23 Sizzling Things to Grill: Ignite Your Summer Adventure!
Last weekend, my friend Emma invited us over for a backyard barbecue. As we gathered around her grill, the aroma of sizzling delights filled the air. Sarah, always the culinary adventurer, surprised us with an array of unexpected grilled treats. Inspired by her creativity, I decided to explore the world of grilling beyond the usual suspects.
Who says steaks have to be meaty? Watermelon steaks are the juicy, refreshing twist your grill has been waiting for. Slice thick rounds of watermelon, brush with a mixture of lime juice and honey, and grill until grill marks appear.
These “steaks” caramelize beautifully, intensifying the fruit’s natural sweetness while adding a smoky char. Serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light dessert. Top with crumbled feta and fresh mint for an extra flavor explosion!
2. Smoky Grilled Guacamole
Take your guacamole game to the next level by grilling the ingredients first. Halve avocados and grill them cut-side down until they’re beautifully charred. Do the same with tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños.
Once grilled, scoop out the avocado and mash it with the other grilled ingredients. Add lime juice, cilantro, and salt to taste. The result? A smoky, creamy dip that’ll have your guests begging for the recipe. Serve with grilled tortilla chips for the ultimate summer snack!
3. Grilled Pizza Party
Forget the oven – your grill is the secret to perfect pizza! Prepare your favorite dough and toppings, then grill the dough for a few minutes on each side. Add your toppings to the grilled side and close the lid until the cheese melts.
The high heat of the grill creates a crispy, slightly charred crust that rivals any pizzeria. Set up a toppings bar and let everyone create their own masterpieces. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy dinner with friends and family.
4. Charred Caesar Salad
Give the classic Caesar salad a smoky twist by grilling the romaine lettuce. Cut heads of romaine in half lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill cut-side down for about 2 minutes.
The heat wilts the outer leaves while the inner leaves remain crisp, creating a delightful texture contrast. Drizzle with Caesar dressing, sprinkle with Parmesan, and add grilled croutons for extra crunch. This elevated salad is sure to impress at your next gathering.
5. Grilled Peach and Burrata Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combo. Grill slices of crusty bread until toasted, then top with creamy burrata cheese and grilled peach slices. The heat caramelizes the peaches, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Drizzle with honey and balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with fresh basil. These crostini are the perfect balance of flavors and textures – crispy bread, creamy cheese, and juicy fruit. They’re elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a casual get-together.
6. Smoky Grilled Lemonade
Yes, you read that right – grilled lemonade! Halve lemons and grill them cut-side down until they’re nicely charred. The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars in the lemons, adding depth to your lemonade.
Squeeze the grilled lemons and mix the juice with water and sugar to taste. Add some grilled lemon slices for garnish and extra smoky flavor. This unique twist on a summer classic is sure to be a conversation starter at your next barbecue.
7. Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Turn portobello mushrooms into hearty vegetarian main courses by grilling them stuffed. Remove the stems, brush with olive oil, and grill for a few minutes. Then fill them with a mixture of quinoa, spinach, and feta cheese.
Return the stuffed mushrooms to the grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These “mushroom steaks” are meaty, satisfying, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike!
8. Grilled Pineapple Sundaes
Dessert on the grill? Absolutely! Grill thick slices of pineapple until they’re caramelized and have beautiful grill marks. The heat intensifies the fruit’s sweetness and adds a subtle smokiness.
Serve the grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. The combination of hot pineapple and cold ice cream is irresistible. It’s a tropical twist on the classic sundae that’s perfect for summer nights.
9. Grilled Caprese Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto skewers for a fun twist on the classic Caprese salad. Brush with olive oil and grill until the cheese starts to melt and the tomatoes blister.
The heat brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes and gives the mozzarella a delightful smoky flavor. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. These skewers make a great appetizer or side dish and are perfect for parties.
10. Grilled Avocado Eggs
For a unique breakfast or brunch option, try grilling avocado halves filled with eggs. Remove the pit from halved avocados, crack an egg into each half, and carefully place them on the grill. Cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the smoky grilled flavor and the rich egg. It’s a protein-packed start to your day that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy!
11. Charred Brussels Sprouts Skewers
Transform Brussels sprouts from a polarizing vegetable to a crowd-pleaser by grilling them. Thread trimmed sprouts onto skewers, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill until they’re charred on the outside and tender on the inside.
The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the sprouts, giving them a sweet and nutty flavor. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Even Brussels sprouts skeptics will be coming back for seconds!
Take your sangria to the next level by grilling the fruit first. Grill slices of oranges, lemons, limes, and peaches until they have nice char marks. The grilling process caramelizes the fruit’s sugars, adding depth and complexity to your sangria.
Add the grilled fruit to a pitcher with your favorite wine, some brandy, and a splash of soda water. Let it chill for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. The result is a smoky, sweet, and utterly refreshing summer cocktail.
13. Grilled Corn Elote Style
Give grilled corn a Mexican-inspired twist by preparing it elote style. Grill corn on the cob until it’s nicely charred, then brush it with a mixture of mayo and sour cream. Roll the corn in crumbled cotija cheese and sprinkle with chili powder and cilantro.
The combination of sweet corn, creamy sauce, salty cheese, and spicy chili powder is absolutely irresistible. It’s a messy but delicious way to enjoy summer’s bounty. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing!
14. Grilled Romaine Wedge Salad
Reinvent the classic wedge salad by grilling the romaine. Cut heads of romaine into wedges, brush with olive oil, and grill until lightly charred. The grilling process adds a smoky flavor and wilts the outer leaves while keeping the inside crisp.
Top the grilled wedges with blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chives. The contrast of temperatures and textures makes this salad a standout. It’s a fresh take on a steakhouse classic that’s perfect for summer.
15. Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers
Discover the magic of grilled halloumi cheese. This firm, salty cheese holds its shape when grilled and develops a beautiful golden crust. Thread cubes of halloumi onto skewers alternating with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
Brush with an herb-infused olive oil before grilling. The cheese becomes crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, while the vegetables char and sweeten. It’s a vegetarian-friendly main dish that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
16. Smoky Grilled Salsa
Take your salsa game up a notch by grilling the ingredients first. Grill tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and garlic until they’re nicely charred. The grilling process adds depth and complexity to the salsa’s flavor profile.
Once grilled, pulse the ingredients in a food processor with lime juice, cilantro, and salt. The result is a smoky, slightly sweet salsa that’s miles ahead of anything store-bought. Serve with grilled tortilla chips for the ultimate summer snack.
17. Grilled Stone Fruit and Prosciutto Flatbread
Combine sweet and savory flavors in this elegant grilled flatbread. Grill your favorite stone fruits – think peaches, nectarines, or plums – until they’re caramelized and juicy. Grill flatbread or naan until it’s crispy, then top with the grilled fruit, torn prosciutto, and dollops of creamy goat cheese.
Finish with a drizzle of honey and some fresh basil leaves. The combination of sweet fruit, salty prosciutto, and tangy goat cheese is absolutely divine. It’s perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Give dessert a grilled twist with this simple yet elegant treat. Slice pound cake and grill until it has nice grill marks and is lightly toasted. The grilling process caramelizes the cake’s surface, adding flavor and texture.
Top the grilled cake with macerated berries and a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of warm, crispy cake and cool, juicy berries is irresistible. It’s a quick and easy dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
19. Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter
Elevate your seafood game by grilling oysters. Shuck the oysters and place them on the grill, being careful not to spill their liquor. Top each oyster with a small pat of garlic-herb butter and grill until the butter is melted and bubbling.
The heat from the grill cooks the oysters gently, while the garlic butter adds richness and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side. It’s a luxurious appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
20. Grilled Cabbage Steaks
Transform humble cabbage into a show-stopping side dish. Cut cabbage into thick “steaks,” brush with olive oil, and season generously. Grill until the edges are charred and the interior is tender.
The grilling process caramelizes the cabbage’s natural sugars, resulting in a sweet and smoky flavor. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits before serving. It’s a low-carb, budget-friendly side that pairs well with any grilled protein.
21. Grilled S’mores Dip
Bring the campfire experience to your backyard with this gooey, chocolatey treat. In a cast-iron skillet, layer chocolate chips and marshmallows. Place the skillet on the grill and cook until the marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate is melted.
Serve with graham crackers for dipping. The smoky flavor from the grill adds an extra dimension to this classic dessert. It’s a fun, interactive treat that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.
22. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri
Give cauliflower the steak treatment for a vegetarian main that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Cut cauliflower into thick steaks, brush with oil, and season well. Grill until charred on the outside and tender on the inside.
Serve topped with a vibrant chimichurri sauce. The smoky cauliflower pairs beautifully with the fresh, herby sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that might just convert some carnivores!
23. Grilled Panzanella Salad
Breathe new life into stale bread with this Tuscan-inspired salad. Grill cubes of crusty bread until they’re toasted and crispy. Then toss them with grilled cherry tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers.
Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette and plenty of fresh basil. The grilled bread soaks up the dressing and juices from the vegetables, creating a delightful mix of textures. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread and summer’s bounty of vegetables.
From unexpected fruits and vegetables to creative twists on classic dishes, grilling offers a world of flavor waiting to be discovered. So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and embark on a culinary adventure that will make this summer unforgettable. Happy grilling!
