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Labor Day typically marks the end of the summer hiatus for families across the United States. Some schedule family cookouts or picnics as a celebratory send off to summer.

Ribs, kebabs, barbecue chicken, baked beans and ice cream are just a few culinary concoctions prepared over the long weekend. In this post, I include some of my favorite recipes and tips for cooking outdoors.

Picnic Foods

These simple grilled steak kebabs are easy and can be prep ahead of times, transported to a park and cooked on a grill.

Simple Grilled Steak Kebabs

Everyone has their own version of 7-Layer Dip. However, my version will satisfy everyone at the picnic. No hot peppers, no ingredients needing refrigeration. This version can be prepared the day before, covered and transported to you favorite Labor Day bash.

Easy Nacho 7 Layer Dip

This easy 7-layer dip uses pantry staples and can satisfy even the most picky eaters.

Course Appetizers/Snacks

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Servings 8 -12 people

Ingredients

12 oz. chopped cooked "Southwestern" flavor chicken
16 oz. can of Traditional Refried Beans
8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 avocado mashed
3-4 Roma tomatoes diced
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup chopped scallions

Instructions

Take an oven safe platter and spread the can of refried beans, as if you were icing a cake. This is layer one of the dip.
Evenly scatter your chopped chicken over the bean layer. This is layer two.
Dollop your mashed avocado onto the chicken, making the third layer.
Scatter both cheese as the next layer.
Place platter on a baking sheet, just for easy transition to the oven.
Preheat oven to 300º
Cook for about 10 minutes, just enough for the cheese to melt.
Remove from the oven.
Allow to sit for approximately 8 minutes.
Scatter tomatoes, lettuce and scallions on top.

Notes

Heating this dip in the oven is NOT necessary. I usually only do it when we are having it as a meal. If serving as a dip, just eliminate steps 5 - 9.

Serve with tortilla or pita chips.

Cook-Out Foods at Home

What if you hosting a cook-out at your home? Make sure to check out my tips for hosting a dinner party.

FREE TIPS AND PLANNER WHEN HOSTING A GROUP DINNER

Steak is always a popular choice when cooking out.

See my post on picking out the best cuts of meat for a steak and tips on preparing here: Top 5 Criteria For The Most Tender Steak

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Off course, you need a beverage to wash all this good food down with, so check out my best summertime cocktails here.

What are you planning to cook this upcoming Labor Day weekend? Let me know by commenting.

Labor Day: Cookout and Picnic Recipes