Are you hosting an end-of-the-summer celebration and searching for a great way to enjoy the Labor Day weekend? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got you covered with the best Labor Day party food ideas to enjoy during the last big holiday of the summer. Keep reading for the best way to add some delicious food to your end of summer backyard bash.
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With the Labor Day holiday right around the corner, you might be getting ready to celebrate the end of summer with your closest friends and family.
Hosting a Labor Day party is a great way to commemorate the end of summer while enjoying some delicious food.
Whether you are planning a huge backyard bash or a small gathering, there are plenty of fun and festive food ideas to make your Labor Day celebration a great event.
To help you get started with your menu, we will cover a variety of Labor Day food ideas to keep your guests happy and enjoying the celebration.
From amazing appetizers to backyard cookout food and drinks to delicious desserts, we will provide you with all the Labor Day food ideas you need to throw the ultimate end-of-summer weekend party.
Whether you prefer a lunch buffet by the pool or a dinner party with great food, we’ll help you plan the best menu for your next party ensuring it will be a hit.
So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy your Labor Day party with these amazing food ideas.
1. Set Up a Labor Day Party Drink Station with Great Beverages
To create a memorable Labor Day party, a well-stocked drink station is key.
Start by offering a selection of classic end of summer alcoholic cocktails, such as:
Patriotic Margarita: Combine 2 oz silver tequila, 1 oz blue curaçao, and 1 oz lime juice. Rim the glass with red sugar, shake ingredients with ice, and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Summer Mojito: Mix 2 oz white rum, 1 oz lime juice, 2 teaspoons sugar, 6-8 mint leaves, and muddled fresh strawberries. Add ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a mint sprig and strawberry slice.
Tropical Piña Colada: Blend 2 oz coconut rum, 1 oz coconut cream, 1 oz pineapple juice, and a splash of mango puree with ice until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass with a pineapple slice and cherry garnish.
Maple Old Fashioned: Stir 2 oz bourbon, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters with ice. Garnish with an orange peel and cherry.
Watermelon Cosmopolitan: Shake 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1 oz watermelon juice, 1/2 oz triple sec, and 1/2 oz lime juice with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a watermelon slice.
Spicy Moscow Mule: Pour 2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz lime juice, 4 oz ginger beer, and a few slices of jalapeño into a copper mug filled with ice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
Sunset Tequila Sunrise: Mix 2 oz tequila, 4 oz orange juice, and 1/2 oz pomegranate juice (instead of grenadine) in a glass with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Peach Whiskey Sour: Shake 2 oz peach whiskey, 3/4 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and a splash of peach nectar with ice. Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with a peach slice and cherry.
Citrus Aperol Spritz: Combine 3 oz Aperol, 2 oz prosecco, and a splash of grapefruit soda in a glass with ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange and grapefruit slice.
Berry Sangria: Mix 1 bottle of rosé wine, 1/4 cup raspberry liqueur, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup simple syrup, and assorted berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) in a pitcher. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Be sure to offer mocktails and non-alcoholic beverage options like:
Citrus Punch: Mix 4 cups orange juice, 2 cups pineapple juice, 1 cup cranberry juice, and a splash of grenadine. Garnish with orange slices and fresh berries.
Virgin Piña Colada: Blend 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup pineapple juice, and a handful of ice until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass with a pineapple slice and cherry.
Berry Lemonade: Combine 1 cup fresh strawberries and raspberries, 1 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup simple syrup, and 4 cups water. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh berries.
Mint Lime Cooler: Mix 1 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup simple syrup, 4 cups soda water, and a handful of mint leaves. Serve over ice and garnish with mint sprigs and lime wheels.
Watermelon Agua Fresca: Blend 4 cups watermelon chunks, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth. Strain and serve over ice with a mint sprig garnish.
Peach Iced Tea: Brew 4 cups of black tea, add 1/2 cup peach puree, and sweeten to taste with honey. Serve over ice and garnish with peach slices.
Cucumber Lemonade: Combine 1 cup cucumber juice, 1 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup simple syrup, and 4 cups water. Serve over ice and garnish with cucumber and lemon slices.
Mango Smoothie: Blend 2 cups mango chunks, 1 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup orange juice, and a handful of ice until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass with a mango slice garnish.
