Of course, what you offer is also important. Whether you want to make them this Labor Day weekend or beyond, here are some easy food and drink ideas for your low-key outdoor hang from our recipe finder. Many of the options are quick and simple, ideal for the possibility to make ahead, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the outdoors.
sweet potato salsa salad, Moreover. This “rich, wholesome, hearty dish that belongs at your next picnic, cookout, or really any other party,” says food editor Joe Yonnan. It features a base of roasted sweet potatoes with black beans, green peppers, and a fresh salsa with avocado. It’s best to keep the sweet potato mixture and salsa separate until serving, but you can make it up to three days in advance.
Herb Marinated Tofu Feta Cheese. Equipped with a few toothpicks, guests pluck the creamy, tangy, salty feta cubes out of the marinade and quickly collect them in a bowl. Tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
cookie butter puppy chow. Place this giant bowl of party favorites on the table and watch them disappear in no time. Riff swaps out cookie butter for peanut butter and adds a dash of cinnamon and salt for added flavor. Optional cocoa powder and powdered sugar are added for a deeper chocolate flavor.
mediterranean windmill. The streamlined, four-ingredient version of this recipe is designed for kids, but it’s also perfect for serving on a giant party platter for adults. Colorful pinwheels feature spinach tortillas wrapped in goat cheese or hummus and diced roasted red peppers and dried herbs from a jar. You can make it the day before and store it in the refrigerator.
baked hummus. Mixing store-bought hummus with canned chickpeas and topping with tomatoes and nuts works well. It takes him 10 minutes to assemble and 30 minutes to bake, making it ideal for slipping into the oven before guests arrive. Serve warm and serve with pita wedges or flatbreads, crackers and vegetables.
7 layer dip. For a no-cook option, check out Aaron Hutcherson’s version of a party-friendly dip that mixes canned (refried beans, olives, salsa) and fresh (lime juice, jalapenos, grated cheese) ingredients. Ready in about 15 minutes and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
maple spice glazed nuts. This five-ingredient recipe features walnuts or pecans seasoned with maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Keeps up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Double the recipe for a crowd.
Pon de Quejo. These gluten-free Brazilian cheese puffs work well as party food when partially baked and frozen. Just take it out of the freezer and bake for 15-20 minutes. Serve hot out of the oven and be prepared to wow.
Cinnamon and vanilla horchata. Horchata, a blended rice drink, works well as a shoulder seasonal drink that’s refreshing enough for late summer, yet hints at the spice associated with fall.
holiday red sangria punch. Although the name of this recipe evokes holiday quaff, it’s hard to imagine a gathering that wouldn’t welcome a glass of fruity sangria. It combines orange and apple liqueur, orange and lemon juice, and ginger ale, along with grapes, apples, and oranges.
