Labor Day Menu Ideas: Perfect Dishes for Your Celebration

Labor Day menu ideas typically focus on fun, casual, and flavorful dishes perfect for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and picnics. Grilled meats are often the star of the show, with classics like burgers, hot dogs, and ribs taking center stage. For variety, grilled chicken, seafood like shrimp skewers or grilled fish, and even veggie burgers can be offered. Accompanying side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob are popular choices that add color and flavor to the spread.

Fresh salads, such as a caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, or a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, provide a light contrast to the heavier dishes. For dessert, Labor Day celebrations often include indulgent treats such as pies—apple, peach, or cherry—along with cookies, brownies, and ice cream. To add a festive touch, drinks like lemonade, iced tea, sangria, or beer can be served, along with a variety of cocktails like margaritas or mojitos. The key to a successful Labor Day menu is offering a mix of traditional comfort foods with fresh, vibrant options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy while celebrating the holiday with friends and family.

Labor Day Menu Ideas

Here’s a list of 100+ Labor Day menu ideas to make your celebration memorable, featuring everything from appetizers to desserts:

Appetizers:

1. Deviled Eggs
2. Mini Sliders
3. Guacamole with Chips
4. Cheese and Charcuterie Platter
5. Vegetable Crudités with Dip
6. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
7. Buffalo Chicken Dip
8. Stuffed Jalapeños
9. Caprese Skewers
10. Bruschetta with Tomato & Basil
11. Chicken Wings (Buffalo or BBQ)
12. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
13. Pimento Cheese Dip
14. Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese
15. Mozzarella Sticks
16. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
17. Chips and Salsa
18. Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
19. Popcorn with Parmesan & Herbs
20. Mini Quesadillas

Salads:

21. Classic Coleslaw
22. Potato Salad
23. Caprese Salad
24. Cucumber, Tomato, and Red Onion Salad
25. Corn and Avocado Salad
26. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
27. Greek Salad
28. Fruit Salad
29. Broccoli Salad with Bacon
30. Caesar Salad
31. Spinach and Strawberry Salad
32. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
33. Cabbage and Carrot Salad
34. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
35. Chickpea Salad
36. Roasted Beet Salad
37. Corn and Bean Salad
38. Pineapple and Jalapeño Salad
39. Brussels Sprout Slaw
40. Peach and Arugula Salad

Main Dishes:

41. Grilled BBQ Ribs
42. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
43. Beef Burgers
44. Chicken Drumsticks (BBQ or Grilled)
45. Grilled Chicken Breast
46. Hot Dogs
47. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms (Vegetarian)
48. BBQ Brisket
49. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
50. Grilled Salmon
51. Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
52. Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
53. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
54. Grilled Sausages
55. Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
56. BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches
57. BBQ Meatball Subs
58. Spaghetti with Meatballs
59. Kebabs (Beef, Chicken, or Veggie)
60. BBQ Beef Tenderloin
61. Smoked Salmon Salad
62. Veggie Burger Patties
63. Ribeye Steaks
64. Grilled Lamb Chops
65. Cedar-Planked Salmon

Sides:

66. Baked Beans
67. Grilled Corn on the Cob
68. Cornbread
69. Macaroni and Cheese
70. Grilled Vegetables (Zucchini, Bell Peppers, etc.)
71. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
72. Fried Green Tomatoes
73. Garlic Bread
74. Baked Sweet Potatoes
75. French Fries
76. Sweet Potato Fries
77. Cheesy Garlic Knots
78. Cauliflower Rice
79. Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
80. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
81. Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
82. Loaded Potato Skins
83. Creamed Spinach
84. Fried Onion Rings
85. Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Butter
86. Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks
87. Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers
88. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
89. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
90. Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes

Desserts:

91. Apple Pie
92. Peach Cobbler
93. Brownie Sundaes
94. Lemon Bars
95. Ice Cream Sandwiches
96. Popsicles (Fruit or Cream-Based)
97. Berry Crisp
98. Watermelon Cake
99. Fruit Tarts
100. Chocolate Chip Cookies
101. S’mores Bars
102. Cupcakes (Vanilla or Chocolate)
103. Key Lime Pie
104. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
105. Grilled Peaches with Honey and Vanilla Ice Cream
106. Coconut Macaroons
107. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
108. Homemade Ice Cream (Vanilla, Chocolate, or Fruit)
109. Raspberry Sorbet
110. Mini Cheesecakes
111. Chocolate Mousse
112. Frozen Yogurt Bark
113. Rice Krispies Treats
114. Banana Pudding
115. Chocolate Eclairs
116. Chocolate Lava Cake
117. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
118. Fried Ice Cream
119. Berry Sorbet
120. Banana Foster Sundaes

Drinks:

