Grilled Vegetable Spread for #LaborDay #SundaySupper

Happy Labor Day weekend! It sure is nice to have an extra day to relax or do whatever. Some folks consider it the end of summer but I am hanging on until it is officially over. No one is going to cut my summer short. I’ll be in shorts and flip flops until it is too cold to wear them any longer. Anyway, it is a big weekend for grilling, cookouts, and picnics. I made a great appetizer of grilled vegetable spread just for the occasion.

I do love to grill. Something about the flavor from grilling really does it for me. The smell of something cooking on the grill gets me hungry every time – even if I just ate. I have had it happen lots of times when my neighbors grill. All I want to do is stay outside and take in deep breaths. Then I go in and chow on something. It also ignites a craving that is not satisfied until I get to eat what I smelled cooking, steaks especially.

Grilled vegetables are so good. They only take a few minutes to cook. I usually throw them on the grill when the meat is resting. Then it is all done at the same time. For the grilled vegetable spread, you will grill them ahead and then let them cool completely. You also need to make this spread a day in advance because it is better the next day. So first comes the veggies:

After the vegetables cool it is a quick process and you are done. The recipe is adapted from one by Alton Brown on the Food Network website. I grilled the vegetables instead of roasting. The smokey flavor from the grill takes it to another delicious level.

How about more Labor Day recipes? The Sunday Supper team has lots to share. We have everything you need from cocktails to desserts:

Starters & Snacks

• Baked Shrimp and Pasta Caprese by Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Korean chili by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
• Newfangled Cowtown White Chicken Chili by Shockingly Delicious
• Strawberry BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches by The Weekend Gourmet
• Smoked Pork Butt (A How-To) by Juanita’s Cocina
• Spicy Seoulful Pulled Pork Sandwiches by Kimchi Mom
• Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs by The Messy Baker Blog
• Stuffed Green Chili con Queso Cheeseburger Sliders by Damn Delicious
• Adana kebab by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Portabello Paninis by The Hand That Rocks the Ladle
• Bloody Mary Skirt Steak by From Fast Food to Fresh Food
• Tuna and Roasted Pepper Packets by Cindy’s Recipes & Writings
• Mint Marinated Beef Kabobs with Garlic Sauce by Sustainable Dad
• Creamy Latin Style Pasta by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Spicy Portuguese Style Sliders by Daily Dish Recipes
• Aromatic Glazed Salmon by Happy Baking Days
• Pork sliders by Basic ‘N Delicious
• Foil Packet Chicken by In the Kitchen with Audrey

Salads & Sides

Drinks

Desserts

• Lightened lemon pound cake by The Meltaways
• Root Beer Float Cupcakes by Chocolate Moosey
• Strawberry Cream Squares by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
• Fresh Mango Pie by La Cocina De Leslie
• Brown Butter M&M Cookies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Gluten Free Lemon Blondies by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
• Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake by Baker Street
• Strawberry Pie + White Sangria by Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Grilled Banana Splits by Diabetic Foodie
• Easy Desserts: Frozen Chocolate Bananas by Home Cooking Memories 
• Ice Cream Sandwich Cake by Comfy Cuisine
• Blueberry Lemon Whoopie Pies for a Holiday Cookout by In the Kitchen with KP

Wine Pairings

• Labor Day Cookout Food And Wine Pairings by ENOFYLZ

So many wonderful recipes to try! Every week I am inspired and amazed by my fellow Sunday Supper bloggers. It is a true highlight of my week to see what each one of them brings to our virtual table.

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and this week it is all about Labor Day food and fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. We love to pin recipes and photos so be sure to follow our #SundaySupper Pinterest board too.

How do you spend your Labor Day holiday? Do you relax and kick back or take the day to get some things done? I like to take it easy, grill a good meal, and enjoy it with a nice wine. Sharing it with family and friends makes it even more special. May your holiday be filled with fun, food, family, friends, and more!

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Grilled Vegetable Spread

A spread made with grilled vegetables, garlic, and cream cheese. Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced bread for a tasty appetizer.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 6 people

Author Renee

Ingredients

• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 small zucchini
• 1 small yellow squash
• 1 medium onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• olive oil
• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• Salt and fresh ground pepper
• Sliced bread or crackers for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the grill to medium (about 400 degrees F).
2. Remove the loose skins from the garlic cloves (you do not have to peel) and place them on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle garlic with olive oil and seal with the foil. Place the foil packet on the grill, close the grill lid, and grill for 10 minutes.
3. While the garlic is grilling, slice the zucchini, squash, and onion into 1/4 to 1/3-inch slices (rings for the onion). Seed the bell pepper and cut into quarters. Drizzle all the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the vegetables on the grill and grill about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer the vegetables and garlic packet to a bowl or dish and cover with foil. Let vegetables cool completely.
5. Take the garlic out of the foil packet and squeeze out the softened clove. Discard the foil and garlic skins.
6. Place the vegetables, garlic, and cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade. Process until well combined and spreadable. Do not process until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Transfer the mixture to a container and seal. Refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced fresh bread. Also can be used as a sandwich spread.

Recipe Notes

A spread made with grilled vegetables, garlic, and cream cheese. Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced bread for a tasty appetizer.