The end of summer may be bittersweet, but the “sweet” is that every year we get to say goodbye to a wonderful summer and welcome fall with a bang, thanks to Labor Day weekend. Labor day, which originated September 5th, 1882, was created to honor the social and economic achievement of American workers, and we here at Meadow’s Realty Group feel there’s no better way to celebrate those continued achievements than taking time out of our busy lives to slow down and create well-cherished memories with family and friends, punctuated by – you guessed it – great food.
Whether you’re hosting your own Labor Day BBQ or bringing a dish to a family party, we’re happy to share some of our favorite, well-loved recipes perfect for any Labor Day get-together.
Amazing Appetizers and Side Dishes
Fire Roasted Salsa | Magnolia
Fresh, grilled vegetables make for a perfectly smoky and spicy salsa that is great paired with tortilla chips or as a topping for as an addition to your favorite chicken or fish entree.
Red, White & Blue Deviled Eggs | Created by Diane
What to take Deviled Eggs up a notch and surprise your guests? Go patriotic by dying your egg whites for a festive and healthy take on this classic appetizer.
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn | Taste of Home
Sweet corn is an in-season summer staple, and there’s no better way to incorporate this traditional side dish than by adding plenty of spicy flavor to complement the sweetness of fresh corn on the cob.
J.L Hudson’s Maurice Salad | Food
Those of you who were lucky enough to eat at Hudson’s in the past will remember this well-loved salad from their menu. A fan favorite, this salad is still popular today and is the perfect side or appetizer to any meal.
The Main Course
The Best Classic Burger | The Wholesome Dish
A simple, perfectly seasoned burger is a Labor Day BBQ must-have. For a step by step on how to prep the perfect patty, this recipe by The Wholesome Dish will not disappoint. Add a condiment bar so party goers can dress ‘em up as they please.
Southwest Turkey Burgers | Food Network
For a burger with a little more flair and a whole lot of flavor, these juicy turkey burgers by Rachel Ray are deliciously hearty and full of fresh goodies like fresh thyme and bell pepper.
Mango BBQ Chicken | Food & Wine
Looking for a fresh take on grilled chicken? Look no further than this recipe, which incorporates Mango puree in the BBQ sauce for a deliciously sweet and savory compliment to grilled chicken thighs.
Labor Day Seafood Boil | Norine’s Nest
In the mood for some seafood? This hearty seafood boil includes potatoes, corn on the cob, jump shrimp, crab, and summer sausage – sure to please any hungry crowd that doesn’t mind a delicious mess!
Crowd-Pleasing Desserts
Magnolia’s Famous Banana Pudding Recipe | Food Network
Deliciously creamy and easy to make, it’s no wonder this recipe by the famous Magnolia Bakery in New York City has become a best-seller. This recipe is kid-friendly and makes up to 16 servings, so it’s a perfect dish to serve up at the family BBQ.
Grilled Peach Sundaes | Taste of Home
You already fired up the grill for the main course, why not use it for dessert? This recipe calls for juicy grilled peaches, oats, and vanilla ice cream. We can’t think of a better combo than that!
Apple Pie | Magnolia
Serving as a great segue from summer to fall, we couldn’t not include an Apple Pie recipe on this list. For a perfectly done pie, we recommend Magnolia’s recipe, which is both classic and mouth-wateringly fresh.
American Flag Cake | Like Mother Like Daughter
Another patriotic addition to the line-up, this American Flag cake is a festive way to end your Labor Day celebration. It’s also customizable, as you can use a variety of cake flavors to serve as your base.