Blueberry Basil Sparkler: Muddle 1/2 cup blueberries and a few basil leaves, add 1 cup blueberry juice and top with sparkling water. Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves and blueberries.
Apple Ginger Fizz: Mix 1 cup apple juice, 1/2 cup ginger ale, and a splash of lemon juice. Serve over ice and garnish with apple slices and a ginger stick.
By setting up an amazing Labor Day party drink station, you can ensure that your guests are well-hydrated and enjoying the celebration.
2. Feature a Charcuterie Board at the Labor Day Party
As you plan your end of summer party, feature a charcuterie board for a standout addition to your event.
This versatile food idea is sure to impress your guests with its combination of savory meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.
Here are some Labor Day party charcuterie board ideas:
Classic Meat and Cheese Board
- Meats: Prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, and chorizo.
- Cheeses: Cheddar, brie, gouda, and blue cheese.
- Accompaniments: Grapes, apple slices, dried apricots, almonds, and mixed olives.
- Crackers/Bread: Assorted crackers and sliced baguette.
Mediterranean Board
- Meats: Sliced turkey, mortadella, and spicy soppressata.
- Cheeses: Feta, goat cheese, halloumi, and manchego.
- Accompaniments: Hummus, tzatziki, roasted red peppers, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and marinated artichokes.
- Crackers/Bread: Pita bread and pita chips.
Seafood Board
- Seafood: Smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, and crab dip.
- Cheeses: Cream cheese, herbed cheese spread, and sharp white cheddar.
- Accompaniments: Capers, lemon wedges, dill pickles, sliced red onions, and avocado slices.
- Crackers/Bread: Bagel chips, rye bread, and water crackers.
Fresh Fruit and Cheese Board
- Cheeses: Camembert, havarti, gouda, and stilton.
- Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, figs, and melon slices.
- Accompaniments: Honey, fig jam, candied nuts, and dark chocolate pieces.
- Crackers/Bread: Multigrain crackers and walnut bread.
Grilled and Marinated Veggie Board
- Crackers/Bread: Ciabatta bread and rosemary crackers.
- Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus.
- Cheeses: Mozzarella, smoked gouda, and pepper jack.
- Accompaniments: Marinated olives, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, and pesto.
3. Include Delicious Appetizers to the Labor Day Food Menu
No matter what your end of summer party may be, including a variety of delicious appetizers is the perfect Labor Day party menu idea.
Kick off your celebration with starter treats that will delight your guests’ taste buds like:
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Stuffed Mini Peppers: Mini bell peppers filled with a mixture of cream cheese, goat cheese, herbs, and chopped walnuts.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Creamy spinach and artichoke dip served warm with tortilla chips or bread.
Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs with a sprinkle of paprika and chives for garnish.
Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
Meatballs: Mini meatballs served with a marinara dipping sauce or sweet and sour glaze.
Guacamole and Chips: Freshly made guacamole served with a variety of tortilla chips.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, and herbs.
Cucumber Bites: Sliced cucumber rounds topped with herbed cream cheese and smoked salmon or cherry tomatoes.
4. Include a Variety of Salads at the Labor Day Party
Ensure there are lots of delicious recipes at your Labor Day gathering by offering a diverse selection of delicious salad options.
Feature salads on the Labor Day menu like:
Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, topped with shaved Parmesan cheese and garlic croutons.
Caprese Salad: Slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves arranged on a platter, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Greek Salad: Crisp lettuce with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, dressed with a tangy Greek vinaigrette.
Cobb Salad: A hearty mix of mixed greens topped with grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles, served with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Watermelon Feta Salad: Cubes of juicy watermelon paired with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and a sprinkle of black pepper, dressed lightly with olive oil and lime juice.
Quinoa Salad: Nutritious quinoa mixed with diced cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley, dressed in a lemon vinaigrette.
Orzo Pasta Salad: Orzo pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, feta cheese, and a lemon herb dressing.
Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodles (like soba or rice noodles) mixed with shredded carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas, and tossed in a sesame ginger dressing, garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, and a lemon herb dressing.
Southwest Black Bean Salad: Black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro tossed in a lime cumin dressing.
Waldorf Salad: Crisp apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing made with yogurt and mayonnaise, served over mixed greens.
Italian Antipasto Salad: Mixed greens topped with assorted Italian meats (salami, prosciutto), marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, mozzarella cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Thai Mango Salad: Shredded green cabbage, carrots, mango strips, cilantro, and peanuts tossed in a tangy Thai dressing with lime juice, fish sauce, and chili.
