Food Disappears Fast When I Bring 29 Labor Day Recipes

Every time those 29 Labor Day dishes show up, people stop pretending they’re on a diet. Plates get stacked, leftovers mysteriously vanish, and even that one guest who “already ate” changes their mind. There’s always someone circling the food table like it’s a buffet with no closing time. Whatever’s in those trays, it’s not making it past round two.

Two glass cups filled with layers of sliced strawberries, chocolate, granola, and chopped pistachios, with a blurred bowl of nuts in the background.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Grilled Pork Chops

A grilled pork chop garnished with chopped parsley is served on a plate.
Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Gathering friends for dinner always gets more fun with juicy Grilled Pork Chops on the grill. These chops are known for drawing a crowd and quickly making the rounds on everyone’s plate. People talk about how tender they are after only one bite. There are never any leftovers once the group gets started.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

It feels good to offer a lighter option like Healthy Chicken Salad when everyone is sharing a meal. Friends enjoy the mix of fresh and filling in each serving. This salad is easy to pair with other dishes and never stays around for long. People usually come back hoping for just a little more.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Skewers with grapes, blackberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries arranged in neat rows on a white surface.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bright colors catch everyone’s eye as soon as Rainbow Fruit Skewers are placed on the table. Kids go straight for these while adults sneak a piece or two too. They’re easy to share and bring something sweet to the mix. The tray usually clears off faster than you think.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Green Salad

A close-up of a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and pecans on a plate with a gold fork.
Green Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Something fresh is always a welcome sight, so a big bowl of Green Salad helps balance heavier plates. It’s simple, crisp, and always seems to match any main dish. Friends fill their plates higher than you’d expect. Everyone appreciates a break from rich foods with something light like this.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad

Melted Ice Cream Pops

Waffle ice cream cones dipped in white and dark chocolate, decorated with colorful sprinkles, arranged on a wooden surface.
Melted Ice Cream Pops. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A sweet treat like Melted Ice Cream Pops is always a fun surprise that keeps kids nearby. These pops have a playful look and are just right for cooling off. Guests ask if there are more once the first batch is gone. It’s a snack that always brings a smile.
Get the Recipe: Melted Ice Cream Pops

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Close-up of three spiral pastry rolls on a black plate, filled with herbs and cheese. Green garnish and a jalapeño pepper are in the background.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Little bites packed with flavor, Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel rolls are popular for getting conversations started. They fit perfectly into any finger food spread. Guests look around for seconds after trying these for the first time. When the tray comes back, only crumbs are left behind.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Fruit Pizza

A close-up of a vibrant fruit tart topped with slices of kiwi, strawberries, mango, grapes, and blueberries arranged in a decorative pattern.
Fruit Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing together sweet and fresh, Fruit Pizza gets talked about before it even hits the table. The mix of bright colors is always a crowd-pleaser. Friends love taking a slice mid-conversation. It often turns into a highlight for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Everyone finds a reason to try Ham and Cheese Sliders whether it’s their first bite or their fifth. These sliders always disappear, especially with bigger groups who want something easy to grab. Friends enjoy how they work for both lunch and dinner. The mini buns tend to go even before you turn around.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Grilled Steak Pinwheels

Close-up of sliced stuffed beef roulade with visible layers of meat, cheese, and spinach on a wooden board. A glass of beer is blurred in the background.
Grilled Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sliced up for easy sharing, Grilled Steak Pinwheels have a way of making everyone come back for seconds. They’re filled and rolled so each piece has a bit of everything. People appreciate how neat and tidy these are to eat. It doesn’t take long before the tray is empty.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Pinwheels

Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background.
Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for a tangy twist? Key Lime Bars deliver a cool, creamy bite everybody talks about long after dessert. These bars stand out when the sweet craving hits. They’re easy to stack up on a plate, but don’t expect them to last.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pulled pork packed into little buns makes Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders a hit with all ages. Sweet and smoky flavors keep people coming back for another. The sliders stay popular until every single one is gone. Big gatherings aren’t the same without them.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Colorful ladybug-themed cookies with red tops and chocolate bases, decorated with googly eyes, sit on a bed of rainbow paper shreds.
Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Any dessert table comes alive with Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos thanks to their playful look. Kids rush over for these bite-sized treats first. People often ask how they’re made after sampling one. You’re likely to see an empty plate in no time.
Get the Recipe: Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds.
Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mini sandwiches packed and ready, Turkey Sliders get picked up fast by both kids and grown-ups. They’re a light choice for anyone needing a simple snack. The meat is always juicy and mixes well with any side. Repeat servings are common until nothing’s left.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Lobster Roll

