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Labor Day weekend always feels like the unofficial end of summer. It’s one last chance to get outside, fire up the grill, gather with the people you love, and enjoy all of those cookout foods you’ve been craving before fall officially takes over.
And if there’s one thing my family knows how to do, it’s gather around a table full of good food!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, heading to a family gathering, or bringing a dish to share, these Labor Day cookout recipes have you covered. We’ve got smoky ribs, creamy mac and cheese, barbecue sides, fresh summer salads, and a refreshing drink to bring everything together.
Here are eight recipes I would happily put on my Labor Day menu.
1. Juicy Oven-Baked Spare Ribs
Labor Day cookouts and ribs just go together! These juicy oven-baked spare ribs are tender, flavorful, and messy in the best way possible. They’re the kind of finger food that will have everyone going back for another piece.
2. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
You already know I had to include mac and cheese.
This Southern baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and finished with that golden top that everybody wants a piece of. It’s one of those dishes that disappears fast at family gatherings, so I would definitely recommend making enough for seconds!
3. BBQ Baked Beans
BBQ baked beans are one of those cookout dishes that go with just about everything. They’re sweet, smoky, and packed with barbecue flavor, making them the perfect side for ribs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and more. If you’re putting together a Labor Day cookout menu, this is an easy side dish that deserves a spot on the table.
4. Homemade Southern Potato Salad
I don’t know about you, but a family cookout just doesn’t feel complete without potato salad. This homemade Southern potato salad is creamy, flavorful, and one of my favorite sides to serve alongside barbecue. It also works great for Labor Day because you can make it ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat.
5. Banana Pudding
No cookout is complete without a little something sweet, and banana pudding is always a crowd favorite! This banana pudding is served in a trifle bowl, making it perfect for feeding a group and letting everyone admire all those beautiful layers before digging in. It’s creamy, sweet, and the perfect dessert to end a Labor Day cookout.
6. Watermelon Iced Tea
We can’t forget something to drink! Watermelon is one of my favorite summer flavors, so this watermelon iced tea feels like the perfect drink to enjoy during Labor Day weekend. It’s fruity, refreshing, and a fun change from regular sweet tea.
7. All Beef Burgers & Hot Dogs
No Labor Day cookout feels complete without burgers and hot dogs on the menu!
They’re easy and perfect for feeding a group. Set out your favorite toppings and let everyone build their own plate exactly how they like it.
For an easy way to stock up for your cookout, you can grab your all-beef ground beef from Sam’s Club and all-beef hot dogs from Sam’s Club.
8. BBQ Chicken
You can’t have a Labor Day cookout without some good BBQ chicken on the menu! You can grab your chicken from Sam’s Club to make shopping for your Labor Day cookout a little easier.Â
Happy Labor Day!
Whether you’re spending Labor Day weekend hosting a backyard cookout, visiting family, or simply enjoying a long weekend at home, I hope these Labor Day cookout recipes give you a few ideas for your menu.
Good food has a way of bringing people together, and sometimes all you need is a table full of your favorite dishes and the people you love around you.
So fire up the grill, make a few sides, and enjoy the long weekend!
And if you make any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag me on social media. I would love to see what you’re cooking!
Happy Labor Day, y’all! 💕
