Get ready to impress your guests this Labor Day with a gourmet BBQ menu that combines classic flavors with an upscale twist. Whether you’re hosting a large party or a cozy family gathering, these recipes will ensure your backyard is the go-to spot for unforgettable celebrations.
Starters
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
Large shrimp, lemon, garlic, butter, parsley
Instructions:
- Marinate shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
- Grill until pink, then brush with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley.
Caprese Salad Skewers
Ingredients:
Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Thread tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Main Course
Gourmet Cheeseburgers with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients:
Ground beef, cheddar cheese slices, onions, butter, brioche buns, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Instructions:
- Form ground beef into patties. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Press a thumbprint into the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.
- Cook patties on a preheated grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- While burgers cook, slice onions and caramelize them in butter over medium heat until golden brown.
- Place cheddar cheese slices on patties during the last minute of grilling to melt.
- Toast brioche buns on the grill for a minute.
- Assemble burgers with caramelized onions and fresh herbs.
- Serve and enjoy!
BBQ Ribs
Ingredients:
Pork ribs, BBQ sauce, spice rub (paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin), fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 275°F. Mix spice rub ingredients together: 2 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp cumin.
- Apply spice rub generously to ribs. Wrap ribs in foil and bake for 2.5-3 hours, until tender.
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush ribs with BBQ sauce.
- Grill ribs for 5-10 minutes, turning and basting with more sauce until caramelized.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs before serving.
Sides
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Ingredients:
Corn, butter, parsley, garlic, chives
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Husk corn.
- Grill corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
- Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chives.
- Spread herb butter over hot corn and serve.
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
Pasta, truffle oil, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour to make a roux, and slowly whisk in milk to create a béchamel sauce.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add a few drops of truffle oil.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Desserts
Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle
Ingredients:
Pound cake, whipped cream, strawberries, blueberries
Instructions:
- Cut pound cake into cubes.
- In a trifle dish, layer pound cake, whipped cream, and berries.
- Repeat layers, ending with whipped cream and berries on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients:
Peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
- Halve and pit peaches. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Grill peaches cut-side down over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until caramelized.
- Serve warm peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Beverages
Sparkling Lemonade
Ingredients:
Lemons, sparkling water, sugar, mint
Instructions:
- Mix lemon juice with sugar and sparkling water.
- Serve over ice with a sprig of mint.
American Dream Sangria
Ingredients:
White wine, blueberries, strawberries, apple slices, club soda
Instructions:
- Combine wine and fruit in a pitcher, chill, and top with club soda before serving.
Elevate your Labor Day celebration with these gourmet BBQ recipes. Each dish is designed to bring a touch of sophistication to your festivities, ensuring your backyard becomes the ultimate destination for family and friends.
