Scrumptious Labor Day Appetizers & Snacks for Your Backyard Festivities

School may be back in session, but there’s still one more summer holiday we’re all looking forward to! Labor Day is right around the corner, so as you get ready to celebrate the holiday with your family, we have some ideas for your festivities this year - specifically when it comes to the menu.

Hot dogs and hamburgers are traditional Labor Day favorites and still a great option. But, when it comes to appetizers and snacks, we have 6 recipe ideas for Labor Day appetizers below. All of them are individually portioned and perfect for enjoying outside. After all, who doesn’t love to celebrate this holiday grilling out in the backyard? 

6 Recipe Ideas for Labor Day Appetizers & Snacks

Before we jump into our recipe ideas, we have a quick tip! No matter if you choose to make the appetizers below or some of your favorite go-to’s, try building a tray with single-serve appetizers. That way, everyone can quickly and easily grab a savory snack and get back to celebrating together with family. 

Slaw Dog Cracker Sandwich

Since you’re probably planning to get the grill out, it’ll be super convenient to cook the hot dog slices in our first Labor Day appetizer - Slaw Dog Cracker Sandwiches. Besides hot dogs, you’ll also craft these savory bite-sized starters with buttery round crackers and coleslaw. 

For the coleslaw, you can either pick up some premade slaw from our Deli department or a coleslaw kit. Another option would be to chop and mix up your own cabbage slaw, like our Tangy Buttermilk Coleslaw recipe. 

Spinach Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls

Looking for a recipe that you can prep the night before and pop in the oven on the day of? This Labor Day appetizer is a great choice! You’ll simply follow all of the steps until it’s time to cut your rolled pastry swirls into pieces, cover it in food wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight. 

Then, on Labor Day, when you’re ready to start baking, let it sit out at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing and placing in the oven to cook. And if you want a dipping sauce, a simple jar of marinara sauce is the perfect pairing. After all, cheese and marinara taste absolutely delicious together, right?

Check out the full recipe here! 

Fruit Skewers

If the weather forecast is looking a little warm, this Labor Day appetizer is refreshing and something the whole family will love, especially on a hot day. Fruit skewers - or fruit kabobs - can be made with your favorite fruits, cut into bite-sized pieces. But, if you need some inspiration, our photo example has strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, honeydew melon and cantaloupe. 

And here’s another tip for your fruit skewers! Keep in mind what’s in season. In the summer months, look for seasonal fruits like peaches, melon and blackberries. Although when you shop for your produce at your neighborhood Food Lion, you can shop with confidence that you’re buying fresh and delicious fruit thanks to our 100% Fresh or Double Your Money Back Guarantee. 

Grilled Potato Wedges

How about another Labor Day appetizer you can cook on the grill? We’ve got you covered with these Grilled Potato Wedges. If potato skins are a favorite in your family, this recipe will be a big hit! 

To make them, you’ll start by cutting the potatoes in half and grilling them until they are slightly soft. Next, you’ll scoop out most of the inside of the potatoes, brush them with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper and place back on the grill for 5 to 10 minutes. Save the leftover potato you scooped out for mashed potatoes, potato pancakes or a creamy salad. 

Visit our recipe portal to get the rest of the step-by-step directions! 

Kickin’ Buffalo Chicken Topped Crackers

Buttery crackers, zesty buffalo chicken, crunchy celery and creamy blue cheese dressing are what make up the tasty combination in this Labor Day appetizer. You can also add some additional blue cheese crumbles for an extra cheesy touch! 

Besides the flavor, another great thing about this appetizer recipe is that it’s quick and easy to make, as well as affordable! After all, it only requires six ingredients, 10 minutes of prepping and 15 minutes of cook time. That’s all there is to it! Plus, if you keep frozen popcorn chicken in your freezer regularly, this is a great way to use an ingredient you already have on-hand. 

Snag the full recipe here! 

Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites

For our last Labor Day appetizer idea, we’ve taken a popular Southern side dish and turned it into a bite-sized snack! These Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites are made with classic ingredients, then baked in mini muffin tins and topped with fresh chives. It’s a comfort food everyone will enjoy with their Labor Day meal! 

These mac & cheese bites can also be served as a side dish. You just may want to use a full-sized muffin tin instead of mini. And for a vegetarian version, simply skip the bacon! 

Get Ready for Labor Day & Head to Your Local Food Lion

With these six recipe ideas for Labor Day appetizers and snacks, you’re ready to plan out your holiday menu with tasty starters that’ll make great shareable appetizer trays! But, if you’re looking for additional dish inspiration, check out our recipe portal where we have a resource of delicious Labor Day recipes. 

Then, as you’re shopping at your neighborhood Food Lion, keep an eye out for our private brands like Nature’s Promise, Taste of Inspirations, Food Lion and so on. That way, you can save even more on your Labor Day essentials. Enjoy your holiday everyone!