End-of-Summer Labor Day Grilling & Entertaining Recipes

Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to celebrate the end of summer with great food, family gatherings, and easy kitchen solutions that make entertaining stress-free. From grilling on the patio to preparing make-ahead sides in your favorite kitchen appliances, this holiday calls for recipes that bring flavor to the table while keeping preparation simple. Using quality appliances from Toastmaster, TRU, and Babycakes, you can enjoy delicious meals without the hassle. This guide features creative dishes that showcase late-summer produce, savory grilling favorites, and refreshing desserts to help you host the perfect backyard celebration.

Fire Up the Grill with Labor Day Flavor

Grilling is the centerpiece of Labor Day entertaining. While burgers and hot dogs are classics, consider adding a few unexpected options to make your spread stand out. By using the Toastmaster Electric Griddle, you can bring smoky flavors to your table even if the weather changes, ensuring guests enjoy a perfectly grilled meal.

Grilled Peach & Prosciutto Skewers

Ingredients (makes 8 skewers):

• 4 ripe peaches, cut into wedges
  
• 8 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
  
• 8 fresh basil leaves
  
• 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
  

Instructions:

1. Wrap each peach wedge with half a slice of prosciutto and thread onto skewers with a basil leaf in between.
   
2. Brush skewers lightly with olive oil.
   
3. Grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until peaches are caramelized and prosciutto is crisp.
   
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
   

These skewers balance sweet, salty, and smoky flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your holiday table.

Spiced Turkey Burgers with Avocado Cream

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 2 lbs ground turkey
  
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
• 1 tsp onion powder
  
• 1 tsp salt
  
• ½ tsp black pepper
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 6 brioche buns
  
• 2 ripe avocados
  
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  
• Juice of 1 lime
  

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix turkey with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 6 patties.
   
2. Brush with olive oil and grill using the Toastmaster Electric Griddle over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
   
3. Mash avocados with yogurt and lime juice to create a creamy spread.
   
4. Assemble burgers on brioche buns with avocado cream and optional toppings like lettuce or tomato.
   

These turkey burgers offer a lighter alternative to beef while packing plenty of flavor. The avocado cream adds richness and freshness, creating a Labor Day favorite.

Creative Sides for Outdoor Entertaining

Sides bring color and variety to your backyard table. With the right kitchen appliances, you can prepare dishes in advance and keep them warm throughout the day.

Slow Cooker Street Corn Dip

Ingredients (serves 8):

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  
• 1 block cream cheese (8 oz), cubed
  
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  
• ½ cup sour cream
  
• ½ tsp chili powder
  
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
  
• Juice of 1 lime
  
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  

Instructions:

1. Place corn, cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, chili powder, and paprika into the TRU 6-Quart Slow Cooker.
   
2. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally until cheese is melted and creamy.
   
3. Stir in lime juice and cilantro before serving.
   

This dip pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or grilled pita bread and stays warm throughout your gathering.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ingredients (serves 10):

• 1 lb rotini pasta
  
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
• 1 cucumber, diced
  
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  
• ½ cup olive oil
  
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  
• 1 tsp oregano
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
   
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, and onion.
   
3. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper together. Toss with pasta salad.
   
4. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
   

This pasta salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday spread.

Sweet Endings with a Summer Twist

No Labor Day celebration is complete without dessert. With Babycakes appliances, you can create handheld treats that capture the flavors of summer while being easy to serve outdoors.

Lemon Blueberry Cake Pops

Ingredients (makes 24 pops):

• 1 box lemon cake mix (plus required eggs, oil, and water)
  
• ½ cup fresh blueberries
  
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
  
• 24 cake pop sticks
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare cake mix according to package instructions and fold in blueberries.
   
2. Spoon batter into the Babycakes Cake Pop Maker and bake for 3–4 minutes until cooked through.
   
3. Insert sticks and dip cooled cake pops into melted white chocolate.
   
4. Allow to set before serving.
   

These cake pops are bite-sized, refreshing, and perfect for kids and adults alike.

Grilled Pineapple with Honey Yogurt Drizzle

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
  
• 2 tbsp honey
  
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  

Instructions:

1. Grill pineapple slices for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized.
   
2. Mix honey, yogurt, and vanilla together to create a light drizzle.
   
3. Serve pineapple rings warm with a spoonful of yogurt topping.
   

This simple dessert highlights fresh fruit and makes for a light, healthy ending to your Labor Day menu.

Wrapping Up the Summer in Style

Labor Day marks the unofficial close of summer, and hosting a backyard cookout is the best way to celebrate with family and friends. With recipes designed for your favorite kitchen appliances, you can save time on prep and spend more time enjoying the company of your guests. From savory skewers and hearty burgers to creamy dips and refreshing desserts, this spread ensures your holiday table is filled with flavor.

Shop Kitchen Appliances for Labor Day Entertaining

Upgrade your kitchen and outdoor cooking setup with Toastmaster, TRU, and Babycakes appliances. From grills and slow cookers to cake pop makers, you’ll find everything you need to create recipes that impress without the stress.

Shop Labor Day Entertaining Essentials at selectbrands.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best foods to grill for Labor Day?

In addition to burgers and hot dogs, try grilling seasonal fruits like peaches or pineapple, or make skewers with a mix of proteins and vegetables.

Can I prepare sides ahead of time?

Yes. Pasta salads, dips, and fruit-based dishes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator, making holiday hosting much easier.

How do I keep food warm during an outdoor party?

Use slow cookers or insulated serving dishes to keep food at the right temperature throughout the day.

What desserts are easy for outdoor entertaining?

Handheld treats like cake pops, cookies, or grilled fruit are excellent choices since they are easy to serve and enjoy without a lot of cleanup.