Labor Day Menu and Recipes

Pimm's Cooler

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts

Make a big batch of Pimm's Cooler in a large pitcher by increasing the proportions to fit the number of people who are attending. You may have to seek out a bottle of Pimm's, but it's worth it; this is a fruity, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing drink.

Get the recipe: Pimm's Cooler

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Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Nectarines

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lauren Hendrickson

Every party should start with a finger-licking appetizer to whet guests' palates. These bacon-wrapped shrimp can be assembled a few hours before the party and grilled as people arrive.

Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped shrimp

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Zucchini Fries With Buttermilk Ranch Dip

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lauren Hendrickson

Offer these crisp and salty zucchini fries with buttermilk ranch dip as a starter alongside the bacon-wrapped shrimp. Prep the zucchini and dip in advance, but dredge the veggie spears in the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs just before baking.

Get the recipe: zucchini fries with buttermilk ranch dip

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Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry

A giant platter of caprese skewers can be made a couple of hours before the barbecue. Keep it covered in the fridge. Serve it as an appetizer or a first course when everyone sits down at the table.

Get the recipe: caprese skewers

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Burgers

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts

This burger recipe may be the end of all burger recipes. Butter is blended into the meat that slowly melts as the burgers grill, making for ultrajuicy meat.

Get the recipe: America's Test Kitchen burgers

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Bacon-y Beer-Can Chicken

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Iizuka

For the main course, grill a whole chicken on a beer can. It's a classic campfire technique that results in super-flavorful meat. In this recipe, the chicken is coated in bacon.

Get the recipe: bacon-y beer-can chicken

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Buttery Fingerling Potatoes With Parsley

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Camilla Salem

Fingerling potatoes tossed in butter and parsley are a wonderful accompaniment to barbecued chicken. This particular dish comes together in about 20 minutes. Prep the potatoes in the morning and cook them while the chicken's on the grill.

Get the recipe: buttery fingerling potatoes with parsley

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Honey-Baked Nectarines

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry

With the help of in-season produce, a showstopping dessert is easy to put together. Bake these honey-sweetened nectarines while you are eating, so you can serve them warm after dinner.

Get the recipe: honey-baked nectarines

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Butterscotch Ice Cream

Image Source: Katie Sweeney

Instead of dolloping crème fraîche over the nectarines, serve them with homemade butterscotch ice cream. It keeps in the freezer for a few days, so get started on this luscious treat now.

Get the recipe: homemade butterscotch ice cream

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