What to Serve on Labor Day When You’re Tired of the Same Old BBQ

When it comes to what to serve on Labor Day when you're tired of the same bbq, the answer doesn’t have to feel complicated. This is your chance to shake things up with food that still feels right for the holiday but brings something different to the table. Think bold flavors, easier prep, and dishes that get people talking without you needing to stand over a grill all day. These recipes are perfect for making the long weekend feel fresh while still keeping that laid-back cookout vibe alive.

Skewers of vegetables and shrimp on a grill.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun

Cheesy burgers are great for a holiday spread because they stack high, cook quick, and still feel special. They make grilling worth it without being the same old choice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun

Grilled Steak Kabobs

Steak kabobs fit the occasion since they give you a full meal on a stick with almost no cleanup. They’re fun to serve when you want something easy but not plain burgers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Kabobs

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken is a smart pick because it adds bold flavor with hardly any prep. It’s fast to cook and brings heat that feels different from the usual lineup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Pollo Asado

Marinated chicken thighs work well thanks to their citrus and herb mix that keeps things fresh. They cook fast and still carry that summer energy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

An open grilled French onion pork burger on a plate with greens. — Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Pork burgers make sense when you want something richer than beef but still simple to grill. The onion flavor and melted cheese keep them from being just another burger.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled chicken with cilantro crema on a white plate surrounded by limes, cilantro, and a glass of beer. — Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Marinated chicken with herby sauce looks fancy but takes very little effort. It’s a simple way to bring something fresh to the table without extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger

Lamb burgers are a good move when you want to break away from the same flavors. The mix of herbs, cheese, and pesto makes them stand out without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Someone holding a bowl of chipotle grilled chicken. — Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chipotle chicken fits the holiday since it balances bold flavor with no-hassle prep. It’s the kind of dish that feels special while still being easy to repeat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter. — Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flank steak is a go-to when you want big flavor in just minutes. Butter and spice keep it interesting without turning it into a long project.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Beef finger meat is quick to grill and proves simple cuts can shine. It’s a reminder you don’t need anything fancy to make cookout food worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Wings done over high heat come out crispy and charred just right. They’re great when you want flavor that stands out without a long list of steps.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers belong on the grill because they’re fast and versatile. They work with almost anything else you’re serving, which makes them an easy win.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers make sense for a laid-back holiday since they cook in minutes. They give you grill flavor without slowing down the day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Close up photo of grilled boneless pork chops. — Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Pork chops with pantry spices are simple but never boring. They keep things quick while still bringing something fresh to the table.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Sliced Tajín Grilled Chicken sits on a white plate surrounded by Tajín seasoning, a sliced lime, a white linen, and a small glass of beer. — Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chile lime chicken works because it has big flavor with little prep. It’s perfect when you want something bold but not time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges. — Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled shrimp with herbs bring brightness in just minutes. They’re quick to serve and keep the meal feeling light and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango. — Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mango chipotle wings are bold enough to break up the routine. They’re fast to grill and don’t need much planning to feel holiday-ready.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek Chicken on a white plate with lemon slices. — Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled chicken stays simple but still delivers on flavor. It’s a good reason to stick with the grill while keeping things easy.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Grilled chicken breasts stuffed with ham, pineapple and Jarlsberg cheese garnished with green onion. — Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Eggplant tomato stacks are a strong side because they add color and variety to the table. They’re quick to make and match the cookout mood.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Hawaiian chicken stands out with cheese, ham, pineapple, and glaze all in one. It’s a bold combo that feels right for a holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken