When Labor Day Weekend Hits, These 41 Are the Only Recipes That Matter

Labor Day weekend always feels like the unofficial grand finale of summer, and the food has to live up to the moment. That’s why these recipes matter when Labor Day weekend hits—they bring everyone together, whether it’s burgers on the grill, fresh sides, or a sweet treat to end the night. It’s all about those flavors that make the long weekend feel extra special and worth savoring.

Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

A pea salad with cheddar cheese in a serving bowl. — Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Beans

Mexican black bean chili. — Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

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These smoky, protein-packed black beans are a perfect side or filling for burrito bowls and tacos throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Beans

Grilled Garlic Flank Steak

A piece of meat on a cutting board with a knife. — Grilled Garlic Flank Steak. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Infused with garlic and flame-grilled to perfection, this flank steak is flavorful enough to replace any fancy dinner out. Top with your favorite barbecue sauce!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Flank Steak

Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad

A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings. — Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad – It’s a Classic. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

With its gorgeous rows of colors and bright flavors, this classic Southern seven-layer salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for bbq parties. Served in a clear glass bowl that showcases all the beautiful colors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad

Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley. — Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts is a great summertime salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

Mini Lemon Blueberry Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Squares of lemon bars topped with whipped cream and fresh blueberries are arranged on a sheet of parchment paper. The bars have a golden crust and a vibrant yellow filling. — Mini Lemon Blueberry Bars With A Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

These Lemon Bars with blueberries are sweet and tart, resting on a buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for potlucks or parties.
Get the Recipe: Mini Lemon Blueberry Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Old-Fashioned Carrot Raisin Salad

A bowl of carrot and raisin salad next to a bunch of carrots. — Old-Fashioned Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Shredded carrots, sweet raisins, and pineapple are mixed with a light mayo dressing in this nostalgic salad. It’s a sweet and tangy dish that’s stood the test of time in vintage summer salads.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Raisin Salad

Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

Delicious pesto pasta salad with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes in a glass bowl. — Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Easy to make basil pesto pasta salad with bow tie pasta is a flavorful, colorful side that’s great for summer picnics or cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

Travel-Proof, Crowd-Tested, Stress-Free Desserts

A collage featuring a glazed bundt cake with chopped pecans, a frosted sheet cake sprinkled with pecans, and a peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream, all displayed on a blue background. — Travel-Proof, Crowd-Tested, Stress-Free Desserts. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

From sheet cakes to cobblers, these 16 Southern recipes are made to hold up in the heat, travel without a fuss, and still get you all the compliments at the potluck table
Grab it here: Travel-Proof, Crowd-Tested, Stress-Free Desserts

Five Minute Mini Raspberry Tarts

A tray of phyllo cup desserts. — Five Minute Mini Raspberry Tarts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Thanks to premade tart shells, these mini raspberry tarts come together in just five minutes and taste like raspberry cheesecake.
Get the Recipe: Five Minute Mini Raspberry Tarts

Thai Grilled Chicken

Chicken curry with rice. — Thai Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Fragrant and spicy, this Thai grilled chicken brings an exotic twist to your outdoor spread. It’s a flavorful upgrade that’ll impress any meat lover.
Get the Recipe: Thai Grilled Chicken

Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes. — Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

A close-up image shows a skillet filled with creamy corn. A silver spoon holds a portion of the creamed corn, revealing kernels cooked in a luscious sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. The corn looks well-seasoned and ready to serve. — Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Rich, buttery Creamed Corn gets a homemade makeover with just four simple ingredients and 10 minutes on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri

Sliced grilled steak topped with green chimichurri sauce, served alongside fresh arugula and cherry tomato salad on a white plate. — Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Herbaceous and vibrant, this grilled flank steak with chimichurri is a stunning centerpiece that also makes delicious steak sandwiches the next day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

