Summer goes fast, but there’s still time for one more round of good food and laid-back meals. Don’t let the season end without trying these 33 Labor Day recipes made for grilling, sharing, and easy eating. From bold mains to simple sides and no-fuss desserts, each dish brings something to the table. Keep things relaxed, fire up the grill, and make the most of every last bite.
Chocolate Cherry Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Don’t let summer end without serving something that sticks to your fingers and makes people smile. These chocolate caramel bars have a thick buttery crust, a soft center packed with sweet caramel, and a smooth layer of rich chocolate on top. They’re the kind of no-fuss Labor Day dessert that keeps the party going long after the grill cools down.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Lemon Squares
Brighten the last cookout of summer with a treat that’s sweet, tart, and easy to make ahead. These lemon squares have a soft, zesty filling that sits on top of a crumbly shortbread crust, and they cut clean so they’re easy to stack or share. If you’re planning a laid-back Labor Day bash, this is one dessert that always disappears first.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Make room on the grill for a burger that packs smoky heat and creamy spice in every bite. These chipotle burgers are juicy and bold, and the jalapeño mayo gives them just the right kick without too much work. This is one of those Labor Day recipes that tastes like a restaurant favorite but is easy enough to pull off at home.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Don’t wrap up summer without bringing something sweet that’s easy to make and hard to stop eating. These oat bars are soft in the center, loaded with chocolate chips, and hold their shape so you can stack them high on a dessert tray. They’re the kind of Labor Day treat that keeps hands busy and plates full.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Banana Boats
Throw these on the grill and watch the smiles come quickly. These banana boats melt into a gooey mix of chocolate and marshmallows right inside the peel, and they taste like the best part of a campfire without all the hassle. For a no-fuss Labor Day dessert that gets everyone involved, this one never fails.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Grilled S’mores Pizza
Turn the backyard into your own slice shop with this easy and fun twist on a summer favorite. This grilled s’mores pizza has a crispy crust topped with melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers for that perfect sweet crunch. It’s a crowd-pleasing Labor Day dessert that tastes like summer in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Raspberry Jam Bars
Say goodbye to summer with a soft and fruity bar that looks as good as it tastes. These raspberry jam bars have a golden buttery base, a thick layer of jam, and a crumbly topping that holds everything together. It’s a simple Labor Day dessert that works for kids, grown-ups, and anyone who loves something sweet but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Wrap up summer with a dessert that mixes deep chocolate flavor and juicy cherries in every bite. These brownies are rich, soft, and just a little tart, which makes them feel a bit more special without much extra effort. They’re an easy Labor Day recipe to bake the night before and serve right from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Bring something different to the dessert table that doesn’t need the oven and still gets big reactions. These no-bake bars are packed with crunchy cereal, two kinds of chocolate, and just enough cherry flavor to keep things interesting. They’re great for a laid-back Labor Day party where nobody wants to fuss with forks.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Classic Brownies
Don’t end summer without one more batch of chocolatey goodness that always hits the spot. These brownies are soft in the middle, crisp on the edges, and loaded with that deep, rich flavor people always reach for first. This is the kind of Labor Day recipe that proves the simple stuff really is the best.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Pack in the flavor this Labor Day with burgers that have bacon and cheese hidden right inside. The patties cook up juicy with crispy edges and a gooey center that makes them way more fun than the usual kind. These are the kind of burgers that hit the grill hot and never make it back inside.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Keep the grill going with something green that still feels fresh and fun. This baby bok choy chars up just enough to get smoky but stays crisp and full of flavor. It’s the kind of side that balances all the heavy stuff without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
7 Layer Bars
Load up a pan with chocolate, coconut, and nuts that all melt together into something sweet and chewy. These bars have crispy corners and soft middles that make every bite taste like the best part. They’re the kind of Labor Day dessert that disappears one square at a time.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Asian Marinated Steak
This steak soaks up soy sauce, garlic, and spices before hitting the grill and getting that perfect sear. It comes off juicy and packed with flavor that feels like it took hours, but didn’t. Serve it sliced for a Labor Day dinner that’s easy, bold, and made to share.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
These beans bubble away in a thick, smoky sauce that sticks to every bite and fills the plate with comfort. They’ve got a sweet kick and a rich flavor that stands up to anything grilled. A good batch of baked beans like this always earns a spot on the Labor Day table.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
