31 Labor Day BBQ Ideas: Food, Drinks and Dessert Recipes

Summer has flown right by, and now it’s time to figure out what to serve at your backyard barbecue or the neighborhood picnic. We know time is precious, so we’ve compiled 31 Labor Day BBQ ideas to help you satisfy big appetites. From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, try these BBQ ideas that don’t require too much effort.

Table of contents

• Appetizers 
• Side dishes
• Main dishes
• Desserts 
• Drinks 

1. Fruit skewers

Category: Appetizers

A versatile food that fits in at any barbecue, fruit on a stick can be adapted to any theme or color scheme. Try blueberries, raspberries, strawberries in season and coconut pieces if you want to do a red, white and blue theme.

2. Cheese and crackers

Category: Appetizers

A crowd favorite, these classic finger foods will have people munching all day long. Choose your favorite cheeses and savory crackers, and let people mix and match.

3. Deviled eggs

Category: Appetizers

There are many variations for deviled eggs, including adding avocado, dill pickle or even curry! Try your hand at peppered bacon or salt and vinegar eggs. Find out which one of these Labor Day BBQ ideas you like best.

4. Cheese-stuffed grilled peppers

Category: Appetizers

If you’re looking for something a little different, try grilling cheese wrapped in sweet pepper slices. These cheese-stuffed peppers make for a mouth-watering sweet and savory combination.

5. Broccoli salad

Category: Side dishes

This broccoli salad can be modified to meet the needs of any crowd. Traditional recipes include broccoli, bacon, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, diced onions and dried fruits.

6. Baked potatoes

Category: Side dishes

A popular Labor Day BBQ idea is baked potatoes. These can be as simple or complex as you like. Offer a baked potato bar with options like sour cream, bacon bits, tomato cubes, grated cheese, diced onions and peppers.

7. Fruit salad

Category: Side dishes

Fruit salad is an easy addition to your get-together. Popular fruits in fruit salads include grapes, melon chunks, banana slices and blueberries. You can even get creative by using cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes in watermelon slices.

8. Grilled corn on the cob

Category: Side dishes

Whether you leave the cob whole or cut it into sections (that can be added to skewers), corn is a delightful barbecue treat. Don’t forget the salt and butter on your corn on the cob!

9. Potato salad

Category: Side dishes

Nothing says it’s summer quite like a hearty helping of potato salad. This dish complements burgers or hot dogs in a way few other sides can. Make a big batch of your family’s favorite potato salad recipe, or save time by getting it from your grocery store’s deli.

10. Teriyaki chicken skewers

Category: Main dishes

Marinated teriyaki chicken is a wonderful grilled meal that is sure to please. Sprinkle some chopped onions or sesame seeds on top for the perfect main dish at your barbecue.

11. Grilled tofu and pineapple

Category: Main dishes

A meat-free option for your outdoor celebration, grilled tofu is a hearty dish that goes perfectly with fruits and veggies. Try it with pineapple!

12. Lemon butter grilled salmon

Category: Main dishes

Lemon butter grilled salmon tastes fantastic! Marinate your salmon with your favorite spices and sauces. Try dried coriander and cumin with a bit of lime juice.

13. Grilled steak fajitas

Category: Main dishes

If you’re craving something south of the border, grilled steak fajitas will hit the spot. Marinate them the night before to get an exceptional flavor, then grill them with veggies like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms and onions.

14. BBQ chicken sliders

Category: Main dishes

Impress your guests this Labor Day with these individually portioned chicken sliders. The crunchy coleslaw on top of these BBQ chicken sliders is a yummy addition.

15. Classic burgers

Category: Main dishes

When it comes to Labor Day BBQ ideas, you can never go wrong with classic burgers. Whip up these juicy burgers and serve with potato salad or loaded baked potatoes.

16. Baby back ribs

Category: Main dishes

Go the traditional route and serve a large platter of ribs for your cookout. This baby back rib recipe requires minimal effort and only a few ingredients. One bite will leave your guests wanting more.

17. Lemon bars

Category: Desserts

Lemon bars are a tangy treat on a hot summer day — dust with powdered sugar on top and share. This dessert will brighten up your Labor Day cookout.

18. Strawberry shortcake kebabs

Category: Desserts

A fun twist on fruit kebabs, these strawberry shortcake skewers make the perfect summer dessert. Just alternate strawberries and pieces of white or yellow cake on sticks, then tastefully arrange on a plate.

19. Rhubarb crisp

Category: Desserts

This is a classic sweet and sour dessert that highlights one of the summer’s tartest treasures. Serve this rhubarb crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

20. S’mores bars

Category: Desserts

Regardless of it’s hot out, s’mores bars are always a great idea! Set out all the ingredients and get that graham cracker chocolatey goodness. 

21. Peach cobbler

Category: Desserts

Peaches are a summertime favorite fruit that elevates any Labor Day dessert. Add a bit of sweetness to your Labor Day BBQ with this peach cobbler recipe. The buttery crust mixed with fresh peaches is comforting yet delicious.

22. Key lime pie

Category: Desserts

Transform your cookout into a tropical oasis with this key lime pie recipe. Whip up a refreshing dessert that requires only a few simple ingredients. Don’t forget to dollop whipped cream on top to complete the treat.

23. Banana pudding

Category: Desserts

What’s more comforting than a scoop of creamy banana pudding? Use fresh or ripened bananas to create the perfect pudding consistency. Make sure to serve this classic Labor Day BBQ idea chilled.

24. Coconut macaroons

Category: Desserts

Stick to the tropical theme with these coconut macaroons. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, especially Labor Day parties. Make an extra batch for your guests to take on their way.

25. Strawberry lemon green tea

Category: Drinks

On a hot day, nothing will quench your thirst or tickle your taste buds quite like strawberry lemon green tea. A harmonious combination of sweet and sour, it’s excellent cold or over ice.

26. Sparkling lavender lemonade

Category: Drinks

This lavender lemonade is sure to catch the eyes of all your barbecue guests. Its purple shade and floral flavor offer something genuinely unique to your special gathering.

27. Raspberry iced tea

Category: Drinks

For those who like a little bite to their beverage, raspberry iced tea does the trick. Make your own from tea bags or buy it premade.

28. Tri-color punch

Category: Drinks

This beautiful punch drink has three layers of fun! Get three different colors at the same time by following this simple combination. Pour a drink with a high sugar content on the bottom, then add clear soda (lemon-lime soda works great) for the middle and a sugar-free drink for the top.

29. Mango margarita

Category: Drinks

Labor Day BBQ ideas don’t stop at desserts — keep the party going with these refreshing mango margaritas. One sip will transport your guests to a tropical paradise. Enjoy this easy cocktail year-round whenever you need a burst of sunshine.

30. Fruity bellini

Category: Drinks

Raise a glass to the end of summer with these fruity bellinis. The prosecco and peach schnapps add a bit of sophistication to your cookout. 

31. Mai Tai

Category: Drinks

Savor the end of summer by sipping on a tropical Mai Tai cocktail. The mix of rum, orange and lime transports you to a private island. Don’t forget to garnish with mint and lime wedges.

Additional Labor Day food ideas

Check out these other Labor Day food guides to take your cookout to the next level.

• Labor Day Cocktail Ideas and Recipes for Easy Drinks
• Labor Day Picnic Ideas and Simple Recipes
• Top Labor Day Food Traditions
• Labor Day Menu Ideas for Your Holiday Party
• Labor Day Grilling Ideas

Stress-free Labor Day cookout shopping

Now that you’re more familiar with Labor Day BBQ ideas, it’s time to plan your cookout. Incorporate a main dish, side dish, dessert and drinks. An example menu includes baby back ribs, hamburgers, potato salad, key lime pie, raspberry iced tea and Mai Tais.

Don’t skip a beat — save time and place your order with Instacart to get your groceries without leaving your home. Order all your ingredients or premade Labor Day desserts to cut down on even more time.