21 Make-Ahead Labor Day Sides That Travel Well

Give your backyard spread plenty of variety with Labor Day cookout sides that are made for sharing. They're convenient choices when you're feeding a crowd and want dishes you can prepare ahead of time. Bring these to the table and make your holiday meal feel effortless.

The Ultimate 6 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy baked macaroni and cheese in a white dish with a wooden spoon and a blue striped towel nearby. — 6 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Six kinds of cheese make this macaroni and cheese extra creamy, rich, and wonderfully indulgent. It’s a comforting side that travels beautifully and always earns plenty of attention at a holiday cookout.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate 6 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon

A close-up of baked beans in sauce, garnished with sliced green onions, with a spoon in the dish. — Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Smoky baked beans get a sweet-savory boost from caramelized apples and crisp bacon, with a warm bourbon note in the background. Bring this hearty side to your next cookout and watch it disappear alongside grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon

Easy Cuban-Style Black Beans Using Canned Beans

A bowl of cooked black beans with chopped vegetables, stirred with a wooden spoon. — Cuban-Style Black Beans. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Tender black beans simmer into a flavorful side with plenty of Cuban-inspired character, and the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy make-ahead option for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cuban-Style Black Beans Using Canned Beans

Corn and Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt

Cool, crunchy cucumber and sweet corn come together in a creamy dressing for a refreshing summer side. It’s especially nice for outdoor gatherings when you want something crisp and easy to serve alongside grilled food.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt

Black Eyed Pea Salad: Sweet and Tangy Southern Classic

Black Eyed Pea Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Black-eyed peas, corn, and colorful peppers are tossed in a bright apple cider vinegar dressing for a sweet and tangy bite. Make it ahead and let the flavors mingle before bringing it along to your next picnic or potluck.
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Pea Salad: Sweet and Tangy Southern Classic

Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad

Juicy grilled peaches, creamy goat cheese, avocado, and peppery greens create a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors. It’s a fresh summer side that feels right at home on a Labor Day table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad

Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Tender squash gets tucked into a creamy, cheesy casserole and finished with a golden, buttery cracker topping. It’s a comforting Southern side that’s easy to prepare ahead for holidays, cookouts, and family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Roasted Garlic Deviled Eggs for Potlucks

Roasted Garlic Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Garlic All Day.

Creamy deviled eggs get a deeper savory flavor from roasted garlic in every bite. They’re an easy crowd-pleaser for potlucks and cookouts, so bringing a few extra is definitely a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Deviled Eggs for Potlucks

Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe: Easy One-Skillet Side Dish

Southern Fried Cabbage. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Tender cabbage cooks with smoky bacon and sweet red pepper for a savory side that’s full of Southern comfort. It’s simple enough for a family dinner and sturdy enough to bring along to a holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe: Easy One-Skillet Side Dish

Grilled Asparagus and Tomato Salad

Grilled asparagus and juicy tomatoes come together with a tangy balsamic dressing for a bright summer side. A little Caprese-inspired flair makes it feel especially fresh alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or steak.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Tomato Salad

Deli Style Macaroni Salad for Summer Gatherings

A white bowl of creamy macaroni salad garnished with parsley, next to a fork and a blue napkin. — Deli Style Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

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Tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy tangy dressing make this classic salad a picnic favorite. It’s easy to make ahead and just right for packing along to a barbecue or Labor Day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Deli Style Macaroni Salad for Summer Gatherings

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Air Fryer Falafel. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

Crisp on the outside and tender in the middle, these air fryer falafel make a flavorful addition to a party spread. They’re easy to prepare without the mess of deep frying and can be served as a hearty side or snack.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Avocado Potato Salad with Bacon

Creamy avocado takes the place of traditional mayo in this fresh twist on potato salad, with crispy bacon adding a savory crunch. It’s a fun side for cookouts when you want something familiar with a little change of pace.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Potato Salad with Bacon

Southern Style Crock Pot Green Beans

Green beans slowly cook with bacon, aromatics, and warm seasonings until tender and deeply savory. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this a handy side for busy holiday gatherings and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Crock Pot Green Beans

Mexican Wild Rice with Warm Spices

wild rice topped with tomatoes — Mexican Wild Rice. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Nutty wild rice gets a flavorful Mexican-inspired twist from warm spices and its naturally chewy texture. It’s a hearty side that holds up well when transported, making it a smart addition to a holiday buffet.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Wild Rice with Warm Spices

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Honey Butter Rolls

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls get a buttery finish and a touch of sweetness that makes them especially hard to resist. Pack them along for the gathering and serve them warm or at room temperature with plenty of honey butter.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Honey Butter Rolls

6-Ingredient Savory and Smoky Fried Corn Recipe

Fried Corn. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Sweet corn gets a savory makeover with butter, Cajun seasoning, and smoky paprika for a quick side packed with flavor. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and is easy enough to make when you’re feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: 6-Ingredient Savory and Smoky Fried Corn Recipe

Dill Pickle Pinwheels for Easy Party Snacking

Dill Pickle Pinwheels. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

Creamy filling and tangy dill pickle flavor are rolled into bite-size pinwheels that are easy to grab and share. They’re a convenient appetizer for cookouts, pool parties, potlucks, and any casual gathering where finger foods are welcome.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pinwheels for Easy Party Snacking

Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Picnics

Pickle Pasta Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

Tender pasta gets a creamy, tangy dressing and plenty of pickle flavor for a side with serious crunch and personality. Make it ahead for picnics and barbecues so the flavors have time to come together before serving.
Get the Recipe: Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Picnics

Southern Cornbread Recipe Without Buttermilk

Close up of a pan of cornbread with a slice centered between 2 missing pieces. — Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Moist, tender cornbread gets a beautifully crisp edge from baking in a sizzling cast-iron skillet. It’s a classic Southern side that travels well and pairs perfectly with barbecue, beans, or a big holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Recipe Without Buttermilk

Refreshing Cucumber Slaw for BBQs

Cucumber Slaw. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Shredded cucumber makes this creamy slaw especially crisp and refreshing, with a light texture that works beautifully alongside grilled food. Bring it to a barbecue or picnic when you want a cool side that balances richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Cucumber Slaw for BBQs