Do you feel it? That slight change in the air? Do you hear the birds chirping and see those first few flowers starting to poke out of the ground? Spring is almost here, and change is all around us.
Life gets a little busier this time of year as people start to spend more time outside. The weather is warmer, school activities pick up, and who can forget spring sports? The good news – you don’t have to wait for the weekend to fire up the grill. Weeknight grilling is a great way to sneak in some more family time and encourage creativity with each recipe. Gas grills are perfect for weeknight meals, when time is precious. They start at the click of an igniter and require little clean up compared to other types of grilling. Read on to find out how you can set yourself up for grilling success.
It’s All About Preparation
Let’s face it, weeknights can be busy. Maybe you’re working late. The kids need to be picked up after practice. The dog has a check-up at the vet. You need to find time to exercise and still try to eat a balanced, healthy meal. Unfortunately, the decision of what to have for dinner is often last on your list. With a little prep work, though, you can take the headache out of meal planning so every night ends on a high note.
The easiest thing to do? Make a grocery list and plan your menu when you actually have time. Then, you won’t have to worry about it when you’re rushing around on a Wednesday evening. A little planning will help take away the question of, “What are we having for dinner?” so you can focus on other things – like spending quality time with your family and friends.
Marinate Meats in Advance and Prep Your Veggies
So, what can you do to help your cause? Be sure to marinate any meats in advance. By giving proteins more time to marinate, you’ll be able to enhance the flavor. You can also wash, cut, and store your vegetables ahead of time so they’re ready when it’s time to start grilling!
And don’t forget to pick up a fresh tank of Blue Rhino propane while you’re grabbing your groceries and running your errands. You don’t want to risk running out of fuel when it’s time to start dinner. You may also want to consider keeping a spare tank at home, so you can simply swap it out when the one you are using is empty.
Not sure where to pick one up? We’ve got you covered. You can use our handy propane finder to locate a store near you. Or try our home delivery service, which is now available in many markets across the country. Click here to see if we’ll deliver a fresh Blue Rhino propane tank to your neighborhood! It’ll help you cross one more thing off your “to do” list.
Before you get cooking, you’ll also want to be sure your grill is clean and easily accessible. You’ll be more excited to cook out if you don’t have to dig it out every time you want to use it. Be sure to keep it somewhere that is safe, but easy to access. Not sure where to start when it comes to cleaning your grill?
Forget the Oven or Microwave
If you’re like most people, you probably have leftovers sitting in your fridge. Reheating them isn’t always as simple as throwing them in the microwave for a few minutes. Things that were once crispy and delicious can get soggy when they’re reheated, but warming up the oven isn’t always an option. That’s where your grill comes in. It’ll likely get up to temperature a lot quicker than your oven, and if you use it to reheat your leftovers, they’ll have a smokey, savory flavor, too.
Remember, last night’s dinner could be tonight’s cookout! Don’t be afraid to turn your dishes into something new. Monday’s fruit salad could very easily become grilled fruit skewers, Tuesday’s pork chops could become grilled pork nachos, and Thursday’s sausage and peppers could easily become toppings for grilled pizza. The possibilities are practically endless! Using your leftovers still gives you that amazing “grilling out” feeling without the hassle.
Keep It Simple
Sometimes, the simplest recipes have the most mouth-watering results. Fewer ingredients mean less prep time, so you can spend more time with the people you love. Plus, you’ll be spending less money on groceries, but still making flavorful meals! It’s a win all around.
Beef Jerky Burger Sliders
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Wondering what to make? Try these Beef Jerky Burger Sliders. There is actual beef jerky in these juicy burgers, which sets them apart from your usual recipe. A little salt and pepper, some melted cheese, garlic mayonnaise, and fresh salad greens round out the dish. |
Chicken and Bacon Shish Kabobs
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If chicken is more your style, try these Chicken and Bacon Shish Kabobs. Honey, mushrooms, green onions, and pineapple give this dish a sweet and savory appeal. Of course, everybody’s favorite part are those little charred pieces on the edges of the kabobs – you know the ones! Make extras because your family will definitely want seconds. |
Surf and Turf Griddle Nachos
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Upscale nachos, anyone? Surf and Turf Griddle Nachos put a new twist on an old favorite. Shrimp and steak elevate this dish to a restaurant-worthy level, but frozen waffle fries and queso make it easy! Topped with fresh pico de gallo, this recipe is sure to be a hit. |
BLT Bruschetta
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The full, fresh flavors of Italy fill this next dish. BLT Bruschetta combines crispy grilled French baguettes with the salty crunch of bacon and lettuce. A little balsamic vinaigrette dressing and grated parmesan cheese are sure to get a chef’s seal of approval. |
Beef, Onion and Pepper Pizza
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If pizza is a big winner in your family, listen up. Beef, Onion and Pepper Pizza combines some classic flavors and cooks up quickly. Pre-baked pizza crust is a real time saver here, and a pizza stone really helps the pizza crust crisp up. You’ll get that “fresh from the brick oven” taste – without the brick oven! |
Cheesy Chorizo Zucchini Boats
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If you’re trying to limit your carbs, this recipe is for you. Cheesy Chorizo Zucchini Boats are just the ticket. They’re packed with Tex Mex flavors and covered in ooey, gooey American cheese. This recipe is also a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. Between the kid-friendly cheese and corn, they’re sure to try a bite or two of zucchini, too. It’s a weeknight victory! |
Share the Joy
No matter what you decide to grill on a weeknight, we want to see your creations! Our customers are some of our biggest inspirations. Whether you’re making your signature burger recipe or perfecting grilled corn on the cob, share them with us on social media. Simply tag us and use the hashtag #NotJustPropane for a chance to be featured on one of our social channels. We can’t wait to see what you make! Happy grilling, and thanks for letting Blue Rhino be a part of your backyard memories all year long.