Labor Day weekend is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, gather your favorite people and savor the flavors of summer one last time before the fall. And nothing says “all-American cookout” like a spread of smoky meats, hearty sides and just-sweet-enough desserts. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, packing a picnic for the park or setting up by the pool, the right lineup of classics will keep everyone coming back for seconds. With a little planning — e.g., prepping marinades the night before, choosing high-quality cuts and balancing mains with fresh sides — you can pull off a Labor Day feast that feels effortless, festive and delicious.
1. High-Quality BBQ Meats and Burgers
Every Labor Day table needs a centerpiece, and that means meats cooked low, slow and with plenty of smoke. Brisket is a Texas-style classic that delivers big flavor for a crowd — slice it thin for sandwiches, incorporate it into nachos or serve it on its own with a generous drizzle of sauce. Ribs are another fan favorite, especially when they’re fall-off-the-bone tender and lacquered with a sticky glaze (ours are succulent Duroc ribs smoked for seven hours over post oak wood). If you want something easier to portion, smoked sausage links add variety and heat, while burgers never fail to please a crowd.
To make your burgers stand out, skip the plain toppings and layer on:
- Jalapeño slices for just the right kick of acidity and heat
- Sharp cheddar or pepperjack for a creamy, melty contrast
- Housemade pickles or brisket chili for a signature twist
And don’t forget the buns: toasting them lightly on the grill keeps them from getting soggy and adds an extra layer of flavor. For ribs and brisket, the real secret is starting with quality meat and letting the smoke do the heavy lifting. Prep rubs or marinades the night before, then spend Labor Day focused on enjoying your guests, not fussing with the food. (Alternatively, you can order directly from us here at Truth BBQ — the meat will arrive at your doorstep already hand-seasoned and -smoked by our pitmasters here in Texas, so all you have to do is follow our reheating instructions.)
2. Sides That Steal the Show
No cookout is complete without the classic sides that balance smoky meats and burgers. A creamy potato salad is always a hit — make it the day before so the flavors meld and you free up time on the holiday itself. Grilled corn on the cob is another crowd-pleaser; keep it simple with butter and salt, or dress it up with chili powder and cotija cheese for a Tex-Mex twist. And of course, coleslaw adds the crunch and tang every plate needs.
The best part is that these sides scale beautifully if you’re feeding a crowd:
- Potato salad: Double or triple the recipe ahead of time; it keeps well in the fridge.
- Corn on the cob: Grill in batches and keep warm wrapped in foil
- Coleslaw: Shred veggies the night before and toss with dressing right before serving.
Tip: If you’re already firing up the grill, you may as well make use of it. Grill peppers, scallions, onions and other vegetables alongside any meats for a flavorful side dish.
3. Fresh and Flavorful Add-Ons
While meats and sides set the stage, it’s the extras that give your Labor Day spread a personal touch. A bowl of housemade pickles offers a bright, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of brisket and ribs. A lineup of sauces — whether tangy, spicy or sweet — lets guests customize their plates to their own tastes. And for a heartier option, baked beans slow-cooked with bacon or brisket trimmings bring a depth of flavor that feels unmistakably all-American.
Consider adding a few of these extras to round out your menu to elevate your cookout:
- Pickles: Crisp, tangy and the perfect palate refresher.
- Sauces: Set out a few options so guests can mix, match and experiment.
- Baked beans: Smoky, savory and simple to make ahead in a slow cooker.
5. Don’t Forget Dessert
No matter how full your guests are, there’s always room for something sweet. On Labor Day, the classics never fail. Peach cobbler is a Southern favorite that pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream; the bubbling fruit and golden crust practically beg to be shared straight from the dish. For something lighter, berry shortcake makes the most of late-summer produce, while banana pudding delivers the nostalgic creaminess that takes people back to family gatherings.
A few go-to options that hit the mark:
- Peach cobbler: Serve warm with ice cream for a crowd-pleasing finish.
- Berry shortcake: Fresh, colorful and easy to assemble last minute.
- Banana pudding: A creamy, layered classic that’s best made ahead.
6. Drinks to Wash It Down
With smoky meats and hearty sides, a refreshing drink lineup is essential. Iced tea and lemonade are timeless cookout staples, and both can be made in large batches to keep guests hydrated and happy. For the adults, cold beer and crisp hard seltzers are simple to stock and always welcome. If you want to go the extra mile, mix up a big-batch sangria or punch that’s festive, colorful and easy to pour.
Set yourself up for success with:
- Non-alcoholic staples: iced tea, lemonade or flavored sparkling water.
- Casual favorites: beer and seltzers chilled in coolers packed with ice.
- Signature drink: a pitcher of sangria or punch that can be prepped the night before.
Tip: Keep drinks accessible and self-serve so you can spend less time bartending and more time enjoying the party.
7. Entertaining Tips for a Stress-Free Cookout
In addition to serving great food, the secret to a great Labor Day gathering is how you set yourself up to enjoy it. A little planning goes a long way: marinate meats or prep rubs the night before, and chop veggies or fruit ahead of time. Use large serving trays or foil pans to simplify setup, and keep hot foods warm in a slow cooker or wrapped in foil until serving time.
Other easy ways to make hosting feel effortless:
- Flexible seating: Mix picnic blankets, folding chairs and tables so everyone has a spot.
- Potluck style: Ask guests to bring a favorite side or dessert to lighten your load.
- Batch prep: Set up self-serve drink stations and keep backups ready in coolers.
- Stay stocked on essentials: Have plenty of trash bags, paper towels, napkins and disposable utensils so cleanup doesn’t become a headache.
- Keep it comfortable: Set out sunscreen, bug spray and a basket of extra koozies so guests feel taken care of.
- Lighting and music: Put up string lights or lanterns and a good playlist will keep the mood lively.
8. Get Ready for Labor Day With Truth BBQ
At Truth BBQ, we believe every great holiday starts with great food. That’s why our smoked, house-made brisket, ribs and sausage links are crafted the same way we’d serve them to our own family: low, slow and with plenty of care. Pair them with our housemade pickles and signature sauces, and you’ve got everything you need to host a Labor Day cookout that feels effortless but tastes unforgettable.
Whether you’re setting up in the backyard, packing a cooler for the park or celebrating poolside, our meats and condiments are the perfect way to bring people together. This Labor Day, let us handle the smoke so you can focus on spending time with friends and family.
Shop our renowned smoked meats today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best way to order Truth BBQ for a Labor Day party?
You can order our smoked meats, sauces and sides directly through our website for delivery to your doorstep, or stop by one of our locations to stock up before the holiday.
2. Do you offer condiments and pickles separately?
Yes! Our housemade pickles and sauces are available for purchase and pair perfectly with any cookout menu.
3. What are some make-ahead dishes I can prep for Labor Day?
Potato salad, cobbler, coleslaw and baked beans can all be prepared the day before to save time. You can also order Truth BBQ brisket, sausages and ribs online. They’ll arrive at your doorstep frozen — all you need to do is follow the reheat instructions.
4. How do I keep BBQ meats warm when serving a crowd?
Wrap cooked meats in foil and hold them in a cooler or warming pan until ready to serve. This keeps them tender, juicy and party-ready. If you’re serving Truth BBQ meats, follow the reheating instructions included to recreate the authentic BBQ experience at your home.