These grilled chicken skewers cook up juicy and pair perfectly with a creamy peanut sauce that’s just the right mix of sweet and savory. They’re easy to grab and even easier to finish, which makes them great for crowds. This is the kind of Labor Day food that keeps the grill busy and the people happy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Wrap up chicken, veggies, and cheese in foil, then toss it on the grill and let the heat do the work. Everything cooks together so the flavors mix, the cleanup’s easy, and dinner stays hot. This is the kind of smart Labor Day meal that’s perfect when you’ve got a lot of mouths to feed.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Frosted Banana Bars
These bars are soft, full of banana flavor, and topped with a thick, creamy frosting that seals the deal. They slice clean, stack well, and travel better than cake. Make a batch for Labor Day and watch how fast they go once they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
These brownies have the rich chocolate you expect, but with a warm kick from cinnamon and just a hint of chili. They’re soft in the middle, a little spicy, and different in a way that still feels familiar. A great Labor Day dessert when you want something bold that still brings comfort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Avocado Tomato Salad
This simple salad mixes creamy avocado with juicy tomatoes in a light dressing that keeps things bright. It’s cool, crisp, and pairs perfectly with smoky grilled meats. Serve it big at your Labor Day cookout and let it balance out all the burgers and ribs.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Soak the chicken in lemon and kefir until it’s packed with flavor that doesn’t fade after grilling. It comes off juicy, with a little tang in every bite and crispy edges that seal in the goodness. This is the kind of easy Labor Day recipe that makes grilling feel simple but still tastes special.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Candy Cookie Brownies
These brownies are packed with candy and cookie dough pieces that melt together into one sweet, chewy treat. They’re soft, a little gooey, and every bite has something different going on. It’s the kind of dessert that keeps the Labor Day party fun all the way through dessert.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Bacon Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs are filled with creamy yolk and topped with crunchy bacon that adds a smoky crunch in every bite. They look fancy but are easy to make ahead and even easier to eat. Put out a tray on Labor Day and don’t expect them to stick around for long.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
These little hens get glazed with orange and ginger, then grilled until the skin crisps and the meat stays juicy. They feel a little special but are just as easy to cook as chicken. Put them on the Labor Day menu when you want something that stands out without making extra work.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Let the lime soak in while the grill brings the char and heat. The chicken comes out juicy with a bold flavor that’s tangy, smoky, and just right. It’s one of those simple Labor Day recipes that works whether you’re cooking for a few or a full backyard.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
These skewers cook fast and stay juicy thanks to a lemony marinade that adds just the right amount of zing. They taste great hot off the grill and even better when dipped or stacked next to other sides. Kebabs like these are a Labor Day favorite because they’re fast, fun, and easy to pass around.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Baked Kale Chips
Toss kale with a little oil and salt, bake until crisp, and watch it turn into something you can’t stop snacking on. These chips are crunchy, light, and feel like a smart choice next to all the rich grilled food. A perfect Labor Day snack when you want a little green without losing the fun.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Blueberry Crumb Bars
These bars have a sweet, jammy blueberry layer under a golden crumb topping that adds just the right crunch. They’re easy to hold, simple to slice, and don’t make a mess. A great Labor Day dessert that feels homemade and travels like a dream.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
Butterscotch Brownies
These chewy brownies get their rich butterscotch flavor from butter and brown sugar baked right into the batter. The middle stays soft while the top gets golden and a little crisp, making each bite sweet and full of flavor. Bake a batch for Labor Day when you want something easy that still tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
Kefta Kebabs
Ground beef gets mixed with warm spices and fresh herbs, then shaped onto skewers and grilled until juicy and crisp on the edges. These kebabs are bold and flavorful without being too heavy. Serve them on Labor Day when you want something grilled that doesn’t feel like the same old thing.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
This corn gets brushed with chipotle butter and grilled until smoky and golden with a little kick. It’s sweet, spicy, and easy to eat right off the cob. Make a big pile for Labor Day and let everyone grab their own hot off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Fresh Strawberry Pie
This pie is loaded with strawberries and covered in a shiny glaze that makes the fruit taste even sweeter. The crust gives it a buttery crunch that finishes every slice just right. Serve it cold on Labor Day for a dessert that’s cool, fresh, and easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie
Blueberry Pudding Cake
This soft cake hides a layer of sweet blueberry sauce underneath that melts into every bite. It’s warm, rich, and just right after a plate full of grilled food. Make it for Labor Day when you want dessert to feel like something special without needing frosting.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake