Hello Reader!
It's hard to believe that Labor Day weekend is here! What do you have going on?
And with Labor Day weekend being the unofficial ending of summer, I've got some mixed feelings. I love all things summer... but a break from the heat would be nice. (Realistically, we won't experience this for another month at the earliest here in Austin.) But I am really looking forward to all the pumpkin and apple-flavored things.
No matter how you feel about the change in seasons: don't worry. I'll give you a little time before I share some of those recipes with you. ;)
Today I am sharing menu ideas for this weekend, including main dishes, some sides, and some sweet treats in the meal.
Feel free to choose one or mix and match a couple to make the perfect Labor Day weekend meal.
Feed your crowd these mains:
- βMemphis-Style BBQ Turkey Burgers: This is one of my favorite recipes for giving barbecue vibes without needing a smoker. (We don't have one.) These burgers are made in the oven because they are too sticky to go on the grill. You can form the patties early and keep them chilled in the fridge or even freeze them in advance so that all you have to do is bake them off before sharing. Swap the meat if you prefer ground chicken. You can even make this with ground beef, too.
- βGrilled Steak: Who doesn't love a beautiful, juicy steak that has been grilled to perfection? I have spent so much time over the years figuring out how to make steak perfectly on the grill, and I'm sharing all of my tips and tricks here.
- βPepperoni Pizza Burger: A burger that tastes like a pizza? Yes, please. This delicious mashup of two beloved entrees is the perfect entree to make and share on Labor Day weekend.
Spectacular sides...
- βNo Mayo Potato Salad: Like the classic, but with a delicious mustardy vinaigrette dressing. This one skews a little bit closer to a German potato salad. It's perfect for everyone, but especially the mayo haters in your life. ;)
- βSouthern Macaroni Salad: It's a classic for a reason and is also super easy for transporting. This recipe just tastes like the summertime and like picnics and potlucks from childhood.
- βMemphis-Style Creamy Coleslaw: Another classic potluck side, this coleslaw reminds me of the coleslaw I grew up eating at Memphis BBQ joints. This one has a tangy dressing that has a hint of sweetness. It's the perfect balance.
- βTortellini Pasta Salad: Like regular pasta salad, but even better because it calls for tortellini! This one's great for packing up and bringing along to gatherings.
- βSlow Cooker Baked Beans: Baked beans are my one of my favorite side dishes. These slow cooker baked beans are so simple and so delicious. They pair with so many wonderful things, too, and require little handholding since they cook low and slow in the slow cooker all day.
And some sweet treats, too:
- βBourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Like a classic pecan pie, but without corn syrup and with added bourbon. What's not to love? I have been told these are very on brand for me, and I'm not mad about it.
- βChex Mix Puppy Chow: This no-bake treat is fun to customize for holidays by adding festive sprinkles and M&Ms. It's also spectacular on its own. Make a big batch to share because it never lasts long.
Currently...
- New post alert! This TJ's dupe recipe is one we cannot stop snacking on. Spoiler alert: It's hard to stop once you start.
- Excited about: College football officially kicking off soon, too. (I'll have some recipe inspiration for you about that next weekend.) Cooking with my favorite braiser pan again!
- Wearing the most fun skirt. I purchased it for an event, but I have been wearing it to occasions here in Austin and have gotten a lot of compliments on it.
I hope you enjoy your weekend and that you were able to make one of these recipes soon. If you do, let me know how it goes!
Happy cooking,
Erin
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Howdy! I'm Erin.
At The Speckled Palate, you'll find easy recipes and drinks that call for simple, fresh ingredients that hopefully inspire you to invite your people into your home for super low-key gatherings. Buy me a cup of coffee.
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