I Always Choose 29 Labor Day Recipes That Get People Talking

Every year, there’s that one person who brings the dish nobody stops talking about, and it’s not by accident. With a solid list of 29 Labor Day go-tos, playing crowd favorite becomes less of a gamble and more of a tradition. These are the kinds of picks that mysteriously disappear before people even finish their first plate.

Grilled Pork Chops

If you’re looking for something to throw on the grill, then Grilled Pork Chops should be your pick. They bring a hearty kick to any backyard party. These chops are simple, straightforward, and always a hit with a crowd. They’re perfect for sharing, and everyone will want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

Hot Fudge Sundae

Few desserts start stories quite like serving Hot Fudge Sundae. Watching the fudge melt is a simple joy, the kind that reminds you of ice cream breaks after long walks on the boardwalk. People gather around, spoons at the ready, sharing laughter over shared scoops. It’s a treat that makes every meal end with a smile.
Get the Recipe: Hot Fudge Sundae

Million Dollar Casserole

Big gatherings always feel more welcoming when there’s Million Dollar Casserole at the center of the table. Everyone takes a helping, then comes back with another plate, eager for seconds. The warmth in every bite feels like catching the last sunbeams before dusk. Friends linger a little longer, happy with a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Fresh, bright colors always invite people to the table, and that’s the magic of Rainbow Fruit Skewers. Fun for all ages, these little sticks bring a bit of joy to each hand. Sharing becomes easy, like passing snacks around on a boardwalk bench. Even folks who say they’re full sneak one more piece.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Tomahawk Steak

When someone brings out Tomahawk Steak, the excitement in the air almost matches sunset along the water. Slow slices, shared plates, and wide smiles make memories that last well past dinner. The centerpiece always gets folks talking and reaching for seconds. People seem to settle in, content and never in a rush to finish.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak

Grilled Pineapple

With a sweet scent that hangs in the air, Grilled Pineapple feels like summer even on a regular day. Each slice brings a light touch to heavier plates, inviting you to sit and chat awhile longer. Friends lean in for a taste, trading stories as the fruit disappears. It’s an easy favorite that’s always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple

Seven Layer Salad

If you want a centerpiece for the table, try Seven Layer Salad at your next cookout. It’s stacked with simple goodness and looks great when you serve it. This dish never fails to bring people together over their love of classic layered salads. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Pancake Casserole

An early meal feels different when Pancake Casserole makes its appearance, almost like brunch by the boardwalk. Friends serve themselves, laughing over coffee and fresh plates. The soft, comforting base gives everyone a chance to linger. Nobody’s thinking about rushing anywhere after this starts the day.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Casserole

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Something bright and lively moves around the table with Mexican Street Corn Salad. Every scoop is a little party, making it easy to pass the bowl to your neighbor. People line up for refills, curious about what makes it so good. It’s a side that keeps everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

For something a little different, Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are a crowd pleaser. Packed with bold flavors, they’re great for snacking throughout the day. They’re bite-sized, but full of personality that stands out at any gathering. These are the kinds of bites people talk about long after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Even after the main plates are full, guests glance over at Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies for a second helping. Those roasted notes make it a staple on busy tables, shareable and bright. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both food lovers and picky eaters. The platters clear out before anyone’s ready to leave.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Appetizers don’t stay untouched long when Spinach Artichoke Dip is waiting. There’s something about its warm, creamy texture that makes visitors cozy up and stay awhile. People dip and linger, sharing their own boardwalk memories. It kicks off good conversation and easy smiles.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Pizza Pinwheels

Little bites like Pizza Pinwheels mean everyone can try something fun without missing out on the main meal. The flaky layers make hands reach for just one more, keeping everyone chatting across the table. Snacks like these are perfect for sharing in big groups. Even the quietest guests light up for them.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Strawberry Earthquake Cake

When dessert rolls around, the table buzzes as soon as Strawberry Earthquake Cake shows up. That cool swirl and bold color make people reach for a slice before it’s even cut. Smiles spread with the first bites, happiness in every sweet mouthful. You’ll hear folks asking for another round before the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Crisp and full of kick, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad adds bright energy to any table. Each bite cuts through richer offerings, making meals feel lighter and livelier. People swap stories as they crunch and laugh, reaching for more. It quickly becomes a favorite side.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Rocky Road Ice Cream

Sweet scoops of Rocky Road Ice Cream close out a meal with a bit of extra crunch and creaminess. People cheer when it’s served up, just like catching a cool breeze on a warm stroll. Everyone gets their own bowl, but you’ll see spoons sneaking into someone else’s. It’s a shared treat that signals the start of summer stories.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Ice Cream

Sausage Balls

Handy bites like Sausage Balls add a bit of fun to any feast. People carry them around, sharing laughs and a quick snack without needing to sit. Tasty and quick, they move from plate to hand in an instant. These are always the first snacks to run out.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Tanghulu

Bringing out Tanghulu is like giving everyone a sweet, glossy pop to enjoy under the open sky. Crunch meets a soft center, making each bite a quick surprise. Guests love them so much, they often ask for more before you can even set the tray down. It’s a cheerful end to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu

Turkey Sliders

Party tables light up with trays of Turkey Sliders, easy to hold and even easier to finish. Friends get to try different toppings, building their own small creations. Sliders make it easy for folks to mix, mingle, and keep conversations relaxed. These are a go-to for big, busy groups.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Shrimp Tacos

There’s a sense of fun in every plate of Shrimp Tacos. Each one brings a bit of ocean breeze to the table, even if you’re far from the water. People fill them up their way, sharing toppings and laughter as they eat. They’re the star at every gathering, with no leftovers in sight.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Strawberry Cheesecake

There’s always a shining moment when Strawberry Cheesecake is carried out. Its rich, smooth base topped with berries draws every eye right away. Friends start asking for a slice before the plates make it down the row. Dessert feels a little extra special with each forkful.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake

Waldorf Salad

A classic bowl like Waldorf Salad has an easy-going charm, the kind that makes people relax and dig in. Each bite is cool and crunchy, setting the scene for slow, happy meals. Even when you’re full, it’s hard to refuse another spoonful. Stories are swapped one salad serving at a time.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Lively plates start circling when Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls hit the party. Each ball packs a little heat, just right for kicking conversations up a notch. Guests love the snackable size, popping them as they talk. Soon you’ll notice the plate emptied without a word.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Strawberry Ice Cream

Ending a meal with Strawberry Ice Cream is like stepping into a memory. Smooth, light, and bright in color, everyone is quick to ask for seconds. Laughter gets louder when the bowls are full. Some folks eat fast, but most enjoy every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Ice Cream

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

There’s no hiding the excitement when The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole leaves the oven. Each slice brings a familiar, hearty flavor that crowds love. Friends gather in the kitchen, eager to serve themselves a generous square. By the time you sit down, you’re already planning the next get-together.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sometimes all a meal needs is the soft comfort of Vanilla Ice Cream. It’s a universal favorite, making everybody feel at home. Scoops pass quickly from person to person, even as conversations slow. Somehow, it always disappears before the bowls are empty.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Ice Cream

Tzatziki

Need a cool and fresh dip option? Tzatziki fits the bill every time and works well with just about everything. It’s light yet packs a punch with every scoop or spread. Whether with veggies or pita, it’s a refreshing addition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Strawberry Mochi

Bites of Strawberry Mochi bring a playful touch to even the biggest party. These soft, chewy treats vanish as soon as hands reach the plate. People chatter about the texture, comparing favorites and passing them along. Mochi disappears from the platter almost as soon as it arrives.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mochi

Salmon Caesar Salad

Mixing things up keeps spirits high, so Salmon Caesar Salad is always a hit. The fork-tender bites make every plate feel a little more special. Friends talk about this one long after the meal is done. Group photos last but, somehow, so do memories of this salad.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad