Give summer a proper send-off with our favorite Labor Day barbecue ideas. From tender meats to classic picnic sides to grilled desserts, we've got ideas that will keep the grill fired up all day long.
46 Labor Day Barbecue Ideas for Your Holiday Cookout
Grilled Corn in Husks
How to Grill Ribs
Grilling ribs soon? Learn how to grill ribs as we share our step-by-step recipe and the secret to grilling the best-ever baby back ribs.
Best Hamburger
This is the only hamburger recipe you need! We’ll walk you through how to make hamburger patties that grill up to juicy perfection.
Grilled Potato and Corn Salad
Chicken Souvlaki
Smoked Ribs
Grilled Vegetable Pesto Sandwiches
Chicken and Zucchini Foil Packs
Shrimp and Corn Salad
Cuban Sandwich Burgers
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
Italian Sausage Sandwich
Grilled Shrimp
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
Baby Back Ribs
If you’re looking for lighter fare, check out these healthy Labor Day recipes.
Pot of S’mores
Grilled Peach Sundaes
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
Hungry for more? Check out our collection of easy Labor Day recipes.
Barbecue Chicken
Juicy, saucy barbecue chicken is a highlight of any grilling season. Cut up whole chickens for the best quality pieces, and add a homemade tangy barbecue sauce that’s impossible to resist.
Spicy Grilled Eggplant
Grilled Marinated Ribeyes
Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers made with fresh fruit, cheese and a cinnamon yogurt dip will become a regular snack for every potluck, barbecue and game-day party.
Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
Grilled Jalapenos
Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Marinated Pork Chops
Grilled Steak Fajitas
Meat ‘n’ Potato Kabobs
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed Fruit
Grilled Guacamole
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.
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Spiced Salmon
Halibut Fish Tacos
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit Salsa
Quick Barbecued Beans
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Grilled Pork Chops
Soaked in brine and rubbed with a fragrant spice blend, these grilled pork chops burst with flavor.
Hawaiian Burger
Say aloha to a dinner with a tropical twist: Here’s how to make a bacon and pineapple Hawaiian burger.
Simple Pork Chop Marinade
Whisk up just four ingredients for the tastiest batch of marinated pork chops ever.
Grilled Pork with Avocado Salsa
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.
Pear Crumble
No time to make a pie? This pear crumble recipe is quick and easy, and just as delicious!
Labor Day Barbecue Idea FAQs
What should I grill for Labor Day?
A variety of meats and vegetables can be grilled for Labor Day. For some meat ideas, try grilling hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, pork chops, shrimp, sausages, steaks, chicken thighs or kabobs. Want to throw some veggies on the grill? Use heartier vegetables like zucchini, corn, peppers, eggplant, potatoes and onions.
Can I have a Labor Day cookout without a grill?
Yes, you can have a Labor Day cookout without a grill, but you will have to prepare the food indoors first and eat it outside. Cook any of the dishes you would on the grill in the oven or on the stovetop. Hamburgers, sausages, steaks and hot dogs can be cooked on the stovetop, and ribs, chicken thighs and pork chops can be cooked in the oven.
What Labor Day barbecue ideas can be made ahead of time?
Labor Day barbecue ideas that can be made ahead of time are meat marinades, dips, hearty salads and desserts. I like to fully prep these the day before, store them in the fridge, then reheat anything that needs to be served warm or hot.














































