50 Labor Day BBQ Recipe Ideas

These slow-smoked beef short ribs are seasoned with a bold dry rub and cooked until tender and juicy. Perfect for any serious barbecue, they offer deep, smoky flavor and a rich, meaty bite that will satisfy every carnivore at your cookout. A true pitmaster favorite.

Juicy chicken tenders are marinated in sweet honey-mustard, then grilled to tender perfection with lightly charred edges. A simple, family-friendly recipe that’s big on flavor.

A smoky spin on classic comfort food, this chuck roast is cooked low and slow for incredible tenderness. With a savory dry rub and plenty of flavor, it’s a great alternative to brisket and perfect for sandwiches or serving sliced at your next cookout.

Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and onions make these veggie skewers a colorful and healthy side. Brushed with a tangy balsamic herb sauce, they’re full of flavor and super easy to throw on the grill. A perfect vegetarian option for summer meals.

This burger is loaded with flavor from the inside out. Juicy ground beef stuffed with garlic herb butter is topped with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and creamy aioli. It’s rich, indulgent, and totally unforgettable.

Layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and fresh berries create a no-bake dessert that is festive and refreshing. This red, white and blue treat is easy to prepare ahead and perfect for any patriotic celebration.

This smoked mac and cheese is comfort food with a smoky upgrade. Creamy cheddar sauce coats every bite of tender pasta, and smoking it adds an extra layer of depth. It’s a side dish that might steal the whole show.

Chicken thighs marinated in fresh lime juice, cilantro, and garlic come off the grill juicy and full of zesty flavor. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or outdoor cookouts.

This vinegar-based Carolina barbecue sauce is tangy, bold, and packed with flavor. Perfect for pulled pork, grilled chicken, or ribs, it brings a punchy kick that cuts through rich meat with just the right balance.

This refreshing summer salad features grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and feta tossed in a citrusy lime vinaigrette. It’s light, bright, and loaded with flavor, perfect as a side for any barbecue spread.

Cool off with these boozy snow cones made with homemade fruit syrups and a splash of vodka. They’re colorful, refreshing, and a fun way to bring adult-friendly treats to your summer parties.

This smoked duck features a dry-brine method that renders fat and crisps skin before slow smoking. The result is succulent, richly flavored meat infused with aromatic herb notes. Ideal for a gourmet BBQ twist.

Tender chicken chunks are grilled with sweet pineapple on skewers, basted in a smoky-sweet BBQ marinade, and delivered in fun, juicy bites. The perfect grilling treat bursting with summer flavor.

This brisket is coated with a sweet-savory brown sugar, garlic, chili powder, thyme, and smoked paprika rub. Slow-smoked over hickory or pecan at 225 °F until tender, it develops a caramelized bark and deep smoky flavor.

Thinly sliced zucchini is quickly grilled, then tossed with creamy feta, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon for a light, vibrant salad. It’s a perfect easy side for summer meals.

Colorful bell peppers are filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese, then baked until tender. Hearty, comforting, and loaded with flavor—perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

These plant-based ribs use vegan meat substitutes and award-winning BBQ techniques to deliver a smoky, meaty texture. They bring authentic barbecue flavor to vegan cooking.

This mixed berry pie combines juicy strawberries and blueberries in a buttery, flaky crust. Designed with an American Flag theme, it’s a festive and delicious summer dessert.

Creamy and tangy, this classic Southern potato salad features russet potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, green onions, relish, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and Creole seasoning. It’s a potluck favorite.

Sweet pineapple slices are marinated in rum and brown sugar, then grilled until caramelized and smoky. The result is a tropical dessert or side bursting with summer flavor.

These wings are grilled to juicy perfection with crispy, charred skin. A simple seasoning ensures bold flavor and finger-licking deliciousness right off the grill.

Chunks of chicken are coated in a spicy bacon paste, threaded onto skewers, brushed with a bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, and grilled until sticky and delicious.

This high-speed Instant Pot recipe delivers tender, shredded barbecue chicken in under 30 minutes. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or fast family dinners.

This stunning no‑bake cheesecake layers cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, blue jello, then red jello topped with blueberries. It’s patriotic, simple to assemble, and perfect for summer gatherings.

These creamy Oreo cheesecake bars surprise with pop‑rock “fireworks” hidden in the filling. With Oreo crust, whipped cream blend, and patriotic sprinkles, they’re easy, festive, and ready without oven time.

Juicy chicken breasts brushed with vibrant chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs, garlic, lime, and olive oil, then grilled to zesty perfection. A light, flavorful main for summer dinners.

Succulent shrimp are wrapped in smoky bacon, brushed with BBQ sauce, then grilled to juicy, crisp perfection. These skewers make a quick, impressive appetizer or main dish .

Sweet corn cobs are wrapped in bacon and glazed with honey‑chipotle sauce, then grilled for a smoky, sweet, spicy summer side that’s easy to enjoy .

Chunks of marinated steak are skewered with colorful bell peppers and onions, then grilled to juicy perfection. The marinade brings rich flavor making these kebabs a savory cookout highlight .

Lobster tails are split, brushed with luscious lemon-butter, then grilled until the meat turns tender and smoky. Luxurious yet simple—a summer feast fit for a special occasion.

Jalapeños filled with cheese, wrapped in sausage, then bacon and smoked until succulent. These fully-loaded bites offer bold, smoky, spicy flavor in one unforgettable party snack .

Hearty homemade chili, simmered with meat and spices, paired with sweet, moist cornbread. This classic duo delivers comfort and flavor in every bite—perfect for cozy dinners .

Crunchy cabbage and carrots are tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing to create this timeless side dish. Simple, refreshing, and ideal for pairing with barbecue or sandwiches.

A no‑bake layer cake featuring oatmeal‑peanut butter cookies, chocolate chips, and M&Ms, all smothered in whipped peanut‑butter cream. Chill, slice, and enjoy monster cookie flavors in cake form.

Juicy ground beef with melted cheese, sautéed onions, and buttery sesame-topped rolls make these sliders perfect for game day or gatherings. They bake in under an hour and deliver a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed experience with every bite.

Shrimp, lobster, crab, clams, potatoes, corn, and sausage simmer together in a seasoned broth, then get tossed in melted butter. This hearty, one-pot feast is impressive, fun to eat, and perfect for feeding a crowd in minutes.

Layers of zucchini and yellow squash bake under a golden Parmesan and panko crust. This gluten-free, low-carb casserole highlights summer squash beautifully and works for picnics or holiday sides. Easy, healthy, and delicious.

Crispy smokies topped with fresh mango avocado salsa, creamy coleslaw, and sweet-spicy mayo transform hot dogs into tropical delights. A fun, vibrant twist perfect for summer dinners that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Watermelon cubes marry berries and cherries in a lime-agave dressing, with mint and chia for freshness and texture. This colorful, hydrating salad is summer’s easiest, most refreshing addition to any gathering.

Juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a zingy lime dressing come together in this light, protein-rich salad. It's healthy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Tender octopus is marinated with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then grilled to achieve perfect char and texture. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe offers elegance and simplicity for seafood lovers.

Spiral-cut ham gets smoked, glazed with a bold Cajun-spiced fruit sauce, then smoked again for deep flavor. The result is beautifully caramelized, spicy-sweet, and perfect for holiday spreads or festive gatherings.

Follow this slow-smoking guide for incredible bark, smoke ring, and tender texture in your brisket. Remaining wrapped and resting for 12 hours yields unbeatable depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth results.

Sweet mini peppers are halved, grilled until charred, and filled with creamy goat cheese. This vibrant, bite-sized appetizer is easy to assemble and adds sophistication and summer flavor to any gathering.

This colorful vegan salad combines crisp summer veggies and fruit—corn, zucchini, peppers, peaches—with a tangy raw marinara dressing. It’s fresh, vibrant, healthy, and all-made in one bowl, perfect for easy summertime lunches or dinners.

Smoky grilled sausage links are served alongside charred veggies and a bright creamy dill dipping sauce. It’s a no-fuss, grill-night winner that brings bold flavors and crowd-pleasing freshness to backyard gatherings.

Rich Oreo crumbs meet tangy cream cheese, then are dipped in festive red, white, and blue coatings. Easy, no-bake, and utterly addictive—these truffle-style balls are a star-spangled hit at any celebration.

Succulent brisket meets creamy Alabama white sauce and spicy elote toppings on soft slider buns. Each bite delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors that bring barbecue classics to a new height.

These fall-off-the-bone baby backs are dry-rubbed, slow-smoked, and slathered in tangy BBQ sauce. Rich, savory, and effortless to prepare—the perfect ribs for a summer cookout.

Charred zucchini slices are topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory grilling side that’s elegant and easy.