60 Labor Day Grilling Recipes
Updated: Sep. 19, 2023
Enjoy the last big celebration of the summer with these Labor Day barbecue ideas. From ribs and corn on the cob to grilled guacamole and sundaes, every course can be etched with grill marks.
It’s simply not a proper Labor Day celebration without a platter of char-marked barbecue dishes. This collection contains a plethora of grilling favorites like beef brisket, chicken wings and shrimp kebobs, plus side dishes like barbecued beans, sweet potatoes and even fresh artichokes.
It doesn’t stop at dinner. Keep your grill on for some exceptional Labor Day desserts including fruit skewers, grilled ice cream sundaes and a big ol’ pot of s’mores. This is going to be the tastiest summer blowout yet!
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Grilled Corn in Husks
If you’re new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It’s especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor that are perfect for a Labor Day barbecue. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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The Best Baby Back Ribs
I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
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Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor, making it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California
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All-American Hamburgers
We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. This all-American, homemade hamburger recipe is on our Labor Day barbecue menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
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Grilled Potato and Corn Salad
Corn salad and potato salad are two summer classics. I smashed them together for a crowd-pleasing side that we love with burgers. Locally sourced ingredients from the farmers market make it extra special. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
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Chicken Souvlaki Pitas
These chicken souvlaki pitas are a favorite at our house, especially for a Labor Day barbecue. A quick trip to the market for a few ingredients results in gourmet-style Greek sandwiches we often enjoy outdoors by the grill. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
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Grilled Nectarines with Burrata and Honey
The classic caprese gets a sweet makeover with this inspired summer starter. Burrata, mint and honey are served over nectarine halves—or any stone fruit you like—in this creamy, dreamy dish. —Anthony Gans, Hawthorne, California
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Grilled Vegetable Pesto Sandwiches
Grilling isn’t just the pastime of meat eaters! Ask my vegetarian family members who love these wholesome sammies slathered with prepared pesto and stacked with char-kissed summer produce. —Tanya Mehta, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Chicken and Zucchini Foil Packs
I enjoy foil-wrapped dinners cooked on the grill, especially because there are no pots or pans to wash. You can try making chicken foil packs with most fresh vegetables you have on hand. —Dianna Smith, Newport, Tennessee
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Grilled Peach Couscous Salad
You'll feel inspired at the farmers market with the recipe for this couscous salad in tow. Grilled peaches and limes, plus a subtly sweet dressing, bring pizazz. —Emily King, Fayetteville, Arkansas
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Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
This Labor Day barbecue recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
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Cuban Sandwich Burgers
My mom would make these Cuban burgers when we would visit her in Florida. They are a take on the real Cuban sandwich. My kids love them. My boys could eat two of these monsters in one sitting. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
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Barbecued Chicken Pizzas
So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They’re perfect for impromptu cookouts and Labor Day barbecues. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California
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Grilled Vegetable Platter
The best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota. Looking for more recipes? Here are our favorite crock pot cookout ideas.
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Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate “tastes like summer” salad booster for your next Labor Day barbecue. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
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Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches
Try these sausage sandwiches for a casual but hearty meal. Full of traditional Italian flavor, they’re a snap to make. —Mike Yaeger, Brookings, South Dakota
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Buttery Grilled Shrimp
This grilled shrimp recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a Labor Day barbecue, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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Baby Back Ribs
Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WisconsinIf you’re looking for lighter fare, check out these healthy Labor Day recipes.
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Pot of S’mores
Mom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular Labor Day barbecue treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
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Grilled Peach Sundaes
These peaches with a hint of grill flavor are sweet and juicy. We serve them in a waffle bowl with ice cream. That’s jackpot at our house. —Nancy Dentler, Greensboro, North Carolina
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Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
I’m always looking for lighter recipes for a Labor Day barbecue—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut. Hungry for more? Check out our collection of easy Labor Day recipes.
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Rosemary Lamb Chops
My father loves lamb, so I make this rosemary lamb chop recipe whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida
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Barbecued Picnic Chicken
I like to serve this savory chicken at Labor Day barbecues. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it’s so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
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Spicy Grilled Eggplant
This side dish goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
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Grilled Marinated Ribeyes
These juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario
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Fruit ‘n’ Cake Kabobs
A neighbor served these kabobs at a Labor Day barbecue and brought some over for us to sample. I was pleasantly surprised at the tasty toasted cake and juicy grilled fruit. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
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Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
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Stuffed Chorizo Burgers with Tomatillo Salsa
I created this chorizo burger for my new boyfriend and his family for our first meeting. Needless to say, they loved the recipe and fell in love with me, too! These burgers go great with plantain chips or a spicy potato salad from the grocer. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida
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Grilled Jalapenos
When hosting a Labor Day barbecue, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
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Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken
I love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio
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Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a Labor Day barbecue. It’s yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
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Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Folks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois
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Marinated Pork Chops
I make these tasty loin chops all the time and my family never tires of them. I whip up this pork chop marinade and let them soak overnight to get them tender. —Jean Neitzel, Beloit, Wisconsin
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Grilled Steak Fajitas
This tasty main dish is as quick and easy to assemble as tacos. Marinating the meat overnight makes it very tender. We like the hearty and flavorful steak slices. I serve the fajitas with Spanish rice, refried beans and a gelatin dessert. —Pamela Pogue, Quitman, Texas
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Meat ‘n’ Potato Kabobs
They’re summery, but these kabobs really stick to your ribs. A microwave makes quick work of cooking the potatoes, so grilling is done in a flash. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed Fruit
One summer, my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce for her Labor Day barbecue. These are so good I’m always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
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Grilled Guacamole
If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
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Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
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Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple Labor Day barbecue side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
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Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
I like using Meyer lemons for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
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Spiced Salmon
This delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. It gets a little sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish broad appeal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon.—Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta
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Halibut Soft Tacos
I sometimes serve these halibut tacos wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with grilled halibut. This Labor Day barbecue recipe is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
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Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit Salsa
When I need dessert fast, I go with angel food cake. Mix fruit salsa ahead of time, and pop the cake on the grill. —Glorimar Jimenez, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Quick Barbecued Beans
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
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Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Serve this Labor Day barbecue dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered how to cook thick pork chops, you'll be enjoying them all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
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Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
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Grilled Hash Browns
Since my husband and I love to grill meats, we’re always looking for easy side dishes that cook on the grill, too. So I came up with this simple recipe for hash browns. There are never any leftovers when we serve them at Labor Day barbecues. —Kelly Chastain, Bedford, Indiana
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Aloha Burgers
I love hamburgers and tropical fruit, so it just seemed natural for me to combine them. My family frequently requests this unique Hawaiian pineapple burger recipe. It's a nice change of pace! —Joi McKim-Jones, Waikoloa, Hawaii
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Simple Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
This pork chop marinade is so simple that I use it on all kinds of meat. For a more robust flavor, let the meat marinate in the refrigerator overnight. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
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Grilled Pork with Avocado Salsa
I love the zesty taste of this moist grilled tenderloin. The cumin, avocado and jalapeno give it southwestern flair. It’s an easy, elegant way to prepare pork for you Labor Day barbecue. —Josephine Devereaux Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
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Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Gorgonzola Spread
My husband first tried this recipe with plain potatoes. They were so yummy; we experimented with sweet potatoes. Dipped in Gorgonzola spread, they’re irresistible. —Kristen Minello, Macomb, Michigan
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Honey Chipotle Ribs
Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
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Grilled Cranberry Pear Crumble
My husband loves it when I make dessert for our Labor Day barbecue. Fruit crisps are easy and quick to prepare, so I make them often! I created this fall-flavored grilled version with fresh pears and items I had on hand. We loved it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
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Chip-Crusted Grilled Corn
For my version of Mexican street corn, I roll the ears in crushed chips. For extra pizazz, try different chip flavors like ranch dressing and jalapeno. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip
Artichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you'll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. —Jill Haapaniemi, Brooklyn, New York
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Peppered Tuna Kabobs
When we host a Labor Day barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia
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Grilled Brussels Sprouts
During a beach vacation, in an effort to cook our entire meal outside on the grill, I made our not-so-simple veggie choice into a simple grilled side dish. For spicier sprouts, season with red pepper flakes —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
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Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes
I created this recipe for my family because they love grilled shrimp. I love it because it's quick, delicious and good for us. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Originally Published: August 27, 2020
