You’ve got the grill fired up, the drinks on ice, and the long weekend vibes rolling. Now all you need is a cookout menu that hits all the right notes. This lineup brings the bold, the saucy, and the smoky, with just the right amount of backyard flair. From sticky-sweet ribs to DIY brat bars and skewers loaded with shrimp boil goodness, these Labor Day favorites are made for summer’s grand finale. Let’s dig in.
Dr. Pepper Baked Beans

Sweet, smoky, and just a little sassy—these baked beans get a bold upgrade with a splash of Dr. Pepper. The rich molasses flavor pairs perfectly with smoky bacon and slow-simmered beans. It’s the side dish your BBQ plate has been waiting for. Get the recipe.
Coca Cola Smoked Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone tender with a caramelized crust, these ribs are smoked low and slow with a secret weapon: Coca Cola. The soda adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the smoky spice rub. They’re sticky, saucy, and totally finger-lickin’ good. Get the recipe.
Grilled Brats Bar

This one’s for the DIY dinner crowd—grilled brats with all the fixings, from sauerkraut and mustard to beer cheese and crispy onions. Everyone builds their own brat masterpiece. It’s interactive, it’s delicious, and it’s basically the grown-up version of a hot dog bar. Get the recipe.
Shrimp Boil Skewers

All the flavors of a classic shrimp boil—corn, potatoes, sausage, and shrimp—stacked up and grilled to smoky, golden perfection. They’re buttery, garlicky, and perfect for picking up with one hand while you hold a cold drink in the other. Get the recipe.

Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.