Labor Day is the perfect time to gather friends and family and serve food that everyone will enjoy. These 21 recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing. Say goodbye to summer in the tastiest way possible with dishes that are simple, satisfying, and ready to pass around the table.
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Chicken, vegetables, and cheese cook together in foil packets so the flavors mix perfectly while cleanup stays easy. Everything comes out hot, juicy, and ready to serve straight from the grill without extra steps. Make these for Labor Day and keep the crowd happy while staying out of the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy avocado blends with juicy tomatoes in a light, tangy dressing that keeps every bite fresh and bright. This simple salad comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with grilled mains. Serve a big bowl for Labor Day and watch it disappear while the plates stay full.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Baby bok choy chars lightly on the grill, giving it a smoky flavor while the leaves remain crisp and tender. It balances richer dishes and adds a fresh, green touch to the table. Bring this to Labor Day and let it vanish as fast as the burgers and brats.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Baked Kale Chips
Kale tossed with oil and salt bakes until crisp, creating a light, crunchy snack that disappears fast. They are simple to make, hold up well, and add a green option alongside heavier dishes. Make a batch for Labor Day and see how quickly everyone comes back for more.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Creamy yolk filling topped with smoky, crunchy bacon adds flavor and texture to every bite. They can be made ahead, letting you focus on other dishes while guests arrive. Put a tray out for Labor Day and watch these disappear before anyone notices.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
7 Layer Bars
Chocolate, coconut, and nuts melt together into chewy bars with crispy edges and soft middles full of flavor. They hold up on a dessert tray and are easy to serve to a crowd. Make these for Labor Day and let them vanish one square at a time.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Asian Marinated Steak
Steak soaks in soy sauce, garlic, and spices before hitting the grill, giving it bold, juicy flavor with seared edges. Each slice tastes like it took hours, but cooks quickly enough for a busy backyard. Serve this for Labor Day and turn a simple dinner into something everyone talks about.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Skewers soak in a lemony marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor in every bite. They cook quickly on the grill and taste great on their own or with sides. Make these for Labor Day and keep the food moving while guests enjoy every skewer.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Soft, rich brownies topped with warm icing that melts into every bite give extra chocolate flavor in each square. The fudgy texture and shiny top make them hard to resist when sliced for a crowd. Bake these for Labor Day and let everyone dig in without holding back.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Lemon Squares
Bright lemon filling sits on a buttery shortbread crust, making a dessert that is sweet, tart, and easy to cut into squares. They travel well and stack neatly for serving to a crowd. Make these for Labor Day and watch them disappear before the grill cools.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Butterscotch Brownies
Chewy brownies get rich flavor from butter and brown sugar baked right into the batter, giving each bite a golden sweetness. The edges crisp slightly while the center stays soft and fudgy, making them easy to slice and share. Make some of these for Labor Day and watch the tray empty faster than the grill heats up.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Crunchy cereal blends with two kinds of chocolate and a hint of cherry to create a no-bake treat that is simple but full of flavor. Each bar is chewy and easy to eat without a plate. Bring these to Labor Day and see them vanish while people grab one after another.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Rich chocolate brownies get a warm kick from cinnamon and a hint of chili that makes each bite exciting and bold. The soft center and light spice give a familiar yet lively flavor everyone will love. Make these for Labor Day and watch the dessert table become the main attraction.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake 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 packed with taste without needing extra seasoning, making each piece bright and satisfying. Put this on the Labor Day menu and turn a simple main into the star of the backyard.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Classic Brownies
Deep chocolatey brownies are soft in the center and crisp on the edges, giving every bite a rich, satisfying flavor. They are simple to make and easy to serve, which keeps the dessert table stress-free. Bring this for your cookout on Labor Day and let the classics steal the show with every square.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Smoky, juicy burgers get a creamy jalapeño mayo that adds a subtle kick without overpowering the meat. They cook quickly on the grill and stay full of flavor in every bite. Grill this for Labor Day and watch them disappear while everyone keeps coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Candy Cookie Brownies
Brownies filled with candy and cookie dough pieces bake into a chewy, sweet treat that surprises with every bite. They are rich, soft, and fun to serve to a group. Bring these to Labor Day and turn dessert into the part of the day that nobody wants to share.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Garlic Sesame Kale
Kale gets sautéed with garlic and sesame oil until tender but still slightly crisp, creating a nutty, flavorful side. It pairs well with any grilled main and adds a green option to the table without fuss. Make this for Labor Day and watch guests sneak seconds without anyone noticing.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Chewy oat bars loaded with chocolate chips hold their shape and are easy to stack high on a dessert tray. Each bite is soft, sweet, and satisfying without extra toppings. Bring these to Labor Day and keep the plates empty while hands stay busy grabbing more.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Grilled S’mores Pizza
Crispy pizza crust holds melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers for a fun, shareable dessert. Each slice balances sweet, soft, and crunchy textures that everyone loves. Make this for Labor Day and turn the backyard into a place for sticky fingers and happy faces.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Juicy strawberries coated in a glossy glaze sit in a crisp, buttery crust that holds up well. Each slice is sweet, refreshing, and pairs perfectly with heavier mains. Bring this to Labor Day and watch it disappear while everyone reaches for a second slice.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie