45 Labor Day Grilling Recipes

Grilled Corn in Husks

If you’re new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It’s especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor that are perfect for a Labor Day barbecue. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

The Best Baby Back Ribs

I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas

All-American Hamburgers

We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. This all-American, homemade hamburger recipe is on our Labor Day barbecue menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Grilled Potato and Corn Salad

Corn salad and potato salad are two summer classics. I smashed them together for a crowd-pleasing side that we love with burgers. Locally sourced ingredients from the farmers market make it extra special. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky

Chicken Souvlaki Pitas

These chicken souvlaki pitas are a favorite at our house, especially for a Labor Day barbecue. A quick trip to the market for a few ingredients results in gourmet-style Greek sandwiches we often enjoy outdoors by the grill. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Grilled Vegetable Pesto Sandwiches

Grilling isn’t just the pastime of meat eaters! Ask my vegetarian family members who love these wholesome sammies slathered with prepared pesto and stacked with char-kissed summer produce. —Tanya Mehta, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Chicken and Zucchini Foil Packs

I enjoy foil-wrapped dinners cooked on the grill, especially because there are no pots or pans to wash. You can try making chicken foil packs with most fresh vegetables you have on hand. —Dianna Smith, Newport, Tennessee

Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp

This Labor Day barbecue recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California

Cuban Sandwich Burgers

My mom would make these Cuban burgers when we would visit her in Florida. They are a take on the real Cuban sandwich. My kids love them. My boys could eat two of these monsters in one sitting. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad

This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate “tastes like summer” salad booster for your next Labor Day barbecue. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas

Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Try these sausage sandwiches for a casual but hearty meal. Full of traditional Italian flavor, they’re a snap to make. —Mike Yaeger, Brookings, South Dakota

Buttery Grilled Shrimp

This grilled shrimp recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a Labor Day barbecue, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

Baby Back Ribs

Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If you’re looking for lighter fare, check out these healthy Labor Day recipes.

Pot of S’mores

Mom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular Labor Day barbecue treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho

Grilled Peach Sundaes

These peaches with a hint of grill flavor are sweet and juicy. We serve them in a waffle bowl with ice cream. That’s jackpot at our house. —Nancy Dentler, Greensboro, North Carolina

Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce

I’m always looking for lighter recipes for a Labor Day barbecue—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut. Hungry for more? Check out our collection of easy Labor Day recipes.

Barbecued Picnic Chicken

I like to serve this savory chicken at Labor Day barbecues. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it’s so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland

Spicy Grilled Eggplant

This side dish goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

Grilled Marinated Ribeyes

These juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario

Fruit ‘n’ Cake Kabobs

A neighbor served these kabobs at a Labor Day barbecue and brought some over for us to sample. I was pleasantly surprised at the tasty toasted cake and juicy grilled fruit. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

Teriyaki Shish Kabobs

When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida

Grilled Jalapenos

When hosting a Labor Day barbecue, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas

Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken

I love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio

Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler

This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a Labor Day barbecue. It’s yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho

Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Folks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois

Marinated Pork Chops

I make these tasty loin chops all the time and my family never tires of them. I whip up this pork chop marinade and let them soak overnight to get them tender. —Jean Neitzel, Beloit, Wisconsin

Grilled Steak Fajitas

This tasty main dish is as quick and easy to assemble as tacos. Marinating the meat overnight makes it very tender. We like the hearty and flavorful steak slices. I serve the fajitas with Spanish rice, refried beans and a gelatin dessert. —Pamela Pogue, Quitman, Texas

Meat ‘n’ Potato Kabobs

They’re summery, but these kabobs really stick to your ribs. A microwave makes quick work of cooking the potatoes, so grilling is done in a flash. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed Fruit

One summer, my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce for her Labor Day barbecue. These are so good I’m always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington

Grilled Guacamole

If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana

Chimichurri Steak

This flavorful chimichurri steak recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Spoon the bright, zesty, herbaceous sauce over any type of grilled steak, like flat iron, top sirloin, ribeye, flank or skirt steak.

Lemon Garlic Mushrooms

I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple Labor Day barbecue side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs

I like using Meyer lemons for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

Spiced Salmon

This delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. It gets a little sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish broad appeal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon.—Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta

Halibut Soft Tacos

I sometimes serve these halibut tacos wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with grilled halibut. This Labor Day barbecue recipe is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit Salsa

When I need dessert fast, I go with angel food cake. Mix fruit salsa ahead of time, and pop the cake on the grill. —Glorimar Jimenez, Indianapolis, Indiana

Quick Barbecued Beans

Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois

Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip

Serve this Labor Day barbecue dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered how to cook thick pork chops, you'll be enjoying them all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Aloha Burgers

Say aloha to a dinner with a tropical twist: Here's how to make a bacon and pineapple Hawaiian burger.

Simple Marinated Grilled Pork Chops

Whisk up just four ingredients for the tastiest batch of marinated pork chops ever.

Grilled Pork with Avocado Salsa

I love the zesty taste of this moist grilled tenderloin. The cumin, avocado and jalapeno give it southwestern flair. It’s an easy, elegant way to prepare pork for you Labor Day barbecue. —Josephine Devereaux Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

If you're tired of the usual summer side dishes, try these grilled sweet potatoes. The Gorgonzola cheese spread is a perfect match for the caramelized sweetness of the potatoes.

Grilled Cranberry Pear Crumble

My husband loves it when I make dessert for our Labor Day barbecue. Fruit crisps are easy and quick to prepare, so I make them often! I created this fall-flavored grilled version with fresh pears and items I had on hand. We loved it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland

Labor Day Barbecue FAQ

What are traditional Labor Day barbecue ideas?

Burgers, kabobs, ribs, pork chops and steaks probably come to mind when you think of tossing food on the grill. While those are typical, traditional Labor Day barbecue ideas don’t just include meat. Seasonal summer produce that can withstand grill heat like peaches, tomatoes, corn, zucchini, eggplant and bell peppers make juicy additions to lunches and dinners. Less seasonal but still favored, jalapeno and pineapple make great grilling foods. Pair barbecued meats, fruits and vegetables with creamy, cold potato salads or pasta salads.

What can I serve at a Labor Day barbecue besides hamburgers?

There are so many delicious things to serve at your Labor Day barbecue besides burgers! Fire up the grill and cook off some baby back ribs or this easy but flavorful grilled pork tenderloin. You could also bring in refreshing Mediterranean flavors with chicken souvlaki pitas or do a little surf and turf with buttery grilled shrimp.

Barbecued brats smothered in plenty of spicy mustard are a classic pairing with burgers, and a hot dog station will always be fun for kids and adults alike.

What is the best food to bring to a cookout?

Whether you’re on salad duty or you just want to bring something yummy to share, we have plenty of options to bring to a cookout. Try make-ahead salads or somthing super quick like tasty marinated tomatoes. Anything that can be thrown on the grill like corn on the cob, zucchini, pineapple, sausages or hot dogs will work. And, of course, festive Labor Day desserts like bomb pop cookies and cherry pie will always be winning potluck choices.