Hosting a Labor Day cookout can be fun. It’s a great way to bond with family, friends, and neighbors. But, it can also be hard to pick a recipe that people will enjoy. Keep reading to find the best Labor Day cookout recipes you should try.
Delicious Labor Day Cookout Recipes
Whether you’re looking for appetizers or recipes for a BBQ, we can help. Here are some labor day cookout ideas you should try.
1. Corn Salsa
Do you need sides for Labor Day cookout gatherings? Corn salsa is a great vegetarian recipe for that. It’s easy to make and loved by all.
Ingredients:
- 15-ounce canned yellow corn, drained
- 4-ounce canned green chiles, chopped and drained
- 15-ounce canned white corn, drained
- 4 scallions, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped and seeded
- 2.5-ounce canned black olives, sliced and drained
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Kosher salt
Directions:
- Combine the scallions, olives, chiles, vinegar, tomatoes, jalapenos, olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt, and yellow and white corn in a medium bowl.
- Chill the mixture for one hour.
- Add cilantro before serving.
2. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic recipe and are the perfect side dishes for Labor Day cookout gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 8 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of cream-style horseradish sauce
- 1 teaspoon of paprika, for garnish
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 drop of hot pepper sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Pour water over eggs and cover them by 1 inch in a saucepan.
- Cover the saucepan and boil the eggs. Take the eggs away from the heat and let them sit in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Drain the saucepan and run the eggs under cool water over the sink.
- Peel each egg and cut lengthwise.
- Put the egg yolks in a bowl and set the whites aside.
- Mash the yolks using a fork. Add mayonnaise, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Spoon the mixture and place it in a plastic bag with a snipped corner.
- Pipe the mixture into the egg whites.
- Chill the eggs for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle using paprika and parsley before serving.
3. Frozen Sangarita
What Labor Day cookout menu would be complete without drinks? A Frozen Sangarita is sure to be popular with everyone involved.
Ingredients:
- For the Frozen Margarita:
- 4 cups of ice
- 1 tablespoon of agave
- 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup of tequila
- 1/4 cup of orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier
- For the Quickie Frozen Sangria:
- 4 cups of ice
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon agave
- 1/4 bottled red wine, chilled
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
Directions:
- For the Frozen Margarita:
- Blend ice, orange liqueur, agave, lime juice, and tequila until combined.
- Add ice to thicken the mixture.
- Remove the mixture to a pitcher.
- For the Frozen Sangria:
- Blend red wine, lemon juice, orange juice, agave, and ice until combined.
- Add ice to thicken the mixture.
- Remove the mixture to a pitcher.
- To Serve:
- Spoon the frozen margarita into a glass. Add a layer of sangria the same way.
- Repeat the process to make multiple layers.
- Finally, serve the drink with straws.
4. Grilled and Foiled Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
Looking for Labor Day grill recipes? These chicken wings are sure to blow you away.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of chicken wings, air-chilled and broken at the joint without wingtips
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper, freshly ground
Directions:
- Mix sugar, chili powder, chipotle powder, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl for the rub.
- Afterward, place the chicken wings in a large bowl. Then toss it with the oil and sprinkle the rub.
- Toss the wings to coat them evenly.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the grill for high heat.
- Tear four 18×18-inch sheets of non-stick foil. Drain the wings of excess oil and remove them from the bowl.
- Distribute the wings among the foil pieces and center them on one layer.
- Afterward, generously sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
- Fold the foil into packets and make it leak-proof.
- Grill the foiled chicken wings over high heat. Turn the foil once. Grill for 25 minutes.
- Open the packets and drizzle cilantro to serve with the lime.
5. Grilled Picnic Corn
Do you want some healthy Labor Day cookout food? These grilled picnic corn cobs are both delicious and nutritious!
Ingredients:
- 8 ears of corn, shucked
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3/4 cup Romano cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons chile powder
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Afterward, use olive oil to brush the corn ears. Grill the corn for 7-10 minutes or until they’re lightly charred.
- Mix the chile powder, garlic, salt, cilantro, lime juice, and mayonnaise while the corn is charring.
- Spread the mixture over the corn evenly. Sprinkle Romano cheese and keep the corn warm on the grill.
- Finally, serve the corn with lime wedges.
6. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Good food for Labor Day cookout gatherings should always include dessert. What better way to conclude a meal than with cupcakes?
Ingredients:
- For the Cupcakes:
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 18.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix
- 7 tablespoons of strawberry jam
- For the Strawberry Topping:
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, quartered and hulled
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- For the Whipped Cream:
- 3 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
- Beat eggs, cake mix, water, and oil in a bowl with an electric mixer. Use low speed for about 30 seconds. Afterward, gradually boost the speed to medium and beat until smooth for 2 minutes.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups.
- Bake the muffins in the oven for 12-17 minutes. Afterward, cool the cupcakes for 5 minutes in the tin.
- Stir the strawberry jam until it’s smooth and spreadable. Spread a layer on the cupcakes and refrigerate them for 3 hours or overnight.
- Mix the white sugar, lemon juice, and strawberries until combined. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Beat the vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, and cream with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Top the cupcakes with 3-4 strawberry slices and 2 tablespoons of whipped cream.
An Unforgettable Labor Day Cookout
Good food and great company make every Labor Day cookout unforgettable. The good thing is you don’t need complicated recipes to make the gathering memorable. All you need are a few simple ideas and ingredients to make the day special.
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