Scrambling for some last-minute Labor Day recipes? Try these 15 fast-track recipes perfect for late planners. These dishes come together in a flash for a Labor Day feast that everyone will love—no one has to know you didn’t spend all week prepping!
Peach Crostata
Rustic yet elegant, a peach crostata is a fantastic last-minute dessert for Labor Day. The free-form tart comes together in a flash with store-bought pie crust and canned peaches, but still looks and tastes totally gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crostata
Steak Kabobs
If you’re on a tight schedule, but still want to serve something special for a Labor Day cookout, steak kabobs are a quick, flavorful solution. With tender pieces of steak, colorful veggies, all grilled in minutes, they’re a surefire hit.
Get the Recipe: Steak Kabobs
Deviled Eggs
Need a speedy, crowd-pleasing appetizer? Deviled eggs are a classic for a reason! It takes only 5-10 minutes to soak the hard boiled eggs in food coloring, and it makes them look amazing.
Get the Recipe: Patriotic Deviled Eggs
Crock Pot Spiral Ham
For a stress-free Labor Day dish that practically cooks itself try this simple and delicious Crock Pot Spiral ham recipe. With minimal prep time you can spend more time with your family while the ham cooks in the background.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham
Frozen Lemonade Pie
This Frozen Lemonade Pie is the ultimate easy Labor Day dessert. With just a handful of ingredients, including zesty lemonade concentrate, you can whip up this tangy and frosty delight in no time, making it perfect for those last-minute plans!
Get the Recipe: Lemonade Pie
Broccoli Crunch Salad
This Broccoli Salad easy make-ahead dish that will save you time and stress on Labor Day. Simply prep it in advance and let the flavors meld together in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Who has time for all-day grilling on Labor Day? Pop these bad boys in the slow cooker and go enjoy your day. By the time you’re ready to eat, they’ll be fall-off-the-bone perfect. This is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it awesomeness.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Glazed Air Fryer Carrots
These honey glazed carrots are an easy low effort side dish for Labor Day. These roasted carrots have the perfect texture – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – and are coated in a sweet and sticky honey glaze.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Air Fryer Carrots
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
The epitome of set-it-and-forget-it! Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken is your ticket to flavor without the stress. Whether piled on buns or served alongside classic American sides, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser this Labor Day!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
Cake Mix Donuts
When time’s running short, cake mix donuts are an easy and delicious dessert to whip up. Using a box of cake mix means they’re super easy to make. Best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes and can be adorned with glaze or sprinkles for an extra special touch.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Donuts
Green Bean Casserole
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, why wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy this classic dish? It’s an American classic, so it deserves some Labor Day love.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits
No-bake to the rescue! Cheesecake Parfaits are the dreamy, creamy dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The beauty of these parfaits is that they require zero oven time and you can layer them with blueberries and strawberries for a patriotic Labor Day flair.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Parfaits
Caprese Salad
Make a classic Caprese salad for a light and refreshing Labor Day side dish. With its juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze, this dish captures the flavors of Italy in every bite. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad
Air Fryer Asparagus
Asparagus is a classic Labor side dish! Cook some up in the air fryer while you grill is full of burgers and hot dogs.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Chicken and Waffle Casserole
Prep this delicious casserole on Sunday night and bake it on Monday, Labor Day, for a low effort breakfast or brunch dish. Enjoy a relaxing morning without stressing about breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole