Fresh Fridays, September 3 | Labor Day Recipes
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Hi friends!
Happy almost end of summer; here in the U.S. Labor Day weekend is the “unofficial” end to summer, but oh those summer temps still hang around, so why not invite friends and family over for a gathering.
How will you celebrate this long holiday weekend?
I love Labor Day Weekend; traditionally we head up to the mountains with dear friends and I am excited to say that we are doing that again this year. I am beyond thrilled! Especially since we missed last year!
We hike, relax, eat great food, chat, rest, and enjoy God’s creation!
So I thought it might be fun to give you my favorite and most popular holiday weekend barbecue recipes.
There is a lot to choose from, so use this convenient table of contents to jump to the sections you are interested in!
Labor Day Recipes | Table of Contents
Labor Day Appetizers | Fresh & Healthy
Appetizers
Cool, creamy, cheesy, and EASY appetizers for your weekend celebrations!
Zucchini Corn Fritters
Use up your summer garden bounty with these delicious and EASY zucchini corn fritters!
Easy Tomato Bruschetta
The most amazing (and super easy) tomato bruschetta, everyone gobbles this down when I make it!
Creamy White Queso Dip
Using real cheese, this creamy white queso is perfect to make for some weekend noshing.
Delicious Antipasto Dip
Okay, so the picture isn't great, but this dip is so scrumptious, flavorful and crowd-pleasing.
Mediterranean Layered Dip
Trying to eat on the healthier side? This fresh hummus dip comes together in minutes and is loaded with fresh veggies.
Sides, Salads and a few Bread Recipes
Next we’ll move into Sides and Salads, because for me weekend outdoor entertaining is not about the main, but about the amazing sides!
The Best Sides & Salads
Best Italian Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Everybody loves this pasta salad! Make it ahead of time and the the star of the barbecue.
Asian Ramen Noodle Salad (All Natural)
You can never go wrong with this potluck staple! A salad that holds up to the heat and gets rave reviews every.single.time!
Bacon Balsamic Macaroni Salad
A unique macaroni salad filled with wonderful flavors and not overloaded with mayo!
Delicious Antipasto Pasta Salad
Another Pasta Salad winner, this one is loaded with meats, veggies, cheese for a hearty potluck salad.
The Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Spread (aka Liz Bread)
You gotta have some amazing bread to accompany your barbecue right? This Cheesy Garlic Bread is the best!
Easy Corn Casserole (without Jiffy)
Soft, pudding like Corn Casserole is a winner for any family or entertaining event.
Best Ever Cowboy Baked Beans
These beans, THESE BEANS! I get asked for the recipe everytime I bring these to a BBQ!
Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits (biscuits & skillet bread)
Hot biscuits in under 30 minutes, yes and they are amazing!
Carrabba's Grill Seasoning
If you need a good spice seasoning, grill rub for your weekend barbecuing this is it! It's fabulous on chicken, steak, burgers, fish and even veggies!
Rocky Mountain Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Slather some of this sweet-tangy, buttery sauce on whatever you are barbecuing this weekend!
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Prefer to enjoy your potatoes a little more cheesy! Then these fabulous potatoes are for you!
The Main Event | Labor Day Meals
From shish kebabs to fork-tender oven barbecued beef brisket, these Labor day meals will be the hit!
The Main Event | Barbecue Main Dish Heros
Shish Kebabs {Beef or Chicken Marinade}
This shish kebab marinade is flavorful, and whips up in minutes! Use on beef or chicken (or both) and let everyone assemble their own kebab!!
Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Don't want to fire up the grill, make this incredible slow cooker pulled pork! No ovens, no slaving over the hot grill, just juicy and amazing flavorful pulled pork.
Easy Asian Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin
A simple pork marinade with an Asian flare, delicious every time!
Famous Flank Steak Marinade
Our family's favorite summertime meal, everyone is home for dinner when they know I am making this famous flank steak!
Best Juicy Burgers with Caramelized Onions
These burgers are the best, whether you use bison, ground beef, turkey or chicken, the flavors are amazing.
Best Chicken Marinade | Coconut Lime Chicken
This is what we're making this weekend, flavorful, simple, and delicious!
Copycat Chipotle Chicken
Make up your own Chipotle burrito bowl bar with this copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe.
Oven Baked Barbecue Beef Brisket
If it wasn't 90 degrees outside, I would totally be making this! Fork-tender, melt in your mouth beef.
Easy & Healthy Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Another healthier choice for the grill! Amazing Mediterranean flavors.
Labor Day Drinks for Everyone
Whether you have little people around or are entertaining adults, these drinks are sure to please.
The Best Drink Recipes
Cherry Bomb Recipe | Cherry Bourbon Smash
My #1 summer cocktail, and easily make into a mocktail for a non-alcoholic version.
Hibiscus Dark and Stormy Drink
Oh this drink is as delicious as it is beautiful! Omit the rum for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink!
Watermelon Slush
A summer sensation! Make with or without alcohol, kids will love helping to make this frozen drink.
Cucumber Cooler Cocktail {Basil or Mint}
Surprisingly delicious and refreshing! We call it adult spa water!
Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade
Tastes just like the real deal, make the concentrate up ahead of time for a refreshing summer tea!
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Frosted Lemonade
The kids (and maybe a few adults) will go wild over these homemade frosted lemonades!
Maple Whiskey Sour
And if you are starting to feel all the fall feels, make this easy and delicious all-natural maple whiskey sour!
All the Best Labor Day Desserts
All the best Dessert Recipes
Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake
A soft, chewy, not dry and cakey or spongy old-fashioned strawberry shortcake, it's summer's best right here!
The Best Key Lime Pie | A Traditional Key Lime Pie Recipe
My top dessert recipe of all time, hundreds have made this amazing pie, you can too!
Easy Lemon Cream Pie {No Bake}
Another no-bake, make-ahead lemony sensation with a Golden Oreo cookie crust.
Amazing Mile High Mud Pie (Easy Ice Cream Cake)
Assemble this easy to make layered ice cream dessert ahead of time and wow your family and friends.
Old Fashioned Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream
A family favorite, even non-chocolate lovers will love this ice cream.
Crumbl Cookie Recipes | Crumbl Sugar Cookie Recipe
A spot-on recipe for rich, buttery, thick and chewy Chilled Sugar Cookies. DId I mention you will have cookies in about 30 minutes including the frosting!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
When you take the world's best chocolate chip cookies and sandwich your favorite creamy ice cream between you have a party!
Easy Chocolate Shortcake
A chocolate lovers version of strawberry shortcake! Keep it all chocolate and vanilla or spoon on some strawberries for a fresh summer treat.
Old Fashioned Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Feeding a crowd, this Texas Sheet Cake is a crowd pleaser for sure!
Nothing Bundt Cake Recipe | Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bundtlets and Bundt Cake
A seriously EASY bundt cake to make, watch the simple video to see how to frost this super moist and delicious cake.
This weeks favorite tool has to be the workhorse of the kitchen, the cutting board. I love this inexpensive, easy to clean bamboo cutting board. <<== 30% off coupon right now!
P.S. Did you know that clicking the links to the recipes on the blog is what ultimately provides the means for me to bring you fresh, new recipes each week! FREE TO YOU!
Don’t forget to browse through my recipe index or simply type in an ingredient you are using into the search bar!
May you rest from your labor this weekend, get recharged, re-connect with family and friends.
With gratitude,
P.S. More great recipes and ideas on the last Fresh Fridays post!
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About Kathleen Pope
Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer
Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.
