Labor Day is the perfect chance to bring friends and family together over good food. These 37 easy and festive recipes make it simple to serve dishes that everyone will enjoy, from juicy grilled mains to sweet desserts. Celebrate summer’s finale with meals that are simple to make, full of flavor, and ready to share.
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Rich chocolate brownies get a warm kick from cinnamon and a hint of chili that makes every bite exciting. They stay soft in the middle and are just a little spicy, giving a bold flavor that still feels familiar. This is a Labor Day dessert that makes the table feel festive and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn brushed with chipotle butter gets smoky and golden on the grill while keeping its natural sweetness. Each ear is easy to hold and has just the right amount of spice to make it fun to eat. This is an easy Labor Day side that everyone can grab and enjoy hot off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
7 Layer Bars
Chocolate, coconut, and nuts come together in chewy bars with crispy edges and soft middles that are full of flavor. They hold up on a dessert tray and are easy to serve to a crowd. These are the kind of Labor Day desserts that disappear one square at a time.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Frosted Banana Bars
Soft banana bars topped with creamy frosting make a dessert that tastes sweet without being too heavy. They cut clean, stack well, and travel better than cake, which makes serving simple. Make a batch for Labor Day and watch them vanish quickly from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Juicy chicken skewers pair with creamy peanut sauce that hits just the right mix of sweet and savory. They cook quickly on the grill and are easy to grab without utensils. This is a Labor Day recipe that keeps people gathered around the grill until every skewer is gone.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Miso Glazed Chicken
A sticky miso glaze caramelizes on the grill, locking in juicy flavor and creating a crisp outside. Each piece tastes bold but not overpowering, so everyone can enjoy it. This is a Labor Day recipe that makes grilled chicken easy to cook and exciting to eat.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Crunchy cereal blends with two kinds of chocolate and a hint of cherry for a no-bake treat that’s simple to make. Each bar is chewy and full of flavor while being easy to eat without a plate. This is a laid-back Labor Day dessert that works for guests of any age.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Soft, rich brownies get topped with warm icing that melts into every bite for extra chocolate flavor. The fudgy texture and shiny top make them hard to resist when sliced into large squares. These are classic Labor Day desserts that always get eaten first.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Skewers soak in a lemony marinade that locks in juice and gives the chicken a bright, zesty flavor in every bite. They cook quickly on the grill, browning nicely on the outside while staying tender inside, and taste just as good on their own as they do paired with sides. This is a Labor Day favorite that is fast to make, simple to serve, and perfect for sharing with a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Banana Boats
Bananas split and stuffed with chocolate and marshmallows melt into a gooey dessert on the grill. The foil keeps them contained, making them easy for anyone to enjoy. This is a no-fuss Labor Day dessert that gets everyone involved and smiling.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Classic Brownies
Deep, chocolatey brownies are soft in the center and crisp on the edges, making every bite full of rich flavor. They are simple to make and easy to serve, which keeps the dessert table stress-free. This is a Labor Day recipe that proves the simple, classic treats always bring the biggest smiles.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Layers of buttery crust, soft caramel, and smooth chocolate make bars that stick to your fingers in the best way. They taste rich without being too heavy, and they hold up well even if made ahead. These are a no-fuss Labor Day dessert that keeps the party going after the main dishes are gone.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Fresh fruit softens and sweetens on the grill while a drizzle of brown sugar caramel adds extra richness. The skewers are easy to grab and fun to eat without utensils or plates. This is a Labor Day dessert that feels playful and fresh while still being simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Juicy burgers hide melted cheddar and smoky bacon inside, giving every bite a delicious surprise. The patties cook evenly while staying moist and flavorful, making them stand out from ordinary burgers. These are Labor Day burgers that hit the grill hot and disappear before anyone can grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Cherry Crumb Bars
Sweet cherries sit between two layers of golden, buttery crumbs, creating a soft and flavorful dessert. Every bite has a mix of tart fruit and rich crust that balances perfectly. These bars are a Labor Day dessert that is easy to slice, share, and serve to a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Juicy strawberries coated in a glossy glaze sit in a crisp, buttery crust that holds up well. Each slice is refreshing, sweet, and satisfying after a hearty meal. This is a Labor Day dessert that is simple, fresh, and loved by everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie
Raspberry Jam Bars
Golden crust, sweet raspberry filling, and crumbly topping come together in a dessert that is easy to bake and slice. The flavor is just sweet enough without being too rich, making it perfect for kids and adults alike. This is a simple Labor Day recipe that always gets passed around first.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Chicken, vegetables, and cheese cook together in foil packets, letting all the flavors mix perfectly while making cleanup easy. Everything comes out hot, juicy, and ready to serve straight from the grill. This is a Labor Day recipe that feeds a crowd without keeping anyone stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Smoky, juicy burgers get a layer of creamy jalapeño mayo that adds a subtle kick without overpowering the meat. They cook fast on the grill and stay full of bold flavor in every bite. This is a Labor Day recipe that turns a simple burger into the star of the backyard table.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Butterscotch Brownies
