Fall may be on its way but we can't let summer pass without one last cookout for the books.Labor Day gives us the perfect excuse to break out our fire pit (if your camping knowledge is rusty, check out one of these easy fire starters to get the party going!). Whether you're hosting a summer soirée of your own or just looking for a dish to bring to your bestie's, these unique recipes won't disappoint. Pick a party theme, crank the music, and gather up your nearest and dearest. It's the unofficial end of summer and it's time to have fun!
Brit + Co Recipes
Tomato Confit
Image via Brit + Co
We're pretty sure that this tomato confit is the perfect side because of how versatile it is. Add it on top of toast, pasta, or a salad — or just stick a bowl on your buffet and let guests add it to their plates.
Homemade Dunkaroos
Image via Brit + Co
Kids of all ages will love these tasty cookies — almost as much as they love the vanilla icing! Top with rainbow sprinkles for some extra magic.
Brownie Cake Pops
Image via Brit + Co
These brownie pops are the perfect cookout recipe because they're easy to eat, and since they come on a stick, they're easy to serve to large groups of people. That's a win-win.
Pamplemousse La Croix and Lavender Mocktail
Image via Brit + Co
This refreshing mocktail mixes Pamplemousse La Croix with a homemade lavender simple syrup and fresh grapefruit juice to hit the spot when you're gathered with friends (and even when you're not).
Mint Lemonade
Image via Brit + Co
Upgrade your go-to afternoon drink with this Lebanese recipe. Not only does it have, well, lemon, but it also features orange blossom and rose waters to balance out the mint and lemon flavors.
Appetizers
Mango Salsa
Image via Foodiecrush
Sure, we've seen chips and salsa before, but there's nothing like the homemade kind. This special version is loaded with strawberries, avocado, and, of course, plenty of mangoes. Serve with tortilla or baked pita chips.
Grilled Tomato Lollipop Toasts
Image via White on Rice
If you plan on firing up the grill, consider this simple app. Fire roasted cherries meet ricotta-slathered grilled bread. Use the sweetest cherry tomatoes you can find.
Avocado Dip
Image via Add a Pinch
This recipe requires five ingredients and five minutes to make. That means you've got time for another round of cornhole.
Cantaloupe Panzanella
Image via Honestly Yum
Cantaloupe is SO good right now and adding it to a panzanella sweetens the deal. We'll take two, please.
Sides
Herbed Red Potato Salad
Image via Cookie + Kate
Potato salad is always a crowd pleaser and pairs well with so many dishes. This version swaps mayo for a flavorful herb and olive oil dressing, helping it stand up to hot summer afternoons.
Tomato Mozzarella Salad With Balsamic Reduction
Image via Little Broken
This salad is suuuper simple to throw together, travels well, and makes for a showstopping side. Consider the balsamic reduction a new life skill — it's delicious on everything from grilled peaches to ice cream.
Elote Corn
Image via The Noshery
Take advantage of corn season with elote, a classic Mexican street food dish. Sweet corn gets charred over an open fire and seasoned with all kinds of yumminess.
Summer Quinoa Salad
Image via Two Peas & Their Pod
This hearty salad is filled with fresh fruit, quinoa and drizzled with a lemon dressing that'll keep your guests coming back for more.
Zucchini and Fresh Corn Farmers’ Market Salad With Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette
Image via Foodiecrush
Hurray for no-cook sides! They're fresh, delicious, and keep you from sweatin' up a storm in the kitchen on warmer days. This one gets a flavor boost with goat cheese and pine nuts.
Garlic Brown Sugar Flank Steak With Chimichurri
Image via How Sweet It Is
If you're looking for a steak recipe that's also easy on the wallet, flank is your friend. This dish has an option for broiling the meat, so you can still get that cookout vibe even if you don't own a grill.
Easy Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Image via Creme de la Crumb
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best ones. We think this is a perfect example. A buttery sauce of garlic, lemon, and herbs is all you need to transform juicy shrimp into a stunning entrée.
Mains
Sweet Tea Oven-Fried Chicken Sliders With Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Slaw and Crispy Onions
Image via Half Baked Harvest
Where to begin with these sliders? If the name alone hasn't convinced you, consider the fact that almost everything can be prepped in advance.
Ground Beef Tacos
Image via Two Peas & Their Pod
Craft these super easy ground beef tacos for guests that'll be glued to the TV watching college football games. They'll appreciate the handheld dish while yelling at the screen. Just make sure they have lots of napkins nearby!
Beer and Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers
Image via Jo Cooks
This BBQ recipe hits all the salty, sweet, crispy, charred, tender notes we look for in a good kebab.
Dessert
Mixed Berry Slab Pie
Image via Wife Mama Foodie
If you feel like getting patriotic with your Labor Day Dessert, check out this slab pie. It's festive and a perfect way to use all those beautiful berries you found at the farmers' market.
S’more Ice Cream Sandwiches
Image via Paper & Stitch
It's hard to imagine a more iconic summer dessert than a s'more, except perhaps an ice cream sammie. We're head over heels for this recipe, which combines the two.
Key Lime Cheesecake
Image via Most-Hungry
A Labor Day cookout isn't complete without a yummy Key Lime cheesecake but this one comes with a twist. It features a no-bake chocolate crust made of oreo cookies!
Lemon Bars
Image via Amanda Wilens
Nothing beats the heat like this classic lemon treat. Keep them chilled in the refrigerator right before serving to help keep your guests cool while they're lounging in your backyard.
Drinks
Spicy Cucumber Margaritas
Image via Gimme Some Oven
This drink answers all of our summertime cravings. It's refreshing, clean, and has just a little kick. Plus, there's nothing that says fiesta like a little tequila.
Blood Orange Ginger co*cktail with a Rosemary Simple Syrup
Image via Amanda Wilens
For a sweeter drink, serve your guests blood orange ginger co*cktails! They'll enjoy the refreshing reprieve sans the spice and may even ask you for the recipe!
Which Labor Day cookout recipes will you be making this year? Subscribe to our email list to get the latest from B+C!
This article has been updated from a previous post.
Header image via Two Peas & Their Pod
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Jessica Smith
Jessica is a blogger and professional pastry cook in San Francisco. When not whipping up desserts, you can usually find her tackling DIY projects with her husband, entertaining for a crowd, or running around the neighborhood with her rambunctious puppy, Rebel. Jessica believes in using seasonal and wholesome ingredients as much as possible and you can check out more of her recipes at her blog: By Guess And By Golly.
