These Are 10 Foods I Was Absolutely Shocked I Could Grill
When we think of grilling, burgers and steaks usually come to mind. But your backyard BBQ can handle so much more than just the classics!
I’ve discovered some unexpected foods that transform beautifully over an open flame, adding new dimensions to familiar favorites.
Ready to shake up your grilling game? Here are some surprising foods that definitely deserve a spot on your grates.
1. Watermelon Steaks
Grilled watermelon is summer’s best-kept secret! The heat caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars while evaporating some moisture, creating a more concentrated, almost meaty texture.
I tried this at a beach cookout last year and couldn’t believe the transformation. The slightly smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh mint.
2. Avocado Halves
Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit, brush with lime juice and olive oil, then place face-down on a hot grill. The result? Smoky, creamy perfection in just 2-3 minutes.
Fill the pit cavity with salsa, eggs, or shrimp for an Instagram-worthy appetizer. The contrast between the charred exterior and buttery interior creates a flavor explosion worth experiencing!
3. Pound Cake Slices
Store-bought pound cake transforms into a gourmet dessert with just 60 seconds on each side. The grill adds beautiful marks and a toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with summer berries.
During my sister’s graduation party, we grilled pound cake slices and created a toppings bar. Everyone went wild!
Try brushing the cake with a little melted butter before grilling for extra richness and better grill marks.
4. Halloumi Cheese
This miracle cheese doesn’t melt! Halloumi’s high melting point makes it perfect for grilling, developing a gorgeous golden crust while staying deliciously squeaky inside.
Cut into 1/2-inch slabs and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. The outside gets crispy while the inside turns soft and dreamy.
Drizzle with honey and lemon for a sweet-salty appetizer that’ll make guests ask for your secret.
5. Romaine Lettuce Hearts
Grilled lettuce? Absolutely! Split romaine hearts lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill for just 1-2 minutes per side until slightly wilted with beautiful char marks.
The heat transforms ordinary lettuce into a smoky delight. The outer leaves get crispy while the core stays crunchy.
Last summer, I served grilled romaine with Caesar dressing drizzled on top, and guests couldn’t stop raving about this simple yet impressive dish.
6. Whole Lemons
Grilling lemons might sound bizarre, but the heat caramelizes their natural sugars, tempering the acidity and creating a sweeter, more complex flavor. Just slice them in half and place cut-side down.
After 4-5 minutes, you’ll have the most amazing citrus for squeezing over fish, chicken, or into cocktails. The smoky-sweet juice elevates everything it touches with minimal effort.
7. Homemade Pizza
Forget the oven! Grilling pizza creates a spectacular crispy crust with those authentic charred bubbles that fancy pizzerias charge extra for.
I became a convert after my pizza stone cracked mid-dinner party. In desperation, I threw the dough directly on the grill grates.
The results were better than any oven-baked version! The key is high heat and working quickly to prevent sticking.
8. Bacon-Wrapped Bananas
The sweet-savory combo here is mind-blowing! Wrap peeled banana chunks in bacon, secure with toothpicks, and grill until the bacon crisps up.
The bananas caramelize inside their bacon jackets, creating a dessert-meets-appetizer wonder. For extra decadence, brush with maple syrup during the last minute of grilling.
This unexpected treat disappears faster than traditional bacon-wrapped anything at cookouts!
9. Stone Fruits
Peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots develop incredible depth when kissed by flames. Halve them, remove pits, brush with a touch of honey, and grill cut-side down for 3-4 minutes.
The natural sugars caramelize while the flesh softens just enough. I discovered this by accident when a peach rolled onto the grill during a family cookout.
Now it’s our signature summer dessert served with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
10. Firm Tofu Blocks
Tofu’s bland reputation vanishes on the grill! Press extra-firm tofu between paper towels, slice into 1-inch steaks, and marinate in your favorite sauce for at least 30 minutes.
The grill adds smoky flavor and appealing char marks while the interior stays tender. My carnivore brother actually requested seconds of my sesame-ginger grilled tofu last BBQ season.
That’s when I knew I’d discovered something special!