For many of us when Labor Day rolls around, it signals an end to summer, back to school and a countdown on backyard grilling parties. So if this is your last big chance to fire up the grill, you need to invite your favorite people over, and send summer off with a feast of your favorite grill items. The Ultimate Labor Day Party Menu is all about crowd-pleasing dishes that are easy to prep, full of flavor, and made for hanging out in the backyard.

Since this is a time when we refocus from weekend grill season to a busier lifestyle, what you do not need is to stress over the menu. Here are some of our choices that require little prep time, or can be made in advance- so enjoy!

What is on your Labor Day Party Menu?

Simple Appetizers

Summer parties are often not based on a main meal- like a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Rather they are more of a day of grazing on our favorites. Here are three mini versions of grilled corn, cheeseburgers and BLT’s- so you can try a variety of our favorite foods. See Recipe

Grilled Corn Ribs

If you aren’t familiar with corn ribs, they are essentially fresh corn on the cob, cut into long quarters. When grilled, they curl slightly. You eat them just like a pork rib, discarding the “bone” or center of the cob. Cut to resemble ribs, this delicious corn dish looks and tastes amazing. Just like regular ribs, these corn ribs are a mess to eat, but worth the extra napkins. See Recipe

Classic Grilled Cheeseburger

These elevated burgers are sure to impress this summer, making them perfect for Father’s Day, the Fourth of July, or any backyard barbecue. First, make thick burger patties and grill them. Top the burgers with an excellent aged cheddar. See Recipe