do not need much.
Plan for Comfort. Set out extra chairs, a basket of bug spray, and a few blankets for when the sun goes down. Your guests will feel cared for and that is what Southern hospitality is all about.
Your Labor Day Make-Ahead Game Plan
The secret to a stress-free Labor Day is not cooking less. It is cooking smart.
| When | What To Do |
| Friday | Pasta salads, coleslaw, deviled eggs, dips — all get better overnight |
| Saturday | Marinate meats, mix sauces, set up drink station, pull out serving pieces |
| Sunday Morning | Start the slow cooker, prep the grill, set out cold dishes |
| Party Time | Grill the mains, warm the pulled pork, bake the cobbler — you are ready |
Start Here — The Bites That Set the Tone
Have these on the table before anyone even sits down. They set the mood and keep hungry guests happy while the grill does its thing.
Candied Jalapeños Recipe (Cowboy Candy)
It doesn't matter if you call them Candied Jalapeños or Cowboy Candy, this sweet and spicy concoction is downright irresistible! With just a few ingredients, fresh jalapeños are turned into something extra special and perfect with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers or anything else that suits your fancy.
Southern Caviar – Black Eyed Pea Appetizer
Made with black-eyed peas, corn, and a zesty dressing, Southern Caviar (or Black Eyed Pea Appetizer) is quick and super easy to make! This spicy and crunchy recipe is a versatile Southern staple that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or on top of grilled seafood or chicken.
Crescent Roll Pigs In A Blanket
Little hot dogs wrapper in a crescent roll baked to perfection.
Quick Pickled Sweet Peppers And Onions
Sweet red peppers, along with Vidalia onions, all in a bright, flavorful brine, are "quick pickled" and mouthwateringly delicious. You'll love this tangy, crunchy taste of pickles when you add them to burgers, hot dogs, tacos, or alongside grilled chicken or pork.
Cajun Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Spicy, juicy Cajun Garlic Shrimp can be cooked in just 15 minutes and served as an appetizer with toast or a quick dinner with pasta! This simple, no-fuss recipe is loaded with flavor and will disappear fast whenever it's served.
Sweet Heat Pickles
Sweet heat pickles made from kosher pickles, red pepper flakes, garlic, herbs, and sugar are a delicious and crazy twist on traditional pickles. They are a fabulous balance of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for layering on burgers, and sandwiches, served on charcuterie boards or just eating right out of the jar!
Southern Pimento Cheese
Creamy Southern Deviled Eggs
Extra creamy deviled eggs are a classic, crowd pleasing appetizer and a must for any southern holiday celebration. This deviled egg recipe is simple to make with no-frills or fancy extras. They are the perfect finger food for holidays, parties and gatherings anytime of the year.
Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups
A retro recipe! Herbed cream cheese rolled in salami is a crowd pleasing appetizer or snack
Million Dollar Dip
Million Dollar Dip made with just a few simple ingredients is totally addictive and deserving of its name! This easy dip recipe made with cheese, bacon, green onions, almonds and mayo is great to serve at parties, for game day or when you're entertaining.
Pickled Corn with Red Onions and Cilantro
Fresh corn, sweet red onions, spicy jalapeños, and cilantro, all put together in a hot vinegar brine make a great topping for grilled meats, burgers, tacos, and salads. Pickled Sweet Corn is a surprising, tangy, crunchy addition to any dish!
The Sides That Steal the Show
A great cookout lives and dies by the sides. These are the ones I come back to every single year.
Cheesy Ranch Potato Foil Packs
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes cooked in Foil Packs are the perfect side dish for cookouts and BBQs. Cooking in foil packs on the grill is super popular, and for good reason. You can customize your dish with your favorite ingredients; it's easy, there's virtually no cleanup, and most importantly, the flavor is outstanding.
Easy Crock Pot Baked Beans
Slow-Cooked, sweet and savory baked beans with brown sugar and bacon is a side dish recipe that's pure perfection! For any cookout, barbecue, or summer party, these Easy Crock Pot Baked beans will be a hit.
Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad
Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and herbs tossed in a light creamy dressing with pasta make a salad that's absolutely irresistible! Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad is not only easy to make but it's colorful, cool, and does double duty as a side dish or salad.
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Extra creamy with a healthy crunch, this coleslaw recipe is the perfect side dish for any cookout, summer lunch, or dinner. Creamy Coleslaw also makes a terrific topping for hot dogs and hamburgers!
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Rich, creamy Crock Pot Creamed Corn, with a hint of sweetness, might be the ultimate side dish. It's easy to make since the slow cooker does all the work! Free up your stove top or oven space during the holidays or busy weeknights with the Crock Pot.
Caprese Pasta Salad (Fresh and Easy)
This fresh and easy salad combines all the classic flavors of a Caprese Salad with pasta! Perfect for a simple family meal or when feeding a crowd this make-ahead recipe for the best Caprese Pasta Salad delivers a burst of flavor everyone will love.
Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Butter Glaze
Sweet, smoky, and caramelized—this Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Butter Glaze is the perfect summer side or simple dessert. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s ready in minutes!
Classic Creamy Pea Salad
Sweet peas, bacon, cheese, and onion, tossed in a vibrant creamy dressing, this sweet and savory salad recipe is a fantastic choice for cookouts, potlucks, and holiday buffets.
Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
A creamy mix of deviled eggs, macaroni, crunchy celery, onions, and bacon—this pasta salad takes a Southern favorite to the next level and is perfect for cookouts, summer parties, or any family gathering.
Zucchini Squash Casserole with Crispy Topping
Squash Casserole is a classic Southern side dish that's pure perfection! Beautiful yellow squash is layered into a cast iron, topped with a crunchy, cheesy crust, and then drizzled with a light butter sauce to create an irresistibly flavorful dish everyone will love.
Carolina BBQ Red Slaw
Carolina BBQ Red Slaw is a tangy, no-mayo cabbage slaw recipe perfect for BBQs! It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for pulled pork and ribs and makes a delicious make-ahead side dish.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a cool, refreshing side dish that can be made in minutes! Fresh veggies and dill tossed in a light dressing make this salad perfect for any summer party, weeknight meal, or backyard BBQ.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Smoky, slightly sweet, and seasoned just right, these grilled sweet potatoes are an easy summer side dish that goes with everything. Quick to prep and full of flavor, they’re perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or casual entertaining.
Easy Caprese Salad
This Super Simple Caprese Salad is made with juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil tossed with olive oil and balsamic. It’s fresh, easy, and ready in minutes — the perfect side dish or appetizer for summer meals and gatherings.
Pineapple BBQ Baked Beans
Pineapple BBQ Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for cookouts, potlucks, or weeknight meals! With sweet pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and a touch of spice, these beans topped with crispy bacon will be the first to disappear from the table.
Southern Potato Salad
With tangy mustard and hard-boiled eggs, this Southern Potato Salad is the perfect easy side dish for family gatherings and a must for holiday celebrations. Loaded with a flavor and a creamy texture, after just one bite, you'll know why this cherished recipe is a crowd favorite!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (A Summer Favorite)
Tomato Cucumber Salad (Fresh And Easy)
Tomato Cucumber Salad is a light, refreshing dish made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a simple herb vinaigrette. It’s full of fresh flavor and comes together in just minutes—perfect for summer meals, picnics, or an easy side any day of the week.
The Main Event — Grilled, Smoked and Southern
You do not need a complicated spread. You need one or two great proteins done really well. These are mine.
Hamburger Hobo Dinner Foil Packs
Hamburger Hobo Dinners cooked in foil packs are downright delicious! Whether you're cooking this meat and potato dish on the grill, a campfire, or the oven, these flavorful packages are sure to be hit with your family and friends. Foil pack dinners are destined to become one of your favorite ways to cook since they are easy to make, can be prepared in advance and as a bonus, clean up is virtually nonexistent.
6-Ingredient Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Easy to make with six ingredients, slow-cooked pulled pork infused with spices and brown sugar practically melts in your mouth with each tender bite! This simple barbecue-style recipe is great for serving piled high on sandwich buns or as a main dish, and is terrific when you're feeding a crowd.
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe
Tangy, peppery, and loaded with a punch of flavor, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce will take anything you slather it on to a whole new level! With a beautiful golden color from mustard and a slight sweetness from brown sugar and honey, this sauce takes only 10 minutes to make.
Carolina Slaw Dog Recipe
Extra creamy with a healthy crunch, this coleslaw recipe is the perfect side dish for any cookout, summer lunch, or dinner. Creamy Coleslaw also makes a terrific topping for hot dogs and hamburgers!
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Making juicy, tender pork has never been easier! Grilled Pork Tenderloin turns out perfectly every time all thanks to a simple marinade made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and herbs. Whether you're grilling on a summer evening with your family or entertaining friends, this delicious recipe is guaranteed to get rave reviews.
Grilled Sausage With Peppers And Onions
For an easy weeknight meal or casual entertaining, Grilled Sausage With Peppers and Onions is a quick and simple dish that has something for everyone. Mild or spicy Italian sausage and tender veggies are a classic combination that's fantastic served with your favorite side dish or on crusty rolls.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Alabama White BBQ Sauce is creamy, and tangy with just the right bit of peppery heat. This classic sauce is terrific on chicken, pork, fish, or fries and just about anything in between, plus it's made in just 5 minutes!
Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs
In just minutes, you can make rich, tangy homemade BBQ Sauce with just the right amount of sweetness and heat! This made-from-scratch sauce is great slathered on chicken, pork, or beef, plus it's great as a dip for fries, onion rings, and veggies.
Easy Grilled Flank Steak
This deliciously detailed guide on how to cook flank steak on the grill, is complete with tips on the ideal grilling steak time and temperature. I am also sharing our mouthwatering recipe for steak marinade that will turn your flank steak on the grill into a juicy, tender, and flavor-packed masterpiece.
Easy Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Make the VERY BEST hot dogs ever in the air fryer! Cooked in less than 10 these hot dogs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and nestled in a toasted bun. This fast, easy way to serve up a family favorite treat is great whether you are feeding a couple of people or a crowd.
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
Home Run Hot Dog Chili is the ultimate topping for your grilled dogs, sausages, and burgers! This meaty, tangy, slightly sweet sauce is simmered in just the right combination of herbs and spices. It's a winning recipe for your next cookout, BBQ or tailgate party!
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Make the best Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with this easy 4-ingredient recipe! The chicken is moist and juicy with a sweet BBQ glaze that is so good you won't believe it was made in the oven.
Grilled Barbecued Hot Dogs
Made with yummy beef hot dogs and kicked-up store-bought barbecue sauce, these Grilled Barbecued Hot Dogs are the ultimate cookout recipe!
Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken
This Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken recipe is sweet, smoky, and just spicy enough! Made with honey, chipotle peppers, and lime, it's perfect for grilling season.
Easy Burger Seasoning
Add the BEST flavor to burgers with this easy-to-make burger seasoning recipe. It only takes a few pantry ingredients and 5 minutes to make a blend that takes a burger from ordinary to extraordinary!
End on Something Sweet
Summer deserves a proper send-off. These desserts are easy to make ahead and impossible to resist.
Southern Chocolate Cobbler
With layers of fudgy goodness and a soft cake base, this Chocolate Cobbler is an old-school Southern dessert. We always have it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for Sunday supper or whip it up for last-minute get-togethers. Made with pantry staples, it's simple to make, all come together in one pan, and delivers big flavor.
Simple Peach Tart Recipe (Made with Puff Pastry)
Fresh peaches in puffed pastry make this dessert super easy to whip up.
No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Chocolate, strawberries, and cheesecake—what’s not to love? These No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cups have the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and chocolatey goodness, with fresh berries tucked into every bite.
Million Dollar Pound Cake
Million Dollar Pound Cake is buttery, soft, has rich flavors of vanilla and almond, and is a dessert that's worthy of its name! This classic recipe not only looks impressive but also tastes amazing and, believe it or not, is very simple to make with just 7 ingredients.
No Bake Cherry Delight In Jars
For the easiest, yummiest no-bake dessert, ever, Cherry Delight served in jars is a sure-fire winner! It’s sweet, creamy, and great to serve at any summer gathering, party or during the holidays. This simple little dessert has quickly garnered a cult following. Here’s how it happened… A couple of weeks ago, I had Hunter and
No Churn Peach Ice Cream
Sweet, creamy, and loaded with fresh peaches, this frozen treat is an ice cream lover’s dream! No Churn Peach Ice Cream is made with just 5 ingredients and the big surprise is, there’s no ice cream maker required.
Million Dollar Pie
This Million Dollar Pie is always highly requested by my family and for good reason. It's packed with sweet pineapple and a sweet fluffy whipped filling and it only takes a few minutes to pull together (no baking involved)!
Easy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip
Get your cheesecake fix with this sweet, creamy, easy to make dip! This no-bake dessert has all the classic flavors of cheesecake yet it's taken to a whole new level with the addition of fresh fruit, cookies and savory pretzels for dipping.
Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake
This recipe for Pineapple Upside Down Cake, is a classic that marries the sweetness of caramelized pineapple with the tangy burst of citrus. Tender cake with brown sugar pineapple rings is pure dessert perfection!
Monster Cookies
Monster Cookies are quick and easy to whip up, and with a hint of peanut butter and chocolate chips throughout, everyone will love them! This cookie recipe has the perfect ratio of M&M's to dough, so you get lots of sweet bursts with every bite.
Southern Pecan Pound Cake
Made with 7 simple ingredients, this Pecan Pound Cake is a family favorite that I know will become one of your family’s favorites, too! This cake is perfect for when you need a quick, last-minute dessert. Enjoy it after dinner or for a mid-afternoon coffee or tea break.
One Thing Most People Forget
Hot food needs to stay above 140 degrees. Cold food needs to stay below 40 degrees. Outside in the summer heat, you have about two hours before cold dishes need to go back on ice.
Keep a cooler nearby for the pasta salads, coleslaw, and deviled eggs. Set grilled food in a low oven on warm if it is not going straight to the table. A little attention here means everyone goes home feeling great.
Host The Best Labor Day Party!
Hosting the best Labor Day party is all about the details, and having the right serving pieces and decorations can take your celebration to the next level. With just a few key items, you can effortlessly impress your guests and make your Labor Day gathering one to remember! Shop Here!
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Top 25 Viral Recipes
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