59 Labor Day Recipes for Every Crowd

Labor Day is slowly creeping up, so it’s time to prep for your all-American meal. Fire up the grill, kick back outside and enjoy the last celebration as summer comes to an end. Looking for Labor Day recipes? The options are endless, from classic burgers to potato salad and even ranch water. Here are a few easy recipes to impress your friends and family.

Table of contents

• Appetizers 
• Main dishes
• Side dishes
• Desserts 
• Beverages 

1. Mini corn dogs

Category: Appetizers

Kids and adults alike love this all-American food. Buy a package of corn dogs from the frozen foods section of your local grocery store or put this crunchy corn dog recipe to the test.

2. BLT bites

Category: Appetizers

A twist on the classic sandwich, you’ll need all the usual fixings except the bread for these BLT bites. Hollow out large cherry tomatoes and fill with a mixture of crumbled bacon, finely chopped lettuce and mayonnaise. Serve with American flag toothpicks.

3. Veggie tray

Category: Appetizers

Save time by grabbing a big veggie tray from the produce department. Or make customized ones with unique veggies like radishes, bell peppers and jicama.

4. Gelatin cubes

Category: Appetizers

Layer red, white and blue gelatin in a square pan. Once solid, cut into cubes and arrange on a clear tray for an attractive snack hungry dinner guests will gobble up in no time.

5. Layered taco dip and chips

Category: Appetizers

For this layered taco dip recipe, take a casserole dish or individual cups  and layer the following ingredients:

• 2 cans of refried beans
• 1 cup of cooked chopped chicken or ground beef
• 1 jar of salsa
• 1 16-ounce container of sour cream
• 2 diced avocados
• 1 can of sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
• 2 medium chopped tomatoes

Serve with corn or flour tortilla chips and watch it disappear.

6. Fruit skewers

Category: Appetizers

Even the pickiest eaters will gobble up berries, melon cubes and grapes when they’re on wooden skewers. Serve fresh fruit skewers with or without a yogurt dipping sauce — they’re delicious either way.

7. Taffy apple salad

Category: Appetizers

This apple salad is an unusual but delicious snack. The Granny Smith apples mixed with the candy bar and caramel sauce perfectly match. One batch is never enough!

8. Buffalo chicken dip

Category: Appetizers

Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleaser that’s super simple to make in your slow cooker. Place 4 cups of shredded canned chicken, one 8-ounce package of cream cheese, 1 cup of buffalo sauce, 3/4 of a cup of ranch or blue cheese salad dressing, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on low for three to four hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.

9. Crunchy corn dogs

Category: Appetizers

These crunchy corn dogs are sure to make a statement at your cookout. The golden-brown crust and juicy hot dog will quickly become a fan favorite.

10. Snack mix

Category: Appetizers

With memorable flavors that take you back to childhood, these snack mixes are always a hit at picnics. Or, if you like, make your own snack mix that fits your tastes.

11. Red, white and blue gelatin cups

Category: Appetizers

These gelatin cups require a bit of prep but are worth it for the compliments you’ll get. Layer red, white and blue gelatin in clear plastic cups and garnish with whipped topping, ripe strawberries and blueberries.

12. Spinach artichoke dip

Category: Appetizers

You can always make a splash with spinach artichoke dip if you’re unsure which Labor Day recipes to pick. You can also make a batch with this homemade spinach artichoke dip recipe. The cheese, spinach and artichokes blend well with chips, bread or seasonal veggies.

13. Creamy deviled eggs

Category: Appetizers

Creamy deviled eggs are the perfect bite-size snack for any gathering. Don’t forget to garnish with paprika and serve within two hours of removing them from the cooler.

14. Hummus

Category: Appetizers

Hummus is a staple snack for all occasions.  If you’re feeling up for the task, try this homemade creamy hummus recipe. Pita bread and pre-cut vegetables for dipping are great options if you’re unsure what to eat with hummus.

15. Guacamole

Category: Appetizers

A Labor Day picnic isn’t complete without a large helping of guacamole — save time and buy premade guacamole if you’re in a rush. For folks who have a few extra minutes to spare, this creamy guacamole recipe elevates any celebration.

16. Slow cooker barbecue chicken on buns

Category: Main dishes

Looking for a chicken slider recipe that’s as close to labor-free as possible? This slow cooker chicken recipe requires only a few ingredients and steps.

Place six washed chicken breasts in your slow cooker and top with two 16-ounce containers of your favorite barbecue sauce. Cook on low for at least 12 hours. Serve on buns from the bakery.

17. Grilled steak

Category: Main dishes

Another easy-peasy Labor Day recipe is grilled steaks. Cook your steaks to the desired level of doneness and serve with a variety of sauces and baked potatoes.

18. Lemon butter grilled salmon

Category: Main dishes

You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant to get this lemon butter grilled salmon. Instead, buy some cedar planks, place the cleaned salmon pieces on top, and grill until the salmon is flaky and thoroughly cooked — about 12 to 15 minutes.

19. Barbecue ribs

Category: Main dishes

Take out your family’s favorite rib recipe and make everyone’s tummy happy this Labor Day. These are a crowd favorite when it comes to dinner ideas for Labor Day, so be sure to make more ribs than you think you’ll eat!

20. Grilled flatbread pizza

Category: Main dishes

Who can resist pizza? Add a grown-up twist to everyone’s favorite food by using flatbread and cooking it on the grill. You can prep a traditional pizza recipe ahead of time and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook it, or let everyone add the toppings they want.

21. Grilled eggplant

Category: Main dishes

Give your guests the ultimate Labor Day dinner by grilling eggplant. This summer veggie tastes great by itself or elevate your dinner with this eggplant Parmesan recipe.

22. Chicken wings

Category: Main dishes

You can never go wrong with serving chicken wings marinated in your favorite seasoning or sauce. Try this crispy baked chicken wing recipe packed with flavor.

23. All-American burgers

Category: Main dishes

Burgers are a classic Labor Day food because they’re delicious and customizable. Choose your favorite meat or meat alternatives and serve with all the fixings. Try this juicy burger recipe at your upcoming cookout.

24. Pork chops

Category: Main dishes

The key to making the best pork chops is choosing the right marinade. Try this pork chop recipe full of flavor with every bite.

25. Loaded hot dogs

Category: Main dishes

Elevate your dinner ideas for Labor Day by creating a build-your-own hot dog station. Grill up some hot dogs wrapped in bacon and serve them with toppings.

26. Chicken skewers

Category: Main dishes

Chicken skewers are easy to make and full of flavor. Choose this satay chicken skewer recipe if you want an Asian-inspired flair for your barbecue. You can also opt for a classic marinade with spices like garlic, onion and paprika.

27. Garlic shrimp

Category: Main dishes

You can’t go wrong with this garlic shrimp recipe if you’re looking for Labor Day dinner ideas. Sprinkle on red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

28. Seared scallops

Category: Main dishes

Looking for a light main course for your Labor Day dinner? Look no further than these seared scallops. Serve them on a bed of creamy lemon risotto to create a luxurious and satisfying dish.

29. Korean BBQ beef short ribs

Category: Main dishes

Impress your guests with these flavorful and juicy Korean BBQ beef short ribs. Enjoy the sweet and savory Korean BBQ sauce as the ribs fall off the bone. Throw them on the grill and add a unique and exciting element to your Labor Day menu.

30. Strawberry and spinach salad with feta

Category: Side dishes

To create this summer salad, chop 10 cups of fresh baby spinach with 2 cups of sliced strawberries, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1 cup of pecans. Drizzle with a wine vinaigrette dressing.

31. Pasta salad

Category: Side dishes

Whip up one of your family’s favorite recipes or stop by the deli for a pound or two of pasta salad. Get smaller amounts of a couple different ready-made salads or put this refreshing pasta salad recipe to the taste test.

32. Chopped salad

Category: Side dishes

Make this chopped salad ahead of time or let everyone make their own. You’ll need essential salad ingredients like lettuce, spinach, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheese, olives, peppers and salad dressing. Chop everything into uniform pieces, place toppings in a bowl and mix with a large spoon.

33. Cucumber onion salad

Category: Side dishes

Making this cucumber onion salad requires only a few steps and ingredients. Wash cucumbers well (peel if you want) and slice thinly, then peel and thinly slice a whole yellow or white onion. Put in a lidded container. Make a dressing with 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the veggie mixture, stir, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

34. Corn on the cob

Category: Side dishes

No Labor Day dinner is complete without corn. This corn on the cob recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.

35. Loaded baked potatoes

Category: Side dishes

Sure, roasted potatoes are delicious, but loaded baked potatoes are top-notch! Don’t forget to serve with bacon bits, cheddar cheese, sour cream and chives. You can also use a sour cream alternative that’s equally delicious.

36. Classic coleslaw

Category: Side dishes

Short on time? This coleslaw recipe takes very little effort but is sure to impress your Labor Day party guests.

37. Fruit and cake trifle

Category: Desserts

This fruit cake trifle looks like a million bucks and tastes great, but it’s inexpensive and easy to make. Cut an angel food cake into bite-sized pieces, wash and slice strawberries, wash blueberries, and mix a large container of whipped topping with two packages of prepared vanilla pudding. Grab a large clear glass bowl or individual cups to layer the cake, berries and whipped cream mixture to create this refreshing dessert.

38. Crispy rice bars

Category: Desserts

Channel your inner child and make your favorite cereal treat with a twist — make these crispy rice bars and add red food coloring to one and blue to another. When they’re cool, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut them and arrange them on trays.

39. Novelty ice cream treats

Category: Desserts

For low-fuss desserts, hit up the ice cream aisle at your favorite supermarket and get the fun ice cream treats you usually skip.

40. Rosé push pops

Category: Desserts

Use push pop or popsicle molds to make these grown-up icy treats. Place some fruit in the containers and add your favorite rosé wine. Freeze and enjoy!

41. Strawberry poke cake

Category: Desserts

This strawberry poke cake is a tasty addition to any Labor Day party. Make a large white or yellow cake and poke holes in it with the end of a wooden spoon after it’s cooled off. Prepare a box of strawberry gelatin and pour it over top of the cake. Chill for three hours, then top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

42. Blueberry cobbler

Category: Desserts

Send off the summer season the right way by making this blueberry cobbler recipe. Serve with your favorite ice cream for the most delicious treat.

43. Peach pie

Category: Desserts

Unsure what to serve with your Labor Day dinner ideas? Choose this peach pie recipe made with fresh fruit and cinnamon. One slice is never enough!

44. Sponge cake with fruit compote

Category: Desserts

Elevate your Labor Day dessert with this sponge cake recipe with fruit compote. Slices of sponge cake create a warm and comforting treat. Top it with a vibrant and seasonal fruit compote to create a delicious and visually stunning way to end your Labor Day feast.

45. Cherry pie

Category: Desserts

Add a splash of red to your celebration with a batch of this cherry pie recipe. This classic dessert full of cherry filling with a flaky crust will make your guests want more.

46. Lemon cookies

Category: Desserts

No celebration is complete without these lemon cookies. This irresistibly soft cookie radiates sunshine with every bite. Don’t forget to make an extra batch for leftovers!

47. Buttery blondies

Category: Desserts

Treat your guests with a Labor Day picnic idea full of sweetness. These buttery blondies provide comfort and bliss no matter the scenery.

48. Watermelon stars

Category: Desserts

Cut a seedless watermelon into thin slices. Use a star cookie cutter to cut as many pieces as possible from each slice. Arrange on a serving tray and serve this simple dessert.

49. Strawberry lemonade

Category: Beverages

You can make this from scratch or do it the easy way: use a powdered lemonade mix or frozen concentrate. Feeling a bit extra? Add some sliced strawberries to the pitcher for added flavor. You can also add your favorite type of whiskey for a refreshing cocktail.

50. Cherry sodas

Category: Beverages

Mix your favorite brand of regular or diet cola with grenadine syrup. Serve with a maraschino cherry. Enjoy an easy-to-make beverage to accompany your Labor Day food.

51. Fruit juice

Category: Beverages

Buy extra fresh fruit this summer and make some fruit juice that goes down like water! Blend 8 cups of cubed fruit (we recommend watermelon) with 1/4 cup of sugar and the juice of one lime. Add water as needed until it’s liquid. Serve over ice.

52. Ranch water

Category: Beverages

Cool off in the blazing heat with a pitcher of ranch water. This refreshing cocktail will keep your guests cool and satisfied.

53. Spiked Arnold Palmer

Category: Beverages

Liven up your lemonade with this refreshing and boozy spiked Arnold Palmer. This is a classic combination of lemonade and iced tea and gets a grown-up touch with a splash of your favorite liquor. It’s perfect for a hot day and adds a touch of fun to your Labor Day celebrations.

