These 13 Laid-Back Dishes Are Ideal for Labor Day

While most holidays come with a set of expectations—Stuffed Rib of Beef for Christmas, Herb-Brined Turkey With Maple Glaze on Thanksgiving—Labor Day plays it a little looser. The only real rule? Take it seriously easy.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 13 of our favorite low-lift, high-reward dishes for the long weekend. Think: a spicy caprese riff that takes all of five minutes, Greek-inspired grilled shrimp that’ll vanish before you sit down and Windy City-style hot dogs that’ll make you forget about burgers entirely. Relaxation required, fuss not invited.

1. Greek Grilled Shrimp With Feta-Tzatziki

You might not be ending your summer in Greece, but you can at least bring the taste of the Aegean to your backyard with this flavorful grilled shrimp dish.

2. Flame-Griddled Juicy Lucy

This Minnesota-born burger doesn’t mess around. Each patty is stuffed with melty cheese and seared on the HexClad Double Burner Griddle until crisp on the outside and gloriously gooey inside. Worcestershire sauce brings savory depth, while griddled onions, mayo and pickles keep things classic. 

3. Argentinian-Style Short Ribs With Chimichurri

Impress your cookout buds with these quickly grilled Argentinian short ribs, a specialty of chef Hugh Mangum. Make sure to ask for flanken-cut short ribs from your butcher.

4. Honey Brown Butter Cornbread

Rich, nutty brown butter and a hit of honey take this cornbread firmly out of afterthought territory. It’s the kind of side that disappears long before the mains and is just sweet enough to feel celebratory. Bake it in your 10"/25 cm Hybrid Fry Pan and serve it right on the backyard table. 

5. Smashed Cucumber & Melon Salad With Spicy Sesame Crunch

We’re officially done pretending salads need lettuce. This cucumber-melon combo brings cool, juicy contrast to anything grilled, with a bright, gingery soy dressing. The proverbial cherry on top? A spicy, savory sesame crunch that functions like a crouton, only better.

6. Grilled Butterflied Chicago Dog

The soul of a true Chicago dog lies in the details: sport peppers, tomato wedges, yellow mustard, neon relish and diced onion, all nestled in a poppy seed bun. Here, the hot dogs get the VIP treatment—split lengthwise and cooked on your Double Burner Griddle over the grill until crisp and caramelized. That extra surface area? It’s flavor gold. Purists might object, but your taste buds won’t.

7. S'mores Skillet

No fire pit, no problem. This one-pan dessert delivers all the gooey nostalgia of s’mores without the ash or elbowing for toasting space. A fudgy brownie base anchors the whole thing. It's topped with graham crackers, melted chocolate and a generous pile of toasted mini marshmallows.

8. Spatchcock Chicken With Crispy Smashed Potatoes & Herb Sauce

Juicy, spatchcocked chicken gets lacquered in a punchy homemade barbecue sauce, while crispy smashed potatoes—made right on your BBQ Grill Pan—soak up every last drop. A spoonful of creamy, cashew-based herb sauce pulls it all together.

9. Grilled Garlic-Parm Corn Ribs

Corn on the cob is so last year. Quartered lengthwise, these “ribs” char up beautifully on the grill, making them the perfect canvas for a brush of garlicky butter and a generous dusting of Parmesan.

10. Skillet Strawberry and Brown Butter Crumble

Make the most of late-summer strawberries by baking them into your 10"/25 cm Hybrid Fry Pan with a nutty, golden brown butter crumble topping. Prefer another fruit? Substitute an equal amount of peaches, blackberries or whatever’s in season.

11. Tomato, Peach and Burrata Salad With Chile-Lime Vinaigrette

Upgrade your standard Caprese with a zingy vinaigrette and wedges of peak-season peaches. Serve alongside your favorite grilled mains or as a starter for your Labor Day feast.

12. Warm Grilled Zucchini, Feta, & Basil Salad

Here’s a secret committed veg lovers know: Charred coins of zucchini might be the most delicious vegetable side out there. In this dish, they’re paired with a garlicky basil-honey mixture and plenty of feta for an ideal end-of-summer side.

13. Grilled Korean Bulgogi

Channel the best of Korean BBQ with our take on bulgogi. The rich, marinated beef is delightful when served with a refreshing slaw, and a killer dish for your Labor Day crowd.

Turns out that "low effort and high reward" isn’t just the vibe we’re channeling, it’s a whole meal plan.