What sets a holiday bash apart from a regular, any-summer-weekend cookout? The appetizers. Sure, we always start our backyard barbecue with a summery dip or guac and some chips for dipping, but when it comes to Labor Day we really try to up the ante. Deviled eggs, a variety of bruschetta, oysters—heck, even our dips get a serious upgrade when it comes to the last big cookout of the season. Just take Kardea’s recipe, for example. Her easy-to-make dip is loaded with sweet-and-smoky flavor thanks to her secret ingredient: red peppers that she chars on the grill. And, the dippers are elevated as well; colorful grilled veggies stand in for more common options like crackers or tortilla chips. This starter is so delicious, you might just forget about the mains and desserts!

To kick off your end-of-summer party, serve chips alongside Trisha's mix of yellow and white corn, jalapenos, chiles and tomatoes.

Upgrade a beloved cookout starter — deviled eggs — by adding an ingredient that everyone loves: salty, smoky bacon.

Late-season tomatoes, which tend to be extra-sweet and juicy, are perfect for Ina’s impressive tarts. She tops a homemade crust with Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, thick tomato slices and fresh pesto.