Join us this Labor Day for our favorite Traeger Labor Day Cookout Recipes — a curated collection of mains, sides, sauces, and cocktails built for wood-fired flavor. Whether you’re firing up a Traeger pellet grill or planning an all-day backyard barbecue, these recipes cover classics and creative hits to please every crowd.
Labor Day Cookout Recipes for the Traeger
Labor Day is the perfect time to celebrate with smoky, grilled food. Below you’ll find crowd-pleasing main courses—pulled pork, steaks, ribs, chicken, and more—paired with classic and creative sides, housemade sauces, and refreshing cocktails that work great for entertaining.
Labor Day Cookout Recipes
All the recipes you need for an unforgettable Labor Day cookout. Pick a few mains, add some sides, and finish with a signature sauce or cocktail to impress your guests.
Main Dishes
From low-and-slow smoked pork to steaks seared on a pellet grill, these mains deliver bold Traeger flavor. Mix and match to build the perfect cookout menu.
Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
Economical and flavorful, well-seasoned leg quarters grilled on a pellet smoker deliver tender, juicy results and are perfect for feeding a crowd.
Traeger Grilled New York Strip
Simple salt-and-pepper seasoning and wood-fired heat highlight the natural flavor of a New York strip—ideal for a quick, delicious centerpiece.
Traeger Ribeye
Cook ribeyes on the pellet grill with either a traditional sear or reverse sear to achieve a tender, flavorful steak with a smoky crust.
Perfect Grilled Tomahawk Steak
A tomahawk makes a show-stopping main for special gatherings—big on presentation and rich in beefy flavor when grilled with care.
Grilled Marinated Pork Chops
Marinated chops seared on the Traeger stay juicy and absorb bold flavors—an easy, fast option for weeknight or holiday grilling.
Traeger Smoked and Fried Chicken Wings
Smoke the wings low and finish them fried for the ultimate crispy, smoky appetizer that guests will remember.
Traeger Smoked No-Wrap Pork Ribs
No-wrap ribs cooked low at 275°F until tender are an easy, foolproof way to serve fall-off-the-bone pork with minimal fuss.
Traeger Grilled Pork Ribs
Classic grilled ribs prepared with a reliable method deliver deep smoke flavor and tender meat—great for groups and make-ahead planning.
Spicy Asian Pork Ribs
Sticky, bold, and spice-forward ribs smoked with Asian-inspired seasonings that caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Side Dishes
Round out your grill menu with classic sides: smoked potatoes, pasta salads, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and more. These sides pair well with smoky mains and can be prepped ahead.
Smoked Baked Potatoes
Grill-baked potatoes infused with smoke make the best baked potatoes—serve with butter, sour cream, and chives.
Caesar Pasta Salad
A cool, tangy pasta salad with grilled elements that complements rich meats and adds texture to the plate.
Greek Pasta Salad
Colorful and vibrant, this Greek pasta salad is packed with olives, tomatoes, feta, and a zesty homemade dressing.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Dilly tuna pasta salad is a hearty, crowd-friendly side that pairs especially well with grilled fish or chicken.
Classic Potato Salad
Simple, creamy, and satisfying—this classic potato salad is a picnic staple made from real ingredients and straightforward seasoning.
Coleslaw (Vinegar and Creamy Options)
Choose a quick vinegar-based slaw for brightness or a creamy coleslaw for richness—both are easy to prepare and perfect with smoked meats.
Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked mac and cheese adds a subtle wood-fired note to creamy cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side.
Sauces and Extras
Homemade sauces elevate grilled meats—try sweet, tangy, and spicy options to customize every bite.
Cherry Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce
A sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with soda-based depth—great brushed on ribs or served alongside pulled pork.
Alabama White Sauce
Tangy, creamy, and ideal for chicken and pork—this white barbecue sauce brings a bright contrast to smoky meats.
Whiskey Coke Barbecue Sauce
Spicy and sweet with familiar cocktail notes—works well on ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
Cocktails
Round out your gathering with refreshing cocktails—both crowd-friendly punches and classic margaritas make great pairings with smoky food.
Spiked Arnold Palmer
A refreshing blend of iced tea and lemonade with a boozy kick—perfect for hot summer afternoons and pairing with grilled fare.
Tropical Rum Punch
Fruit-forward rum punch lends a festive, beachy vibe—make a big batch for easy serving at parties.
Raspberry Margarita
Fresh berry flavor brightens the classic margarita—balanced, fruity, and a great match for grilled fish or chicken.