People Always Ask Me for These Labor Day Cookout Recipes

Labor Day is the ultimate cookout day. From juicy burgers to fresh summer salads and desserts everyone will ask for, these 15 recipes will make hosting easy and unforgettable.

Labor Day weekend is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, share good food, and spend time with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or hosting a relaxed get-together, these recipes are my go-to picks.

They’re the dishes people request year after year, grilled mains that always turn out juicy, make-ahead sides that disappear fast, and desserts that leave no leftovers. Simple to make, easy to serve, and full of flavor, they’re exactly what you want for a laid-back long weekend.

If you’re building your Labor Day menu, this list is the easiest way to plan it.

1

Juicy Grilled Burgers

You can’t beat a good grilled burger for Labor Day. These come out juicy every time and are easy to make for a crowd.

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2

Sweet and Smoky Huli Huli Chicken

This Hawaiian-style grilled chicken is sweet, tangy, and full of flavor. Great for something a little different without any extra effort.

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3

Quick and Flavorful Steak and Veggie Kabobs

Tender beef and colorful vegetables grilled together on skewers. These kabobs look impressive but are surprisingly easy to prep.

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4

Grilled Cornish Hens with Crispy Skin

These whole grilled hens are juicy inside with a golden, crispy skin. They’re surprisingly simple and look impressive on the table.

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5

Creamy Cowboy Pasta Salad

Loaded with beans, cheese, corn, and a zesty dressing. This pasta salad is big on flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd.

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6

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

A fun twist on two classics. This one has all the creamy, mustardy goodness of deviled eggs in pasta salad form.

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7

Tzatziki Smashed Potato Salad

Crispy roasted baby potatoes tossed in a creamy dressing. This one stands out from the usual and tastes amazing warm or cold.

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8

No-Bake Butterfinger Pie

This creamy dessert is layered with peanut butter, whipped topping, and crushed Butterfingers. Easy to make and always gone fast.

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9

Light and Creamy Pineapple Dream Bars

These no-bake bars are tropical, fluffy, and sweet. They’re perfect for summer and take just 10 minutes to prep.

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10

Creamy Banana Icebox Cake

Layered with graham crackers, bananas, and creamy filling, this chilled dessert is make-ahead friendly and super comforting.

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