49 Labor Day Cookout Recipes to Say Goodbye to Summer

Planning the last big barbecue of the season? These Labor Day recipes will help you send summer off the most delicious way possible. Whether you’re throwing a backyard bash, a picnic in the park, or a potluck at home, you’ll need some amazing Labor Day dishes to wow your hungry guests. That’s why we’ve gathered our favorite Labor Day menu ideas of all time. These recipes are easy and delicious, covering everything from appetizers and salads to mains and desserts. Generally considered the summer’s final hurrah before we move into the fall season, Labor Day weekend proves to be an ideal time for a backyard cookout. These Labor Day menu ideas will make your celebration unforgettable and scrumptious.

Smoked Blackened Salmon Sliders

Add this smoked blackened salmon sliders recipe to your must-make list for a flavourful summer BBQ dish. Featuring pickled red onions and wasabi mayo, these salmon burgers can be made in a pellet grill or Traeger.
Recipe here: Smoked Blackened Salmon Sliders

Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

Loaded deviled eggs such as these Bloody Mary eggs are always a welcome part of the BBQ, cookout, or picnic table. They’re also a handy snack at any time since you can make these unique gourmet deviled eggs ahead.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Although most grocery stores carry sweet pepper dip and other dipping options, this homemade roasted red pepper cream cheese dip is well worth the effort. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dip with bell peppers, basil, garlic, shallot, and more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

This recipe for smoked potato salad with bacon combines the smoky flavors of potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, making it an ideal dish for summer gatherings and barbecues that will impress your guests.
Recipe here: Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls

These air fryer jalapeño popper rolls are a spicy and cheesy appetizer that can be made with Pillsbury pizza or crescent dough. With hot sauce, jalapeños, and two types of cheese, these quick and easy pull apart rolls are perfect for fans of spicy food.
Get the Recipe: Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls

Bacon Steak Wraps

Enjoy a rich and hearty lunch with these bacon steak wraps featuring a homemade blue cheese dressing. Add add your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch to this easy-to-make lunch.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Steak Wraps

Smoked Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork

Make perfect Cuban roast pork with this smoked Cuban mojo pulled pork recipe. This dish is perfect for cooking on a Traeger grill or pellet smoker, featuring exciting flavours like garlic, lime, sherry, oregano, and marjoram.
Recipe here: Smoked Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork

Everything Bagel Beer Dogs

Everything bagel beer dogs are a great game day appy which are easy to make. Cocktail weenies are coated in a tasty coating and then served with an easy horseradish mayo dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Beer Dogs

Mini Cherry Cheesecake Desserts

These mini cherry cheesecake desserts are the perfect single-serve treat, made with pre-made puff pastry shells and cherry pie filling for a simple and delicious dessert. Great for any occasion, these cherry tarts with puff pastry are sure to be a hit at parties, barbecues, or any time you want a sweet and easy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cherry Cheesecake Desserts

Smoked Brats in Beer

Indulge in a delicious meal by smoking bratwurst in beer using your Traeger grill or pellet smoker and serving it alongside your favorite sides, mustard, and buns. With just six ingredients needed, this brats-on-smoker recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Recipe here: Smoked Brats in Beer

Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

This colourful, flavourful Italian rice salad is perfect for a picnic, potluck, summer BBQ, or as a versatile side dish for a simple lunch or dinner. Every mouthful of this Mediterranean brown rice salad is bursting with fresh ingredients such as tasty salad vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Not just for picnics, pressed Italian sandwiches are a delicious lunch option that brings authentic flavors of Italy to your taste buds. With their incredible flavors and portability, these sandwiches are perfect for indulging in an Italian culinary experience anytime, anywhere.
Get the Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

These air fryer bacon wrapped cheeseburger bites are a perfect appetizer for any occasion, with a quick and easy preparation. Whether you call them bacon wrapped meatballs or meatloaf balls, you’re sure to love their amazing taste!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Smoked Gouda Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip

Smoked gouda bacon cheddar cheese dip pairs beautifully with pretzels. So if you’re looking for the best pretzel cheese sauce recipe, look no further. This cheese dipping sauce is made with smoked gouda, cheddar and cream cheese, along with other flavourful ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip

Antipasto Skewers

Impress your guests with easy-to-make antipasto skewers, perfect for any occasion! Made with classic Italian flavors, these crowd-pleasing bites are ideal for parties, picnics, and more. Add this to your list of favorite Memorial Day menu ideas!
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Hot Italian Sliders

Spice up your next gathering with hot Italian sliders – the perfect appetizer for tailgating or backyard picnics! Made with slider rolls, deli meats, and cheeses, these mini sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget the marinara dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Hot Italian Sliders

Italian Panzanella Salad

Panzanella salad is a refreshing summer side dish that combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and chunks of crusty bread, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats and a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Get the Recipe: Italian Panzanella Salad

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Prepare a crowd-pleasing BBQ side dish with this flavorful recipe for baked beans with ground beef. Infused with delicious spices and enhanced by the addition of ground beef, these southern-style baked beans are a hit at any gathering, earning you requests for the recipe. Whether it’s a cookout, family reunion, holiday party, or any occasion, these easy-to-make baked beans can be enjoyed as a side and need to be on your list of the best BBQ side dish recipes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Best Ever Baked Potatoes

Perfect baked potato is the prep, because if you don’t prep them right, that’s it, game over. First of all, I don’t care what you (or my husband) says, a baked potato is cooked in the oven, not the microwave. You just can’t beat the oven crisped skin of a russet potato, yes, those are the best kind to use!
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Baked Potatoes

Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Make your own fresh tomatillo red chili salsa with this easy copycat Chipotle recipe that’s perfect as a snack or appetizer with chips or crackers, and goes great with steak, chicken, or any south-of-the-border inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Strawberry Shortcake

Looking for a sweet and refreshing treat to enjoy on your next picnic? These individual strawberry shortcakes are the perfect choice! With their fluffy biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, they’re a delicious and portable dessert.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Smoked Tomahawk Steaks

Indulge in a rich and meaty smoked tomahawk steak, perfect for any special occasion and sure to satisfy any beef lover’s cravings. This reverse-seared cowboy steak recipe is easy to make with just a bone-in ribeye steak, seasonings, and your smoker.
Recipe here: Smoked Tomahawk Steaks

Smoked Brisket Sandwich

Enjoy a hearty smoked brisket sandwich with homemade pickled red onions and other toppings for a special dinner. Learn how to make this amazing treat that pairs well with various side dishes.
Recipe here: Smoked Brisket Sandwich

Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Try Traeger beer can chicken! This easy-to-make summer grilling recipe is so delicious you won’t be disappointed. The smoked beer can chicken pairs perfectly with a Mexican-inspired BBQ sauce for a show-stopping meal.
Recipe here: Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Smoked Spiced Shrimp

Indulge in the amazing taste of these smoked spiced shrimp, flavored with a homemade Saskatchewan dry rub that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Cook them to perfection and enjoy a delicious appetizer or main dish!
Recipe here: Smoked Spiced Shrimp

Tropical Popsicles

When it’s this easy to make your own coconut milk, pineapple and grenadine frozen treats, you will definitely want to try these tropical popsicles. All you need for this luscious layered popsicle recipe is four ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Popsicles

Smoked Cream Cheese

Get ready for a brand new flavour experience with this recipe for smoked cream cheese. This jalapeno and cheese appetizer dip is a must-try, perfect for a pellet grill or Traeger smoker.
Recipe here: Smoked Cream Cheese

Watermelon Paloma Cocktail

This watermelon paloma cocktail has to be one of the best and most refreshing though. It’s a mouth-watering cocktail made with watermelon juice, tequila and citrus. Make this tangy and sweet paloma when the weather’s hot, and you want to relax and sip something refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Paloma Cocktail

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

Add smoky flavour to your favorite pasta salad with this delicious smoked Italian pasta salad recipe. Packed with pepperoni, salami, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoncini dressing, it’s the perfect dish for your summer BBQ.
Recipe here: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor cooking, and smoker-grilled fish tacos with garlic cilantro lime coleslaw is a dish you don’t want to miss. This recipe is easy to make on a Traeger grill and features delicious smoked tilapia and tasty coleslaw.
Recipe here: Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos

Double Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Chocolate and cherries go together beautifully, so if you can’t decide between fruit and chocolate, make these brownies which offer the best of both worlds. This is one of the best brownie recipes ever. Add this to your list of favorite Memorial Day menu ideas!
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Smoked Rack of Lamb

Impress your guests with this flavorful smoked rack of lamb or lamb chops recipe that combines the rich taste of lamb with wine, fresh herbs, and shallot, along with the magic of smoke. Pair it with some delicious side dishes to make it the perfect meal for any occasion!
Recipe here: Smoked Rack of Lamb

Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken

This honey garlic BBQ smoked pulled chicken recipe is perfect for outdoor cooking and features a garlicky pickle brine, sweet mustard, chili, garlic/onion rub, and a honey garlic sauce. Smoked to perfection, it’s a must-try dish!
Recipe here: Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken

Smoked Caribbean Jerk Spiced Shrimp

This smoked Caribbean jerk spiced shrimp recipe is a must-try. The sweet and spicy flavour of the shrimp pairs perfectly with all kinds of sides and will become a summer favourite.
Recipe here: Smoked Caribbean Jerk Spiced Shrimp

Mesquite Smoked Dry Rub Brisket

Try this mouth-watering Texas-style smoked brisket recipe with a special dry rub. It’s perfect for serving with beans, corn on the cob, or a sandwich. Today, learn how to make this flavorful brisket on your Traeger or pellet grill!
Recipe here: Mesquite Smoked Dry Rub Brisket

5 Layer Bean Dip

This Mexican layered dip with ground beef is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Its layers of pinto beans, ground beef, tequila lime sour cream, pico de gallo, and cheese make it a flavorful and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: 5 Layer Bean Dip

Smoked Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Burgers

This smoked cheddar bacon stuffed burger recipe is a must-try. The flavourful and moist patty is perfect for a hearty meal, especially when paired with your favorite toppings!
Recipe here: Smoked Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Burgers

Smoked Baby Back Ribs

This irresistible smoked baby back ribs recipe made on a Traeger grill makes your summer BBQs more exciting. These rich, meaty, and easy-to-make ribs will leave your guests wanting more. Add this to your list of favorite Memorial Day menu ideas!
Recipe here: Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Prosecco Frozen Peach Bellini Cocktail

Indulge in the ultimate peach and prosecco delight with this irresistible frozen peach Bellini recipe. Loved and enjoyed every time, it’s a cocktail worth mastering and adding to your repertoire. Embrace the summer vibes and treat yourself to the refreshing combination of peach and prosecco in this beloved peach Bellini cocktail recipe.
Get the Recipe: Prosecco Frozen Peach Bellini Cocktail

Atlantic Lobster Roll

Indulge in the taste of the Atlantic with this flavor-packed lobster roll recipe, perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of lobster tail meat with garlic, shallot, hot pepper, dill, and lemon creates a mouthwatering filling that’s best served in a buttery or split-top hot dog bun.
Get the Recipe: Atlantic Lobster Roll

Heirloom Tomato Burrata Caprese Salad

This authentic Italian burrata caprese salad is a delicious side dish or appetizer that features heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese, with balsamic vinegar and truffle salt for added flavor. With every bite, you’ll savor the delicious flavors of this simple yet impressive dish.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Burrata Caprese Salad

BBQ Smoked Meatloaf with Glaze

Try this BBQ smoked meatloaf recipe on your pellet grill or Traeger, and you won’t regret it! With a garlicky tomato meatloaf glaze, this rich and meaty recipe is one of the best smoker ground beef recipes.
Recipe here: BBQ Smoked Meatloaf with Glaze

Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

This refreshing watermelon feta cucumber salad is a colorful and easy-to-make side dish that brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors inspired by Greek cuisine. With only 4 ingredients for the salad and 3 for the dressing, this easy salad recipe is quick and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

For a colorful and healthy lunch or side dish, try this garden veggie macaroni salad with a creamy avocado dressing. The garlic, horseradish, and avocado dressing pairs perfectly with the pasta and veggies, creating a fresh and flavorful salad that is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

Strawberry Watermelon White Claw Slushie

Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail? Try the delicious combination of watermelon rum and White Claw in this easy-to-make slushie, perfect for sipping on a hot day. The fruity flavors of strawberry and watermelon, paired with the sweetness of agave nectar, make for a deliciously satisfying frozen drink.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Watermelon White Claw Slushie

Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Try this Tex Mex chicken pasta salad that combines the best of all worlds – a southwest pasta salad with chicken. Bursting with color and flavor, this salad is perfect for a BBQ or as a flavorful side dish option. You will agree this one of the best summer side dish recipes!
Get the Recipe: Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Whether you want to dip veggie sticks, melba toast, chips, crackers, or something else, this avocado herb green goddess dip is really good. Pair it with a vegetable board or charcuterie platter and enjoy the fresh flavours in every mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Italian Stromboli Recipe

Experience the taste of true Italian flavors with this authentic stromboli recipe, originating from South Philly where Italian immigrants first created this Italian-American dish. With its combination of deli meats, cheese, and rich Italian flavors rolled into a delicious sandwich, this easy-to-make stromboli is a great way to spice up any pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Italian Stromboli Recipe

Chunky Guacamole

This chunky guacamole recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Made with avocados, tomatoes, green onions, chilies, lime juice, and cilantro, it is a perfect addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Simple ingredients combine to make this Tuscan classic. Juicy fresh tuna pairs with beans for a Tuscan tuna white bean salad everyone will enjoy. It makes a tasty meal, whatever the season.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad