Labor Day’s the unofficial end of summer—and you know what that means: one last epic cookout. Whether you’re flipping juicy smash burgers, slow-cooking ribs, or chilling cherry delight in the fridge, these classic recipes bring all the flavor and nostalgia. From smoky grilled corn to creamy potato salad, these dishes had folks raving—and you’ll want them all. So grab a cold drink, fire up the grill, and let’s send summer off right.

Beer Chili Hot Dog Topping—Serious Backyard Vibes

Chili on top of hot dogs in a bun with cheese sprinkled on top
Beer Chili Hot Dog Topping—Serious Backyard Vibes. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

If you’ve never topped your hot dog with beer-laced chili, you’re missing out. This Southern twist on a BBQ classic is simmered in a Crock Pot with grass-fed beef, black-eyed peas, sweet corn, and a splash of Calamity Jane beer. Rich, hearty, and made to feed a crowd—this one’s guaranteed to be the talk of the table.
Get The Recipe: Beer Chili Hot Dog Topping—Serious Backyard Vibes

Grilled Corn That Turns Grill Smoke Into Gold

Corn on the cob that has just gotten off the grill
Grilled Corn That Turns Grill Smoke Into Gold. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Corn on the cob is a Labor Day staple, but this version takes it up a notch. Grilled in the husk and rubbed with a smoky coffee BBQ blend, it delivers bold flavor with just the right kick. It’s summer, charred to perfection.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Corn That Turns Grill Smoke Into Gold

Creamy Coleslaw Gone Before the Ribs

A white scalloped bowl filled with creamy coleslaw made of shredded cabbage, carrots, and purple cabbage, with a wooden spoon resting inside. The bowl is placed on a wooden board next to a white and red towel.
Creamy Coleslaw Gone Before the Ribs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cool, crunchy, and kissed with tangy sweetness—this Southern slaw is the unsung hero of any summer cookout. Serve it solo or pile it high on pulled pork. Either way, it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coleslaw Gone Before the Ribs

Sweet, Smoky Ribs That Practically Fall Off the Bone

ribs in the oven that are cooked with sauce on a cutting board
Sweet, Smoky Ribs That Practically Fall Off the Bone. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

These baked ribs are coated in a maple dry rub and cooked low and slow until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you serve them sauced or dry, they bring big-time flavor with zero grill stress.
Get The Recipe: Sweet, Smoky Ribs That Practically Fall Off the Bone

The Easiest Way to Feed Hot Dogs to a Crowd

hot dogs and a can of beer in front of a crock pot
The Easiest Way to Feed Hot Dogs to a Crowd. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Hosting a Labor Day bash? Toss your dogs in the Crock Pot and walk away. No grill? No problem. This recipe keeps ’em juicy and warm for hours—perfect for laid-back, no-fuss hosting.
Get The Recipe: The Easiest Way to Feed Hot Dogs to a Crowd

Grilled Chicken With Bold Thai Flavor

thai chicken with coconut on it.
Grilled Chicken With Bold Thai Flavor. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Want to spice things up? This grilled chicken brings bold Thai flavor with a coconut finish that feels both fresh and indulgent. Ready in minutes and perfect for that one guest who’s over burgers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken With Bold Thai Flavor

This No-Bake Cherry Dessert Steals the Show

A close-up of a partially eaten cherry cheesecake in a white dish. The dessert has a crumbly crust, a creamy filling, and a vibrant red cherry topping. A spoon with some cheesecake and cherries is resting in the dish. A striped cloth napkin is visible nearby.
This No-Bake Cherry Dessert Steals the Show. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Layers of buttery crust, creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping make this chilled dessert a guaranteed hit. It’s light, fruity, and just right for warm summer nights.
Get the Recipe: This No-Bake Cherry Dessert Steals the Show

Smash Burgers with Special Sauce

A close-up of a cheeseburger with melted cheese, pickles, and creamy sauce on a soft bun, placed on a dark plate.
Smash Burgers with Special Sauce. Image Credit: Butter and Baggage

Crispy edges, melty cheese, and a special sauce you’ll want on everything—these smash burgers are pure cookout gold. Stack ’em high and don’t forget the pickles.
Get The Recipe: Smash Burgers with Special Sauce

These Baked Beans Bring the BBQ Energy

Baked beans with bacon on top
These Baked Beans Bring the BBQ Energy. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Slow-cooked with bacon, brown sugar, and molasses, these Boston baked beans are the smoky-sweet side that completes any plate. They cook themselves while you enjoy the party.
Get The Recipe: Easy Slow-Cooked Boston Baked Beans Recipe

This Fresh Corn Salad Screams Summer

A vibrant bowl of colorful corn salad sits on a red plate. The salad includes yellow corn kernels mixed with diced red peppers, onions, and fresh herbs. A sprig of basil and parsley garnish the dish. A yellow and white striped napkin is beside the plate.
This Fresh Corn Salad Screams Summer. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Crisp corn, colorful peppers, and a zingy vinaigrette make this salad a refreshing, crunchy counterpoint to all that rich BBQ. It’s the bright bite your plate’s been waiting for.
Get the Recipe: This Fresh Corn Salad Screams Summer

BBQ Pulled Pork So Tender It Practically Shreds Itself

pulled bbq pork from crock pot
BBQ Pulled Pork So Tender It Practically Shreds Itself. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Set it and forget it—this slow-cooker pulled pork takes just minutes to prep and delivers that juicy, fall-apart texture we all crave. Pile it on buns or eat it straight from the pot.
Get The Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork So Tender It Practically Shreds Itself

Southern Corn on the Cob with a Creamy Twist

A slow cooker filled with corn on the cob halves garnished with herbs, with metal tongs holding one piece above the rest.
Southern Corn on the Cob with a Creamy Twist. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This milk-bath method infuses corn with rich, buttery flavor for the most tender bite you’ve had all summer. No boiling water, no stress—just slow-cooked magic.
Get the Recipe: Southern Corn on the Cob with a Creamy Twist

These Sloppy Joes Bring the Backyard Nostalgia

These Sloppy Joes Bring the Backyard Nostalgia. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Saucy, sweet, and tangy—these slow-cooked sloppy joes hit just right for an easy crowd-pleasing main. Perfect for potlucks or lazy Sunday grilling.
Get the Recipe: These Sloppy Joes Bring the Backyard Nostalgia

American Flag Cake

A rectangular cake decorated to look like the American flag, topped with blueberries, raspberries, white icing, and white chocolate stars, sits on a counter with a piping bag and towel nearby.
American Flag Cake. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

A classic vanilla sheet cake decked out with berries and stars, this patriotic dessert is the showstopper every Labor Day table needs. Easy, festive, and totally Insta-worthy.
Get the Recipe: American Flag Cake

This Amish Potato Salad Is Sweet, Creamy Perfection

A bowl of creamy potato salad with diced potatoes, topped with a sprinkle of paprika. A wooden spoon is partially visible next to the bowl.
This Amish Potato Salad Is Sweet, Creamy Perfection. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

With its mayo-mustard dressing and sprinkle of paprika, this potato salad brings sweet-and-tangy flavor with every nostalgic bite. It’s that side dish everyone scoops twice.
Get the Recipe: This Amish Potato Salad Is Sweet, Creamy Perfection

The Juiciest Bone In Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled pork chop on a dark plate with a sweet potato in the background. The chop has a glossy, caramelized surface with charred edges, hinting at a flavorful marinade.
The Juiciest Bone In Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Say goodbye to dry chops forever. These bone-in beauties are grilled to caramelized, smoky glory and stay juicy thanks to a quick, flavor-packed marinade. They cook up in under 20 minutes and pair perfectly with sweet potatoes or slaw.
Get the Recipe: The Juiciest Bone In Grilled Pork Chops

This Pulled Chicken Packs BBQ Flavor Fast

bbq chicken sandwich on a bun
This Pulled Chicken Packs BBQ Flavor Fast. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Need a quick win for your Labor Day spread? This Instant Pot pulled chicken is tender, saucy, and ready in just 30 minutes. Pile it onto buns, tuck it into tacos, or spoon it over slaw—easy, versatile, and crowd-approved.
Get The Recipe: This Pulled Chicken Packs BBQ Flavor Fast

The BBQ Sauce With a Citrus-Coffee Kick

Close-up of a glass jar filled with dark brown homemade sauce, labeled "Kerr Self Sealing." Another jar is blurred in the background, with greens faintly visible. The setting appears to be rustic and homemade.
The BBQ Sauce With a Citrus-Coffee Kick. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Bored of basic BBQ sauce? This one brings sweet orange, bold coffee, and spicy heat together for a knockout blend. Brush it on ribs, wings, or whatever’s sizzling on your grill.
Get the Recipe: The BBQ Sauce With a Citrus-Coffee Kick

Pulled Pork Sliders That Bring the Sauce

Pulled pork sliders
Pulled Pork Sliders That Bring the Sauce. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Creamy, tangy, juicy—these sliders have it all. A secret sandwich sauce takes tender pulled pork to the next level, and they’re easy to make ahead for stress-free party hosting.
Get The Recipe: Pulled Pork Sliders That Bring the Sauce

Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers with red onion, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers served on a wooden board with a dipping sauce on the side.
Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

