Easiest Recipes to Make for a Labor Day Potluck

Last Updated on August 16, 2024 by Canny Costumes

Labor Day is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, share stories, and, of course, indulge in some delicious food. If you’ve been invited to a Labor Day potluck and want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, you’re in the right place! We’ve curated a list of the easiest, tastiest, and most crowd-pleasing recipes that will make you the hero of the potluck. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

1. Classic Deviled Eggs: A Bite-Sized Delight

*Note: for a twist on classic deviled eggs, check out our favorite pin board: Food Fetish – Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil the Eggs: Start by placing the eggs in a saucepan and covering them with water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool.
2. Prepare the Filling: Peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks into a bowl and mash with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble: Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika for a pop of color and flavor.
4. Serve: Arrange on a platter and watch them disappear in minutes!

Why It’s Easy: Deviled eggs are a classic potluck favorite that requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in no time. Plus, they’re always a hit!

CannyCostumes Egg tip: always use an instant pot for deviled eggs!

2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh and Flavorful

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Assemble the Skewers: On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf. Repeat if the skewers are long enough.
2. Drizzle and Serve: Arrange the skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Why It’s Easy: These no-cook skewers are as easy as they are beautiful. The combination of fresh ingredients and the simplicity of assembly make this dish a potluck favorite.

3. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: A Savory Bite

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pulled pork (store-bought or homemade)
• Slider buns
• Coleslaw (optional)
• BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Warm the Pork: If using store-bought pulled pork, simply warm it up according to the package instructions. If homemade, ensure it’s tender and juicy.
2. Assemble the Sliders: Split the slider buns and layer with a generous portion of pulled pork. Top with coleslaw for extra crunch, if desired, and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
3. Serve: Stack them on a platter and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.

Why It’s Easy: Using pre-made pulled pork saves time and effort while still delivering big on flavor. These sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

4. Watermelon Feta Salad: A Refreshing Twist

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and chopped mint.
2. Dress the Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra mint leaves for a colorful, refreshing dish.

Why It’s Easy: This salad is light, refreshing, and requires zero cooking. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

5. Cowboy Caviar: The Ultimate Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
2. Dress the Caviar: Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and pair with tortilla chips for dipping.

Why It’s Easy: Cowboy caviar is a vibrant, zesty dip that’s easy to throw together with pantry staples. It’s perfect for scooping with chips or even as a topping for other dishes.

6. No-Bake Cheesecake Bites: A Sweet Treat

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• Fresh berries for topping

Instructions:

1. Make the Filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
2. Form the Bites: Roll the mixture into small balls and coat with graham cracker crumbs.
3. Top and Serve: Place the bites on a platter and top each with a fresh berry for a pop of color.

Why It’s Easy: These cheesecake bites are bite-sized, no-bake, and incredibly easy to make. They’re a sweet finish to any potluck meal.

7. Pasta Salad: A Versatile Classic

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (rotini or bowtie work well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the pasta with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Add Italian dressing and mix until everything is evenly coated.
3. Serve: Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Why It’s Easy: Pasta salad is a potluck staple that’s endlessly customizable. It’s easy to make ahead of time and tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

With these easy, delicious recipes in your arsenal, your Labor Day potluck contribution will be the talk of the party. Whether you’re whipping up a refreshing watermelon salad, tasty sliders, or no-bake cheesecake bites, you’re sure to impress without the stress. So go ahead, pick your favorite, and get ready to enjoy the holiday with good food and great company!