Are you in a grilling rut? Tired of making the same standbys such as burgers and hot dogs? We’ve got some fun suggestions for food you can grill that you may not have considered! Many can be side dishes, while others are perfect main courses that will shine as the star of your next barbecue.
Grilling your food can add a unique, smoky depth of flavor. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy being outside, and soak up some sunshine. And you’ll get to test your grilling skills and perfect your grill marks. So, let’s dive in and help you jumpstart your grilling routine!
Flavorful Fruit
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First, consider grilling avocados. This simple recipe is easy to make, but packed with flavor. You can eat your grilled avocados as is, serve them as a side dish, or even use them in guacamole! Everyone will be asking what your secret ingredient is, but only you will know. |
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Grilled watermelon may become your new favorite grilled fruit. It’s easy to make and has a ton of flavor. The secret is letting some of the water drain out of the watermelon before you put it on the grill. That way, you’ll get some nice grill marks. This sweet and savory dish is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Try adding a sprig of mint for some fresh flavor! |
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You could always pair that watermelon with grilled pineapple. Canned coconut milk and cinnamon sugar give this recipe a tropical feel. You can eat the pineapple on its own or use it in a fruit salad for a new take on a traditional recipe. |
Breakfast Showstoppers
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Have you ever considered grilling your breakfast? It’s an easy way to keep the mess out of your kitchen. Beef Huevos Rancheros brings the flavors of the southwest to your back yard! Enchilada sauce, tostadas, and eggs bring this hearty breakfast to life. Fresh cilantro, cheese, and sour cream add a certain richness and depth of flavor. Your family will be asking for seconds before you know it! |
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You’ve probably heard of overnight French toast. But have you heard of Grilled Cinnamon French Toast? This recipe makes it easy to cook a bunch of food at once, serving your hungry family in no time! Thick, country style bread makes this a hearty meal, complete with grill marks and a whole lot of smoky, grilled flavor. |
Lunch Items
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Grilling doesn’t have to be limited to the weekends or dinner time. Making lunch on the grill can really switch up your weekday routine. Why not try this Beefy Dill Pickle Soup? You make the broth, potatoes, and carrots on the grill’s side burner, then grill Top Sirloin Steaks on the grates. The end result has a salty, earthy, satisfying flavor that’s great any time of year. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, and you’ve got a quick and easy meal that will really fill you up. |
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Another lunch option is this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, crispy onion strings, and sliced green onions really round out this dish. By serving it with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, you’ll really feel like you’re getting the full buffalo wing experience. |
Main Dishes
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Let’s talk main dishes. You’ve probably heard of a traditional southern shrimp boil, but have you ever made one on the grill? These Foil Pack Shrimp Bundles are a safer alternative to using a big pot of boiling water, and you’ll still get all the flavor. Italian dressing, Dijon mustard, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes give this recipe a touch of Tuscan flavor. |
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Don’t shy away from seafood on the grill. Drunken Mussels cook quickly in a wok. Garlic, butter, red pepper, and lemon zest really brings out the flavors of the mussels, and a white wine sauce brings a certain sophistication to this dish. You’ll be convinced you’re treating yourself to a delicious meal at your favorite coastal restaurant. |
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Another seafood option your family will love? BBQ Oysters with Parmesan-Horseradish Butter. These oysters are cooked right on the grill grates and served swimming in a sea of flavored butter. Lemon zest, fresh Italian parsley, and minced chives brighten up the dish and balance out all that delicious buttery goodness! Serve it with some garlic bread and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to be a big hit. |
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Pizza is a quick and easy dish you can make. It cooks up quickly, and you’ll really get a brick oven flavor by making it on the grill. This Grilled White Chicken Pizza is a cheese lover’s dream! It has shredded parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses with a fresh burst of basil and red bell peppers. Pro tip: Grill the pizza over indirect heat to avoid charring the crust. |
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Beef Kabobs with Grilled Pineapple Salsa will practically transport you to the islands! Fresh lime juice, garlic, and jalapeno pepper make a zesty Gazpacho dressing for this dish. The grilled pineapple salsa adds a fresh and fruity topping, just like a dish you’d order on a tropical vacation, complete with a little umbrella drink. |
Delicious Sides
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Skillet Cornbread Pudding is great any time of year. This warm, homey, comforting dish will bring back memories of big family meals. Cooked in a cast iron skillet, grilled onion, herbs, and goat cheese give this cornbread pudding an earthy, umami flavor. You can serve it right from the skillet, cutting it into wedges to give to your guests. |
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Who doesn’t love a good pickle? Whether you like them spicy, speared, dill or bread and butter flavored, grilling pickles can give a sweet, caramelized flavor on the outside. These Chargrilled Dill Pickles are great as a side or a topping! |
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Charring lettuce can bring some amazing flavors to a simple salad! This Grilled Caesar Salad is simple to make yet packed with flavor. Simply brush the lettuce with olive oil, add salt and pepper, and then place it on the grill until it’s slightly charred. Serve it with a grilled tomato and top it with a little cheese, and you’ve got a new twist on an old favorite. |
Decadent Desserts
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hat do you think of when we say Triple Chocolate Marshmallow Cake? You probably picture a very decadent desert fit for serving in a fancy restaurant. But the truth is, you can make it at home! This cake is made in a Dutch oven on the grill. It has three rich layers, a marshmallow and caramel topping, and is sure to be a big hit with your guests. |
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Speaking of desert, have you ever cooked a pie on the grill? Our BBQ Peach & Blueberry Pie makes the most of summer what has to offer. Fresh and flavorful, this pie cooks to perfection on the grill. The crust will be beautifully browned, and the fruit inside will be soft, warm, and delicious. |
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Pastries! Don’t forget about pastries! These Raspberry Puff Pastries are reminiscent of something you’d find in a French bakery in Paris. A sauce of orange zest, Grand Marnier and chocolate give these pastries a decadent, rich flavor. A sprig of mint finishes the dish off with a fresh burst of flavor. |
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Looking for something extra fancy? You can grill a souffle! This White Chocolate Orange Souffle recipe has similar flavors to the Raspberry Puff Pastries with chocolate, Grand Marnier, and orange peel. It’s rich, decadent, and oh so delicious. The perfect ending to a gourmet grilled feast! |
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While you’re at it, why not grill some cookies! These S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies combine everybody’s favorite s’more ingredients into one delicious, flavor-packed cookie. One key tip – don’t overmix this recipe. You want to be able to clearly see the chocolate chips and marshmallow bits so that you get a burst of flavor in every bite. |
Published: 2023.09.25
