16 Labor Day Recipes To Spice Up That Last Cookout

The end of summer is finally upon us–and with that sigh of relief as the kids go back to school, there is also that bittersweet sadness at the end of pool parties, road trips, and cookouts. But don’t fret–Labor Day weekend is coming up, and you have one last chance to celebrate in true summer fashion before autumn chills send leaves flying through the air.

But how can you properly celebrate the last weekend of summer? You need something inspired, and we’ve got you covered, from delicious and unique burger recipes to sensational salads and more. The food is the mood, as they say, and these easy and delicious labor day recipes will set the stage to give summer the farewell it deserves!

Read on to discover ten dishes that you can serve to friends and family as a buffet, a cookout dinner, or pick just a few for a smaller get-together.

FROM THE GRILL

BBQ RIBS – This cookout classic is sure to be the centerpiece and life of the party. This recipe makes pull-apart pork ribs glazed with a tantalizing brown-sugar sauce that goes perfectly with any classic cookout side like macaroni salad, mac and cheese, or coleslaw (see recipes below).

GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS– What makes these grilled wings stand out is the sheer force of flavor involved. Tumeric, nutmeg, cumin, and paprika form the base of this unforgettable dish packed with smokey spices and garlic and lemon to compliment. Perfect with our fries recipe or some grilled vegetable skewers (see below)

PEANUT BUTTER AND BACON BURGERS – PEANUT BUTTER AND BACON BURGERS – These burgers are made Southern style–that is, with spicy peanut butter and brown-sugar glazed bacon for a zesty flavor packed with delicious contrast. Don’t take our word for it! Try it yourself!

CHEESE DOGS – Sure to be a crowd pleaser are these cheesy bacon dogs–easy to make, easy to grab, easy to eat, easy to enjoy!

CHILLI DOGS – Who doesn’t love a chili dog? The slightly messier cousin of the cheese dog is 100% worth it, especially for those legions of chili dog devotees sure to show up at your cookout. This dish would satisfy anyone and works great with potato salad, fries, or even an easy bag of the chips of your choice.

GRILLED VEGGIES

CORN ON THE COB – Grilled veggies are easy sides that are easy to make delicious, too– just sprinkle on some seasonings and drop them on the grill. This corn on the cob features parmesan for added punch to a side that is both healthy and delicious (crazy, I know)!

GRILLED EGGPLANT – Eggplant may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but with some seasoned olive oil drizzled over a nicely browned slice, you’ll be sure to have some converts by the end of your cookout. Parmesan is also a great addition–pop the slices in the oven to brown the cheese for incredible flavor.

VEGETABLE SKEWERS – For any vegetarians, vegans, or just general veggie lovers, skewers are a great addition to any BBQ. You can make skewers with seasoned potatoes, carrot, Brussels sprouts, eggplant…This particular recipe calls for pineapple, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, cherry, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

GRILLED PINEAPPLE – One great idea to spice up a burger is to pop a grilled pineapple on top with some provolone cheese and teriyaki sauce. Or you could just serve these as a side with various grilled veggies as well.

SIDES

MACARONI SALAD – Surprisingly easy to make, this recipe is perfect for leftover pasta–and better yet, you probably already have all the ingredients to make it in the fridge right now.

POTATO SALAD – The absolute essential for any cookout is a killer potato salad. Everybody has a family recipe, and this one is both uncontroversial and wildly delicious.

COLESLAW – This coleslaw recipe is a copycat of the famous and universally beloved KFC coleslaw and features buttermilk for a rich and delicious take. Coleslaw is BBQ’s best friend and also makes a perfect hot-and-cold contrast to smokey chicken wings.

MAC AND CHEESE – Always a crowd pleaser, this recipe is sure to have your guests coming up for seconds–or thirds. This classic American dish pairs with anything on the grill, but BBQ ribs or fried chicken are a popular choice.

WINGSTOP FRIES – This copycat recipe calls for thinly sliced potatoes and go great with pretty much anything–so be sure to make a lot! Just a few classic spices, combined with brown sugar make for fries that are a genuinely delicious addition to any cookout plate.

DESSERTS

AMBROSIA SALAD – This is an easy and fun ‘dessert’ salad sure to be popular with everyone with maraschino cherries, cool whip, jello, and mandarin oranges–all things beloved, especially by children. Whip this up with other side salads or serve it as a dessert option after everyone’s had their fill of potato and macaroni.

KEY LIME SLAB PIE – This dessert is the perfect (I do mean perfect) summer treat! Served cold with strawberry whipped cream, this decadent yet simple dish will have your guests following up to get the recipe (it’s your call whether you say where you got it)!

ICE CREAM – I know, you’re thinking you don’t have an ice cream machine so there’s no way. But for this recipe, you don’t need one! Surprisingly simple, this recipe sacrifices nothing for its simplicity–and we don’t have to tell you that it’ll be a hit.

BERRY AND WHISKEY PIE – A Southern recipe, this slightly drunken treat is perfect for those down home BBQs with friends. As this recipe features alcohol, make sure it is served away from kids, and enjoy the medley of flavors as the perfect end to summer (although you may want to take this recipe with you into fall!!).

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