Caesar Pasta Salad: Rotini pasta mixed with Caesar dressing, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, shredded Parmesan cheese, and black olives.
Israeli Salad: Diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and parsley dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of sumac.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Roasted beets are sliced and served with baby arugula, crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a balsamic glaze.
Tabbouleh: A refreshing Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur wheat, chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Asian Slaw: Shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions tossed in a sesame soy dressing, topped with crispy wonton strips and sesame seeds.
Spinach Strawberry Salad: Baby spinach leaves topped with fresh strawberries, sliced almonds, red onion, and crumbled goat cheese, served with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Mango Avocado Salad: Mixed greens with diced mango, avocado slices, red onion, and toasted coconut flakes, dressed with a lime cilantro dressing.
By including a variety of salads, you are sure to get the party going but leave room for some more items on the Labor Day party food menu.
5. Include a Variety of Lunch Menu Items for a Backyard Labor Day Meal
To create a memorable backyard Labor Day picnic lunch menu, it is key to offer a range of options that cater to various guests’ tastes and preferences.
Here are some delicious lunch ideas for your Labor Day meal:
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Tender pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce, served on brioche buns with coleslaw.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, served with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa, black beans, corn, and cheese, baked until tender.
Hamburgers: Juicy beef patties grilled and served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese on sesame seed buns.
Grilled Veggie Wraps: Grilled vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant) wrapped in tortillas with hummus or tzatziki sauce.
Caprese Sandwiches: Sliced mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves on ciabatta bread, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Shrimp Tacos: Grilled shrimp seasoned with spices, served in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw and avocado crema.
Mediterranean Platter: A spread of pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves.
Cold Pasta Salad: Rotini pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and Italian dressing.
Chicken Caesar Wraps: Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing wrapped in flour tortillas.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese baked until golden and bubbly, with optional bacon or breadcrumbs on top.
Asian Noodle Bowls: Cold noodles (like soba or rice noodles) tossed with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and a sesame ginger dressing.
Quiche: Assorted quiche slices with fillings such as spinach and feta, ham and cheese, or mushroom and Swiss.
Pulled Chicken Sliders: Shredded chicken cooked in a savory sauce, served on slider buns with pickles.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Mushroom caps filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, and herbs, baked until golden.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Cauliflower florets baked in buffalo sauce, served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Salmon Salad Croissants: Flakey croissants filled with a mixture of flaked salmon, dill, celery, and mayonnaise.
Taco Salad Bowls: Crisp tortilla bowls filled with seasoned ground beef or turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with julienned vegetables and served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Gourmet Grilled Cheese: Artisan bread filled with a blend of cheeses (like cheddar, Gruyere, and mozzarella) and grilled until golden and melty.
By including a variety of mouthwatering lighter lunch options, your backyard Labor Day lunch menu is sure to impress and delight your guests.
6. Feature Delicious Labor Day Dinner Ideas at Your Party
Impress your guests with a spectacular dinner spread for your Labor Day party.
Here are some main dishes and side dishes to offer your guests for a Labor Day dinner:
Grilled Steak: Juicy grilled steaks (such as ribeye or sirloin) seasoned with salt and pepper, served with a side of chimichurri sauce.
Barbecue Ribs: Slow-cooked ribs basted with barbecue sauce until tender and caramelized, served with cornbread or coleslaw.
Shrimp Scampi: Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and white wine, served over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and cheese, baked until golden and served with a side salad.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs: Marinated chicken skewers with bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, grilled to perfection and served with rice or couscous.
Pulled Pork Sliders: Slow-cooked pulled pork served on slider buns with coleslaw and pickles.
Fish Tacos: Grilled or fried fish (such as cod or tilapia) served in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado crema, and lime wedges.
Pasta Primavera: Pasta tossed with a variety of fresh vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes) in a light garlic and olive oil sauce.
Beef Stir-Fry: Sliced beef stir-fried with mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas) in a savory sauce, served over rice or noodles.
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: Baked or grilled salmon fillets coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, served with roasted vegetables.
Chicken Alfredo: Grilled chicken breast served over fettuccine pasta tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Vegetarian Paella: Traditional Spanish paella with saffron rice, bell peppers, peas, artichoke hearts, and olives.
Baked Lasagna: Layers of pasta sheets, ricotta cheese, ground beef or sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.
Teriyaki Beef Skewers: Beef skewers marinated in teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection, served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese, baked until juicy and tender.
Lemon Herb Roast Chicken: Whole roasted chicken seasoned with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.
Eggplant Parmesan: Breaded and baked eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, served with spaghetti.
Thai Green Curry: A fragrant green curry with chicken or tofu, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and Thai basil, served with jasmine rice.
Gourmet Burgers: Handmade beef or turkey patties topped with gourmet ingredients like caramelized onions, goat cheese, arugula, and aioli on brioche buns.
Vegetable Ratatouille: A hearty stew of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread or rice.
With these main course dinner ideas, your Labor Day evening party will be a memorable event full of culinary delights.
7. Set Up a Themed Food Bar at the Labor Day Party
To add an extra splash of excitement to your Labor Day party be sure to add a themed food party bar.
Transform a designated area into a festive station that celebrates different culinary traditions or embraces a fun food theme idea.
Here are a few food bar ideas to feature:
Taco Bar
- Protein Options: Provide a variety of proteins such as seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, and grilled shrimp for guests to fill their tacos.
- Tortilla Choices: Offer both soft and hard taco shells, as well as gluten-free corn tortillas for those with dietary restrictions.
- Fresh Toppings: Set out an array of toppings including shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, diced onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Condiments: Offer sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce for guests to add extra flavor to their tacos.
- Side Options: Serve Mexican rice, black beans, and chips with salsa and queso as complementary sides.
Summer Salad Bar
- Mixed Greens: Offer a variety of greens such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce as the base for salads.
- Assorted Toppings: Set out toppings such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, radishes, avocado slices, and sunflower seeds for guests to create their own salads.
- Protein Choices: Provide grilled chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, and hard-boiled eggs as protein options.
- Dressing Selection: Offer a selection of salad dressings including ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, and Caesar dressing to suit different tastes.
Burger Bar
- Burger Patties: Grill a variety of burger patties including beef, turkey, veggie, and even salmon for guests with different dietary preferences.
- Bun Selection: Offer a range of buns such as sesame seed, whole wheat, brioche, and lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Fixings Galore: Set up a station with lettuce, tomato slices, onion rings, pickles, sliced cheese, bacon strips, and caramelized onions for guests to build their ultimate burgers.
- Unique Toppings: Provide unique toppings like grilled pineapple rings, fried eggs, avocado slices, and barbecue sauce to elevate the burger experience.
- Side Treats: Accompany the burgers with classic sides such as potato salad, sweet potato fries, and corn on the cob for a satisfying meal.
Corn on the Cob Bar
- Grilled peak season Corn on the Cob: Grill fresh ears of corn until charred and tender.
- Toppings Galore: Set out a variety of toppings such as flavored kinds of butter (like garlic herb butter or chipotle lime butter), grated Parmesan cheese, chili powder, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for guests to customize their corn.
- Corn Holders: Provide corn holders or skewers to make it easier for guests to handle their corn on the cob.
- Side Dishes: Serve classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and watermelon slices to accompany the corn on the cob.
Chicken and Waffle Bar
- Fried Chicken Tenders: Serve crispy fried chicken tenders alongside fluffy Belgian waffles.
- Maple Syrup: Provide maple syrup for guests to drizzle over their chicken and waffles.
- Savory Toppings: Offer toppings such as hot sauce, honey mustard, and gravy for guests to customize their chicken and waffles.
- Side Options: Accompany the chicken and waffles with coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans for a Southern-inspired feast.
Hot Dog Bar
- Grilled Hot Dogs: Offer a variety of hot dogs such as beef, turkey, and vegetarian options.
- Assorted Buns: Provide a selection of buns – including classic hot dog buns, pretzel buns, and gluten-free options.
- Toppings Galore: Set out a spread of toppings such as ketchup, mustard, relish, diced onions, sauerkraut, shredded cheese, chili, jalapeños, and crispy bacon bits.
- Signature Sauces: Offer specialty sauces like barbecue sauce, sriracha mayo, and spicy mustard for guests to customize their hot dogs.
- Side Dishes: Serve classic sides like potato chips, coleslaw, and baked beans to accompany the hot dogs.
