31 Labor Day BBQ Ideas for 2025: Food, Drinks and Dessert Recipes
Summer has flown right by, and now it’s time to figure out what to serve at your backyard barbecue or the neighborhood picnic. We know time is precious, so we’ve compiled 31 Labor Day BBQ ideas to help you satisfy big appetites. From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, try these BBQ ideas that don’t require too much effort.
Table of contents
1. Fruit skewers
Category: Appetizers
A versatile food that fits in at any barbecue, fruit on a stick can be adapted to any theme or color scheme. Try blueberries, raspberries, strawberries in season and coconut pieces if you want to do a red, white and blue theme.
2. Cheese and crackers
Category: Appetizers
A crowd favorite, these classic finger foods will have people munching all day long. Choose your favorite cheeses and savory crackers, and let people mix and match.
3. Deviled eggs
Category: Appetizers
There are many variations for deviled eggs, including adding avocado, dill pickle or even curry! Try your hand at peppered bacon or salt and vinegar eggs. Find out which one of these Labor Day BBQ ideas you like best.
4. Cheese-stuffed grilled peppers
Category: Appetizers
If you’re looking for something a little different, try grilling cheese wrapped in sweet pepper slices. These cheese-stuffed peppers make for a mouth-watering sweet and savory combination.
5. Broccoli salad
Category: Side dishes
This broccoli salad can be modified to meet the needs of any crowd. Traditional recipes include broccoli, bacon, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, diced onions and dried fruits.
6. Baked potatoes
Category: Side dishes
A popular Labor Day BBQ idea is baked potatoes. These can be as simple or complex as you like. Offer a baked potato bar with options like sour cream, bacon bits, tomato cubes, grated cheese, diced onions and peppers.
7. Fruit salad
Category: Side dishes
Fruit salad is an easy addition to your get-together. Popular fruits in fruit salads include grapes, melon chunks, banana slices and blueberries. You can even get creative by using cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes in watermelon slices.
8. Grilled corn on the cob
Category: Side dishes
Whether you leave the cob whole or cut it into sections (that can be added to skewers), corn is a delightful barbecue treat. Don’t forget the salt and butter on your corn on the cob!
9. Potato salad
Category: Side dishes
Nothing says it’s summer quite like a hearty helping of potato salad. This dish complements burgers or hot dogs in a way few other sides can. Make a big batch of your family’s favorite potato salad recipe, or save time by getting it from your grocery store’s deli.
10. Teriyaki chicken skewers
Category: Main dishes
Marinated teriyaki chicken is a wonderful grilled meal that is sure to please. Sprinkle some chopped onions or sesame seeds on top for the perfect main dish at your barbecue.
11. Grilled tofu and pineapple
Category: Main dishes
A meat-free option for your outdoor celebration, grilled tofu is a hearty dish that goes perfectly with fruits and veggies. Try it with pineapple!
12. Lemon butter grilled salmon
Category: Main dishes
Lemon butter grilled salmon tastes fantastic! Marinate your salmon with your favorite spices and sauces. Try dried coriander and cumin with a bit of lime juice.
13. Grilled steak fajitas
Category: Main dishes
If you’re craving something south of the border, grilled steak fajitas will hit the spot. Marinate them the night before to get an exceptional flavor, then grill them with veggies like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms and onions.
14. BBQ chicken sliders
Category: Main dishes
Impress your guests this Labor Day with these individually portioned chicken sliders. The crunchy coleslaw on top of these BBQ chicken sliders is a yummy addition.
15. Classic burgers
Category: Main dishes
When it comes to Labor Day BBQ ideas, you can never go wrong with classic burgers. Whip up these juicy burgers and serve with potato salad or loaded baked potatoes.
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16. Baby back ribs
Category: Main dishes
Go the traditional route and serve a large platter of ribs for your cookout. This baby back rib recipe requires minimal effort and only a few ingredients. One bite will leave your guests wanting more.
17. Lemon bars
Category: Desserts
Lemon bars are a tangy treat on a hot summer day — dust with powdered sugar on top and share. This dessert will brighten up your Labor Day cookout.
18. Strawberry shortcake kebabs
Category: Desserts
A fun twist on fruit kebabs, these strawberry shortcake skewers make the perfect summer dessert. Just alternate strawberries and pieces of white or yellow cake on sticks, then tastefully arrange on a plate.
19. Rhubarb crisp
Category: Desserts
This is a classic sweet and sour dessert that highlights one of the summer’s tartest treasures. Serve this rhubarb crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
20. S’mores bars
Category: Desserts
Regardless of it’s hot out, s’mores bars are always a great idea! Set out all the ingredients and get that graham cracker chocolatey goodness.
21. Peach cobbler
Category: Desserts
Peaches are a summertime favorite fruit that elevates any Labor Day dessert. Add a bit of sweetness to your Labor Day BBQ with this peach cobbler recipe. The buttery crust mixed with fresh peaches is comforting yet delicious.
22. Key lime pie
Category: Desserts
Transform your cookout into a tropical oasis with this key lime pie recipe. Whip up a refreshing dessert that requires only a few simple ingredients. Don’t forget to dollop whipped cream on top to complete the treat.
23. Banana pudding
Category: Desserts
What’s more comforting than a scoop of creamy banana pudding? Use fresh or ripened bananas to create the perfect pudding consistency. Make sure to serve this classic Labor Day BBQ idea chilled.
24. Coconut macaroons
Category: Desserts
Stick to the tropical theme with these coconut macaroons. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, especially Labor Day parties. Make an extra batch for your guests to take on their way.
25. Strawberry lemon green tea
Category: Drinks
On a hot day, nothing will quench your thirst or tickle your taste buds quite like strawberry lemon green tea. A harmonious combination of sweet and sour, it’s excellent cold or over ice.
26. Sparkling lavender lemonade
Category: Drinks
This lavender lemonade is sure to catch the eyes of all your barbecue guests. Its purple shade and floral flavor offer something genuinely unique to your special gathering.
27. Raspberry iced tea
Category: Drinks
For those who like a little bite to their beverage, raspberry iced tea does the trick. Make your own from tea bags or buy it premade.
28. Tri-color punch
Category: Drinks
This beautiful punch drink has three layers of fun! Get three different colors at the same time by following this simple combination. Pour a drink with a high sugar content on the bottom, then add clear soda (lemon-lime soda works great) for the middle and a sugar-free drink for the top.
29. Mango margarita
Category: Drinks
Labor Day BBQ ideas don’t stop at desserts — keep the party going with these refreshing mango margaritas. One sip will transport your guests to a tropical paradise. Enjoy this easy cocktail year-round whenever you need a burst of sunshine.
30. Fruity bellini
Category: Drinks
Raise a glass to the end of summer with these fruity bellinis. The prosecco and peach schnapps add a bit of sophistication to your cookout.
31. Mai Tai
Category: Drinks
Savor the end of summer by sipping on a tropical Mai Tai cocktail. The mix of rum, orange and lime transports you to a private island. Don’t forget to garnish with mint and lime wedges.
Additional Labor Day food ideas
Check out these other Labor Day food guides to take your cookout to the next level.
- Labor Day Cocktail Ideas and Recipes for Easy Drinks
- Labor Day Picnic Ideas and Simple Recipes
- Top Labor Day Food Traditions
- Labor Day Menu Ideas for Your Holiday Party
- Labor Day Grilling Ideas
Stress-free Labor Day cookout shopping
Now that you’re more familiar with Labor Day BBQ ideas, it’s time to plan your cookout. Incorporate a main dish, side dish, dessert and drinks. An example menu includes baby back ribs, hamburgers, potato salad, key lime pie, raspberry iced tea and Mai Tais.
Don’t skip a beat — save time and place your order with Instacart to get your groceries without leaving your home. Order all your ingredients or premade Labor Day desserts to cut down on even more time.
Course:
Lunch
Cuisine:
American
Difficulty:
Easy
31 Labor Day BBQ Ideas: Food, Drinks and Dessert Recipes
Get ready for your cookout with these Labor Day BBQ ideas.
Ingredients
Directions
Cady Cohen
Author
Cady Cohen is a culinary writer at Instacart who empowers home cooks to navigate the exciting world of food with confidence. She has worked in digital media for over seven years covering food, health, and wellness. From handy conversion charts and recipe calculators to in-depth cooking guides, Cady's work makes grocery shopping a breeze and empowers you to make informed choices about what you put on your plate.
Heather Matley
Editor
Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.
