Labor Day Classic Recipes That Everyone Will Be Raving About

December 15, 2023

As the sweet summer season draws to its finale, there's a special day that stands tall in our calendars, gleaming with the promise of joy, unity, and of course, delicious eats! Yes, you've guessed it. We're talking about the cherished Labor Day, the golden opportunity to relish the last days of summer in the company of our loved ones. Labor Day is so much more than just a long weekend, a federal holiday, or a day off work. It's an age-old tradition that shines a light on the strength, grit, and dedication of the labor movement and the hardworking individuals who build our society, brick by brick, day in and day out. And what's a celebration without food, right?

From backyard barbecues to home-cooked delicacies enjoyed indoors, there are certain classic Labor Day recipes that have captured our hearts (and taste buds) for generations. Whether you're a seasoned grill master, or a home cook, there's something satisfying about preparing and sharing these beloved recipes with your favorite people. But don't worry if you're feeling a bit unsure about what to cook this Labor Day weekend. We've got you covered!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll showcase time-tested, crowd-pleasing, classic Labor Day recipes. Whether you're planning an outdoor grilling bash or an intimate indoor gathering, our recipes will ensure your holiday weekend spread is the talk of the town.

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The Best Recipes For a Traditional Labor Day Menu

We've combed through our library of 2000+ recipes to curate a selection of delicious, yet simple menu ideas for your next Labor Day celebration!

Classic Mains: Burgers, Pizzas, & More

Southwestern Chicken n’ Guac Burger: This classic fusion dish packs a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition for your next Labor Day cookout. This mouthwatering burger recipe combines Southwest-style chicken patties topped off with fresh guacamole, all layered on top of grilled multigrain buns. Finally, a handful of baby spinach is added to each burger, incorporating a layer of freshness to offset the richness of the guacamole and the chicken patty. You can even enjoy the remaining spinach as a side salad, tossed with your favorite dressing.

Grass-fed Cheeseburger with Sauteed Onions: Another classic option for your next cookout, this savory recipe is an elevated take on a classic cheeseburger. The stars of the dish, grass-fed beef burger patties, are grilled until thoroughly cooked and paired with mild cheddar cheese in the final moments of cooking, resulting in a gooey and rich topping. The sauteed onions are slowly cooked until browned and softened to add a layer of sweetness and complexity to the dish. Top off with baby spinach for an added boost of nutrition and serve on toasted whole grain burger buns.

BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes: This turkey-based sloppy joe recipe offers a healthier twist on a traditional American cookout comfort food. This simple, quick, and low-calorie dish is packed with protein and doesn’t compromise on flavor. The highlight of this sandwich is the lean ground turkey, seared to perfection and then smothered in original barbecue sauce to give it an exciting, smoky flavor profile. The whole grain buns are lightly toasted until warm and golden to provide a firm, hearty base for the juicy, savory turkey. Topped off with bread and butter pickle slices, this dish is a light, yet deliciously satisfying alternative to a classic sloppy joe for your next Labor Day cookout.

At The Cookout Plant-based Burger: This magnificent cookout creation seamlessly marries hearty satisfaction with a health-conscious twist. The star of this recipe is the plant-based, Beyond Meat burger seasoned with garlic and herb seasoning, grilled or seared to a perfect, crispy brown to enhance the flavor. Then, the burgers are paired with a super blend salad topping that’s packed with nutrient-rich veggies and grains. Everything is then stacked between two whole-grain buns to create a complete, nutrient-rich burger. It’s a simple recipe with a gourmet touch, proving that plant-based doesn’t mean boring!

BBQ Chicken Pizza: This timeless recipe is a shoutout to all the BBQ and pizza enthusiasts out there! Add a little sizzle to your Labor Day menu with this all-American favorite. In just 15 minutes, you can have a taste of the classic grilled pizza at your fingertips. This recipe takes a clever twist with a wholesome whole wheat flatbread as the base, layered with seasoned grilled chicken breast, coated in tangy BBQ sauce, and then topped off with melted sharp cheddar cheese. Every bite of this pizza is like a mini barbeque party in your mouth - savory, sweet, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying.

