5 Delicious Labour Day BBQ Recipes: Grill Your Way Into Fall

As Labour Day approaches, it's time to fire up the grill and savor the last long weekend of summer. Labour Day not only marks the unofficial end of summer but also offers a perfect opportunity to gather with family and friends for a delicious barbecue. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just looking to try something new, these BBQ recipes will help you celebrate Labour Day in style and taste. From mouthwatering mains to tasty sides and sweet treats, here’s everything you need to grill your way into fall.

1. Classic Grilled Burgers with a Twist

No Labour Day BBQ is complete without burgers. But this year, why not elevate your burger game with some creative toppings and flavors?

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or plant-based alternative)
• 4 burger buns
• Cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
• Toppings: avocado slices, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato
• Condiments: BBQ sauce, garlic aioli, spicy mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Form the ground beef into four equal patties, season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Add cheese slices during the last minute of grilling to melt.
4. Toast the buns on the grill for about 30 seconds.
5. Assemble your burgers with your choice of toppings and condiments. Serve immediately.
6. Pro Tip: Offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their burger to their liking!

2. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

For a colorful and healthy side, grilled vegetable skewers are the way to go. These skewers are easy to prepare and offer a burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 zucchini
• 1 red onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors for visual appeal.
5. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
6. Pro Tip: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Corn on the cob is a BBQ staple, and grilling it adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Paired with herb butter, it’s a side dish that will disappear quickly.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
3. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the herb butter over the grilled corn and serve immediately.
5. Pro Tip: For a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the herb butter.

4. BBQ Peach and Bourbon Glazed Chicken

This sweet and savory chicken dish brings a taste of summer and a hint of fall with its peach and bourbon glaze.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 ripe peaches, diced
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the peaches, bourbon, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer over medium heat until the peaches are soft and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
4. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the peach and bourbon glaze.
5. Serve the chicken with extra glaze drizzled on top.
6. Pro Tip: This glaze also works beautifully on pork chops or grilled tofu.

5. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar

Finish your Labour Day BBQ on a sweet note with grilled pineapple slices. The natural sugars caramelize on the grill, creating a deliciously sweet and smoky treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pineapple slices.
4. Grill the pineapple for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the sugar is caramelized and the pineapple has grill marks.
5. Serve the grilled pineapple warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
6. Pro Tip: For an extra kick, sprinkle a little chili powder along with the cinnamon sugar.

Labour Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy a final summer BBQ with family and friends. Whether you're keeping it classic with burgers and corn on the cob, or trying something new like peach bourbon chicken, these recipes are sure to make your Labour Day celebration memorable. So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and toast to the end of summer with these delicious BBQ dishes!