Labor Day sneaks up fast. Your busy schedule probably swallowed up your time to prepare for the holiday, and now your friends are looking forward to a sumptuous holiday. Don’t panic. A simple BBQ grill and a quick grocery run can resolve this issue with a snap of your fingers – that’s right, I’m looking at you, Thanos. You can actually pull together a BBQ that feels intentional, even if you just decided this morning.
Here’s your last-minute shopping guide to make it happen.
Meat: The Heart of the BBQ
Keep it simple. Don’t use those BBQ recipes that require more than 24 hours to marinade or complicated cuts.
- The simplest and often crowd-pleasing BBQ foods are burgers and hot dogs. They’re easy and fast to prepare, you can have enough to feed a crowd, and you’ll get few complaints about them.
- The next easy-to-cook BBQ food in the hierarchy are chicken thighs. As they say, “everything tastes like chicken,” but chicken thighs are the preferred choice for the grill, because chicken breasts dry out quickly.
- Finally, check out the meat section of the grocery store and grab some pre-marinated ribs or skewers. They provide great flavors minus the prep work.
Tip: Just because it’s Labor Day doesn’t mean people have time to wait around for a slow brisket. Don’t overcomplicate the menu. Give them something to satiate their taste buds and enjoy the holiday.
Buns and Bread
The supporting cast matters.
- Burger buns: The soft potato rolls or sesame hamburger buns ought to do it!
- Hot dog buns: Because serving a hot dog without one is just wrong.
- Extra bread: Add a baguette or cornbread into the mix to help your friends chomp on something while the conversation is getting more interesting.
Pro move: Lightly toasted buns (a 30-second run on the grill) paired with hot dogs or burger patties will make them taste like you tried harder than you did.
Easy Sides That Feel Homemade
If you didn’t have enough time to prep the meals from the onset, you most certainly don’t have time to whip up gourmet sides for a last-minute party, so get creative.
- Potato salad from the deli: Sprinkle paprika or chopped parsley on top. Done.
- Bagged coleslaw mix: Just add a coleslaw dressing and voila! Your guests will think that you went to a culinary arts school.
- Chips and dips: You can actually buy salsa, guacamole, or hummus in a nearby food store or grocery. Unlike Batman, you don’t need prep time for this.
- Corn on the cob: Steps include steaming, air drying, and grilling. Brush with butter and salt, and you’ve got yourself a perfect side dish.
Keep it balanced. One cold side, one hot side, and something crunchy is all you really need.
Drinks and Coolers
A BBQ without cold drinks is just…sad.
- Beer and hard seltzers: The preferred adult drinks.
- Lemonade and soda: Keep kids and non-drinkers happy.
- Plenty of water: Most people think that beers and sodas are the coolest drinks at parties, until they get really thirsty on a hot, humid day.
- Ice, ice, and more ice: The ultimate refresher – don’t start a party without it.
Bonus: If you want to reduce traffic in the kitchen, throw drinks in a big tub of ice outside. It makes it seem intentional, too.
Condiments and Toppings
This is the part where basic burgers and dogs get an upgrade.
- Ketchup, mustard, mayo – the essentials.
- BBQ sauce for grilled chicken or ribs.
- Pickles, onions, and lettuce for texture and crunch.
- Cheese slices: Your choices include American, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese.
Small touch, big payoff: Waiting is a luxury that your guests are not fond of, so slice the tomatoes ahead of time, so you’ll cut meal prep time significantly.
Desserts That Don’t Require Baking
No time to bake a pie? No problem!
- Brownies from the bakery section: Always a hit.
- Ice cream sandwiches: Fun, nostalgic, and mess-free.
- Watermelon wedges: Refreshing, hydrating, and easy.
Tip: You may want to serve finger foods, as they satisfy the palate, leave no mess, and give you no stress.
Paper Goods and Grill Supplies
Don’t forget the other essentials. Making excuses to your guests is not very hospitable.
- Paper plates and napkins
- Plastic cups and utensils
- Trash bags (extra)
- Charcoal or propane—check before you leave
- Aluminum foil (keeps food warm, wraps leftovers)
Checklist rule: If you’re not sure whether you have it at home, buy it anyway.
Quick Cooking Tips
Since you’re short on time, keep these in mind:
- Preheat your grill immediately once you arrive at your home.
- Batch cook: One-at-a-time cooking is a time waster – do burgers in big groups instead.
- Keep it casual. During parties or social gatherings, people only care about 3 things: 1) meeting with family, friends, or co-workers, 2) enjoying their company and striking up interesting conversations, and 3) lots of food. The first 2 naturally occur in a crowded space, but the third one demands your attention.
The Takeaway
Throwing a BBQ at the last minute isn’t about pulling off perfection. It’s about good food, cold drinks, and being outside with people you like. Grab meat, buns, sides, drinks, condiments, and a simple dessert – and you’re set. Labor Day only comes once a year. Don’t waste time stressing. Fire up the grill, kick back, and enjoy it.