The Beyond Cheez Pizza: Get ready to make your Labor Day cookout a memorable one with this game-changing pizza dish that’s delicious and healthy. Starting with a whole wheat sprouted flatbread as your canvas, you’ll layer on a superfood tomato sauce, crumbled beyond burger, and then sprinkle on vegan mozzarella shreds. The resulting pizza masterpiece is a culinary clash of classic comfort food and plant-based, simple ingredients. Choosing this plant-based pizza for your Labor Day is a statement that even though we love our grilling and bbq traditions, there’s always room to explore and elevate.

Pepperoni Naan Pizza: Take your Labor Day cookout on an express trip to the heart of Italy without leaving your backyard. This fusion food combines the traditional comfort of pepperoni pizza elevated by the unique charm of a warm, soft naan base. With just four ingredients and 10 minutes in an oven or the grill, you’ll have a masterpiece that’s bursting with bold flavors. Featuring melty and golden mozzarella cheese, layers of pepperoni, and tangy tomato marinara, all sitting atop a fluffy, yet crispy naan. Make this dish memorable this Labor Day with a dash of creativity and a whole lot of flavors.

Backyard BBQ Chicken Plate: Fire up your grill and get ready to dazzle your guests this Labor Day with this fantastic, bbq chicken plate. Tender, boneless chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and then glazed with a bold BBQ sauce that adds just the right amount of smoky sweetness. Combine with sweet baby broccoli for a nutritious crunch and saucy, tomato baked beans for a hearty side dish that rounds out this exquisite BBQ feast. Nothing says “cookout” quite like BBQ chicken – it’s a universal crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

Plant-based Smoky Chorizo Squash Tacos: Whip out your aprons, gather around the grill, and let’s celebrate Labor Day in style with these healthy, plant-based “chorizo” squash tacos. Roasted to perfection, the butternut squash cubes offer a sweet contrast to the smoky, spicy punch of the plant-based chorizo. Once these two come together in a warm, soft corn tortilla, they create a symphony of flavors and textures that will keep you and your guests satisfied. Add a touch of green chile to each taco for an extra kick. These tacos are easy to eat, fun to assemble, and they make for great conversation starters. Plus, they’re customizable, allowing your guests to build their own and get creative.

Creamy Red Bean + Goat Cheese Tacos: Let’s amp up the energy and gear up for a sensational Labor Day cookout with these fabulous red bean and goat cheese tacos. Warm, savory refried red beans, topped with a lively medley of sauteed bell peppers and onions, all nestled in a soft, warm corn tortilla. A generous sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese elevates this humble taco to a fiesta delight, creating a creamy, tangy contrast that will have your taste buds craving more. Perfect for Labor Day, tacos are a universal favorite - they’re fun, versatile, easy to eat, and perfect for laid-back outdoor gatherings.

Gluten-free BBQ Caramelized Onion Dog: This easy-to-prepare hot dog is not only gluten-free, but also delivers a flavor explosion that will make this dish the talk of your Labor Day cookout. Juicy, grass-fed hot dog, layered with savory caramelized onions and drizzled with our original BBQ sauce, all nestled within a warm cauliflower sandwich thin. This vibrant medley of flavors offers a health-conscious alternative to the traditional hot dog without compromising on taste. Pay tribute to the Labor Day spirit by offering a classic, crowd-pleasing favorite with a creative and health-conscious twist.

XL Sirloin Steak Fajitas: Brace yourselves for a sizzling journey into the heart of a classic Mexican dish that’s sure to take your Labor Day cookout to a whole new level. Grass-fed sirloin steaks seasoned with black pepper and a spice blend is paired with a rainbow of sauteed bell peppers and onions, dancing in a symphony of sizzling delight, all nestled within soft, flour tortillas. Top it off with your favorite goodies like sour cream or avocado crema, and you’ve got yourself not just a fajita, but a fiesta. These fajitas are more than a meal, they are a shared adventure that brings everyone together.