54. Pineapple lemonade

Category: Drinks

This is a fave for kids and adults. Mix in a large pitcher: 1 cup of lemonade mix, 3 cups cold water, one 46-ounce container of chilled pineapple juice and two cans of lemon-lime soda. This can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. You can use this homemade lemonade recipe to impress your guests.

55. Cold-brew coffee bar

Category: Drinks

A coffee bar is a great idea for the adults in the group. Have several containers of cold brew coffee, plenty of ice, a mix of flavored syrups and canned whipped topping. You can also use your favorite type of coffee if you’re not a fan of cold brew.

56. Iced tea

Category: Drinks

There are so many varieties of iced tea on your grocery store shelves: decaf, southern style, low-sugar, lemon, raspberry, citrus green tea and more. Buy several varieties of tea and have lots of ice on hand!

57. Ocean water

Category: Drinks

Ocean water is a fun drink, especially for those who’ve never had this icy cold beverage at restaurants. For each batch, you’ll need lemon-lime soda, coconut flavoring, food coloring, water and sugar. You can also add gummy sharks to elevate this kid-friendly drink.

58. Cherry limeade

Category: Drinks

You can always make your own cherry limeade or save time and effort by buying it from the store. Frozen limeade concentrate or powdered limeade are a few options. You can also opt for the bottled type to make serving a breeze. Have a jar of maraschino cherries and let guests up the flavor with a cherry or two.

59. Sparkling water

Category: Drinks

It may be September, but the temperatures are still pretty warm in most parts of the country. So help guests beat dehydration by chilling sparkling water in coolers.

Additional Labor Day food ideas

Looking for more Labor Day dinner ideas? Here are a few resources to help you:

• Labor Day Dessert Ideas for Your Holiday Party
• Labor Day Cocktail Ideas and Recipes for Easy Drinks
• Labor Day Picnic Ideas and Simple Recipes
• Top Labor Day Food Traditions
• Labor Day Menu Ideas for Your Holiday Party
• Labor Day Grilling Ideas

Labor Day picnic planning tips

Aside from creating your Labor Day food menu, consider additional factors when planning the perfect cookout. Let’s take a look at some picnic planning tips.

• Choose the perfect location: Find the best picnic spot for your group’s preferences and size. Choose a convenient location for guests with essential amenities, including restrooms and tables. 
• Invite the right guests: When creating your guest list, consider the size of your picnic area and the desired atmosphere. Determine whether you want a small, intimate picnic or a larger, lively group.
• Craft the ultimate menu: Plan a menu that caters to different tastes and preferences. Make sure the food and drinks are easy to transport and eat outdoors. 
• Ensure food safety: Keep perishable food in coolers and hot foods in insulated containers. Encourage folks to wash hands frequently and avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. 
• Choose the best time: When choosing the time for your picnic, consider weather conditions and guest availability. 

Labor Day cookout essential

Now that you’ve planned the ultimate Labor Day picnic, it’s time to start packing the essentials. Follow this checklist to ensure you have everything you need

• Coolers: Choose a cooler size based on the amount of food and drinks you’re bringing.
• Insulated bags: Use insulated bags for items that don’t require refrigeration but need to stay cool.
• Reusable containers: Opt for eco-friendly and leak-proof containers for food storage.
• Plates and bowls: Consider disposable or reusable options like plastic, bamboo or melamine.
• Utensils: Pack forks, knives, spoons and napkins.
• Cutlery sets: Individual cutlery sets can be convenient for each guest
• Blankets: Provide ample seating and can double as a ground cover.
• Chairs: Bring folding chairs for folks with mobility issues.
• Umbrellas or canopies: Protect yourself from the sun and provide shade.
• Outdoor games: Pack classic games like frisbee or badminton.
• Cards and board games: Bring portable games for indoor or outdoor play.
• Music: Create a picnic playlist and bring a portable speaker.
• First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and insect repellent.
• Trash bags: Use sturdy bags for collecting waste.
• Wet wipes: Convenient for cleaning hands and spills.
• Hand sanitizer: Essential for maintaining hygiene.

Stock up for your Labor Day dinner

Don’t stress over your Labor Day dinner plans — use Instacart to place your grocery order. Find all the ingredients you need without the hassle of going to the store. A professional shopper will deliver your order to your doorstep.