16 Fun Things To Grill On The BBQ This Weekend
Summer’s here and the grill is calling your name! Nothing beats gathering friends and family for some outdoor cooking magic.
Tired of the same old burgers and hot dogs? Time to spice up your BBQ game with some unexpected treats that’ll make your taste buds dance and your guests beg for your secret recipes.
1. Pineapple Rings
Slap those juicy pineapple slices on hot grates and watch the magic happen! The natural sugars caramelize into golden-brown deliciousness with just a hint of smoky char.
Brush with a mixture of honey, lime juice, and a sprinkle of cinnamon before grilling. Serve alongside ham or as a sweet finisher with vanilla ice cream.
2. Halloumi Cheese
This miracle cheese refuses to melt! Instead, halloumi develops a gorgeous crispy crust while staying delightfully squeaky inside. Talk about texture heaven!
Cut into thick slices, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until those beautiful grill marks appear. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top before serving.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms
Portobello caps transform into edible bowls of smoky goodness! Remove stems, brush with garlic butter, and fill with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.
How about adding crumbled bacon or spinach to the filling? Grill until mushrooms are tender and tops are golden brown. The earthy flavor intensifies beautifully over charcoal flames.
4. Watermelon Steaks
Wait, grilled fruit? Absolutely! Thick watermelon slices develop an almost meaty texture when grilled, concentrating their sweetness while adding smoky depth.
Cut into 1-inch thick slabs and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and a touch of chili powder for contrast. Grill 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks form but before it becomes mushy.
5. Pizza Dough
You can create amazing pizza on your grill, so forget about the oven! Pizza aficionados will adore the flawlessly crispy crust and burnt bubbles created by the strong heat.
Place the dough on the grill oil-side down after stretching it thin and brushing one side with oil. Once grill marks appear, rapidly add toppings, turn, and cover. The wood-fired pizza flavor is enhanced at home by the smokiness!
6. Bacon-Wrapped Avocados
Creamy meets crispy in this mind-blowing combo! Halve and pit firm avocados, then wrap each section in bacon secured with toothpicks.
Though it sounds unusual, the smoky bacon fat infuses the buttery avocado with incredible flavor. Grill until bacon crisps up, about 2-3 minutes per side. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
7. Romaine Lettuce
Grilled salad? You bet! Split romaine hearts lengthwise, keeping the core intact so they don’t fall apart. A quick 1-2 minutes per side transforms ordinary lettuce into smoky amazingness.
Drizzle with Caesar dressing, parmesan shavings, and crunchy croutons. The contrast between charred edges and cool, crisp centers creates a salad experience that’ll blow your guests’ minds!
8. Pound Cake Slices
Store-bought pound cake becomes gourmet dessert with just 30 seconds on the grill! Cut into thick slices and lightly butter each side before grilling until golden grill marks appear.
Serve with grilled fruit, whipped cream, or ice cream for the ultimate summer dessert. The slight caramelization adds depth while the cake interior stays tender and moist. Sweet grilling success!
9. Bacon-Stuffed Jalapeños
These fiery little boats pack serious flavor punch! Halve jalapeños lengthwise, remove seeds (unless you’re brave), and fill with cream cheese mixed with cheddar and bacon bits.
Grill until peppers soften and filling bubbles, about 8-10 minutes. The heat mellows the peppers while intensifying their flavor. Keep extras away from kids – these addictive bites disappear faster than you can say “spicy”!
10. Quesadillas
Don’t use the cooktop! Quesadillas that are grilled have the ideal amount of gooey middle and crispy edges. Top tortillas with cheese and your preferred toppings, such as beans, vegetables, or chicken.
Place straight onto medium-heat grates after brushing the exterior with butter. Flip after two to three minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. This Mexican staple is elevated to new heights by the smokey taste!
11. Grilled Donuts
Day-old donuts find new life on the grill! The heat caramelizes the sugar while adding a subtle smokiness that transforms ordinary into extraordinary.
Slice glazed donuts in half horizontally, butter lightly, and grill cut-side down for just 15-30 seconds. Serve with ice cream for an upgraded dessert sandwich. Who knew donuts could improve with fire?
12. Bacon
Grilled bacon beats pan-fried any day! The smoke flavor intensifies while excess fat drips away, creating the perfect balance of crispy and chewy.
Lay strips directly across grates (perpendicular so they don’t fall through) over medium heat. Watch carefully to prevent flare-ups from dripping fat. Use for burgers, salads, or eat straight from the grill – no judgment here!
13. Oysters
Grilling oysters couldn’t be simpler! Place whole, unopened oysters directly on hot grates and close the lid. When they pop open (5-7 minutes), they’re done!
Remove top shells carefully, top with mignonette sauce or garlic butter, and grill for another minute. You’ll forget raw oysters ever existed when you taste the smoky-briny combo with butter.
14. Potato Chips
Homemade potato chips with smoky flavor? Yes please! Slice potatoes paper-thin (use a mandoline for best results), toss with olive oil and salt.
Arrange in a single layer on a grill basket or aluminum foil with holes poked in it. Cook over indirect heat until edges curl and centers crisp up. Sprinkle with ranch seasoning or BBQ spice while still hot!
15. Meatballs
Take your meatballs outside instead of making a mess on the stove! For leaner, more delicious outcomes, the grill imparts smokey char while letting fat fall away.
To keep the meatballs from falling through the grates, make them a little bigger than normal. In the last minutes, brush with your preferred sauce. With toothpicks, these smokey spheres of goodness make fantastic appetizers or subs!
16. Garlic Bread
With grill power, everyday garlic bread turns spectacular! Place a baguette cut-side down over medium heat after slicing it lengthwise and spreading it with garlic butter.
Perfectly crispy edges are produced by the direct heat, yet the middle remains soft and buttery. Pay close attention – it just takes two to three minutes! The subtle burn enhances the garlic taste in a way that oven baking just cannot.