27 Best Labor Day Appetizers to Kick Off Your Last Summer Cookout
A long weekend means extra snacks!
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Like any good party, summer's unofficial last hurrah on Labor Day should be filled with food, family, and fun! (Oh, and a few summer cocktails couldn't hurt either.) That's why your end-of-season bash should be filled with grilling recipes, summer side dishes, and these easy Labor Day appetizers. From crowd-pleasing party dips to pull-apart sliders, you'll find everything you need for kicking off an epic Labor Day menu.
Since you've likely been hosting barbecues and backyard cookouts all season long, keep things easy when planning appetizers. Just look at Ree Drummond's simple corn fritters or the pesto feta dip that only takes ten minutes to make. They'll all be crowd pleasers but you don't have to spend a ton of time in the kitchen, hovering over the stove. And since you're definitely going to miss those summer vegetables once the colder weather sets in, you'll want to put eggplant recipes, tomato recipes, and zucchini recipes to good use.
Planning a feast of burgers and hot dogs for the main event? Try starting with something light and fresh like grilled watermelon and guacamole. Or kick off football season by grilling up some nachos or juicy chicken wings. You'll find summer salads for something healthy and party dips to please a crowd. Everyone will reach for a second bite—that is, unless they're saving room for one of your show-stopping Labor Day desserts!
Zucchini Fritters with Chipotle-Lime Crema
Is your garden still stocked with zucchini? Make fritters! They're crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside and fry up in just a few minutes on each side.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Make the most out of that fresh, seasonal produce by serving up veggie skewers. All you need is some balsamic vinaigrette and the smokiness from the grill to make them pop.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos
Yes, you can make nachos right on the grill! Use bottled BBQ sauce, store-bought rotisserie chicken, and a disposable aluminum baking dish for easier prep and clean up.
Get Ree's Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos recipe.
Pesto Feta Dip
This creamy dip takes just three ingredients. All you need to do is blitz pesto and feta with Green yogurt in a food processor. In ten minutes, you'll have your new favorite appetizer.
Get Ree's Pesto Feta Dip recipe.
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
No matter what you're making for your main course, this easy-t0-assemble salad is a great way to start. It features crunchy cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, salty feta, and lots of fresh herbs.
Get Ree's Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad recipe.
Fried Green Tomato Caprese
The end of summer is the ultimate excuse to use those tomatoes and basil. It's like combining two favorite dishes in one, and is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh.
Get Ree's Fried Green Tomato Caprese recipe.
Grilled Chicken Wings
Labor Day also means the start of football season! What better way to celebrate both than a big platter of juicy and crispy chicken wings charred to perfection?
Get the Grilled Chicken Wings recipe.
BLT Bites
Get crisp bread, spicy mayonnaise, salty bacon, crunchy lettuce, and a juicy tomato all in one bite! They're like a teeny version of your favorite summer sandwich.
Get the BLT Bites recipe.
Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts
These tarts are easy to make, packed with fresh seasonal produce, and look so pretty on a platter. Best of all, they start with store-bought puff pastry so they take less time to assemble.
Get the Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts recipe.
Chef's Salad on a Stick
Salad, but make it fun! This is a great way to serve salad at parties, because once assembled, you let the guests just grab and go. They get veggies, meat, and cheese all one one stick.
Get the Chef's Salad on a Stick recipe.
White Bean Dip
If you like hummus, you'll love this smoother, creamier cousin. Blended with garlic, shallot, fresh herbs, and lemon juice, cannellini beans become a dippable snack.
Get Ree's White Bean Dip recipe.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Perfectly poppable pizza bites: Now that's something kids and adults of all ages can agree on! Better yet, these are a bit healthier thanks to the zucchini. Plus, at this time of year, you probably have a lot in your garden.
Get the Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe.
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
The combo of ranch, bacon, and cheese is aways a good idea. This crowd-pleasing dip can be served with chips or veggies. Plus, it only takes ten minutes to whip together!
Get Ree's Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
Skip the buns and serve mini burgers on skewers! They are perfect to snack on and then you can get so much more creative on the grill with the main course.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies
Um yes, "thingies" is a technical cooking term for "delicious appetizer." 😂 These couldn't be easier to make, too―three ingredients are all you need! They're like jalapeño poppers but less of a hassle.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies recipe.
Pepper Jack Queso
"Queso is not really optional in our house," Ree explains. "It's an essential part of every get-together." That should be your rule, too! This one can be made in a slow cooker, making it easy to make and keep warm throughout the party.
Get Ree's Pepper Jack Queso recipe.
Pico de Gallo
You'll want to head to the garden or farmer's market to make this classic party dip. The fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeño peppers, and herby cilantro are all put to good use.
Get Ree's Pico de Gallo recipe.
Deviled Eggs
Ree's idea of the perfect family get-together includes a plate of deviled eggs. It's both potluck-friendly and picnic-friendly, so it's great for Labor Day.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Best-Ever Guacamole
If you're looking for a few tips to make perfect guacamole, check out this recipe. You'll learn how to pick ripe avocados and how to prevent your guac from turning brown.
Get the Best-Ever Guacamole recipe.
Air Fryer Okra
Even those who are skeptical about okra will love this extra crispy variation. Plus, the creole seasoning and spicy dipping sauce make it all the more enticing!
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Cookout Sides Beyond Potato Salad and Coleslaw
Homemade Lemonade
Chocolate Pie
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
