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Home » Sides

28 Labor Day Sides That Prove You Don’t Need a Grill To Impress

Published: Aug 26, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Labor Day sides don’t have to be all about the grill to be great. If you're looking to impress without breaking a sweat, these recipes are perfect. From bright, fresh flavors to dishes that steal the show, these sides prove that you don’t need a grill to make your cookout a hit. Whether you're hosting a big gathering or just keeping it simple with family, these sides are exactly what you need to keep everyone happy and coming back for more. So, skip the grill and let these dishes do the talking.

An overhead image of cottage fries arranged on a plate.
Cottage Fries. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

An overhead image of air fried hassel back potatoes on a plate with parsley on top and a fork and knife on the right side.
Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Hasselback potatoes turn irresistibly crispy, whether cooked in an air fryer or oven. Ready in under an hour, these versatile spuds are a surefire hit for Labor Day sides, combining flavor and texture that appeal to everyone.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan.
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked gouda mac and cheese offers a rich, creamy texture with easy preparation. In just 45 minutes, this comforting dish becomes a crowd-pleasing addition to your Labor Day sides, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

A close up photo of instant pot spinach artichoke dip placed in a white bowl with wooden spoon in the side.
Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot spinach artichoke dip is an effortless side that stands out at any gathering. Its easy adaptability makes it a practical choice for Labor Day sides, adding a flavorful and convenient option to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Avocado Deviled Eggs

A close up image of avocado deviled eggs.
Avocado Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Avocado deviled eggs bring a fresh twist to a classic dish, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for your Labor Day sides. This creamy variation adds a new dimension to your holiday table, enhancing the appeal of a beloved favorite.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Deviled Eggs

Cottage Fries

An overhead image of cottage fries arranged on a plate.
Cottage Fries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cottage fries, crispy and quick to prepare, come together in just 30 minutes with 6 simple ingredients. Their satisfying crunch and straightforward prep make them an excellent choice for your Labor Day sides, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Fries

No Mayo Coleslaw

Close up of no mayo coleslaw.
No Mayo Coleslaw. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Asian summer slaw with a homemade peanut dressing is a refreshing side that pairs well with any main dish. Vibrant and full of flavor, it's a perfect addition to your Labor Day sides, offering variety and a burst of freshness to your spread.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw

Classic American Potato Salad

An overhead image of the classic American potato salad in a white serving dish.
Classic American Potato Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Classic American potato salad, with its creamy texture and boiled eggs, is a must-have for summer gatherings. Easily made ahead of time, it’s a convenient and popular option for Labor Day sides, allowing you to focus on the fun while the flavors meld together.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl.
Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A simple mango avocado salad with a lemony vinaigrette brings bright, fresh flavors to your Labor Day sides. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and refreshing addition that complements the season’s festivities with ease.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Sweet Potato Skins

A horizontal image of baked sweet potato skins.
Sweet Potato Skins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Loaded sweet potato skins combine creamy and cheesy goodness with a touch of freshness from parsley. Ready in an hour, they’re a standout choice among Labor Day sides, offering a filling and flavorful option that guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Skins

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

A close-up image of stuffed baked potatoes.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed baked potatoes with mushrooms, spinach, and melted cheddar are a hearty and satisfying option. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a perfect addition to your Labor Day sides, bringing comfort and flavor to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Easy Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan egg rolls, with their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, are ready in just 20 minutes. These quick and tasty treats make an excellent choice for Labor Day sides, adding a bit of crunch and flair to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

A close up image of cheesy potatoes in a casserole, garnished with parsley.
Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy potatoes, baked with a creamy chive-infused sauce and crispy cornflake topping, come together in just 35 minutes. This comforting dish is sure to be a crowd favorite among your Labor Day sides, adding rich flavors to your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

Vegan Drumsticks

An image of vegan drumsticks on a plate garnished with fresh green herbs and a lemon wedge.
Vegan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan drumsticks offer a crunchy and flavorful side that’s easy to make and ready in no time. Their plant-based appeal makes them a great choice for Labor Day sides, ensuring everyone at the table finds something they can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Drumsticks

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on a wooden board, crispy and golden, topped with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Garlic air fryer smashed potatoes need just 6 ingredients and 45 minutes to create a flavorful side dish. Their simplicity and savory taste make them a fantastic addition to your Labor Day sides, bringing a classic flavor that pairs well with any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Beans and Cornbread

Beans and cornbread served together in a bowl.
Beans and Cornbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rooted in Southern tradition, this hearty dish brings comfort to the table with simple ingredients and spices. Easy to prepare and customize, it’s a practical choice for Labor Day sides, adding a touch of homestyle flavor to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Beans and Cornbread

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

A spoonful of sweet potato slices with apples and cranberries in a white dish.
Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Baked sweet potato slices with apples and cranberries offer a balanced and nutritious side dish. Simple to prepare, this colorful option is a festive and flavorful addition to your Labor Day sides, bringing a burst of freshness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Oven-roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, are tossed in herbs and olive oil for a flavorful side. Ready in 35 minutes, these vegetables are a comforting and easy choice for your Labor Day sides, complementing any main course.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Halloumi fries, seasoned and oven-baked, come together in just 25 minutes for a quick side or appetizer. Their rich flavor and crisp texture make them a standout among Labor Day sides, perfect for entertaining and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes

Smashed roasted purple sweet potatoes on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stokes sweet potatoes, smashed and roasted until crispy, are drizzled with butter and herbs for a delicious side. Their vibrant presentation and savory taste make them an excellent choice for Labor Day sides, adding both color and flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes

Broccoli Fritters

A stack of broccoli fritters on a plate.
Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli fritters, made with chopped broccoli and Parmesan, are a flavorful side that’s ready in just 35 minutes. Served with Greek yogurt or sour cream, they’re a tasty and satisfying choice for your Labor Day sides, bringing something unique to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy cubed eggplant roasted in the air fryer on a plate with a serving spoon.
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer eggplant, simply seasoned, becomes a crispy and delicious side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Its ease of preparation and versatile flavor make it a reliable choice for your Labor Day sides, adding a touch of creativity to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots in a black dish.
Honey Garlic Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Honey garlic carrots, with their sweet and savory glaze, are ready in just 25 minutes. This crowd-pleasing side dish is a perfect addition to your Labor Day sides, bringing a hint of sweetness to your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Eggplant tomato stacks feature layers of grilled eggplant and tomato, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a fresh and summery side. These colorful stacks are a flavorful choice for Labor Day sides, adding a vibrant touch to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Utica Greens

Cast iron skillet with Utica greens and wooden handle serving spoon.
Utica Greens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Utica greens from upstate New York combine escarole, prosciutto, and pickled hot cherry peppers, topped with cheesy breadcrumbs. This bold dish is a versatile choice for Labor Day sides, bringing a mix of flavors that pair well with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Extra Crispy Keto Tater Tots Croquettes inside white bowl.
Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Tater tot croquettes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, are a kid-friendly side dish made with just 3 ingredients. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re a fun and easy addition to your Labor Day sides, sure to be a hit with all ages.
Get the Recipe: Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash

Oven roasted sliced zucchini and squash in a large serving bowl.
Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Roasted zucchini and squash is a simple side dish that’s quick to prepare with only a few ingredients. With variations like garlic parmesan or lemon goat cheese, this versatile side adds fresh flavors to your Labor Day sides, making it a perfect fit for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked sliced zucchini with parmesan on a white plate.
Baked Sliced Zucchini. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked sliced zucchini, ready in just 20 minutes, shows how easy it is to prepare this versatile vegetable. This quick and healthy side dish is perfect for adding a fresh touch to your Labor Day sides, complementing any main course.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer jalapeño poppers, stuffed with creamy cheese and topped with crispy bacon, bring a savory and indulgent flavor to your table. These spicy treats are a standout choice among Labor Day sides, adding a bit of heat and excitement to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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