Chewy brownies get their rich flavor from brown sugar and butter baked right into the batter, giving each piece a sweet, golden taste. The edges crisp slightly while the center stays soft, making them perfect to slice and share. Make these for Labor Day and watch them vanish faster than the grill smoke clears.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
Kefta Kebabs
Ground beef mixes with warm spices and fresh herbs before being shaped onto skewers and grilled to juicy, slightly crisp perfection. The flavor is bold but balanced, so it works for everyone at the table. These kebabs are a Labor Day recipe that will have everyone reaching for seconds without even asking.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Creamy yolk filling is topped with smoky, crunchy bacon that adds flavor and texture to every bite. They can be made ahead of time, making it easy to focus on the main dishes while guests arrive. This is a Labor Day appetizer that disappears before anyone even notices it hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Asian Marinated Steak
Steak soaks in soy sauce, garlic, and spices before grilling to create a bold, juicy flavor with perfectly seared edges. Each slice tastes like it took hours to make, but it is quick enough for any backyard cookout. Serve this for Labor Day and watch it turn a regular meal into something everyone remembers.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Sweet blueberry filling sits under a golden crumb topping that adds crunch and flavor to each bite. They hold up well for slicing and serving, making them simple to bring to a crowd. This is a Labor Day dessert that disappears from the tray while people are still talking about the main course.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
Candy Cookie Brownies
Brownies filled with candy and cookie dough pieces bake into a soft, chewy treat that surprises with every bite. They are rich, sweet, and fun to serve to a group. Make them for Labor Day and turn dessert into the part of the day everyone fights over.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Lime adds a tangy punch while the grill locks in smoky char and juicy flavor in the chicken. It’s full of taste without needing extra seasoning or fuss. This is a Labor Day recipe that makes a simple main feel like a backyard feast without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Lemon Squares
Bright lemon filling sits atop a buttery shortbread crust, creating a dessert that is sweet, tart, and easy to cut into squares. They travel well and stack neatly for serving to a crowd. These lemon squares are a Labor Day treat that disappears before the sun sets.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Baby bok choy gets lightly charred on the grill, giving it a smoky flavor while keeping the leaves crisp and tender. It pairs well with richer grilled dishes and adds color to the plate. This is a Labor Day side that will get eaten up just as fast as the burgers and brats.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Garlic Sesame Kale
Kale gets sautéed with garlic and sesame oil until tender but still slightly crisp, creating a rich, nutty flavor. It holds up well alongside any grilled main and adds a green, flavorful option to the table. This is a Labor Day recipe that will have people sneaking seconds without feeling guilty.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale
Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy avocado mixes with juicy tomatoes in a light, tangy dressing that keeps every bite bright and fresh. The salad is simple to toss together and pairs perfectly with smoky grilled meats. Make a big bowl for Labor Day and watch it disappear while the grill is still hot.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Deep chocolate brownies are studded with juicy cherries that add a tart pop to each bite. They stay soft, rich, and slightly gooey without extra fuss in the kitchen. This is a Labor Day dessert that feels special and gets everyone reaching for a second slice.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Grilled S’mores Pizza
Crispy pizza crust holds melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers for a dessert that is fun to pull apart. Each slice combines sweet, soft, and crunchy textures that everyone can grab. This is a Labor Day dessert that turns the backyard into a place for smiles and sticky fingers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Blueberry Pudding Cake
A soft cake hides a layer of sweet blueberry sauce underneath that melts into every forkful for a rich, moist bite. It is sweet without being too heavy, making it perfect after grilled mains. This is a Labor Day dessert that makes simple baking feel like a treat without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Chicken soaks in lemon and kefir, making it juicy, tender, and lightly tangy in every bite. The edges crisp slightly on the grill while the center stays full of flavor. This is a Labor Day recipe that makes grilling look effortless and taste impressive.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Miso Glazed Salmon
Salmon gets brushed with a sweet and salty miso glaze that caramelizes on the grill while keeping the inside tender. Each piece has a crisp exterior and soft, flavorful center that feels satisfying to serve. This is a Labor Day main that brings something fresh and bold to the table without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Beer Boiled Brats
Brats simmer in beer until the flavor soaks in deep, then get grilled until the outside crisps perfectly. Each bite is juicy, hearty, and full of flavor that pairs with buns, chips, or salads. This is a Labor Day recipe that never fails to make people ask for seconds before the grill cools.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Baked Kale Chips
Kale tossed with a little oil and salt bakes until crispy, making a light and crunchy snack that disappears fast. They are simple, healthy, and add a fresh option to the heavier dishes on the table. This is a Labor Day recipe that keeps hands busy while still feeling like a smart choice.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips