Summer is winding down, but there's still time for one last hurrah! You’re in for the perfect summer sendoff: golden sunshine, laughter, and a spread of mouthwatering food that keeps everyone coming back for more. Labor Day is your chance to soak up the last rays of summer and celebrate with friends and family.
We've curated a collection of irresistible Labor Day recipes to make your gathering unforgettable. From classic grill favorites to fresh and flavorful sides, these dishes perfectly capture summertime taste. Get ready to fire up the grill and impress your guests with a cookout that's as memorable as the season itself.
6 Labor Day Recipes to Savor the Season
From classic grilled favorites to savory sides, these recipes featuring Buddig's high-quality lunch meats are sure to impress your guests.
1. Ham-Wrapped Baby Back Ribs
There's nothing quite like the smoky aroma of ribs grilling on a summer day. This recipe puts a delicious spin on a classic American favorite. By wrapping each rack in tender, flavorful Buddig Honey Ham, we've created a dish that's both familiar and extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or a larger Labor Day celebration, these ribs will be the star of your spread.
INGREDIENTS
- 24 oz Buddig Honey Ham
- 4 racks of baby back ribs
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Toothpicks
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the grill or smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Optional: Remove the thin, papery membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor penetration.
- Wrap each rib with a piece of Buddig Honey Ham, secured with toothpicks.
- Place the ham-wrapped ribs on the grill or smoker and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C).
- Apply your favorite BBQ sauce to the ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
2. Classic Baked Beans
A Labor Day cookout wouldn't be complete without a hearty side of baked beans. This classic recipe gets a flavor boost with the addition of Buddig Black Forest Turkey, transforming it into a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. Sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor, these elevated baked beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 slices Buddig Original Black Forest Turkey, diced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) baked beans
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped onion.
- Stir in the diced Buddig Original Black Forest Turkey and green bell pepper.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve immediately.
3. Deli-cious Grilled Chicken Wraps
If you’re looking for light and healthy Labor Day recipes, these Grilled Chicken and Buddig Deli Meat Wraps are the perfect choice. Packed with lean protein from grilled chicken and Buddig Smoked Honey Turkey Breast, and filled with fresh vegetables, these wraps are both delicious and satisfying. A refreshing alternative to heavier grilled fare, these wraps are a must-try.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
- Make the wrap sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Adjust the amounts to taste.
- Assemble the wraps: Spread a thin layer of the wrap sauce on each tortilla.
- Layer with lettuce, red onion, green bell pepper, and Buddig Grilled Chicken Breast strips.
- Top with thinly sliced Buddig Smoked Honey Turkey Breast.
- Wrap tortillas tightly and enjoy!
4. The Ultimate Corned Beef Sandwich
There's something undeniably satisfying about a classic corned beef sandwich. It's a nostalgic bite that transports us to simpler times. But let's face it, not all corned beef sandwiches are created equal. This recipe takes the beloved classic and elevates it to new heights, perfect for your Labor Day cookout. With tender, flavorful Buddig Original Corned Beef as its star, this sandwich is a must-try for any food lover.
INGREDIENTS
- 22 oz Buddig Original Corned Beef
- 1 loaf rye bread
- 4 cups sauerkraut, drained
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp horseradish sauce
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
DIRECTIONS
- Prepare the sauce: Combine Dijon mustard and horseradish sauce in a small bowl.
- Prepare the bread: Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Lightly butter the raised grill pan to prevent sticking. Grill one side of each bread slice until golden brown.
- In a separate section of the grill pan, warm the sauerkraut.
- Spread the prepared sauce on one side of a grilled bread slice. Layer with Buddig Original Corned Beef, Swiss cheese, and warmed sauerkraut. Top with the other slice of grilled bread.
- Grill the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown. Let it rest briefly before serving.
Read the full recipe!
5. Labor Day Kabobs with a Kick
Tired of the same old hot dogs at your Labor Day cookout? Level up your grill game with these flavor-packed Deli Meat Kabobs. Tender Buddig Deli Meat takes center stage, paired with vibrant cherry tomatoes and creamy avocado for a delicious medley of textures and tastes. They're easy to assemble, perfect for feeding a crowd, and sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. And to elevate this dish even further, we've included a homemade BBQ Dip packed with smoky and sweet flavors that will surely tickle your taste buds.
INGREDIENTS
- 16 oz Buddig Black Forest Ham
- 30 cherry tomatoes
- 3 large ripe avocados, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 20 bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
For the BBQ Dip:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
DIRECTIONS
- Prepare the kabobs: Cut the avocado into 12 wedges, then cut each wedge in half lengthwise.
- Create six stacks of Buddig Black Forest Ham slices. Cut each stack into four equal strips.
- Thread one end of a Buddig deli meat strip onto a soaked bamboo skewer. Add a cherry tomato, then push the other end of the deli meat strip onto the skewer, securing the tomato in place.
- Alternate between Buddig deli meat strips, cherry tomatoes, and avocado chunks until the skewer is full. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Prepare the sauce: Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan.
- Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the kabobs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the meat is heated through and the vegetables are tender.
- Let the kabobs cool slightly before serving with the BBQ dip.
Read the full recipe!
6. Mini Cheeseburger Sliders with a Twist
Craving a classic American taste that’s perfect for sharing? Look no further than these mini cheeseburgers. We've put a Buddig spin on this crowd favorite by adding a layer of savory ham for an extra burst of flavor. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese and your favorite toppings, all nestled in a soft slider bun. These sliders are a sure hit at your Labor Day cookout.
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz Buddig Premium Deli Smoked Ham, thinly sliced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 package slider buns (about 40 count)
- Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, corn, onion, pickles, etc.)
DIRECTIONS
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the ground beef mixture into small patties, slightly smaller than the slider buns.
- Cook the burger patties over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Warm the slider buns on the grill or in the oven.
- Assemble the sliders by placing a burger patty on each slider bun. Top with a slice of Buddig Smoked Ham and your favorite burger toppings.
Let's Get This Party Started, Buddig Style
Summer days may be slipping away, but the fun is far from over. Labor Day is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, gather your favorite people, and indulge in delicious food. We've curated a collection of crowd-pleasing recipes featuring Buddig's high-quality lunchmeats to help you create an unforgettable Labor Day cookout.
From classic American favorites like juicy sliders and tender ribs to fresh and hearty sides, our Labor Day recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a potluck, these dishes are sure to impress.
Buddig's commitment to quality shines through in every bite. Our lunch meats are crafted with care, using only real spices to create naturally delicious flavors—free of gluten or MSG. This dedication to clean ingredients makes Buddig the perfect choice for your healthy Labor Day recipes. With a wide variety of flavors to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect Buddig product at a store near you.
Let the good times roll, and with Buddig as your culinary companion, your Labor Day cookout is guaranteed to be a hit!