Sides

Cheeseburger Eggrolls + Super Special Sauce: Your Labor Day cookout is about to hit a new level of taste with this American twist on a classic Chinese appetizer – the eggroll. In just 20 minutes, you’ll transform fresh ingredients like grass-fed ground beef, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and bread-and-butter pickle slices into a mouthwatering treat that’s the perfect finger food for socializing. Let’s not forget the secret ingredient – our super special sauce for that finger-licking finish! Stand out from the crowd this Labor Day and create a memorable side experience with these eggrolls.

Stovetop Bison Chili: A Labor Day plate isn’t truly complete without a side of protein-packed, hearty chili. Imagine the combination of bison ground meat, prepared with taco seasoning, sauteed bell pepper and onion, and simmered Cuban black beans that add richness to the flavors and textures of this chili. Quick, delicious, and nutritious, it’s the perfect side dish to serve up at your next cookout.

Mac n’ Cheese w/ Salt + Pepper Breadcrumbs: This Labor Day, we’re transforming an already-beloved dish into a flavor-filled masterpiece that you, your friends, and your family will be raving about for days to come. Take the classic, creamy goodness of mac ‘n cheese and infuse it with the delectable creaminess of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and classic Alfredo sauce. Top it off with a sprinkle of toasted, sourdough croutons to add a crunch you won’t be able to resist. Get ready to impress your cookout guests with this incredibly delicious and beautifully textured mac ‘n cheese side.

Cheesy Bison Nachos: Whip up a side dish that’s as celebratory as the occasion itself with this healthy nachos recipe. With a sizzling mixture of ground bison generously seasoned with a taco blend, all sprinkled on top of a mixture of cauliflower tortilla chips that are blanketed under a lavish layer of melted sharp cheddar cheese. To top it off, add refreshing cucumber, corn, and black bean salad to create a vibrant contrast to the cheesy goodness. Fabulous to look at and utterly mouthwatering, this dish is bound to be the crowning glory of your Labor Day festive spread.

Spicy Fajita Chicken Chopped Salad: This recipe is all about fanning flames of flavor while staying true to healthy eating. Start with sizzled, ground fajita chicken and combine it with an array of vibrant veggies from a sriracha chopped salad kit. The zesty salad is then drizzled with the included sriracha dressing and tossed to mix all the beautiful flavors together. Crank up the flavor and health factor this Labor Day with this cookout salad.

Kale Pesto Pasta Salad: A perfect side dish, this pasta salad is bound to get rave reviews from your guests. Tender chickpea rotini is paired with crunchy sweet baby broccoli, all mingled with refreshing cucumber, corn, and black bean salad. The star of the show is the tangy, kale pesto which lends its bold flavors to create a symphony on your palate. Let this Labor Day be a celebration of good food that’s good for your taste buds and your health!

Golden Cornbread Mini Muffins: Introducing an irresistibly delicious crowd-pleaser that’s bound to be the shining side dish of your Labor Day menu. These are not your ordinary muffins; they are vegan, nut-free, and soy-free making them a delight for everyone to enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences. Crafted from non-GMO ingredients, these muffins perfectly complement any main dish with their unique taste.

Successful Labor Day Menu Planning

A successful Labor Day cookout is within anyone's reach with a little bit of planning, creativity, and the right recipes. Start by curating a traditional Labor Day menu, featuring classics like grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, macaroni salad, potato salad, and sweet corn on the cob. For those with a sweet tooth, consider serving fresh fruit, ice cream, angel food cake, and refreshing lemon juice. Don't forget to leave room for a bit of invention, however, as a unique dish or two can make your cookout memorable. Whether it's a twist on a classic or a daring new dessert, your guests are sure to appreciate the effort.

Remember, the recipes we've provided in this guide are not just directions, they are starting points from which your culinary creativity can leap. We've given you the basics, but don't hesitate to add your own flair to each dish. In the end, the goal is to create an enjoyable experience filled with delicious food, shared with friends and family. Here's to a Labor Day cookout that is as fulfilling and satisfying as the work you're celebrating. Happy grilling!

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