Celebrate Labor Day with these Southern cookout favorites! From easy BBQ ribs to peach cobbler and creamy potato salad, these recipes are perfect for your backyard barbecue.
Labor Day weekend is all about slowing down, firing up the grill, and soaking in those last sweet days of summer. Whether you’re planning a big backyard barbecue or a simple family get-together, the menu is what makes the holiday. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite tried-and-true Southern recipes that are perfect for any cookout table. These are crowd-pleasers that never fail — easy, delicious, and made for sharing.
From smoky ribs to creamy salads and cobblers bursting with fresh fruit, these dishes are everything you need for a holiday spread. Pull out your lawn chairs, grab a tall glass of sweet tea, and let’s celebrate summer one bite at a time.
Main Dishes
- Easy BBQ Ribs – Start in the oven, finish on the grill for tender ribs with just the right smoky char.
Get the recipe: Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender (spicy and sticky-delicious) BBQ Ribs
- Alan’s Smoked Pork Loin – My friend Alan’s recipe is a backyard showstopper — flavorful, juicy, and made for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Alan’s Backyard BBQ: Big Green Egg Pork Loin & Summer Grilling
Sides
- Southern Baked Beans – Slow-simmered with just the right sweetness and a little tang.
- Creamy Potato Salad – A classic, cool side dish that belongs at every picnic table.
- Creamy Coleslaw – Crisp, tangy, and the perfect partner for barbecue.
The Best Creamy Southern Coleslaw
- Tomato & Vidalia Onion Salad – A fresh, creamy favorite that’s been a reader favorite all summer long.
Southern Creamy Cucumber, Tomato and Vidalia Onion Salad/
Desserts
- Homemade Peach Ice Cream – Nothing says summer like a scoop of this creamy classic.
- Fresh Peach Cobbler – Juicy peaches and a golden crust — pure Southern comfort.
- Coca-Cola Cake – A nostalgic, rich chocolate cake with a delicious fudgy marshmallow frosting.
- Easy Blueberry Cobbler – Bursting with fresh berries, it’s the perfect ending to a holiday meal.
Bring It All Together
Whether you choose one or two dishes or build a whole menu from this list, these recipes are sure to make your Labor Day weekend memorable. They’re simple, they’re Southern, and they’re made for good company.
What’s on your Labor Day menu? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
