Labor Day is the perfect time to gather friends and family for a backyard cookout, especially in Freehold, NJ, where the late summer weather creates the ideal setting for outdoor fun. It’s hard to believe that in a few short months, we could be looking at snow! Whether you’re hosting a large party or a small family gathering, delicious food is the heart of every great celebration. For a menu that is full of crowd-pleasers, here are 15 cookout classics that will make your Labor Day party a hit.
No cookout is complete without juicy, perfectly grilled cheeseburgers. Offer a variety of toppings so that your guests can customize their burgers to their liking, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and different cheese options (cheddar, Swiss, American). Also, be sure to offer various condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayo.
Simple yet satisfying, hot dogs are a must-have at any Labor Day cookout. Keep it classic with mustard and ketchup, or set up a hot dog bar with toppings like sauerkraut, relish, onions, and chili for a fun twist.
For those who love a bit of smoky flavor, BBQ chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you marinate the chicken ahead of time or baste it on the grill, serve it up with extra sauce for finger-licking goodness.
Fall-off-the-bone ribs covered in tangy BBQ sauce are a quintessential cookout favorite. Slow-cooked and finished on the grill, these delicious ribs will be the star of your Labor Day party. Plan to have about a half of a rack per person.
For a healthier option, grilled vegetables add color and flavor to the menu. Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and corn on the cob all taste amazing when lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection. Plus, they’re a great side dish for vegetarians.
Slow-cooked pulled pork served on mini buns is an easy and tasty option that guests can grab and enjoy. You can also swap out the pork and use shredded chicken instead. Top the sliders with coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing bite.
A cookout classic, potato salad is creamy, tangy, and the perfect side dish for burgers and hot dogs. Whether you like it with mayonnaise or a vinegar-based dressing, it’s a guaranteed hit with guests.
Fresh, crunchy coleslaw is another great side dish for a cookout. Its cool, tangy flavor balances out the richness of grilled meats and adds a refreshing element to your plate. You can also add coleslaw to your pulled pork or chicken sliders.
Macaroni salad, with its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta, is a nostalgic favorite at cookouts. This easy-to-make dish pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, and BBQ ribs. Find some great options for summer-y macaroni salads here.
Nothing screams summer like sweet corn on the cob fresh off the grill. Slather it with butter and sprinkle with salt, or get creative with toppings like Parmesan cheese and chili powder for a fun twist.
Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit and a refreshing addition to any cookout menu. Slice up this juicy fruit for a sweet, hydrating snack that’s perfect for a hot Labor Day afternoon. For younger kids, place a popsicle stick in the watermelon rind so that they can enjoy a mess-free snack!
A chilled pasta salad filled with fresh veggies, cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing is the ideal side for a Labor Day cookout. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, such as olives, feta, and cucumbers.
Along with burgers and hot dogs, grilled sausages like bratwurst, Italian sausage, or kielbasa make an excellent addition to your cookout menu. Serve them on a bun with mustard, onions, and peppers for a flavorful bite.
Deviled eggs are a creamy, tangy appetizer that’s always a hit at parties. Sprinkle them with paprika or garnish them with bacon bits for an added twist on this cookout classic. If you want to try something new, consider smoking or frying the eggs!
End your Labor Day party on a sweet note with a campfire classic: s’mores. Set up a s’mores station with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, and let guests toast their marshmallows over the grill or a fire pit for the perfect gooey treat.
With these 15 cookout classics, your Labor Day party in Freehold, NJ, is sure to be a success. From juicy cheeseburgers to sweet watermelon slices and sticky s’mores, these dishes will have your guests coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). So fire up the grill, enjoy the late summer weather, and make this Labor Day one to remember. And, if you’d rather enjoy the fun and take a step away from the grill this year (that’s okay, too!), place a catering order with La Rosa Chicken and Grill for grilled and crispy chicken, fresh salads, cornbread, and side dishes like macaroni and cheese and french fries.