20 Last-Minute Labor Day Recipes That Will Save The Cookout

Burgers are always a Labor Day favorite, but these are not your average patties. Mild poblano peppers melt into the burger patties, keeping every bite juicy, while gooey cheese, and a drizzle of our special sauce make it something truly restaurant-worthy.

Quick-cooking shrimp are a last-minute get-together lifesaver. They’ll be ready in just 15 minutes, and while we use Creole seasoning, you can easily use whatever spice blend you have on hand.

Soak up the last of summer tomatoes with this stunning salad. It uses a wide variety of tomatoes, from smaller, cherry tomatoes, to heirloom varieties. The basil oil drizzled over top adds vibrant, fresh herb flavor and is a fun change of pace from a classic vinaigrette.

This vibrant salad is ready in about 15 minutes. You’ll barely have to cook to make it; the only heat required is a short simmer for the green beans to get them tender. Everything else is put in as it is.

The famed Dallas retailer is known for its stunning department stores, but many of their in-store restaurants’ recipes have become just as beloved. This rich, creamy dip is a great example. It has a base of cream cheese and Cheddar, studded with smoky bacon, fresh green onion, and crunch from almonds.

No grill? No problem. Use this recipe to make delectable corn in the oven in just about 30 minutes. Customize the classic cookout size with your favorite seasonings, fresh herbs, or flavored butters.

Everyone loves this simple Southern salad. Use up the last cucumbers from your summer garden; the easy vinaigrette made with white wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper makes them sing.

You need a bonfire to make this S’mores dessert. Don’t limit yourself to dipping with just graham crackers: fresh fruit, pretzel sticks, and other cookies all make a great vehicle for the melty marshmallow goodness.

Mayo, tomatoes, and corn? Sign us up. This easy salad can be tossed together in just 15 minutes. It doesn’t get any faster than that.

This three-ingredient cocktail is always a crowd-pleaser. Thanks to its short ingredient list you can whip up batch after batch of these in no time.

In true Southern fashion, this recipe uses the word ‘salad’ quite loosely. No matter what you call it, tomatoes and saltines bound together in a mayo dressing is winning combination. Think of as the South’s answer to panzanella.

If you need a dip for a crowd in a flash, turn to this quick, blender salsa. It’s vibrant color and flavor comes from a combo of tomatillos, avocado, and serrano chile.

Whether serving as a dip or a relish for grilled chicken, this hyper-seasonal salsa celebrates summer peaches and tomatoes. The heat can be adjusted to taste, from mild, to extra spicy.

Who says you can make dinner and dessert on the grill? Strike while the grates are hot and makes this impressive 20 minute dessert that lets the summer fruit shine.

Pickles are good for so much more than topping burgers. Use them to create a zesty and fresh pasta salad perfect for all sorts of Labor Day celebrations.

Chicken breasts get a bad reputation for being bland, but not this recipe. Loaded with flavor (and juicy to boot), these chicken breasts are delicious served as a main dish, or used as the base for a chicken sandwich or tacos.

Most flank steak recipes require a lengthy marinating process, but not this one. Topped with a fresh corn salsa, the quick-cooking steak feels fancy but requires little effort.

You’ll be excited to eat your veggies with these kebabs. Don’t worry meat-eaters, there’s sausage threaded on there too, but the fresh summer vegetables are the real star of the show.

Sweet tea is a requirement at any Southern function. Fresh peaches add sweetness and color to the classic summer sipper.

Apples might be the more traditional choice, but peaches can be skillet-fried too. Since they won’t be around much past Labor Day, serve them up one last time in this simple recipe, ready in 15 minutes.