A close-up of a Caesar salad topped with creamy dressing, croutons, shredded Parmesan cheese, and chopped romaine lettuce on a light-colored plate. — Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Fresh romaine and smoky grilled chicken come together for a crisp, hearty Caesar salad that holds up for days.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Bourbon Bbq Hamburger Sliders

Barbecue hamburger sliders on a platter. — Bourbon Bbq Hamburger Sliders. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Hamburger Sliders recipe with Spicy Bourbon BBQ sauce have a spicy and slightly sweet sauce coats these perfect sized finger foods.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Bbq Hamburger Sliders

Green Bean and New Potato Salad

A platter of green bean and potato salad. — Green Bean and New Potato Salad. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

This refreshing salad combines crisp green beans and tender new potatoes, all tossed in a honey vinaigrette. It’s a delightful addition to any summer gathering, embodying the essence of vintage summer salads.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and New Potato Salad

Pecan Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Pecan Pie Bars with a buttery shortbread crust, sweet brown sugar coating, and toasted pecans. All the flavor of pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Summer Farro Salad

A close-up of a bowl filled with a salad made of barley, diced zucchini, green peas, and fresh herbs. The ingredients are mixed, showcasing a fresh and healthy grain salad. — Summer Farro Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Summer Farro Salad is an easy salad made with hearty farro, olive oil, lemon juice, zucchini, peas, pesto, and freshly chopped parsley.
Get the Recipe: Summer Farro Salad

Pulled Bbq Chicken Recipe

A close-up of a shredded chicken sandwich with pickles on a multigrain bun, served on a gray plate—perfect for game day potluck recipes. — Pulled Bbq Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This quick and delicious Instant Pot pulled BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for sandwiches, BBQ plates, or tacos in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Bbq Chicken Recipe

Grilled Bbq Pork Tenderloin

A pork tenderloin sliced and covered in bbq sauce. — Grilled Bbq Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This simple Grilled BBQ Pork Tenderloin recipe is super simple to make without sacrificing flavor or spending hours over a hot grill!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bbq Pork Tenderloin

Extra Tangy Lemon Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Sweet and tangy lemon bars with a buttery crust and creamy filling. A perfect balance of flavors with a touch of cream of tartar.
Get the Recipe: Extra Tangy Lemon Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Zucchini Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinegar

Zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes on a white platter with a wooden spoon — Zucchini Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

With cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and zoodles, it’s a twist on a classic caprese salad. Just a few ingredients and you’ll have a healthy delicious salad to add to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinegar

Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

A plate of grilled chicken thighs, inspired by classic chicken thighs recipes and coated in a dark barbecue sauce, is garnished with chopped herbs and sits on a white table next to a spoon and a blue polka-dot cloth. — Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Perfectly smoky, tender, and mess-free, these BBQ chicken thighs never fail to make my long weekend menu year after year.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Meatballs In Bbq Sauce With Grape Jelly

A hand holds a toothpick with a Grape Jelly Meatball above a bowl filled with more glazed meatballs, garnished with herbs. Plates and extra toothpicks are in the background on a gray surface. — Meatballs In Bbq Sauce With Grape Jelly. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Homemade meatballs with ground chuck, parmesan, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly. A sweet and savory slow cooker appetizer that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs In Bbq Sauce With Grape Jelly

Mini Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bars

A batch of raspberry brownie bars on parchment paper. — Mini Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bars. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars use a chocolate brownie base, a fruity raspberry preserve filling, and a crumbly oat topping to create a decadent, fruity treat.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bars

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

A clear bowl of ranch potato salad. — Bacon Ranch Potato Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Ranch potato salad loaded with bacon, cheese and a sour cream ranch dressing is just what you need for your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

A bowl of cucumber salad with onions and two serving spoons — Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This tangy Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and since it has no mayo, it’s perfect for warm summer days.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

Bright And Tangy Lemon Curd Cookies

Eggs in a basket on a black background. — Bright And Tangy Lemon Curd Cookies. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Lemon Curd Cookies made with butter, lemon zest, and homemade lemon curd filling. A bright, buttery treat with a tangy twist.
Get the Recipe: Bright And Tangy Lemon Curd Cookies

BBQ Chicken Salad

A bowl of salad topped with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and drizzled with creamy dressing and barbecue sauce. — BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

This chicken salad is flavorful and easy to make ahead for picnics or gatherings. It keeps well chilled and pairs well with fresh bread or crackers.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Salad

Bbq Pulled Beef

Slow cooker pulled pork. — Bbq Pulled Beef. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

The BEST slow cooker BBQ beef recipe, perfect for lazy weeknights. Tender beef with tangy BBQ sauce that’s completely customizable.
Get the Recipe: Bbq Pulled Beef

Smoked Chicken Thighs with Sweet BBQ Glaze

Close-up of several pieces of grilled barbecue chicken with a caramelized, sticky glaze and char marks, resting on a black grill grate. — Smoked Chicken Thighs with Sweet BBQ Glaze. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Smoky, juicy, and brushed with sweet BBQ glaze, these chicken thighs are an easy smoker recipe that always makes my long weekend menu.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs with Sweet BBQ Glaze

Bbq Pork Chops With Peach Barbecue Sauce

BBQ pork chops with peach sauce on a plate. — Bbq Pork Chops With Peach Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This naturally sweet barbecue sauce can be made with fresh or frozen peaches and it adds a ton of flavor to tender grilled pork chops.
Get the Recipe: Bbq Pork Chops With Peach Barbecue Sauce

Southern-Style BBQ Wings

A plate of cooked chicken wings, inspired by classic chicken wing recipes, served with celery and carrot sticks and a cup of creamy dipping sauce, sits beside a blue and white striped napkin. — Southern-Style BBQ Wings. Photo credit: Southern Plate.

These Southern-style BBQ wings are bold with hot sauce, BBQ sauce, and creole seasoning. Flavor-packed and perfect for a game day win.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style BBQ Wings

Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon and Herbs

A glass bowl of roasted potato salad — Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon and Herbs. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Roasted baby potatoes tossed with crispy bacon and fresh herbs give this salad a smoky and savory edge. It’s a satisfying twist on classic retro picnic recipes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon and Herbs

Chess Bars With Pecans (Chess Squares)

These Chess Bars combine brown sugar, butter, eggs, and pecans for a chewy, irresistible treat.
Get the Recipe: Chess Bars With Pecans (Chess Squares)

Savory Green Beans With Bacon

A bowl of Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, topped with crispy bacon pieces and caramelized onions, sits on a light cloth napkin with serving utensils. A small dish of extra bacon crumbles is nearby for added flavor. — Savory Green Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Green Beans with Bacon and Onions will transform a simple side dish into a FABULOUS one. Great for when you want to jazz up your vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Savory Green Beans With Bacon

Colorful Carrot Salad

Bright and zippy with a citrusy kick, this carrot salad brings crunch and color to your cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Carrot Salad

Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

A strawberry bar with a bite taken out. — Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Creamy cheesecake bars with a baked on strawberry topping are just the thing for your next party or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Tomato Salad With Peaches

Fresh Peach and Tomato Salad can’t be beat when summer produce is at its best. Try combining fresh peaches with juicy tomatoes, then sprinkle with salty feta for a light and refreshing summer salad
Get the Recipe: Tomato Salad With Peaches

Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

A creamy cucumber salad with corn in a glass bowl with a serving spoon — Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Jazz up your salad menu with a Corn and Cucumber Salad. The mixture of veggies in a creamy yogurt, mayo and dill dressing make it a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

Easy Honey Bbq Chicken

Honey BBQ Chicken is made with my homemade Honey BBQ sauce & tender boneless skinless chicken thighs. So easy to do on the grill, oven & more!
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Bbq Chicken

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