People Always Want My 29 Labor Day Recipes Before the Grill’s Even Hot

You’d think the grill is the main event, but not when these recipes are around. Guests start asking questions before the coals are even ready. Somehow, the side dishes and starters have stolen the spotlight. No one complains, they just want more of whatever showed up last year. Even the grill master sneaks over for a plate.

Chickpea Nuggets

These little bites are perfect for anyone looking for something hearty but different on Labor Day. Chickpea Nuggets bring a unique twist to the usual cookout snacks, offering a plant-based option that’s anything but boring. They are bite-sized, can be dunked into almost anything, and are great for sharing with everyone around.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Few things can match the universal love people feel for a classic baked treat. Chocolate Chip Cookies are always a hit, whether as a dessert after the grill cools down or as a quick snack before the main dishes. They strike a perfect balance between soft and chewy, with every bite satisfying your cravings for something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Beet Salad

Bright and bold, this salad adds a pop of color to your cookout spread. Beet Salad is more than just a splash of color; it brings a balance of natural sweetness and freshness to the table. It’s a fantastic addition to balance out richer dishes like burgers or hot dogs. Prepare for people to take a second helping, no matter what else is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Homemade Buckeyes

This nostalgic recipe is always a surprising hit at gatherings. Homemade Buckeyes are rich, bite-sized treats that combine simple flavors everyone enjoys. They pair well with just about anything and are perfect to snack on while waiting for the barbecue. Keep some hidden if you want any leftovers, because they go quickly.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buckeyes

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Creamy Avocado Sauce adds a rich, fresh element to any dish it’s paired with. It’s versatile enough to go with just about anything on the table, making it a star before the grill is even fired up. Have some set aside because it’s likely to vanish fast. This smooth topping is a staple for grilling days, ideal for dressing up veggies, sliders, or even chips.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Biscoff Ice Cream

Desserts at a Labor Day party don’t always need to be complicated. Biscoff Ice Cream is the cool, indulgent answer to warm summer barbecues. Packed with lovely sweetness, it’s a great way to end or even kick off the party. Don’t be surprised when guests come looking for seconds after their first try.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Ice Cream

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Bringing some veggies to your grill rotation is never a bad idea. Grilled Veggie Kabobs are a colorful way to offer tons of flavor without a lot of hassle. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, they’re guaranteed to grab attention, even among meat lovers. These are solid proofs that veggies can hold their own at any BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Vanilla Ice Cream

This classic dessert is a no-brainer for any outdoor party. Vanilla Ice Cream may be simple, but that’s exactly what makes it so versatile and loved by all. It pairs perfectly with anything you’ve got on your dessert table, whether it’s cake, pie, or cookies. Guests of all ages won’t think twice about grabbing another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Ice Cream

Fruit Pizza

A fun and refreshing alternative to heavier desserts, packed with natural sweetness. Fruit Pizza is a creative, crowd-friendly option that’s as easy to enjoy as it is to share. Every bite offers a burst of fresh flavors balanced with a sweet base. It’s an eye-catching dessert your guests will love as much as the taste.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Chocolate Chip Muffins deliver that comforting baked goodness people can’t resist. They’re sweet enough to double as dessert but just as enjoyable as a midday snack. You’ll want to bake extra because these usually vanish quickly at any gathering. A perfect pairing to go with your morning coffee or as a treat later in the day.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins

Artichoke Pizza

This dish always brings something unexpected to cookouts. Artichoke Pizza combines a unique ingredient with a universally loved food, creating a combination that sticks with people. Whether cut into small slices as an appetizer or a fun main dish alternative, it never fails to intrigue guests. Before long, everyone asks for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza

Key Lime Pie

When things heat up and people want dessert, something refreshing can steal the show. Key Lime Pie is the light, citrus-infused dessert that offers a perfect balance to the richer, heavier cookout dishes. It stands out by being sweet yet tangy, a crowd-friendly dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Expect it to be gone by the time you’re looking to grab your own slice.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

Italian Pasta Salad

While the grill is heating, this side dish is an absolute lifesaver when feeding a crowd. Italian Pasta Salad is flavorful and packed with ingredients that keep people coming back for more. It works as a side but can hold its own as a quick go-to before the mains hit the table. Your guests won’t stop asking what went into it and how you made it so good.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Chocolate Ice Cream

Bringing this classic dessert to the table is never a bad idea. Chocolate Ice Cream remains a favorite because it’s pure comfort with every spoonful. You can pair it with anything else or enjoy it as is on a hot day. It’s always a win, no matter what you’re serving.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Ice Cream

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is a quick and clever way to add fresh flavor while freeing up grill space. It’s tender, flavorful, and loved as a side or starter dish. Don’t be surprised if guests ask how you cooked it so perfectly. Cooking corn doesn’t always mean tossing it on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Hosting often means showing creative food choices beyond the usual barbecue staples. Caprese Pesto Tarts are an excellent example, with their mix of bold flavors and inviting presentation. These little bites are perfect to munch on while waiting for the grill to fire up. They always seem to disappear faster than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

BBQ Sauce

BBQ Sauce brings a balance of sweet and smoky flavors that work with almost anything you grill. It’s not just a sauce but a way to enhance every bite you take. Guests will be asking for the recipe before the day’s over. Adding the right sauce to your barbecue spread can make all the difference.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Black Bean Sliders

Mini burgers are always a hit, especially with a fresh, veggie-forward option included. Black Bean Sliders deliver the heartiness of a burger but bring something different and unexpected to the plate. They’re small bites with big flavor, perfect for anyone looking to try something unique at a grill-out. Once people try these, they’ll come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Sliders

Chocolate Lasagna

Desserts can be as layered as the meals from the grill, and this one stands tall on the flavor scale. Chocolate Lasagna layers a lovely mix of textures and flavors that make it a memorable treat. Guests will appreciate its richness and the effort that clearly went into creating it. Make a generous dish because it has a tendency to disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lasagna

Crunchy Onion Rings

Before the burgers hit the grill, setting out something crispy is a good move. Crunchy Onion Rings are a timeless favorite, providing a satisfying crunch that everyone loves. They’re great on their own or piled onto a burger for extra texture. Either way, expect them to be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled Vegetables bring smokiness and robust flavor, reminding us that the grill isn’t just for meats. They make a great side dish or a meal on their own, depending on how you plate them. You’ll likely end up making extras because everyone will want a plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Making pancakes for a crowd has never been easier or more fun. Sheet Pan Pancakes let you serve up breakfast without the hassle of flipping every single one. These large slabs of goodness can be sliced and shared quickly, making them perfect for feeding everyone. Be ready for them to become a new house favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is fresh with just the right amount of heat to grab attention. It cuts through the richness of grilled foods as a bright, bold side dish. This one is likely to be the most asked-about recipe of the spread. Offering something with a kick can liven up any cookout table.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Strawberry Dump Cake

When the dessert needs a quick fix but still tastes homemade, this one saves the day. Strawberry Dump Cake is as simple as it gets, yet it brings bold flavors guests won’t stop enjoying. Its fruity sweetness pairs well with almost everything else on the menu. After one bite, everyone will say it’s the perfect end to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Dump Cake

Veggie Pizza

Putting a different spin on pizza is never a bad idea for a gathering. Veggie Pizza brings a wonderful mix of textures and toppings that feels lighter but still delivers on flavor. It’s the perfect snack to grab a slice of while the grill heats up. Before you know it, there’s not a single slice left on the tray.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad brings a mix of crunch and freshness that pairs beautifully with the richer, hearty barbecue dishes. It’s a go-to for those looking to balance their plate with something light yet enjoyable. You’ll be surprised how often people go for seconds. Mixing things up with a classic side dish can make your table more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Veggie Sliders

Grill days are better when there’s something for everyone, including those who prefer plant-based options. Veggie Sliders are small but loaded with big flavor, making them a hit for both herbivores and omnivores. They’re bite-sized options that work as appetizers or light mains, depending on how you serve them. After one bite, people won’t hesitate to grab another.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Sliders

Grilled Eggplant

Grilled Eggplant is transformative, taking on a smoky flavor that’s deeply satisfying. It works as a main for veggies or a side dish that adds variety to your outdoor spread. Don’t be surprised when guests ask for more. Sharing space on the grill with so much meat, this option stands out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant

7 Layer Dip

Serving something before the grill’s ready is a must for hungry guests. 7 Layer Dip is a party favorite that’s stacked with flavor in every bite. It’s perfect with a handful of chips and always a crowd magnet on the snack table. By the time you’re ready to grill, this one might already be empty.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip