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As I think about what to serve for Labor Day on my own menu (am I hosting or traveling, hm, who knows). Labor Day BBQ ideas that range from the meats to the sides, here are a few of my suggestions.
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1. Grilled Sirloin Steak
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Ah, the king of the grill. You may have thought that was your Uncle Ronnie, self-described and apron-appointed, but it’s actually a great cut of steak. The higher quality the better; make it a special treat and pay for the best. (Maybe not Tomahawk-style best, not in this economy, but you may as well make it count.) Don’t want to click through? Here’s are two tips that I learned too late in life: Bring cuts of meat to room temp before putting them on grill and pat them dry on all sides before seasoning.
2. Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp
There are a thousand ways to make shrimp on the barbie, but here’s one of my favorites. The alc in the tequila burns off, leaving an outstanding flavor that complements lime perfectly. Fresh herbs win it, but use what you have on hand.
3. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork with a splash of bbq sauce and dollop of cole slaw — what could be better? Well, lots of things could be AS good, but this one really hits the spot, especially if you are pulling out the slow cooker to help in the kitchen for Labor Day.
4. Grilled Hot Dog Kabobs
Hot dogs leveled up. Add savory and sweet to the stick and budget-friendly hot dogs get a new flavor profile that just may win you over. Add a dipping sauce to the side, or some Hawaiian rolls, baste with high quality Challenge butter and no one will notice the cheaper cut of meat.
5. How to Grill Pineapple
I feel like all I do is talk about this side dish / dessert / grill wunderkind all summer long. I am still blown away at what a deep char can do to fresh pineapple rings. If you can find one of those whole processed pineapples in the produce or you are okay with cutting a fresh one down yourself, this is worth every bite, but prepare for the slices to disappear fast.
6. Air Fryer Hamburgers
Apartment living might restrict grill access, but our recipe for air fryer hamburgers will make you forget all that. Thick and juicy, the air fryer locks in flavor and the burgs don’t “steam” in their own juices.
7. Grilled Chicken Marinade
I do love this marinade. It makes a great jumping off point for lots of seasoning combinations, too.
8. BBQ Kielbasa Appetizer
The slow cooker locks in all the barbecue sauce flavor here, but if you want even more, you can grill the kielbasa first, then slice and add to the warming crock. It makes a great starter while the grill heats up.
9. Enchilada Tater Tot Casserole
If you’re already a fan of the classic midwest hot dish called Tater Tot Casserole, this is a tex-mex twist I think you’ll really like. If you are cooking inside for Labor Day, it’s worth putting this on the table to feed the whole crowd.
10. Grilled Corn
Renee’ discovered that there may just not be a wrong way to grill corn. Everyone has their personal style and preference, but there was successful grilled corn awesomeness by the end of the experiment. The results are yours to enjoy.
11. Grilled Tomatoes
I still feel bad about the time we promised grilled tomatoes to a friend during a cooking event, and we forgot the tomatoes. They were sad, we were sad. It was all sad. The grill turns even the economical Roma tomato into a luscious, simple side with some fresh herbs and oil.
12. Grilled Peaches
Hot peaches that aren’t in a pie? Why, yes, do try this. Not only are these great in our salad below, but those gorgeous char lines amp up the flavor too. You need very little besides the hot dry heat to work its wonders.
13. Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Vidalia Onion
It turns out there isn’t a great way to make a foil wrapped, bacon-wrapped onion look particularly sexy on camera, but the flavor is outstanding. Everyone gets their own onion (but you can cut it if you want), and the buttery, smoky flavor is truly outstanding. Get these ready to sit on the heat for a long time, so they will go on the grill first.
14. Grilled Peach Salad
So many good flavors in this grilled peach salad recipe, and it all starts with our grilled peaches above. You can add and subtract ingredients depending on what you have on hand, but the light vinaigrette pulls it all together.
15. Red Potato Salad
I have found that there is no store-bought potato salad that compares even slightly to homemade. Red potatoes pick up fresh herb flavor really well but use whatever potatoes you have on hand. Or go for the gold: Yukon Gold Potato Salad
16. Carolina Coleslaw
I didn’t like cole slaw for most of my life. Too watery, too sweet (or both), or just no flavor at all. But I’ve been playing around with slaw since it really can add delightful crunch next to rich dishes like our pulled pork sandwiches. Skip the mayo and swap in plain Greek yogurt for more tang.
17. Red Cabbage Slaw
Red cabbage tends to stay crisp longer than green cabbage, so you can use some heavy duty seasonings in this one and it will stay good to eat for days (if kept chilled, of course). This one uses fresh parsley, fresh cilantro and NO MAYO.
18. Hawaiian-Style Macaroni Salad
Imagine your favorite pasta salad with that sweet, tangy Miracle Whip style pizzazz.
19. Creamy Pasta Salad
The traditional mayo-based pasta salad, every picnic’s bestie.
20. Slow Cooker Creamy Corn
This is such an easy BBQ side dish that goes with everything. Keep a crock full of this five-ingredient side dish, because it goes fast. Cream cheese, butter, canned or frozen corn, a bit of sugar, salt and pepper. So good.
21. Jiffy Corn Casserole
Let’s keep talking about corn and how well it goes with smoky brisket and grilled meats and veg. I’m realizing this is a corn-heavy list and I’m proud of it.
22. Watermelon Feta Salad
Light, refreshing, sweet, salty and tangy, this watermelon feta salad really soothes a hot cookout. Can’t make it ahead, but you’ll be impressed with how fast it all comes together (and disappears even faster).
23. German Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are one of my favorite year-round vegetables, but in the summer, cold, sliced cukes mixed with some dill, onion, sour cream, pantry seasonings, and a bit of sugar + vinegar. Perfection as a summer side dish.
24. Caprese Salad Skewers
I love food on a stick. Great presentation plus all of the Italian simplicity of fresh basil, fresh cherry tomatoes, pearl mozzarella balls, and a balsamic glaze. Make the vinegar reduction yourself or buy it bottled.
25. Greek Salad Skewers
Two crudité on a stick in a row? Yes, yes it is. These take a little longer to prep and skewer but aren’t they fabulous? These are a hit no matter if it’s Labor Day or some random Tuesday. Leftovers go happily into an antipasto salad the next day.
The bottom line
Let’s go easy on the labor this holiday. Whether you are cooking at your house for two or twenty, or need to find a dish to take along with you to the family’s backyard bash, I think you’ll find one or two things here that grill easily, feed a crowd, look cute on sticks, or just make good food.
Get a load of these other Labor Day favorites:
