57 Labor Day Food Ideas To Close Out the Summer in 2025
Labor Day food ideas are more than just recipes — they’re how summer signs off. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, nearly 47% of Americans plan to barbecue over Labor Day weekend, making it the third most popular grilling event after the Fourth of July and Memorial Day. That’s a lot of burgers, hot dogs and backyard bragging rights.
So if you're rounding up your crew for one last summer bash, this collection of Labor Day food ideas is here to help. With options ranging from easy-peasy sides to show-stopping mains, you’ll send summer out with flavor, fun, and just the right amount of grill smoke.
Jump to Section
- Easy Labor Day Food Ideas for a Crowd
- Simple Labor Day Food Ideas for Families
- Healthy Labor Day Food Ideas
- No-Cook or Low-Prep Labor Day Food Ideas
- What to Bring to a Labor Day Cookout
- Labor Day Food Ideas FAQs
Easy Labor Day Food Ideas for a Crowd
1. Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos land on plenty of Labor Day menus for a reason. They’re easy to prep, easy to eat and everyone always seems to hover near the tray. Start with tortilla chips and pile on the good stuff — cheese, beans, jalapeños, maybe some pulled pork if you’re feeling generous.
2. Burger Bar
A burger bar keeps things simple and makes everyone happy. Grill a bunch of patties, set out toppings like cheese, pickles and lettuce and let guests stack their own. It’s unfussy, familiar and built for feeding a group without stress.
3. Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese works just as well as a side as it does as the main event. The crispy top and creamy middle are exactly why it shows up at so many cookouts. You can prep it ahead and pop it in the oven while the grill’s going.
4. Hot Dog Board
When it comes to Labor Day food ideas for a crowd, it’s hard to go wrong with a hot dog board. Load up the buns, fire up the grill and lay out toppings like mustard, onions and pickles. The classics work for a reason.
5. Seven-Layer Dip
The seven-layer dip is a great make-ahead appetizer that crowds love. Refried beans, guac, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives and tomatoes — stacked and scooped with chips.
6. Pasta Salad
If you’re short on time, one of the easiest Labor Day food ideas that’s perfect for the occasion is a pasta salad. It’s cold, it’s carb-y, and it gives you a break from the grill. Go with bowties or rotini, toss with veggies and vinaigrette, and chill until it’s time to serve.
7. Pulled Pork Sliders
Let the pork go low and slow, then shred and sauce it up. Stack it on soft buns with coleslaw for that sweet-and-savory bite that always works at a Labor Day cookout.
8. DIY Ice Cream Sandwich Bar
Labor Day food ideas don’t have to stop at the grill. Turn dessert into a party by letting everyone build their own ice cream sandwich. Set out cookies, ice cream and toppings — and tie it in with summer activities if you're mixing food with fun.
9. Patriotic Berry Trifle
For a dessert that looks like effort without actually requiring it, go with a berry trifle. Alternate layers of pound cake, whipped cream and berries for a red, white and blue nod to the holiday.
10. Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Sausage and peppers make sense when you’ve got a crowd and a grill going. Slice some onions and bell peppers, throw on bratwurst or spicy links and let the char do the work.
11. Potato Salad
Potato salad earns its spot for a reason. It’s make-ahead friendly, cheap to scale up, and always gets eaten. Stick with mayo, mustard and a splash of vinegar, or add celery and herbs if you're looking for a little extra oomph.
12. Coleslaw
You need something crisp and cold to balance out all the grilled stuff. Coleslaw does the job. Shred cabbage and carrots, mix with a tangy dressing and let it chill until serving.
Simple Labor Day Food Ideas for Families
13. Corn Dogs
Add a little fairground flair to your Labor Day food ideas with corn dogs. You simply dip hot dogs in a sweet cornmeal batter and deep fry them until golden brown.
14. Taco Bar
A taco bar is one of those simple Labor Day food ideas that handles itself once it's set up. Offer a mix of tortillas, fillings and toppings so guests can build their own.
15. Baked Beans
Baked beans show up on every summer table for good reason. Start with canned or dried beans and slow-cook them with brown sugar, molasses, mustard and maybe a little bacon or sausage for depth.
16. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Cups
Turn a comfort food favorite into party fare. Cut grilled cheese into bite-sized squares and serve with small cups of tomato soup. These mini pairings work great for cooler evenings.
17. Grilled Baked Potatoes
Grilled baked potatoes are hearty, smoky and easy to prep. Wrap them in foil after rubbing with olive oil and salt, then toss them on the grill. Top with sour cream, cheese or chili for extra punch.
18. Pizza Bagels
Labor Day food ideas for families don’t get much easier. Spread marinara sauce on mini bagels, sprinkle with cheese and toppings, then bake. It’s pizza, it’s bagels, it’s gone in minutes.
19. Corn Casserole
Corn casserole is a Labor Day staple that checks all the boxes: simple, filling and easy to scale up. Mix canned corn, cornbread mix, sour cream and cheese, then bake until golden and spoonable.
20. Grilled Clam Bake Foil Packs
Bring New England vibes to your backyard with these clam bake foil packs. Toss clams, shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes in butter and seasoning, seal them in foil, and let the grill do the rest.
21. Baked Ziti
Need something that feeds a crowd without fuss? Baked ziti is your answer. It’s rich, cheesy, and easy to make ahead — perfect for bigger Labor Day gatherings. Just layer with sauce, ricotta and mozzarella, then bake until bubbly.
22. Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Capture cheeseburger flavor in a family-style bake. Ground beef, ketchup, mustard and cheese go under a layer of frozen tater tots. Bake until golden for a dish that’s equal parts comfort and crowd-pleaser.
23. Mini Chicken Pot Pies
Mini pot pies offer all the comfort of the original in an easy-to-serve format. Use biscuit dough in muffin tins and fill with creamy chicken and veggies. Labor Day food ideas that double as dinner and finger food? Always welcome.
24. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
These are easy to slice, stack and serve. Fill tortillas with shredded BBQ chicken, cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) and red onion, then grill or toast until crisp. Even picky eaters will give them a go.
Healthy Labor Day Food Ideas
25. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is an easy Labor Day winner that hits the trifecta: fresh, colorful and surprisingly filling. Just slice fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, layer with basil and drizzle with olive oil or balsamic.
26. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers pull double duty as a side or a lighter main. Fill halved peppers with a mix of rice, tomato sauce and seasoned ground turkey or beef, then bake until everything’s bubbling.
27. Veggie Skewers
If you have vegan friends coming over or you're just looking to add more vegetables to your Labor Day food ideas, veggie skewers are the way to go. Thread a mix of your favorite vegetables onto skewers, brush with olive oil and season them and grill until lightly charred and tender.
28. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Portobellos bring smoky flavor and meaty texture without the meat. They grill fast and hold up well as a side or main for your plant-based crowd. Simply brush them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and herbs and off to the grill.
29. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Your cookout menu wouldn't be complete without this BBQ classic: grilled corn on the cob. Add a touch of butter and salt, or cheese and chilli powder for a fun elote-inspired twist.
30. Turkey Burgers in Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce-wrapped turkey burgers keep things light but still feel like cookout fare. Add tomato, onion or mustard to dress them up without adding carbs.
31. Shrimp Skewers with Veggies
Shrimp skewers give you the grilled flavor without the heaviness. Pair with peppers or zucchini and a little garlic-lemon marinade.
32. Buffalo Cauliflower Kebabs
Buffalo cauliflower kebabs are a spicy, plant-based alternative that brings bold flavor to your Labor Day food ideas. Toss cauliflower florets in buffalo sauce, then thread them onto skewers with extras like bell peppers, red onions or zucchini and grill until the edges are charred.
33. Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon feta salad is one of the most refreshing BBQ sides. All you have to do is combine juicy watermelon cubes with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint or basil and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze. It's sweet, salty and hydrating and brings fresh contrast to heavier mains.
34. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip with Veggies
Greek yogurt makes this dip tangy and protein-packed. Mix plain Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning and serve it chilled with a colorful platter of your favorite veggies.
35. Greek Salad
Add a Mediterranean touch to your Labor Day food ideas with an authentic Greek salad. Toss chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives and feta cheese with a simple dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper.
36. Grilled Salmon with Lemon & Herbs
If you’re planning something a little more upscale, grilled salmon delivers flavor and healthy fats. Season salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs like dill, parsley or thyme, then grill skin-side down until the flesh is flaky and tender.
No-Cook or Low-Prep Labor Day Food Ideas
37. Charcuterie Board
When you want something quick but still impressive, a charcuterie board checks every box. Stack meats, cheeses, fruit and crackers and call it done.
38. Guacamole & Store-Bought Salsa with Chips
If you’re short on time, guac and chips always work. Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, diced onion and chopped cilantro for a fresh guacamole, and pair it with your favorite store-bought salsa and chips. Labor Day food ideas don’t always need a recipe.
39. Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail keeps things chilled and crowd-friendly. Boil or steam large shrimp until just pink, then chill them over ice and serve with a tangy cocktail sauce made from ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
40. Tuna Salad Lettuce Boats
For a high-protein, no-fuss option, fill romaine leaves with tuna salad and call it lunch. It’s a really easy option to prepare in bulk ahead of time.
41. Greek Yogurt Parfaits
These look fancy but take minutes to prep. Layer Greek yogurt with berries, granola and honey for a lighter dessert.
42. Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches bring a little garden-party energy to your cookout. Use cream cheese, herbs and thin-sliced cucumbers on soft bread.
43. Trail Mix Bar
Set out a build-your-own trail mix station with nuts, dried fruit and chocolate bits. It’s zero effort, totally customizable and kid-approved.
44. Antipasto Skewers
Salami, cheese, olives and tomatoes get a party upgrade when threaded onto toothpicks. These travel well and don’t need refrigeration right away.
45. Crackers with Cheese & Jam
Three ingredients, no cooking. Top crackers with brie or goat cheese and a swipe of fig jam or berry preserves.
46. Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken Wraps
Looking for Labor Day food ideas that don’t have to be cooked from scratch? Buy a rotisserie chicken, shred it up and roll it into wraps with lettuce, tomato and your favorite spread.
What to Bring to a Labor Day Cookout
47. Corn and Black Bean Salsa
For an easy-to-make-ahead meal to bring to a cookout, try a delicious corn and black bean salsa. Combine black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño and chopped cilantro, then toss with lime juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt. This fresh salsa holds up well in a cooler and pairs with chips, tacos or grilled chicken. Make it a few hours ahead so the flavors blend.
49. Marinated Olives & Artichokes
For a salty snack that can stay out of the fridge, go with marinated olives and artichokes in a sealed container. You won't even have any additional prep to do after you arrive.
50. Lobster Rolls
If you’re going big, lobster rolls feel extra but don’t require much work. Toss fresh lobster meat with a touch of mayo, lemon juice and celery, and pile it onto toasted, buttered split-top buns.
51. Hawaiian Roll Ham & Swiss Sliders
Labor Day food ideas for a crowd don’t get easier than this. Layer sliced ham and Swiss cheese inside halved Hawaiian rolls, then brush the tops with a buttery mixture of Dijon mustard, poppy seeds and onion powder. Assemble ahead, cover with foil and bake when it’s time to eat.
52. BBQ Tofu
If you’re vegan (or you have vegan guests) and you still want a smoky flavor, BBQ tofu is a great choice. Marinate tofu in your favorite BBQ sauce and grill or bake. Even non-vegans tend to grab a slice — it’s smoky and satisfying.
53. Pickle Platter
Pickles are having a moment, and they’re perfect for warm weather. Arrange an assortment of pickles — dill spears, bread and butter chips, spicy gherkins, pickled onions, and even pickled veggies like carrots or okra — on a tray or board.
54. S’mores Dip
This gooey dessert is easier than a full s’mores setup. Melt chocolate in a skillet, top with marshmallows and broil until golden.
55. Bruschetta with Tomato & Basil
Toast baguette slices, rub with garlic and top with diced tomato, basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve at room temp — no stress.
56. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
Melt some chocolate, dip your pretzels and add sprinkles or crushed nuts. Let them set and you're done.
57. Orzo Salad with Feta & Lemon
This lemony pasta salad feels light but still fills you up. Toss cooked orzo with cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta and a quick vinaigrette.
Labor Day Food Ideas FAQs
What’s a Good Menu for Labor Day?
A good Labor Day menu includes crowd-pleasers like burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, pasta salad and fruit-based desserts.
What Should I Eat on Labor Day?
Stick with summer staples like barbecue, baked beans, hot dogs and fresh sides like watermelon salad or coleslaw.
What Do Americans Eat for Labor Day?
Grilled favorites top the list — think burgers, ribs, hot dogs and steaks — along with sides like potato salad, corn and chips with dip.
What to Bring to a Labor Day Cookout?
Bring something easy to share, like pasta salad, dessert bars, chips and dip or a fruit platter. Bonus if it travels well and doesn’t need reheating.
Labor Day food ideas aren’t just about the menu. They’re how summer says goodbye. The season’s wrapping up, but there’s still time for one more burger, one more peach cobbler and one more reason to linger outside a little longer. Make it count.
For even more fun holiday ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
