Don't let the season end without one last burger.
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As much as we're ready for colorful fall foliage and pumpkin-spiced everything, there's still one more summer holiday on our mind: Labor Day! The three-day weekend is the ultimate excuse to celebrate the close of summer with a final pool party and cookout complete with juicy ribs, summer co*cktails, potato salads, and grilling recipes before the cold takes over. So before you dive headfirst into spooky season, fire up the grill one last time and give the best Labor Day recipes on this list one last time to shine. Ahead, you'll find all the cookout staples you can imagine including Labor Day appetizers, red, white, and blue desserts, and everything in between.
Planning to spend the weekend camping or at the beach? We've got you covered. This list has plenty of camping recipes, picnic side dishes, and ice cream recipes that are perfect for enjoying in the great outdoors. Of course, no Labor Day menu would be complete without hot dogs and burgers. Ahead, you'll find tons of creative variations on the classic cookout foods, like bacon-wrapped hot dogs, cheeseburger salad, and a recipe for homemade chicken burgers topped with buffalo sauce. Looking to put those garden-fresh veggies to good use? We've also included tons of zucchini recipes, like stuffed zucchini, and tomato recipes, like upside-down tomato cornbread. For Labor Day desserts, try the ice cream treats, icebox cakes, fruit pies. So what are you waiting for? Your summer send-off has officially begun.
1
Mango Salad
Give your cookout a tropical spin with this sweet and tangy salad for everyone in the family. Mango's bright yellow will add a pop of color to your spread of grilled food.
Get the Mango Salad recipe.
2
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Whether you're going to a potluck, a picnic in the park, or a trip to the beach, you'll want to bring this pasta salad. It's packed with bacon, ranch, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
3
Ranch Slaw
A side dish that's ready in just 10 minutes? Yes, please! This tasty take on classic coleslaw features a tangy ranch twist and will go with all your cookout favorites.
Get the Ranch Slaw recipe.
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4
Red, White and Blue co*cktail
Celebrate the end of another great all-American summer with this red, white, and blue co*cktail. It combines tequila with fresh watermelon and a special garnish of white melon stars.
Get the Red, White and Blue co*cktail recipe.
5
Avocado Salsa
Keep hungry guests happy with this refreshing party dip that falls somewhere between guac and pico. Serve it up with tortilla chips, vegetables, or even alongside tacos.
Get the Avocado Salsa recipe.
6
Peach Pie
Fresh, juicy, in-season peaches are the star of this comforting dessert. Of course, they're highlighted even more by the addition of ginger and cardamom, as well as the all-butter lattice crust.
Get the Peach Pie recipe.
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7
Fried Eggplant
Eggplant is another one of those summer veggies that we just can't get enough of! Serve it as an appetizer and keep hungry guests at bay while you cook dinner at the grill.
Get the Fried Eggplant recipe.
8
Beer Brats
Swap your go-to hot dogs for beer brats at your Labor Day cookout! They make a fun and delicious addition to any barbecue, especially when loaded with tasty caramelized onions.
Get the Beer Brats recipe.
9
Grilled Okra
There are a plethora of ways to prepare this mild summer veggie, but grilling it is one of the easiest (and tastiest)! In just 15 minutes, you can get crispy, smoky okra.
Get the Grilled Okra recipe.
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10
Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad
This colorful pasta salad is sprinkled with spicy pickled jalapeños for an unexpectedly delicious kick. The creamy dressing balances it out perfectly.
Get the Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad recipe.
11
Burrata Salad
As far as summer salads go, this one is the most impressive. Ripe tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese are a flavorful match made in heaven drizzled in a balsamic glaze.
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
12
Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches are truly magical: They can be used in salads or served as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you waited until the last weekend of the summer to try grilled peaches, you'll wonder why you've never tried them.
Get the Grilled Peaches recipe.
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13
Turkey Burgers
This homemade juicy turkey patty can be dressed up any which way. We like it with pesto mayo, lettuce, avocado, and Swiss cheese, but you can also try sliced tomato or roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella.
Get the Turkey Burgers recipe.
14
Stuffed Zucchini
When you're graced with a bumper crop of zucchini, you'll want to add this stuffed zucchini recipe to your menu! Each one is filled with sausage, marinara sauce, and cheese.
Get the Stuffed Zucchini recipe.
15
Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad
These drumsticks are marinated with garlic powder, shallot, and chopped tarragon. Then, they're baked and served with a fresh grilled peach salad.
Get the Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad recipe.
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16
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Summer's end also means the end of potato salad season. This recipe includes all of your favorite loaded baked potato toppings: bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions.
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
17
Juicy Lucy
If you've never had a Juicy Lucy before, prepare to be amazed! The burgers aren't topped with cheese like regular cheeseburgers, they're stuffed with cheese for a core of molten cheesiness that will change your world.
Get the Juicy Lucy recipe.
18
Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread
Show off those beautiful summer tomatoes before the weekend's over! This upside-down tomato cornbread will be a showstopper at your backyard barbecue.
Get the Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread recipe.
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19
American Flag Cake
Don't forget to give your Labor Day weekend the summer send-off it deserves—with cake, of course! This red velvet sheet cake has the prettiest decorations made from red, white, and blue sprinkles.
Get Ree's American Flag Cake recipe.
20
Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sundae
Here's the best way to serve ice cream to a crowd: The crust is made from chocolate sugar cones and the filling is a combo of cherry and pistachio ice cream.
Get the Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sundae recipe.
