Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, a time when families and friends gather to celebrate the achievements of American workers. It’s a great time to enjoy one last summer feast before the cool breezes of fall set in and we start tailgating and prepping for holiday meals.
Established in 1894 as a national holiday, Labor Day was intended to honor the contributions of workers across the country. From its inception, the day was marked by parades, public speeches, and, most notably, community cookouts—a tradition that has endured through the decades.
As we approach this year’s Labor Day, there's no better time to bring people together for a cookout. Barbecue has always been about more than just food; it’s about community, connection, and creating lasting memories with those we care about. This year let’s take inspiration from those early celebrations and host a gathering that not only provides a lot of great flavors but also strengthens the bonds we share with our loved ones.
Here are seven favorite recipe ideas that will be sure to have everyone talking. Trust us, every one of these is perfect for your Labor Day cookout.
No Labor Day cookout is complete without a classic rack of ribs. These tender, flavorful ribs are smoked to perfection, with a balance of sweet and savory that’s sure to please a crowd. The secret is in the slow smoking process, allowing the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender while soaking up that rich, smoky flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend warrior, this recipe will make you the star of the barbecue.
2. Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger
For a burger experience like no other, the Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger is a must-try. This recipe takes the classic burger to the next level with a thin, crispy patty that’s smashed right on the griddle, with onions cooked directly into the beef. The result is a burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—a perfect centerpiece for your Labor Day gathering.
Imagine a juicy grilled hot dog, nestled in a garlicky, buttery bun, and smothered in homemade chili. It’s a combination that’s sure to impress and satisfy. This dish brings together two all-American favorites in one bite, making it an ideal choice for your Labor Day menu.
Pulled pork is a barbecue staple, and this recipe shows you how to achieve perfectly juicy, tender meat every time. The key is a low and slow cook, allowing the pork shoulder to break down and become incredibly tender. We also injected this pork shoulder to get even more flavor. Whether served on a bun with coleslaw or straight from the plate, this pulled pork is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have your guests coming back for more.
Texas is known for its brisket, and this recipe delivers all the smoky, beefy goodness that you’d expect from the Lone Star State. The brisket is seasoned with a simple rub, then smoked low and slow until it reaches that perfect balance of tender, juicy meat and a rich, smoky bark. It’s a bit of a time commitment, but the results are more than worth it. This brisket will be the talk of your Labor Day cookout.
6. The Best Chicken Wings Recipe
Every great gathering needs a fantastic wing recipe, and these chicken wings deliver. The wings are first brined, then cooked to crispy perfection and coated in a sauce that packs a punch. Serve these up as an appetizer or a main dish and watch them disappear faster than you can say "Labor Day."
This one is really more than just one recipe, it’s actually three different pizzas based on one pizza dough recipe. That’s the great thing about making pizza at your Labor Day group cookout, you can create very different flavors just by changing up your toppings, so there’s a great chance you’ll make something everyone will love!
As we bid farewell to summer, let’s make this Labor Day one to remember. Fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and celebrate the holiday with these seven standout recipe ideas. After all, barbecue isn’t just about the food—it’s about the community, the laughter, and the memories we create together.
