Best Labor Day Recipes
Labor Day weekend is almost here! Many of us will be firing up the grill to celebrate. To make your menu easy, I’ve updated my roundup of favorite Labor Day recipes. Scroll down for delicious main dishes (including the best crab cakes), sides, salads, condiments, and of course, desserts. Boil up some fresh corn on the cob and you’ll be good to go!
Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for most Americans. Here in Alabama, it’s definitely not the last time we grill outdoors in the year, but it’s a special time to gather with family and friends. This year, as I make some changes to avoid work burnout, I’m thinking about the meaning of the day, too.
Why do we celebrate Labor Day?
The first Labor Day parades sprung up state by state in the U.S., alongside efforts to shorten work hours and improve conditions for factory workers. Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894, giving us that long weekend right around the start of school.
Eventually, the push for an 8-hour day went national in 1938 with a law establishing a 44-hour work week.
What the Holiday Means to Me (Besides Great Food)
This is all very interesting to me as an entrepreneur who sets her own hours. As business owners, my husband and I often work around the clock. In general, though, I would have to say that Scott is much more balanced about work than I am. At an early age, he took to heart the advice, “You work to live; you don’t live to work.” I think this is the best advice anyone can give to those entrepreneurs out there! We need to give ourselves time off for family, fun, and rest, just as Scott does for his employees at the dental office.
Unfortunately, email and cell phones have made it much harder in today’s world to shut out work even on a holiday. I believe we all could use a little re-visit to the meaning of Labor Day, even if that means putting our phones in “do not disturb” mode for the day.
Let’s make memories with family and friends and take the day to enjoy life, feast on BBQ, and just be! Happy Labor Day.
Stacy Lyn's Best Labor Day Recipes
Main Dishes
My baked BBQ ribs recipe raised quite the stir on my social media. Who knew so many people would be so passionate about what makes BBQ BBQ? No matter your opinion, you can rest assured that these ribs, though baked, are just as tasty as can be. However, if you'd rather grill than bake, the grilled BBQ spare ribs are also incredible. And for those of you wanting to keep things lean, the quarter-pound turkey burger would be a wonderful substitute in your Labor Day menu. For the fans of smoked BBQ, I'm also adding smoked chicken with Alabama white sauce.
Side Dishes
Southern fried cornbread was my Granny’s specialty. She was used to making small portions because my dad was an only child. Then when I had this slew of kids, she had to get used to making a ton of this cornbread because it became my kid’s favorite as well! And, of course, fried green tomatoes are a Southern staple. If you are having the ribs or chicken, you can’t go wrong with mashed potato casserole, and you can even make it ahead!
Condiments and Dips
If you’re cooking up burgers or hot dogs, you can’t go wrong with these fantastic toppings! These dill pickles are always a hit at my house, and the squash relish is the perfect summer accompaniment to any cookout. The pimiento cheese spread is fantastic on burgers.
Desserts
Of course, a Labor Day menu isn't complete without dessert! Here are two luscious pies that you'll want to save room for.
