Long weekends were made for good food, full plates, and easy backyard hangouts with family and friends. If you’re planning a cookout, these 19 tasty Labor Day recipes have everything you need to keep folks happy and full from the first bite to the last. You’ll find simple grilled mains, easy sides, and crowd-pleasers that don’t take all day to make. Fire up the grill, grab a cold drink, and get ready to chill while the food does the talking.
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
A bright lime marinade gives this chicken a bold flavor and keeps it juicy on the grill. It gets just the right amount of char to add a smoky bite without drying out. This is one of those delicious Labor Day recipes that’s easy to make and hard to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Asian Marinated Steak
This steak soaks up a mix of garlic, soy sauce, and spices that bring out big flavor without much effort. It sears fast and stays juicy, making every slice feel like something from a restaurant. It’s a great Labor Day recipe for anyone looking to grill something fast that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
7 Layer Bars
These bars are packed with layers of chocolate, coconut, and crunchy nuts that bake into one chewy square. The edges get crisp while the middle stays soft and sweet. They’re easy to prep ahead, which makes them one of those Labor Day desserts that never lasts long on the table.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Frosted Banana Bars
Ripe bananas give these bars a soft, rich texture, and the thick frosting adds a creamy layer that finishes it off just right. The flavor is sweet but not too much, which makes each bite easy to like. It’s a simple Labor Day dessert that disappears fast once it hits the tray.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
These beans cook in a smoky, sweet sauce that sticks to every spoonful and makes each bite rich and hearty. They go well with anything grilled and hold their own next to the mains. This is one of those easy-to-make Labor Day recipes that brings comfort to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes come together in a light dressing that brings out fresh flavor without being heavy. It’s the kind of side that balances out bold grilled dishes with something cool and simple. Make a big bowl for a Labor Day recipe that everyone will go back to.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
These brownies are thick, fudgy, and full of sweet-tart cherries that give each bite a little twist. The mix of rich chocolate and fruity flavor keeps it interesting without being too sweet. Bring a tray for a Labor Day dessert that stands out from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
A bold glaze made with orange and ginger gives these hens a sweet and savory taste that shines after grilling. The skin crisps up while the meat stays juicy all the way through. It’s a tasty Labor Day main dish that feels a little fancy without being a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
Garlic Sesame Kale
This kale is sautéed with garlic and finished with a splash of sesame oil that gives it a nutty, rich flavor. It’s soft but still has a little bite, which makes it a nice match for grilled meats. This is a simple Labor Day side dish that adds something green without feeling plain.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale
Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Juicy skewers of grilled chicken pair perfectly with a thick peanut sauce that’s full of flavor but not too heavy. It’s easy to grab and eat, which makes it great for feeding a group. This Labor Day favorite is easy to prep ahead and always gets finished fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Classic Brownies
These brownies come out with crisp edges, a soft middle, and deep chocolate flavor that hits just right. The tops crackle the way they should, making them look as good as they taste. They’re a no-fuss Labor Day dessert that keeps chocolate lovers happy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Fruit gets warm and juicy on the grill, then drizzled with a brown sugar caramel that makes each skewer feel like a treat. The mix of sweet and smoky is just enough without being too rich. These are fun, easy Labor Day desserts that people can grab without needing a plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Candy Cookie Brownies
These bars are packed with candy, chocolate, and bits of cookie dough that make every bite a surprise. They’re soft, sweet, and full of texture that keeps things interesting. This is one of those fun Labor Day desserts that feels special without needing much work.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
A hint of cinnamon and chili gives these brownies a warm spice that mixes well with the chocolate. They’re soft and dense without being too rich, which makes them easy to enjoy. This Labor Day dessert is just different enough to get people talking.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Cherry Crumb Bars
Sweet cherries are tucked between two buttery crumb layers that bake up golden and soft. Each bite has a nice balance of tart fruit and rich crust. Bring a tray for a Labor Day dessert that’s fruity, filling, and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Kefir and lemon make this chicken tender and full of flavor that sticks even after grilling. It comes off the grill juicy with a little tang in every bite. This is a fresh and simple Labor Day recipe that’s easy to cook and hard to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Miso Glazed Chicken
A thick miso glaze adds a sweet and salty kick that sticks to the chicken as it grills. The outside gets golden and sticky while the inside stays juicy and soft. This bold-flavored chicken is one of the best Labor Day recipes for keeping things simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Lemon Squares
These bars are soft with a crumbly crust and a lemon filling that’s bright without being too sharp. They strike a nice sweet-tart balance that makes them easy to love. This is a light Labor Day dessert that goes fast, so it’s smart to bring extras.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
These foil packets seal in juicy chicken, melted cheese, and soft veggies for a no-mess meal straight off the grill. Each one cooks up tender and full of flavor with no cleanup after. This is a smart Labor Day recipe that’s easy to serve and easy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets