There’s nothing like one last backyard bash to close out the season with good food and easy vibes. These 27 Labor Day recipes are made for grilling, sharing, and keeping things simple. From crowd-friendly mains to sides that disappear fast, this list has you covered. Fire up the grill, set out some chairs, and enjoy every bite while the weather still calls for eating outside.
Miso Glazed Chicken
Fire up the grill and brush on the flavor. This chicken gets coated in a miso glaze that turns sweet and sticky as it cooks, locking in a bold, savory taste. It’s juicy inside with a crisp outside that keeps people coming back for seconds. This is one of those delicious Labor Day recipes that makes grilling worth the heat.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Blueberry Pudding Cake
Grab a spoon and get ready to dig deep. This soft cake has a sweet blueberry layer hiding underneath that melts into every bite. It’s light enough to enjoy after a big plate of food but still tastes like a treat. It’s a crowd-pleasing Labor Day dessert that feels homemade and warm.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Stack these bars high and don’t expect them to last. They mix chewy oats and melty chocolate for a snack that’s easy to grab and easy to love. Each square holds together just right, which makes them perfect for passing around the table. They’re great for a no-fuss Labor Day recipe that travels well and disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Banana Boats
Wrap it up, toss it on the grill, and let the fun begin. These banana boats melt together with chocolate and marshmallows for a gooey, sticky dessert that feels like a campfire in foil. The heat softens the banana while the filling turns into a warm mess of sweet goodness. This is a fun Labor Day dessert that gets everyone involved.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Treat the dessert table to something rich. These bars have layers of chocolate, caramel, and a buttery crust that hit sweet, soft, and just a little salty all at once. They slice clean but taste like something you’d save for a special day. This is a bold Labor Day dessert that’s easy to make but tastes like it took effort.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Grilled S’mores Pizza
Slice it up and pass it around while it’s still gooey. This dessert pizza piles toasted marshmallows, melted Nutella, and crushed graham crackers onto a grilled crust. Each bite is sticky, sweet, and full of that campfire flavor people love. It’s a fun Labor Day treat that turns heads and keeps hands reaching back.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Kefta Kebabs
Skewer the flavor and let the grill do the rest. These kebabs are packed with spiced ground beef that grills up juicy with crispy edges. The mix of herbs gives them a bold taste that cuts through all the usual barbecue flavors. They’re a great Labor Day main when you want something handheld and packed with punch.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Seal it up, toss it on the grill, and relax. These foil packets lock in chicken, veggies, and melted cheese to make a no-mess meal that’s full of flavor. Everything cooks together so it’s tender, juicy, and easy to clean up. This is one of those smart Labor Day recipes that works for a crowd without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Asian Marinated Steak
Let the marinade do the work while the grill takes all the credit. This steak soaks up soy sauce, garlic, and spices before searing to a juicy finish. It’s packed with flavor that tastes like more effort than it takes. A great Labor Day recipe when you want to feed a group without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Garlic Sesame Kale
Toss this in the pan and watch it turn into something special. This kale gets sautéed with garlic and sesame oil for a nutty, rich side that holds up next to anything grilled. It’s tender but not mushy, and just flavorful enough to stand on its own. It’s an easy Labor Day recipe when the table needs something green but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Spread on that frosting and let it melt right in. These brownies are soft, chocolatey, and topped with warm icing that sinks into every bite. The fudgy texture and shiny top make them hard to pass up. They’re a classic Labor Day dessert that people know and always want more of.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Stir it, chill it, and cut it into squares. These bars mix chocolate, cereal, and tart cherries for a chewy, crunchy treat that doesn’t need baking. Each bite brings something different, which keeps it interesting without being too rich. This is a fun Labor Day snack that works well on the go.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Stack these burgers high and get ready for some heat. The smoky beef and creamy jalapeño mayo bring the flavor in every bite without going overboard. They’re juicy, bold, and easy to grill in big batches. A solid pick for a Labor Day meal that doesn’t need much extra.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
Glaze these hens and let the grill do the rest. A mix of orange and ginger adds a sweet kick while the skin crisps and the meat stays juicy. They feel a little fancy but come together fast. It’s a standout Labor Day recipe that brings something different to the grill.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
Frosted Banana Bars
Spread on that thick frosting and serve it up soft. These bars are rich with banana flavor and topped with a creamy layer that finishes them just right. They’re sweet but not too much, and easy to slice for a crowd. A laid-back Labor Day dessert that still feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Baked Kale Chips
Toss some greens in the oven and turn them into something worth grabbing. These kale chips bake crisp with just enough salt to keep hands going back for more. They’re light, crunchy, and feel like a smart snack. This is an easy Labor Day side that keeps things balanced.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
7 Layer Bars
Cut into these bars and see what’s inside. Chocolate, coconut, and nuts melt together into one chewy, sweet bite after another. The crispy edges and soft middle make them easy to love. They’re one of those easy Labor Day desserts that always clears off the tray.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Let the lime work its magic while the grill brings the char. This chicken comes out juicy with a zesty kick and just the right amount of smoke. It’s quick to prep and easy to cook for a crowd. A solid Labor Day recipe that hits the spot without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Raspberry Jam Bars
Cut into these bars and get a fruity surprise. The tart raspberry filling balances out the buttery crust and crumb topping with every bite. They hold their shape but still feel soft and rich. A great Labor Day dessert for when you want something sweet without being messy.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Skewer it, grill it, and serve it hot. These chicken kebabs soak up lemony flavor that keeps them juicy and adds just enough zing. They cook fast and taste great next to anything else coming off the grill. A perfect Labor Day pick for feeding a group without slowing things down.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Beer Boiled Brats
Let these brats simmer in beer before hitting the grill. The flavor soaks in deep, and the outside crisps up for a bite that’s juicy and bold. They’re rich, hearty, and easy to serve with a soft bun. A simple Labor Day dish that always brings people back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Spoon up some comfort with these beans. They’re cooked in a smoky, sweet sauce that clings to every bite and adds big flavor. Thick, rich, and perfect with anything grilled, they hold their own at the table. This is one of those classic Labor Day sides that always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Miso Glazed Salmon
Brush it thick and grill it hot. This salmon gets coated in a sweet and salty miso glaze that caramelizes just enough to make every bite feel special. The outside gets crisp while the inside stays soft and tender. A bold Labor Day main that brings something fresh to the table.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Throw these on the grill for something fast and fresh. The bok choy picks up a little char while staying crisp and full of flavor. It’s light but still stands up next to burgers and ribs. A smart Labor Day side when you want a little green without losing the grill vibe.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Add some spice to dessert and keep things interesting. These brownies get a warm kick from cinnamon and a touch of chili that blends right into the chocolate. They’re soft, rich, and different without being weird. A great Labor Day dessert when you want something classic with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Skewer the fruit, grill it fast, and drizzle it sweet. The heat makes the fruit soft and juicy while the caramel sauce adds just enough richness. They’re sticky, simple, and easy to grab without a plate. A fun Labor Day dessert that tastes like more than it takes to make.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Slice these bars and show off the color. The blueberries bake soft and jammy while the crumb topping adds a little crunch and golden finish. They hold up well in your hand, which makes them easy to pass around. A bright, sweet Labor Day treat that feels homemade but travels well.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars