Last-Minute Labor Day SOS: 23 Delicious Recipes

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Struggling to finalize your Labor Day cookout menu? This collection of sensational last-minute recipes are poised to steal the show. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back backyard gathering or an intimate family affair, these dishes are your ticket to a culinary triumph.

Stop your procrastination. You’re sure to find the perfect menu for your Labor Day BBQ with these 23 tried and true recipes. Your guests will arrive to the enticing aromas and enjoy flavors that will leave them craving more. Change your last-minute rush into a celebration of flavor, where every dish is an invitation to savor the joy of Labor Day.

Image shows a skewer of lemon marinated chicken held diagonally with green grass in the background.
Lemon Marinated Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Beer Boiled Brats

Image shows a beer boiled brat on a bun with sweet potato fries on a plate and more brats in the background.
Beer Boiled Brats. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your Labor Day cookout with beer boiled brats—a savory solution for your menu. Savor juicy and flavorful sausages that are sure to win over your grilling guests.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats

Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Add a burst of summer freshness to your Labor Day menu with tender lime-marinated grilled chicken. A scrumptious choice for your that requires only a few hours to marinate, so it isn’t too late to make this one.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Summer Pasta Salad

Image shows a closeup of a Summer Pasta Salad with Mediterranean flavors.
Summer Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Celebrate Labor Day with a pasta salad that embodies summer. Skip the mayo and embrace Mediterranean-inspired freshness for a side dish that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad

Lemon Marinated Chicken

Make your Labor Day memorable with tender lemon-marinated chicken skewered with your favorite healthy veggies that’s bursting with flavor and summer zest—a must-have for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken

Bacon Deviled Eggs

Image shows bacon deviled eggs in a red tray.
Bacon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enhance your Labor Day celebration with Bacon Deviled Eggs—a must-have for your BBQ. These creamy delights add a touch of flair to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs

Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens

Elevate your Labor Day feast with vibrant flavors. Grill succulent Cornish hens marinated in zesty orange and aromatic ginger—a perfect choice when you want something a little different that isn’t super complicated to make.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens

Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Image shows a hand holding a piece of grilled baby bok choy over a bowl containing more bok choy.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Infuse Asian inspiration into your Labor Day menu with grilled baby bok choy. It’s so incredibly quick and easy to whip this up so you can enjoy it for any last minute plans you may make.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ignite your palate this Labor Day with chipotle-infused grilled corn—a smoky, flavorful addition that pairs beautifully with anything you plan to make. It’s a great way to dress up your traditional corn on the cob with minimal additional effort.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob

Miso Glazed Chicken

Miso glazed chicken with rice on a white plate.
Miso Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your Labor Day grilling with Miso-Glazed Chicken—a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors. A top-tier choice that adds a ton of flavor with a quick and easy marinade.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken

Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Celebrate Labor Day with tender grilled chicken satay and rich homemade peanut sauce. This is a great kid-friendly grilling idea with a simple dip on the side to make it even more fun.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Miso Glazed Salmon

Image shows a Bite of miso glazed salmon with rice on a fork with the rest of the plate in the background.
Miso Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take your Labor Day barbecue to the next level with succulent miso-glazed salmon—a dish that promises a symphony of irresistible flavors for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

Spinach Orzo Salad

Elevate your Labor Day table with a pasta salad that redefines the genre. Hot orzo and spinach paired with savory ingredients—a perfect complement to anything you serve at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad

Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo

Image shows a Chipotle burger with grilled corn in the background.
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ignite your taste buds this Labor Day with a smoky Chipotle Burger. Top it with fiery homemade jalapeno mayo for a kick that adds excitement to your end of season celebration.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Add Mediterranean flair to your Labor Day with this refreshing salad. Cool cucumbers and tomatoes create a quintessential summer companion no matter what else you serve.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

This photo shows a cast iron skillet with oven roasted potatoes with spinach and garlic on a blue wooden background.
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform your Labor Day cookout spread with this vibrant side dish. Elevate plain potatoes with spinach and garlic—a versatile pairing for any main course.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

Kefta Kebabs

Spice up your Labor Day grill with flavorful kefta kebabs—easy-to-make, delicious skewers that add excitement to your BBQ and are quick and easy to make for a real wow factor.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Image shows a fork holding a bite of shaved brussels sprouts salad with a clear bowl containing the rest of the serving behind it.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience a side dish revelation for your Labor Day cookout. A shaved Brussels sprouts salad brings surprising flavors to your table and tastes absolutely amazing. Unlike lettuce, it won’t wilt.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Transform classic mac and cheese into a sophisticated side. Take this classic and make it even better for your Labor Day spread with grown-up baked mac and cheese featuring tomato and bacon.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your Labor Day with colorful ratatouille inspired by Italian flavors. Yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes create a summer side that’s a perfect side that pairs beautifully with anything you grill.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Grilled Chicken Foil Packets

Delight in timeless goodness with Girl Scout Classic Grilled Chicken Foil Packets. They’re perfect when you can’t decide what to make for your Labor Day BBQ since each person can customize their own.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets

Hearts of Palm Salad

Silver bowl with a veggie filled hearts of palm salad.
Hearts of Palm Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in the refreshing simplicity of this hearts of palm salad. A light vinaigrette and fresh ingredients elevate your Labor Day cookout with invigorating flavors.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Indulge in ultimate comfort this Labor Day with cheesy scalloped potatoes—a side that elevates your cookout with layers of flavor and creamy delight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Garlic Sesame Kale

Garlic sesame kale in a pot just cooked and ready to eat.
Garlic Sesame Kale. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your Labor Day feast with healthy and flavorful garlic sesame kale—a perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat. It’s ready in just minutes, so it’s a perfect last minute dish to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale

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