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
- Lobster Salad with Avocado, Corn and Tomatoes by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Grilled Vegetable Spread by Magnolia Days
- Toast Topper #8: Tomato Confit by What Smells So Good
- Honey BBQ Wings and Cool Ranch by Big Bears Wife
- Finger Lickin’ Chicken Drumettes by Noshing with the Nolands
Main Dishes
- 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
- Mom’s Savory Pork’n’Beans by Webicurean
- Ranch Potato Salad by My Catholic Kitchen
- Gluten Free Penne hot salad with basil, asparagus, cherry tomatoes fresh mozzarella and chicken with a mustard vinaigrette by Cooking Underwriter
- Southern Surprise Potato Salad by Granny’s Down Home Southern Cooking
- Marinated Ginger Chicken & Spinach Salad by Kwistin’s Favorites
- Roasted Potato & Corn Salad w/ Bacon by GirliChef
- Vegan Caprese Salad by Galactosemia in PDX
- Picnic Friendly Grilled Vegetable Salad by Mama Mommy Mom
- Smokin Hot Caribbean Spiced Corn-On-The-Cob by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Potato salad with Stilton and bacon by Tora’s Real Food
- Tomato Feta Orzo Salad by Family Foodie
Drinks
- Frozen Sangria by Supper For a Steal
- Persian mint & cucumber cooler (sekanjabeen) by Family Spice
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!

Grilled Vegetable Spread
A spread made with grilled vegetables, garlic, and cream cheese. Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced bread for a tasty appetizer.
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
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Heat the grill to medium (about 400 degrees F).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Take the garlic out of the foil packet and squeeze out the softened clove. Discard the foil and garlic skins.
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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.
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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.
veronica gantley says
What a great idea to use up some of those veggies in the garden. I like everyone else will be grilling this weekend. Thanks for sharing with us.
Cindys Recipes says
I make veggie cream cheese a lot but never tried grilled veggies! Thanks Renee!
Pam @ The Meltaways says
I couldn’t think of a more perfect dip! We are total dip lovers and I see me making this sooner than later!
Laura @ Family Spice says
Sounds like a great dip and super healthy, too!
Liz says
Oh, gosh…your grilled veggies sound amazing! And then to turn them into a delicious dip? Love that! Happy #SundaySupper, Renee…and enjoy your Labor Day, too~
Faye Leong says
Simple yet healthy idea of spread! Thanks for sharing with us.
Elisabeth says
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it at home!
Heather @girlichef says
I love dips and spreads of any sort…I’m always hanging around with my bread or crackers…enjoying the goodness. And this one sounds amazing…the beautiful roast-y taste of the veggies – I can just imagine. YUM!
Amy Kim says
I agree, grilling adds another layer of flavor! I love your super easy recipes and this one sounds great. Thanks for sharing!
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
Sounds delicious. I love grilled veggies!!
Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says
Oh yum!!! I can eat dip every single day. Yours is gorgeous!
Wendy (TheWeekend Gourmet) says
I love these veggies…and I’m a sucker for cream cheese! I sometimes have to get sneaky when it comes to veggies and my husband, so this is right up my alley!
CJ at Food Stories says
I’m with you, Renee … It’s practically summer all year long in SoCal, anyway … Your dip looks amazing 🙂
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I’ve been craving this dip ever since you gave us a sneaky peek on FB. I can’t wait to make this, and it will totally be on my tailgating menu this season. Pinned! Happy #SundaySupper, my friend.
Anne P @ Webicurean says
This looks great! I’m always looking for new dips/spreads to serve at dinner parties–definitely going to try this one!
Beate says
I also love summer, but I think it is a bit shorter in Portland :). Delicious and it will be easy to swap the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese. It looks so good!!!
Patti says
Oh I can just imagine this on a toasted bagel! Yummm!
diabeticFoodie says
Love this idea. And I’ve been known to wear flip-flops and fleece at the same time 🙂
Tara Noland says
Oh, like the toasted bagel idea too!! The dip looks great!!
Melanie says
I grill veggies all the time and never thought to do this– definitely a must try!
Karen Hartzell says
Oh super yum! Sign me up! Plus this way no one will see my sad grill mark skillz on my veggies! LOL
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
This is perfect for all those veggie leftovers! So easy and perfect to be able to enjoy the cookout!
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says
I can totally see this becoming a favorite in our house! Sounds so good!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
I love grilled veggies, and you have a great assortment of them here. What a fun idea to put them in a spread!
Baker Street says
Labor day or no labor day! I could eat this every single day! What a fabulous spread, Renee! 🙂
Sheila Fretz says
I can’t wait to make this recipe at my next cocktail party!!!
Chris Baccus says
This looks so good and easy. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to pair it wiht some sourdough bread from our local Farmers’ Market.
sunithi says
OOh love this ! Would make a mean dip 🙂 Cant wait to try this ! Would taste great with homemade pita chips !
Family Foodie says
I love dips for entertaining and this one is a keeper. Thank you for sharing during #SundaySupper!
Laura Hunter says
A dip that is actually healthy! Love it! Must try this next time I have guests over.
Crazy Kwistin says
Yum, this looks so good 🙂 🙂 I think the kids might eat this too. Love it Renee!
Carla says
I don’t grill enough, especially vegetables, so I definitely want to try this! I have the bell pepper but not the squash or zucchini. Hmm looks like I’ll be going shopping 😉
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
I am always on the lookout for dips and spreads for football game days. It is just great to have them so people can nibble all day. I can’t wait to try this one. If I had a bell pepper I would be making it right now!
Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom) says
I love veggies…mine were grilled this week too. This is a nice alternative to hummus, and definitely a lower calorie option – I’d probably use reduced fat cream cheese too!
Jamie @ http://www.mamamommymom.com
redkathy says
Oh my this sounds amazing! i’m a huge fan of grilled veggies and agree grilling adds another level of flavor.
Hope you had a wonderful holiday Renee!
Leslie @ La Cocina de Leslie says
Yum! What a great idea for a dip! My only fear is that I won’t be able to resist the grilled vegetables as they make their way from grill to blender. 🙂
amy @ fearless homemaker says
Ooh, this looks wonderful. I’d love this on slices of homemade baguette or some homemade crackers. YUM!
Sarah says
I use to have a huge crush on Alton Brown. shhhh. Don’t tell my fiance that. Love grilled veggies and love even more that you made it into a spread that can used in so many applications. Thanks Renee!
Marie @ Substance of Living says
Thanks for sharing this easy and healthy spread. I can see this for my stuffed mushrooms or on a sandwich. MMMMM!