121. Lemonade (Regular or Sparkling)
122. Iced Tea (Sweetened or Unsweetened)
123. Mint Mojitos
124. Watermelon Mojito
125. Fruit Punch (Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic)
126. Sangria
127. Sparkling Wine Sangria
128. Frozen Margaritas
129. Piña Colada
130. Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
131. Gin and Tonic
132. Lemon Cucumber Infused Water
133. Watermelon Lime Cooler
134. Berry Lemonade
135. Coconut Water with Pineapple
136. Mint Lemonade
137. Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz
138. Peach Iced Tea
139. Citrus Margarita
140. Iced Coffee with Vanilla Syrup
141. Kombucha
142. Cold Brew Coffee
143. Frozen Fruit Smoothies
144. Beer (Craft or Domestic)
145. Cocktails (Moscow Mule, Mai Tai, etc.)
146. Citrus Mojitos
147. Classic Daiquiri
148. Blue Lagoon Cocktail
149. Watermelon Slush
150. Beer Cocktails (Shandy, Michelada, etc.)

These menu ideas include a wide variety of options that cater to different tastes, making them perfect for a diverse and enjoyable Labor Day celebration.

Recipes

1. Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Paprika, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil the eggs in a saucepan for about 10 minutes. Let them cool in ice water, then peel and slice in half lengthwise.
2. Remove yolks and place them in a bowl. Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Spoon or pipe the filling into the egg whites. Garnish with paprika.
4. Refrigerate until serving.

2. Mini Sliders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 slider buns
• Cheese slices (optional)
• Lettuce, tomato, pickles, condiments

Instructions:

1. Form the ground beef into 12 small patties. Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill or pan-fry the patties over medium heat until fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes per side).
3. Toast the slider buns and assemble the sliders with your choice of toppings.
4. Serve with fries or chips.

3. Guacamole with Chips

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt, to taste
• Tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Mash the avocados in a bowl until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
2. Stir in onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
3. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

4. Cheese and Charcuterie Platter

Ingredients:

• Variety of cheeses (cheddar, brie, goat cheese, gouda)
• Meats (prosciutto, salami, pepperoni)
• Crackers and bread
• Fresh fruits (grapes, figs, apple slices)
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
• Olives and pickles

Instructions:

1. Arrange the cheeses, meats, crackers, bread, fruits, nuts, and olives on a large platter.
2. Add small bowls for pickles or mustard.
3. Serve with wine for an extra touch!

5. Vegetable Crudités with Dip

Ingredients:

• Carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, celery, cherry tomatoes, radishes (or any preferred vegetables)
• 1 cup ranch or hummus dip

Instructions:

1. Slice the vegetables into sticks or bite-sized pieces.
2. Arrange them on a platter.
3. Serve with your favorite dip.

6. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes.
2. Toss the shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Skewer the shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
4. Serve with cocktail sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

7. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

Instructions:

1. Mix the chicken, cream cheese, ranch, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese in a bowl.
2. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
3. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.

8. Stuffed Jalapeños

Ingredients:

• 12 jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon in a bowl.
2. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
3. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender.

9. Caprese Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 package fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Alternate threading the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto small skewers.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

10. Bruschetta with Tomato & Basil

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf baguette, sliced
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toast the baguette slices until golden brown.
2. Mix tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the mixture onto the toasted bread slices and serve.

11. Chicken Wings (Buffalo or BBQ)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Bake the wings for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
3. Toss with buffalo or BBQ sauce and serve with celery and blue cheese or ranch dip.

12. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1 cup spinach, cooked and drained
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, until bubbly.
3. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread slices.

13. Pimento Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup pimentos, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, mayonnaise, pimentos, salt, and pepper.
2. Serve with crackers or veggies.

14. Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Mix the cream cheese, dill, and lemon juice.
2. Spread the mixture on each cucumber slice.
3. Garnish with additional dill and serve.

15. Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup flour
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Dip the cheese sticks first in flour, then egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
2. Freeze the sticks for at least 30 minutes.
3. Fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Serve with marinara sauce.

16. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 12 slices bacon

Instructions:

1. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon.
2. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
3. Serve immediately.

17. Chips and Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 bag tortilla chips
• 2 cups salsa (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Serve the tortilla chips with your favorite salsa.

18. Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 12 mushroom caps
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

1. Mix the cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic.
2. Stuff the mushrooms with the cheese mixture.
3. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, until golden.

19. Popcorn with Parmesan & Herbs

Ingredients:

• 4 cups popped popcorn
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss the popcorn with Parmesan, parsley, and salt.
2. Serve immediately.

20. Mini Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 4 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken or beef (optional)
• Salsa and sour cream for dipping

Instructions:

1. Heat the tortillas in a skillet.
2. Add cheese and other fillings, fold the tortillas, and cook until golden.
3. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.