When you think of grilling, you probably picture burgers, hot dogs, and maybe some veggies, but get ready to be surprised by the unexpected foods you can grill. Get ready to shake up your barbecue routine with some surprising options that will make you see your grill in a whole new light. These recipes will have you rethinking what belongs on the grates, and trust us, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try these sooner.
Pizza
Why settle for a boring oven-baked pizza when you can char it to perfection on a grill? The high heat gives the crust an irresistible crunch while keeping the inside chewy. Simply stretch out your dough, brush it with olive oil, and slap it on the grill. Flip it, add your toppings, and close the lid until the cheese is melted. Voilà! You’ve just elevated your pizza game to gourmet status. But what if you have a frozen pizza? Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450 degrees F), oil the grates, and place the frozen pizza directly on them, cooking for 6-10 minutes while rotating occasionally until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
Pound Cake
Yes, you read that right. Grilling pound cake takes this classic dessert to a whole new level. The grill marks add a subtle smokiness and a nice crunch to the exterior. The gentle heat also caramelizes the edges of the pound cake, creating a lovely contrast with its soft interior. Slice the cake into thick pieces, brush with butter, and grill for about 1-2 minutes per side. Top with fresh berries and whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as sophisticated as it is unexpected.
Romaine Lettuce
Grilled romaine lettuce is a revelation for salad lovers. Romaine’s sturdy leaves make it an ideal candidate for grilling. The heat wilts the leaves just enough to bring out their natural sweetness while adding a hint of smokiness. Halve the heads of romaine, brush with olive oil, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan for a salad that will make you rethink your relationship with raw greens.
Watermelon
Grilling watermelon might sound like a culinary crime, but trust us, it’s a revelation. The high heat caramelizes the sugars, giving the fruit a smoky-sweet flavor that’s out of this world. Slice it into thick wedges, brush with a bit of olive oil, and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve it as a side dish or toss it into a salad for a refreshing twist. Who knew fruit could be so versatile?
Ice Cream
Grilling ice cream might sound impossible, but it’s actually a fun twist on a classic dessert. The trick is to use a firm, high-fat ice cream and freeze it solid before grilling. Place the scoops on a preheated grill for about 10-15 seconds per side, just long enough to get some grill marks. Serve immediately and enjoy the contrast of the cold ice cream with the warm, smoky exterior. It’s a culinary paradox that’s sure to impress.
Avocado
Grilled avocado is a game-changer. The heat from the grill softens the avocado’s flesh, adding a smoky depth that elevates its flavor profile, making it perfect for enhancing salads and salsas, or even serving as a stand-alone side dish.
Strawberries
Grilled strawberries are a sweet surprise that will make you rethink your fruit salad. The heat enhances their natural sugars, giving them a caramelized, smoky flavor. Thread the strawberries onto skewers, brush lightly with honey, and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve them over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or mix them into a fresh summer salad. It’s like a strawberry shortcake without all the fuss and with a lot more flair.
Bananas
Grilling bananas for Bananas Foster adds a smoky depth to this already decadent dessert. Slice the bananas lengthwise, brush with butter, and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side. In a separate pan, melt butter, brown sugar, and rum, and then pour the sauce over the grilled bananas. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s both indulgent and unexpected. It’s like a tropical vacation in your mouth.
Provolone
Grilled provolone is a melty dream come true, perfect for cheese lovers. The high heat gives it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside gooey and delicious. Popular in Argentina, where it is known as “provoleta,” this dish is often enjoyed during traditional barbecues or “asados.” To prepare, place thick slices of provolone directly on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with some grilled bread and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer.
Cooked Rice
Grilling cooked rice might sound like a disaster waiting to happen, but it’s actually a great way to add some smoky flavor to this staple. Spread the cooked rice in a thin layer on a preheated grill pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The high heat gives the rice a crispy texture and a smoky flavor. Another option is to make a traditional Japanese dish known as Yaki Onigiri. Form the cooked rice into a triangle, add a filling, and place it on the grill. It’s incredibly simple to prepare.
Granola
Granola on a grill? You bet. Grilling granola adds a smoky depth and a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking. Spread your granola mixture in a thin layer on a grill pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once it’s golden and crispy, let it cool and sprinkle it over yogurt, fresh fruit, or even a scoop of ice cream. It’s like taking your morning granola on a camping trip without leaving your backyard.
Peaches
Grilled peaches are the epitome of summer, transforming simple fruit into a decadent treat. The heat intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a smoky complexity that elevates the flavor profile. To prepare, halve and pit the peaches, brush them lightly with honey, and grill for about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone, and you’ve crafted a dessert that’s both rustic and refined, perfect for any summer gathering.
Cauliflower
Move over, boring steamed veggies; grilled cauliflower is here to steal the spotlight. The high heat creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Cut the cauliflower into thick steaks, brush generously with olive oil, and grill for about 5-6 minutes per side. Season with your favorite spices and serve as a versatile side dish or even a main course for your vegetarian friends.
Apricot
Grilling apricots brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible. To prepare, halve and pit the apricots, then brush them lightly with honey. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re tender and caramelized. Serve them as a side dish, toss them into a fresh salad, or pair them with creamy cheese for a sophisticated appetizer. This simple preparation adds a touch of luxury to any meal with minimal effort.
Brie
Grilled brie is the epitome of indulgence, turning a simple cheese into a gooey, melty masterpiece. The heat melts the inside to perfection while the rind stays intact, making it an ideal appetizer. Place the whole wheel of brie directly on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with crusty bread and some fruit preserves or a fun addition to a charcuterie board.
Caprese Salad
Grilling the components of a Caprese salad takes this classic dish to new heights. The high heat caramelizes the tomatoes and gives the mozzarella a smoky flavor. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, brush with olive oil, and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side. Assemble with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and you’ve got a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s like Italy, but with a BBQ twist.
Grapefruit
Grilling grapefruit caramelizes its natural sugars, turning it into a sweet and tangy treat. Halve the grapefruit, sprinkle with a bit of brown sugar, and place cut-side down on the grill for about 3-4 minutes. Serve it as a breakfast side or a refreshing dessert. It’s like a tropical vacation for your taste buds. In cocktails, grilled grapefruit adds a smoky, caramelized depth that complements spirits like tequila and gin. Its unique flavor elevates drinks, making them reminiscent of a tropical vacation, minus the overpriced cocktails.
Cabbage
Grilled cabbage might sound unconventional, but it’s actually a culinary delight. The high heat caramelizes the edges, imparting a sweet and smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. Cut the cabbage into wedges, brush with olive oil, and grill for about 5-6 minutes per side. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a side dish that will make you forget all about traditional coleslaw. It’s a surprising and delicious way to enjoy this humble vegetable.
Leave a Reply