8. Create a Delicious Dessert Table with Lots of Labor Day Food Ideas
Why not create a delightful dessert table bursting with treats to delight your party guests with an array of indulgent options?
Make sure your Labor Day celebration includes a sweet display of delicious desserts.
Serve up classic desserts like:
Fruit Tart: A buttery tart crust filled with pastry cream and topped with assorted fresh fruits like berries, kiwi, and peaches.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic chocolate chip cookies, warm and gooey, served with a glass of milk or vanilla ice cream.
Lemon Bars: Tangy lemon filling on a shortbread crust, dusted with powdered sugar.
Brownie Bites: Rich chocolate brownies cut into bite-sized squares, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes with various toppings such as fruit compote, chocolate ganache, or caramel sauce.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapes, served with a honey lime dressing.
Peach Cobbler: Warm peach filling topped with a buttery, crispy crust, served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Cupcakes: Assorted cupcakes with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet, topped with buttercream frosting and sprinkles.
Banana Pudding: Layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers, topped with whipped cream.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Vanilla and chocolate ice cream with a variety of toppings such as hot fudge, caramel sauce, nuts, sprinkles, and whipped cream.
Tiramisu: Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder.
Key Lime Pie: Tangy key lime filling in a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and lime zest.
Macarons: Delicate French almond cookies with assorted fillings like chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or lemon curd.
Popsicles: Homemade fruit popsicles made with fresh fruit juice or yogurt.
Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with a variety of dippables such as strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and pound cake.
Rice Krispies Treats: Chewy marshmallow treats made with crispy rice cereal, cut into squares.
Apple Crisp: Baked apple slices topped with a crunchy oat crumble, served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Lemon Meringue Pie: Tart lemon filling topped with fluffy meringue, baked until golden brown.
Strawberry Shortcake: Layers of sweet biscuits or sponge cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Churros: Fried dough pastry coated in cinnamon sugar, served with chocolate dipping sauce.
By offering these delectable dessert choices at your Labor Day gathering, your party will truly be a sweet celebration filled with culinary delights.
9. Put Out a Late Night Buffet for Evening Labor Day Party Ideas
As the evening festivities of your Labor Day party continue, provide your guests with a perfect platter late-night buffet to satisfy everyone’s late-night cravings.
Adding an arrangement of light fare menu plan ideas is a fun spin on the normal ending of a Labor Day party.
Offer a variety of late-night savory menu options like:
Slider Station: Set up a slider station with mini burgers (beef, turkey, or veggie patties) and a variety of toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments.
Taco Bar: Create a DIY taco bar with soft and hard taco shells, grilled chicken or beef, lettuce, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and diced onions.
Pasta Station: Offer a pasta station with a choice of pasta (penne, spaghetti) and sauces (marinara, Alfredo, pesto) along with toppings like grilled chicken, shrimp, and vegetables.
Loaded Fries: Serve up loaded fries with toppings such as cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream, and jalapeños.
Nachos: Set out a nacho bar with tortilla chips, melted cheese, seasoned ground beef or chicken, jalapeños, black olives, salsa, and guacamole.
Pizza Buffet: Provide a variety of pizzas with different toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and peppers, along with vegetarian options.
Grilled Cheese Bar: Offer a grilled cheese bar with assorted bread (sourdough, multigrain), cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella), and fillings like bacon, tomatoes, and caramelized onions.
Wings and Drumsticks: Serve crispy chicken wings and drumsticks with a variety of sauces such as buffalo, BBQ, honey mustard, and teriyaki.
Breakfast Burritos: Prepare breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon or sausage, hash browns, and salsa, wrapped in flour tortillas.
S’mores Bar: Set up a s’mores station with graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and skewers for roasting over a fire pit or grill.
By setting up a late-night buffet, you ensure that your Labor Day party is a memorable and satisfying experience for all.
Final thoughts
Labor Day is a perfect time to enjoy the final days of summer while having a little fun with friends and family – and enjoy some amazing food together.
Whether you host a fun backyard barbecue with hot dogs, potato salad, and ice cream, or set up a delicious dinner buffet, with a touch of creativity and planning, your Labor Day gathering will be the perfect way to enjoy the unofficial end of summer.
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Your turn
Are you hosting a party during the long end of summer holiday weekend? Which of these Labor Day party food ideas are your favorites? Let me know in the comments.
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