A close-up of a sandwich roll filled with chunks of seasoned lobster meat, garnished with chopped chives.
Lobster Roll. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seafood lovers line up quickly when Lobster Roll makes an appearance at dinner. Each bite feels special and brings a little excitement to the meal. Friends usually ask for seconds while the rolls are still cool. It becomes a talking point for the whole table.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Roll

Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley.
Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fun to eat and easy to share, Italian Sub Pinwheels roll up all the flavors you expect in an Italian sandwich. These slices hold together well and are easy to handle even for young kids. Guests give plenty of compliments with each bite. The platter clears off faster than you’d guess.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Rocky Road Ice Cream

A glass bowl filled with scoops of chocolate ice cream, wafer rolls, waffle biscuits, chopped nuts, and marshmallows.
Rocky Road Ice Cream. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Everyone enjoys a scoop of Rocky Road Ice Cream when it’s hot or when dessert calls for something simple. The blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet is always a winner. You’ll notice people smiling with every spoonful. Scoops never stick around for long.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Ice Cream

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Close-up of cooked beef chunks garnished with chopped herbs on a plate with a spoon nearby.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hearty and easy to pass, Garlic Butter Steak Bites are favorites for large groups who want something rich in flavor. Every piece gets cheers from fans of steak. These bites are picked up from the plate in no time. It’s often a challenge to keep them stocked.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Egg Salad

A bowl of creamy egg salad topped with chopped parsley and paprika, set on a light-colored surface.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Plates fill up quickly with spoonfuls of Egg Salad whenever it’s put out. This salad is simple but always gets compliments for how easy it is to pair with anything. People add it to bread or eat it by itself. Seconds are common as friends catch up over lunch.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus spears served on a plate with two charred lemon halves.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crisp and fresh, Grilled Asparagus brings just the right balance to plates filled with heavier foods. It’s usually one of the first veggies to get finished. Even those who claim not to love vegetables reach for a few stalks. It comes back around for seconds at nearly every meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Kool Aid Pie

A slice of cream pie on a white plate, topped with whipped cream. An orange slice and a drink are in the background.
Kool Aid Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bright pops of color always grab attention, and Kool Aid Pie does just that with each slice. Kids especially ask for this dessert whenever it reappears. Serving is easy since it holds its shape well. By the end, only the pie dish remains.
Get the Recipe: Kool Aid Pie

Green Goddess Salad

A close-up of a plate with bright green guacamole, chopped vegetables, and tortilla chips on the side.
Green Goddess Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some groups want something a little different, which makes Green Goddess Salad a smart addition to any meal. This salad stands out for being both light and full of bold flavors. Everyone talks about how much it adds to other dishes. Bowls are empty sooner than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Two scoops of Neapolitan ice cream in a glass dish, featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, served with two rolled wafer cookies.
Neapolitan Ice Cream. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Having choices makes Neapolitan Ice Cream popular with groups of any size. People love being able to try all three flavors in just one scoop. It’s a classic that keeps everyone happy from kids to adults. Don’t be surprised if it’s all gone before the last main course is served.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Colorful and easy to grab, Pinwheel Sandwiches always look good next to bigger dishes. Each roll-up is packed with fillings that stay put, making them simple for even toddlers to try. They’re popular at both lunch and dinnertime. The platter is always empty at the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped with strawberry sauce and fresh strawberry pieces, sits on a serving tray.
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy sweets don’t get much easier than No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake at a busy mealtime. Friends slice out big pieces and head back for more. Its cool layers refresh everyone after savory dishes. Leftovers don’t last for long if there are any at all.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When something new is needed, Quinoa Salad offers a fresh, light update to dinner. It’s filling without being too much, which works for most groups. The grains mix well with crunchy sides. People come back asking for more after the first try.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet cravings are no match for Oreo Cheesecake once the dessert table opens up. Guests often chat about how much they love the cookie and cream combo. Slices disappear within minutes of serving. Anyone missing out usually hopes for a second round.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

Pico de Gallo

A bowl of pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños with a spoon inside, next to a lime and tortilla chips.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chips are only better when paired with Pico de Gallo on the appetizer table. This fresh dip brings a pop to every bite. Multiple hands always reach for it throughout the event. The bowl is scraped clean before dinner is even finished.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy comfort comes in every bite of Mac and Cheese served family-style. Both kids and adults scoop big portions onto their plates. It fits alongside almost any main dish, making it a regular favorite. This is a go-to dish whenever leftovers are rare.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Two glass cups filled with layers of sliced strawberries, chocolate, granola, and chopped pistachios, with a blurred bowl of nuts in the background.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A sweet finish is guaranteed when Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup lands on the dessert table. These small treats mix rich and fruity in the best way. Most guests take two before they remember to share. The cup tray empties out fast with lots of happy faces around.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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