15 Labor Day Apps That’ll Have Guests Asking for More

Labor Day calls for appetizers that keep people happy while the grill heats up. These recipes mix fresh flavors, bold textures, and easy serving so everyone can grab a bite without slowing down the party. From crisp bites to creamy dips, there’s something for every taste. Here are 15 apps your guests will keep reaching for.

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

A picture showing homemade Ravioli in a white plate — Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Homemade butternut squash ravioli takes about an hour, stuffing tender pasta with a creamy, slightly sweet squash filling. A light sauce coats the pockets without overpowering. The filling balances richness and freshness. These bite-sized pillows make an elegant start to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Loaded bruschetta salad on crostini on a white plate. — Loaded Bruschetta Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded bruschetta is ready in about 20 minutes, topping toasted bread with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze. The bread stays crisp under the juicy topping. Fresh herbs and tangy glaze brighten the flavor. This classic app is easy to serve and easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Steamed artichoke halves served alongside a vibrant spicy mango dipping sauce, presented on a simple background to highlight the bright sauce and tender artichoke texture. — Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Steamed artichokes with spicy peach mango sauce take about 45 minutes, pairing tender leaves with a sweet-heat dipping sauce. The sauce blends fruit and spice for a layered flavor. Each leaf offers a mild, earthy base. It’s a hands-on appetizer that sparks conversation.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate. — Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sweet potato fritters with sweet and spicy sauce are ready in about 30 minutes, pan-frying seasoned sweet potato patties until crisp. The sauce balances heat and sugar for a flavorful dip. Inside, the fritters stay tender. They’re a colorful, crowd-pleasing starter.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad takes about 15 minutes, layering ripe tomatoes with creamy burrata and fresh basil. Olive oil and balsamic drizzle tie it all together. The cheese adds a rich, soft contrast to the juicy tomatoes. This is a fresh option for warm-weather gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Zucchini pizza bites bake in about 15 minutes, topping zucchini rounds with sauce, cheese, and herbs. The zucchini stays firm enough to hold while the cheese melts. They deliver pizza flavor in a lighter form. These are easy to serve straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Bites

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Vegan eggplant Parmesan stacks take about 40 minutes, layering breaded eggplant with marinara and dairy-free cheese. Baking keeps them crisp without frying. The flavors are hearty and familiar. This plant-based version doesn’t skip on satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked butternut squash chips roast in about 25 minutes, slicing squash thin and seasoning lightly. The oven gives them a crisp texture without oiliness. Their natural sweetness makes them addictive. They’re a healthier snack that still feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip on a white bowl. — Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk). Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Roasted eggplant and tomato dip takes about 30 minutes, blending roasted vegetables with spices into a smooth spread. The eggplant adds depth while tomatoes bring brightness. It works well with bread or crackers. This dip offers a warm, smoky note for the table.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate. — Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Crispy baked zucchini cooks in about 20 minutes, coating slices in a light crumb for a golden crunch. The zucchini inside stays tender. Simple seasoning keeps the flavor clean. These are great for dipping or eating as-is.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

A person holds a chip topped with diced tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and olives, over a bowl filled with the same ingredients. The background is a light-colored countertop. — Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Vegetarian seven layer dip is ready in 15 minutes, stacking beans, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and vegetables. Each layer adds its own texture and flavor. It’s served cold for easy prep ahead. This dip disappears quickly at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Crispy triangular pastries stacked on a wooden board next to fresh parsley sprigs. — My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Mushroom savory pastries bake in about 30 minutes, wrapping flaky pastry around a mushroom and herb filling. The mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor. The pastry stays crisp and golden. These make for neat, hand-held bites.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos

Cheesy nachos with black beans and diced bell peppers on a sheet pan with avocado crema drizzled on top. — Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Sheet pan loaded vegetarian nachos take about 15 minutes, layering tortilla chips with cheese, beans, vegetables, and toppings. Baking melts the cheese evenly. Fresh garnishes add brightness. This is a shareable app made for big groups.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Blooming onion on a plate with sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Blooming Onion. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer blooming onion cooks in about 20 minutes, coating an onion in seasoned crumbs before crisping it up. The air fryer keeps it lighter while still giving a crunchy exterior. A dipping sauce rounds out the flavor. It’s a fun, eye-catching starter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio

Slices of raw fish topped with diced avocado are arranged on a blue plate, with slices of lime and whole passion fruits visible in the background. — Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Avocado and passion fruit tuna carpaccio takes about 15 minutes, layering thin tuna slices with creamy avocado and tangy passion fruit. The fruit adds a bright, tropical note to the fresh fish. It’s light yet flavorful. This app feels both refreshing and refined.
Get the Recipe: Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio