The Only Cookout Recipe Guide You'll Ever Need
Labor Day will be here before we know it, bringing with it the unofficial end of summer and the opportunity to pay homage to the history of the American labor force. The public holiday was officially instituted by the federal government in 1894, providing residents of the United States with a dedicated day of recognition for the economic and sociological developments brought about by the hard work and determination of American workers.
As the United States has grown, customary celebrations of the holiday have grown to include backyard barbecues and cookouts marked by simple, delicious eats and cool drinks. While parents everywhere look forward to the long weekend and rejoice that school is back in session, we have been working to answer the one question weighing on everyone’s mind: How can I pull off the best Labor Day cookout ever?
We all know the best cookouts include a killer cookout menu, plenty of cold drinks, a relaxed setting and great company. Lucky for you, your “Go-to Grill Gurus” are here to deliver the perfect way to plan a cookout menu, recipes for the best cookout food and fresh ideas for cookout side dishes in The Only Cookout Recipe Guide You’ll Ever Need.
Master the Cookout Menu
The best way to plan a cookout menu is to start with your main dishes and build out from there. Traditional Labor Day cookout food typically involves easy crowd-pleasers like hot dogs, steakburgers and brats. That being said, no great burger or hot dog recipes are alike. We put together a short list of our favorite burger and hot dog recipes for you - choose wisely!
Choose a Burger Recipe
Each of these cookout recipes hits the mark and delivers on delicious... without a lot of prep time. We’ve tasted many burgers in our day, and every burger that made our list delivers phenomenal flavor guaranteed to take your cookout to the next level.
Classic Steakburgers, seasoned with a little salt and pepper, then grilled to perfection and topped with smoked ham, mayo, honey dijon mustard, garlic, swiss cheese and dill pickles make this burger recipe a cookout food knockout.
Honey Mustard Dipped Steakburgers with Apple Relish
This savory burger recipe carries a nod to autumn and includes classic steakburgers, olive oil, butter, salt and pepper, garlic, dijon mustard, honey, braeburn or red delicious apple, lemon juice, basil, sweet onion and freshly grated ginger root.
Choose a Kabob Recipe
Kabobs are one of the easiest ways to add variety to your cookout. Whether you're grilling steak, chicken or seafood, skewers make it simple to mix bold flavors with colorful vegetables for a meal that's as impressive as it is easy to serve. Try one of these delicious kabob recipes for your next backyard barbecue.
Tender steak paired with fresh vegetables is a cookout classic for a reason. These Steak Kabobs combine juicy steak with colorful peppers, onions and mushrooms for a simple, flavorful meal that's perfect for grilling.
Pistachio Crusted Steak Kabobs with Hollandaise Drizzle
Take steak kabobs to the next level with this elegant recipe featuring tender top sirloin coated in crunchy pistachios and finished with a rich hollandaise drizzle.
Choose a Few Cookout Side Dishes
Now that you’ve selected your main dishes, it’s time to choose your cookout side dishes. The key to a stress-free cookout is in choosing side dishes that compliment your main dishes and do not require much prep work. The old standby options of potato chips, veggies and fruit are all solid options, but we love a well-rounded cookout menu and recommend supplementing with one or two extra sides that have a little more pizzazz.
This colorful Black Bean and Corn Salad combines sweet corn, black beans, fresh vegetables, cilantro, and a zesty lime-cumin dressing for a refreshing side that's perfect for summer cookouts.
You won’t find a blue box here! This creamy, four cheese Mac and Cheese is all grown up and the perfect side for those who would rather heat and serve.
Now that your cookout menu is finalized, you’re ready for business! Tell us, which cookout food recipe above are you most intrigued to try?