All across the country, grills are fired up and families gather around picnic tables to celebrate Labor Day weekend. From the holiday’s earliest days, serving up food from the grill has been an integral part of the festivities.
One of the first Labor Day barbecues was held in the Bronx, New York in 1888. As part of the festivities, the Volunteer Fireman’s Association celebrated by roasting a 1,200 steer over a huge barbecue pit. Hundreds of hungry revelers enjoyed the meal, parade, and speeches as part of the day off from work.
The idea quickly caught on and communities all across the US were hosting barbecues to celebrate Labor Day. By the early 1900s, most large cities hosted community barbecues. These community-wide cookouts last well into the 1950s before shifting into American’s backyards when home grills became popular. Even though the Labor Day celebration moved from the city park to patio over the years, one thing has remained constant: barbecue is an important part of the holiday.
We gathered some fan-favorite Labor Day grilling recipes to help you plan your holiday barbecue feast. Have a seat, fill up a plate, and join the salute to hard-working people everywhere.
No Labor Day barbecue is complete without a signature burger, and the Bacon Jam Pub Burger is a crowd-pleaser. Along with a beefy, half-pound burger patty, Chef Tom delivers two exceptional burger condiments: a deliciously easy burger sauce and a sweet and salty bacon jam.
Garlic Bread Chili Dogs combine several favorites into one delicious dish. The Italian garlic bread is soft and buttery, the chili is meaty and flavorful, and the cheese is gooey and melted atop a beefy hot dog. The result is a mouth-watering combination to make your Labor Day holiday one to remember.
Load up the grill! These Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders pack a lot of flavor in just a couple of bites. Pillowy Hawaiian rolls lend a touch of sweetness to the umami-rich beef and bacon centers. Dressed with Chef Tom’s secret burger sauce and caramelized onions, you’re sure to satisfy your friends and family!
Garlic Parm Chicken Wings are sure to be a hit, whether you’re gathered in the backyard for your Labor Day celebration or around the TV for the big game! Chicken wings are coated with Italian spices and grilled, then tossed in garlic butter and loads of Parmesan cheese. Dipped in Chef Tom’s zesty pesto marinara, these tender chicken wings are an all-out Italian affair.
Pulled Pork Tacos & Smoked Arbol Salsa
Get your Labor Day barbecue kicked off right by serving up a big tray of Pulled Pork Tacos with Smoked Arbol Salsa! Juicy and tender pulled pork plus bright and zesty smoked salsa come together in a luscious taco your friends and family will love.
Every Labor Day barbecue needs an appetizer, and this one explodes with flavor! Chef Tom makes some magic when he grills poblanos and Anaheim peppers that are stuffed with marinated chicken and cheese and wrapped in bacon. The bright, citrusy Tequila BBQ glaze takes these poppers over the top.
Grilled Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)
This Mexican corn salad delivers everything you love about Elotes (Mexican street corn) with none of the mess. Grilled corn and a flavorful mayo dressing come together for a fresh, juicy and smoky side dish that’s sure to disappear. A perfect addition to your Labor Day menu!
Barbecue Chicken Skillet Pizza
Chef Tom spills his secrets for making tasty pizza in a cast iron skillet on the grill, from the scratch-made pizza dough to tips for getting that crispy crust. It’s everything a pizza should be: Slightly sweet, slightly salty, chewy, crunchy and 100% delicious.
Toast the end of summer with Chef Tom’s refreshing take on mojitos and granitas. Juicy watermelon is caramelized on the grill before getting a spin in the blender with mint-infused simple syrup, rum and lime. You’ll want to make it a fresh and flavorful part of your Labor Day picnic!
