Your Labor Day Menu Is Covered with Four Simple Favorites

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Hey Reader,

Labor Day always sneaks up on me, especially this year since it's September 1, but I never let it pass without one last great backyard cookout. It’s the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, throw on something smoky, and enjoy a plate (or three) of something homemade.

I like to keep things low-effort but high-reward with easy grilled meats, big batch sides, and a couple of sweets that travel well and taste even better the next day. These four recipes hit all the marks.

Celebrate with Good Food

Start things right with Beer Boiled Brats that come off the grill juicy, snappy, and packed with flavor. Toss them in buns with mustard and onions and you’ve got a crowd favorite.

These Homemade Smoky Baked Beans are sweet, savory, and loaded with bacon. They're way better than canned and taste even better the next day, so go ahead and make a big batch.

​Fresh Strawberry Pie is the kind of dessert that stops people mid-bite. It happens to look like a lot of work (but it’s not), which makes it perfect for showing off at a holiday table.

If your crowd leans toward chocolate instead, make Chocolate Chip Oat Bars. They’re chewy, buttery, and packed with just enough chocolate to make them feel like a treat without melting all over the place.

Grab the brats, bake the bars, and enjoy every last bite of your long weekend. Which one are you trying first?