21 Labor Day Cookout Mains for a Full House

Bring everyone together for one more big backyard meal with Labor Day grilling recipes made for sharing. These hearty mains make planning a cookout feel easier while giving guests plenty to look forward to around the grill. Fire things up, invite your favorite people, and make the most of the long weekend.

Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers for Labor Day

Thin, juicy burgers get piled with deeply caramelized onions for that classic old-school flavor everyone loves. They’re just the thing for a relaxed backyard gathering when you want a hearty main that feels familiar and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers for Labor Day

Easy Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe

Tender pork takes on a wonderful smoky flavor that brings island-inspired barbecue right to your backyard. It’s a great pick when you’re feeding a crowd and want something impressive without needing an underground cooking pit.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe

Crispy Smoked Chicken Thighs with BBQ Flavor

Juicy chicken thighs come off the smoker with crisp skin, smoky flavor, and a sweet barbecue finish. They make an easy, satisfying main for a laid-back cookout or family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smoked Chicken Thighs with BBQ Flavor

Griddle Philly Cheesesteak for a Cookout

Savory beef, melty cheese, and classic sandwich flavors come together right on the outdoor griddle. It’s a fun choice for a cookout when you want something hearty, casual, and easy to enjoy with friends.
Get the Recipe: Griddle Philly Cheesesteak for a Cookout

Smoked Bologna With Hot Honey Glaze

Smoking gives bologna a rich, savory flavor while a hot honey finish adds just the right touch of sweetness and heat. It’s a surprisingly delicious way to switch things up when the usual barbecue favorites have had their turn.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bologna With Hot Honey Glaze

Smoked Beer Can Chicken for a Backyard Cookout

Whole chicken becomes tender and juicy in the smoker, with beautifully crisp skin and plenty of smoky barbecue character. A garlicky finish makes every bite extra inviting, especially alongside your favorite summer sides.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beer Can Chicken for a Backyard Cookout

Easy Fiesta Chicken Foil Packets

Seasoned chicken cooks up with hearty Southwestern-style flavors for an easy meal that works beautifully on the grill or in the oven. Everything comes together neatly, so you can enjoy a flavorful dinner without a sink full of dishes afterward.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fiesta Chicken Foil Packets

Flavorful Achiote Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp get a vibrant, savory kick from achiote and spices before hitting the grill for a quick cook. Serve them with grilled vegetables, salads, tacos, or bowls when you want something light but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Achiote Shrimp Skewers

Sweet and Savory Asian Chicken Skewers

Tender chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy marinade that caramelizes beautifully over the grill. Grab a few for yourself before they disappear, because they’re exactly the kind of cookout favorite people keep coming back for.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Asian Chicken Skewers

Juicy and Flavorful Elk Burger Recipe

Lean elk makes these burgers hearty and flavorful while still giving you that classic backyard-burger experience. They’re a fun way to surprise your guests with something a little different without straying too far from a familiar favorite.
Get the Recipe: Juicy and Flavorful Elk Burger Recipe

Grilled Bratwurst: How to Grill Brats 2 Ways

Juicy bratwurst gets beautifully browned on the grill, making it a natural fit for backyard barbecues, tailgates, and holiday gatherings. Having two grilling approaches gives you plenty of flexibility when you’re cooking for a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bratwurst: How to Grill Brats 2 Ways

Tender Slow Cooker Brisket Full of Flavor

Slow cooking turns brisket wonderfully tender while bringing out rich barbecue flavors in every slice. It’s a lifesaver for busy gatherings because you can let the slow cooker handle the main dish while you focus on your guests.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Brisket Full of Flavor

Juicy Grilled Jerk Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops soak up warm jerk spices before getting a delicious char on the grill. A little lime and fresh herbs brighten things up, making this a flavorful change from the usual barbecue fare.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Grilled Jerk Pork Chops

Tender Grilled Tri Tip with a Savory Crust

A low-and-slow grill cook followed by a hot sear gives this tri tip a tender center and deeply browned crust. Slice it up for a hearty centerpiece that feels right at a big backyard gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tender Grilled Tri Tip with a Savory Crust

Grilled Aloha Burger Recipe with Pineapple

Juicy burgers get a sweet-savory boost from teriyaki and grilled pineapple, creating a fun tropical twist on a cookout classic. The combination is easygoing, flavorful, and perfect when you want to give burger night a little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Aloha Burger Recipe with Pineapple

Crowd-Friendly Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Tender barbecue chicken, melted cheese, and buttery buns make these sliders especially cozy and satisfying. They’re easy to serve to a crowd and work beautifully for a relaxed party where everyone can grab one whenever they’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Crowd-Friendly Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Grilled Chicken Tikka Recipe for the Cookout

Chicken is marinated in fragrant spices and yogurt before hitting the grill, giving it a juicy texture and plenty of smoky char. It’s a flavorful option for a barbecue spread when you’re ready to move beyond the usual grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Tikka Recipe for the Cookout

Smoky Smoked Shotgun Shells for Parties

Pasta shells filled with savory sausage, cheese, and peppers become wonderfully smoky before getting a barbecue-sauce finish. They’re hearty enough to steal attention at a party and make a fun addition to a holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Smoked Shotgun Shells for Parties

Yakitori Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Bite-size chicken gets a savory Japanese-inspired marinade before being grilled on skewers until tender and flavorful. They’re easy to pass around at a cookout and bring a delicious change of pace to the usual grill lineup.
Get the Recipe: Yakitori Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Easy Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe

Lobster tails cook quickly on the grill and develop a delicate smoky flavor while staying succulent and tender. It’s a simple way to make your backyard gathering feel a little more special without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Lobster Tail Recipe

Easy Smoked Shrimp for a Labor Day Cookout

Shrimp pick up a lovely smoky flavor in the smoker while staying tender and juicy. They’re quick, flavorful, and just right when you want a seafood option that doesn’t require much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Shrimp for a Labor Day Cookout