The final cookout of summer is one of the few times a little extra kitchen or smoker time can feel justified. These 17 Labor Day recipes balance long-smoked centerpieces with faster grilled mains, make-ahead sides, fresh salads, snack-board bites, and desserts that still fit the season. Some take patience, while others fill the gaps when the smoker is busy. Together, they cover the full cookout from the first snack to the last slice of cake.

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Originally published on fooddrinklife.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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