Labour Day BBQ: End of Summer Catering Ideas

As Labour Day approaches, it’s time to celebrate the end of summer with a memorable BBQ. Whether hosting a large gathering or an intimate family cookout, here are some fantastic catering ideas to make your Labour Day BBQ a hit.

Traditional Burgers & Sausages: Classic Comfort

No barbecue is complete without the classics. Serve up juicy burgers and flavorful sausages accompanied by various salads and desserts. Offer a range of toppings for the burgers, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and specialty sauces. Complement these with side salads like creamy coleslaw, loaded pasta salad, and fresh leafy salads with seasonal vegetables. Finish the meal with sweet treats like butter tarts, cookies, and ice cream.

BBQ Kebobs: Skewers for the Win!

Kebobs are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any BBQ. Prepare a variety of skewers to cater to different tastes:

Chicken and Vegetable Kebobs: Marinate chicken pieces and alternate with colourful bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
Beef and Mushroom Kebobs: Tender beef chunks with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.
Seafood Skewers: Shrimp and scallops with a citrus marinade paired with pineapple and red onion.
Vegetarian Kebobs: Grilled halloumi cheese with peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes.

PRO TIP: Want to get extra point from your guests? Create a BBQ souvlaki on a pita station brimming with toppings for guests to customize their own!

Themed BBQ: Add Some Flair

Elevate your BBQ with a fun and festive theme:

Hawaiian Luau: Serve grilled pineapple, pork skewers, teriyaki chicken, and tropical fruit salads. Decorate with tiki torches and leis for an authentic island vibe.
Alfresco Italian: Offer grilled sausages, bruschetta, Caprese salad, charcuterie and antipasti platters. Finish with gelato or tiramisu for dessert.
Brazilian BBQ: Feature churrasco-style skewers with various meats, grilled corn, and black bean salad. Serve with chimichurri sauce and Brazilian cheese bread.

Finger Foods BBQ: Small Bites from the Grill

For a more casual and interactive dining experience, focus on a variety of finger foods:

Mini Sliders: Bite-sized burgers with various toppings.
Grilled Shrimp: Skewered shrimp with a garlic herb marinade.
BBQ Chicken Wings: Smoky and spicy wings, perfect for snacking.
Stuffed Jalapeños: Grilled jalapeños filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Easy-to-eat veggie bites with a balsamic glaze.

Bucket List BBQ: Go Gourmet

Treat your guests to an upscale BBQ experience with high-end cuts and seasonal veggies:

Prime Rib or Tomahawk Steaks: Impress with thick, juicy steaks grilled to perfection.
Lobster Tails: Buttered and grilled lobster for a luxurious touch.
Seasonal Veggies: Grill local, seasonal vegetables like asparagus, heirloom tomatoes, and squash.

Gourmet Sides: Truffle mac and cheese, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and artisan bread.

Slow and Smokey: Smokehouse Classics

For those who love deep, smoky flavours, go all out with traditional smokehouse dishes:

Brisket: Slow-cooked to tender perfection, served with BBQ sauce.
Smoked Ribs: Fall off-the-bone ribs with a smoky, savoury rub.
BBQ Baked Beans: Rich and flavorful, cooked with bacon and spices.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled and seasoned, a summer staple.
Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy side to balance the richness of the smoked meats.

By incorporating these diverse and delicious catering ideas, your Labour Day BBQ will be a standout event.

Would you rather be a guest at your own event? Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall – all you have to do is call! Kiss the Cook will be there with aprons on – you got a caterer!

Have fun and stay safe,