Delicious Labor Day BBQ Recipes & Family Fun

Labor Day is just around the corner! The summer has been very hot and in some areas a very wet summer, so fall will be a welcome friend.

Photo byAmbitious Studio* | Rick BarrettonUnsplash

Labor Day may mark the end of summer, but it is also a time to honor and look back at the workers and laborers who built this country.

For many of us, it is also the day to enjoy barbecues and family time before life gets back to normal with school and work.

Photo byIvan AleksiconUnsplash

Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner, planning the perfect Labor Day barbecue is all about balancing classic flavors with a touch of creativity.

To help you plan your Labor Day barbecue I have collected some mouthwatering recipes that will make your gathering memorable.

1. Games and Activities: Keep guests entertained with outdoor games like cornhole, frisbee, or a water balloon toss.

Photo byAustin DistelonUnsplash

BBQ Recipes to Delight Your Guests

Photo byClay BanksonUnsplash

1. Classic Grilled Burgers with a Twist

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 4 brioche buns
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 leaves of butter lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Optional: Chipotle mayo or your favorite condiments

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form the mixture into four patties.
3. Grill the burgers for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer for your preferred doneness. Add cheddar cheese slices during the last minute of grilling.
4. Toast the brioche buns on the grill for about 1 minute until slightly crispy.
5. Assemble the burgers with avocado slices, red onion, butter lettuce, and tomato. Add chipotle mayo for a smoky kick if desired.
6. Serve hot with a side of pickles or potato salad.

2. Honey-Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs

Photo byKenny EliasononUnsplash

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting the excess drip off.
4. Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve the chicken with grilled corn on the cob or a fresh summer salad.

3. Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Oil

Photo byJeremy BishoponUnsplash

Ingredients:

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 8-10 mushrooms, whole
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating the types for color and flavor variety.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the herb oil over the vegetable skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot as a side dish or a vegetarian main course.

4. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad

Photo byFrames For Your HeartonUnsplash

Ingredients:

Photo byNikonUnsplash

• 1/2 large watermelon, cut into cubes
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon cubes, feta cheese, and chopped mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with extra mint leaves if desired.

Dessert Idea: Berry Trifle

End your Labor Day barbecue on a sweet note to honor those who have worked hard to build our country!

This berry trifle is not only visually stunning but also easy to assemble.

Ingredients:

Photo byAnastasia ZheninaonUnsplash

• 1 pound angel food cake, cut into cubes
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 cups raspberries
• 2 cups whipped cream or vanilla pudding
• Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer the angel food cake cubes, followed by a layer of whipped cream or pudding.
2. Add a layer of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries).
3. Repeat the layers until the trifle bowl is filled.
4. Top with a final dollop of whipped cream or pudding, and garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves.
5. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Enjoy your family and Friends and Get Ready for Fall!