Be a little lazy this Labor Day.
We’re going all in.
Our Labor Day side dishes squeeze every last ounce of summertime onto the picnic blanket or porch table.
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
No matter your plans, these Labor Day cookout ideas will close out the season with a bang.
Finished with thick-cut bacon pieces?
Besides, who can resist spooning a hearty helping of such a crunchy, festive, and colorful side?
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Bonus: It doesn’t contain mayonnaise, making it low-maintenance and portable.
These crispy bites are sent to flavor heaven with smoky Andouille sausage.
Make a double batch of this recipebecause they’re going to disappear quickly.
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Tangy Potato-Green Bean Salad
We can’t believe we’re saying thisbut hold the mayo.
And we won’t make you guess: Rum is the secret to this delicious baked bean side.
It’s a party-worthy side dish that makes braving the summer heat a little more bearable.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
Most important: Don’t crowd the pan.
Broccoli, Grape, And Pasta Salad
This classic pasta salad deserves an end-of-season shoutout.
In this recipe, green tomatoes bring a bright, almost citrusy note to the mix.
Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox
The fact that it can be cooked and transported to the party in your slow cooker.
Bonus: you’ve got the option to trust it’ll stay ooey and gooey all evening long.
Golden Tomato-And-Corn Salad
Hello gorgeous!
Credit: Hector Sanchez
Macaroni Corn Casserole
Macaroni and cheese and corn casserole are delicious separately, but together?
Now that’s a love story for the ages.
Everything comes together in about 30 minutes.
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele
Old-School Squash Casserole
With a buttery cracker topping, this classic casserole is the definition of crowd-pleasing.
Consider it your Labor Day cookout claim to fame.
Cucumber-And-Vidalia Onion Salad
There’s nothing more refreshing on a summer potluck lineup than a cucumber salad.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick
This one highlights sweet Vidalia onions from Georgia.
Okra And Rice Casserole
Frying is delicious but admittedly messy.
This bake-and-take casserole will be your new favorite way to prepare okra for a summer holiday gathering.
Credit: Jennifer Davick
This also means that you might enjoy leftovers all week long.
This simple salad requires very little chopping and a bunch of easily accessible ingredients you are sure to enjoy.
All you have to do is pipepre-made pimiento Cheesefrom a ziplock into the cute little peppers.
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Yes, it’s that easy!
Easy Grilled Shrimp
Make grilled shrimp an effortless addition to your Labor Day spread.
Allow the shrimp to marinate for a few minutes, skewer them and then put them on the grill.
Credit: Hector Sanchez
It’s rustic and refined all at the time.
Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges
A little sweet heat never hurt anything!
After all, it’s not a Southern gathering without deviled eggs of some sort!
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Ranch Potato Salad
Ranch, crispy bacon, potatoes.
Need we say more?
Shrimp Salad
Shrimp Salad is a Southern delicacy that deserves to be served as often as possible.
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It’s great just as is or make it into a sandwich the day after the celebration.
The possibilities are endless.
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Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Karen Rankin
Credit: Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
Credit: Photographer and Prop stylist: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
Credit:Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Credit:Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Credit:Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