Honey-soy marinated chicken meets colorful veggies in these sweet and savory skewers. Don’t have a grill? The broiler’s got your back. Either way, these kabobs are kaboom
Get the recipe: Chicken Kabobs

This Macaroni Salad Brings Back Picnic Memories

A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese with green peas, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, served in a white dish on a yellow surface.
This Macaroni Salad Brings Back Picnic Memories. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Creamy, cheesy, and tossed with peas—this nostalgic side dish is a classic for a reason. Serve it chilled alongside hot dogs or burgers, and watch it vanish.
Get the Recipe: This Macaroni Salad Brings Back Picnic Memories

The BBQ Sauce That Brings Bacon & Bourbon

A square glass container filled with dark, rich BBQ sauce is placed on a wooden surface. Next to it, a wooden spoon with "Bacon Whiskey BBQ Sauce" printed on the handle holds a small amount of sauce. A bottle is partially visible in the background.
The BBQ Sauce That Brings Bacon & Bourbon. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Smoky bacon. Maple sweetness. A splash of whiskey. This bold BBQ sauce turns ribs, wings, or even tofu into something unforgettable.
Get The Full Recipe: The BBQ Sauce That Brings Bacon & Bourbon

The Easiest Cherry Cake You’ll Ever Make

A close-up of a cherry dump cake served on a white plate with two scoops of vanilla ice cream. The cake is topped with a crumbly golden crust and shows vibrant red cherry filling. A baking dish with a partially served portion is in the background on a striped cloth.
The Easiest Cherry Cake You’ll Ever Make. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This dump cake is summer comfort in every bite. Layer cherry pie filling, cake mix, and cream cheese, then bake until golden. Serve warm with ice cream and prepare for seconds.
Get the Recipe: The Easiest Cherry Cake You’ll Ever Make

These BBQ Wings Uses Just 3 Ingredients

bbq chicken wings with sauce brushed on
These BBQ Wings Uses Just 3 Ingredients. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

No time? No problem. These slow-cooked wings use just three ingredients but still bring that sticky-sweet BBQ punch. Set ’em and forget ’em.
Get The Recipe: These BBQ Wings Uses Just 3 Ingredients

The Fruit Salad That Steals the Spotlight

A bowl of fruit salad containing strawberries, apples, grapes, kiwi, and pear, garnished with pomegranate seeds. A lemon half, a bowl of honey, and a spoon are placed around the bowl on a white surface.
The Fruit Salad That Steals the Spotlight. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

A colorful mix of summer’s best fruit, dressed in zesty honey-lemon magic. It’s the refreshing finale your BBQ table deserves.
Get the Recipe: The Fruit Salad That Steals the Spotlight

Grilled Pork Kabobs With Fresh Peaches

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, green bell peppers, and peach slices rest on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Grilled Pork Kabobs With Fresh Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Tender grilled pork meets juicy peaches for a flavor combo that’s all sunshine. These kabobs are peak summer on a stick.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Kabobs With Fresh Peaches

Whiskey Steak Marinade That Sizzle

whiskey marinade and a bottle of crown royal
Whiskey Steak Marinade That Sizzle. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Give your steaks a bold, boozy upgrade. This whiskey marinade adds depth, richness, and irresistible flavor. Grill marks optional—but encouraged.
Get The Recipe: Whiskey Steak Marinade That Sizzle

The Texas Rub That Makes Every Meat Better

Texas BBQ dry rub
The Texas Rub That Makes Every Meat Better. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Bold, smoky, and a little sweet—this Texas-style BBQ rub is your ticket to next-level ribs, brisket, or chicken. Mix once, use all season.
Get The Recipe: The Texas Rub That Makes Every Meat Bette

Coffee Rub That Adds Bold BBQ Bite

Coffee dry rub
Coffee Rub That Adds Bold BBQ Bite. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This unique dry rub blends coffee, brown sugar, and spice for a rich, savory-sweet crust on ribs, pork, or even roasted veggies.
Get The Recipe: Coffee Rub That Adds Bold BBQ Bite

This Strawberry Jello Pie is Perfection

A strawberry cream pie topped with chocolate-covered strawberries and white meringue cookies. The pie is set on a red and white striped cloth, with a small bowl of chocolate chips beside it. A stack of white plates is visible in the lower left corner.
This Strawberry Jello Pie is Perfection. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Strawberries, chocolate, and creamy jello filling on a cookie crust—what’s not to love? This no-bake pie is pure summer indulgence.
Get the Recipe: This Strawberry Jello Pie is Perfection

Maple BBQ Rub That Wins Every Time

Maple dry rub
Maple BBQ Rub That Wins Every Time. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Savory, sweet, and slightly smoky, this maple rub takes your ribs from good to unforgettable. Bonus: it’s easy to mix and store.
Get The Recipe: Maple BBQ Rub That Wins Every Time

Creamy Mac and Cheese Without Lifting a Finger

Crock-Pot macaroni and cheese being scooped with a spoon
Creamy Mac and Cheese Without Lifting a Finger. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Let your slow cooker do the work! This ultra-cheesy mac is rich, creamy, and made for piling next to pulled pork or ribs.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese Without Lifting a Finger

These Baked Beans Bring Bourbon Heat

baked beans with bacon and burbon
These Baked Beans Bring Bourbon Heat. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Sweet, smoky, and spiked with bourbon, these slow-cooked beans are the ultimate BBQ sidekick. Let your Crock Pot do the magic while you soak up the sun.
Get The Recipe: These Baked Beans Bring Bourbon Heat

These Deviled Eggs Got a Creamy Upgrade

A white plate with seven deviled eggs, each topped with a smooth yellow filling and garnished with small green parsley leaves. The plate sits on a soft yellow cloth.
These Deviled Eggs Got a Creamy Upgrade. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Blended with cream cheese and a hint of mustard, these deviled eggs are ultra-smooth and packed with tangy flavor. They vanish fast, so make double.
Get the Recipe: These Deviled Eggs Got a Creamy Upgrade

This Macaroni Salad Brings the Heat

A large bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad, featuring corn, red kidney beans, chopped peppers, and herbs. A lime wedge and wooden spice bowls are in the background, with another bowl of salad slightly out of focus.
This Macaroni Salad Brings the Heat. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

A zesty twist on tradition, this Mexican-inspired macaroni salad is loaded with corn, beans, and spice. It’s colorful, creamy, and totally craveable.
Get the Recipe: This Macaroni Salad Brings the Heat

The Banana Split Cake That Ends Summer Right

A slice of dessert is served on a plate, featuring a layered crumb crust, creamy filling, diced strawberries, nuts, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a cherry on top. Colorful sprinkles decorate the plate, and another slice is visible in the background.
The Banana Split Cake That Ends Summer Right. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

No-bake and layered with creamy filling, fruit, and sprinkles—this banana split cake is your new go-to for summer birthdays and BBQs.
Get the Recipe: The Banana Split Cake That Ends Summer Right

Pineapple Slaw With a Tangy Twist

Mexican coleslaw with pieces of pineapple
Pineapple Slaw With a Tangy Twist. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Juicy pineapple, jalapeño, and a zingy garlic-lime dressing make this slaw pop. A fresh, bold side that cuts through rich BBQ like a dream.
Get The Recipe: Pineapple Slaw With a Tangy Twist

Cool Down With This Creamy Cucumber Salad

A close-up of a creamy cucumber salad garnished with fresh dill. The salad includes cucumber slices mixed with a creamy dressing, accented by bits of red onion. A wooden spoon rests on the side.
Cool Down With This Creamy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Simple, cold, and oh-so-satisfying, this cucumber-onion salad with sour cream and dill is a cookout classic that’s made for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Cool Down With This Creamy Cucumber Salad

This Cucumber Salad Is Fresh in 10 Minutes

cucumber salad with dill
This Cucumber Salad Is Fresh in 10 Minutes. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

With honey, vinegar, and dill, this chilled cucumber salad is crisp, tangy, and ridiculously refreshing. Bonus: it’s done in under 10 minutes.
Get The Recipe: This Cucumber Salad Is Fresh in 10 Minutes

This Strawberry Cake Feels Like Summer Breeze

A plate with a slice of pink strawberry dessert topped with whipped cream, a strawberry slice, and a mint leaf sits in the foreground. In the background, a glass dish filled with more of the same dessert shows additional strawberries and whipped cream on top. Fresh strawberries and a pink striped cloth are also visible.
This Strawberry Cake Feels Like Summer Breeze. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Made with Jell-O, whipped cream, and fluffy angel food cake, this pink dessert is light, sweet, and irresistibly summery. No baking required.
Get the Recipe: This Strawberry Cake Feels Like Summer Breeze

50 Easy Set-It-and-Forget-It Recipes That Save Dinner

Four pieces of cooked pork ribs covered in a rich, reddish-brown sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a white plate with a red-and-white striped cloth in the background.
50 Set-It-and-Forget-It Recipes. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality.

August weeknights are busy enough without hovering over the stove. That’s why these set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipes are lifesavers. From rich German goulash and fall-apart Carolina pulled pork to creamy ranch chicken and tender Yankee pot roast, each dish is packed with flavor and takes almost zero effort. Just load up your slow cooker in the morning and come home to the best smell ever. Trust me—you’ll want to try every single one of these easy family dinners. Get All The Recipes: 50 Set-It-and-Forget-It Recipes That Save Dinner