It’s time to have a little fun this summer and think outside the BBQ!
Trust us, there is so much more to grilling than just hot dogs and hamburgers. In reality anything you can cook on the stove or in the oven you could make on the grill with the proper tools and preparation.
We have gathered some delicious ideas and recipes to help you really shine at your next summer backyard party. So be prepared to get excited to try something new and unexpected with us and impress your friends and family.
Cheeses
Cheese you say? On the grill? Are you serious? Actually we are quite serious and boy were we ever impressed with the smoky flavor of brie after just a few minutes on a hot grill.
When grilling brie the key is to make sure the grill is hot enough to char the rind quickly so the gooey goodness doesn’t melt too fast. Make sure the rind is intact then lightly brush with melted butter on each side and simply throw on the grill for about two minutes on each side.
Transfer to a plate and spread blackberry jam on top and serve with crackers or even grilled baguette slices. Yup, you can grill those too!
Halloumi is another great choice as it is actually called the “grilling cheese”. It is made from goat and or sheep’s milk and has a firm, chewy texture perfect for slicing and grilling.
Here are a couple of quick and easy recipes to get you started.
Grilled Halloumi Cheese Recipe
Grilled Brie Two Ways With a Berry Balsamic Glaze
Mussels and Clams
We discovered steaming these little jewels directly on the grill OR in foil packets was the easiest way to enjoy their succulent flavor while adding that rich smoky flavor.
Feel free to experiment with oysters as well and prepare to be Wowed!
Easy Appetizer: Clams and Mussels on the Grill
Grilled Avocado
Avocados are delicious all on their own but a little grill magic goes a long way in turning them into something extra special. Just brushing with olive oil and placing directly on the hot grill for a few minutes is really all you need. However, we took it one step further and made a delicious grilled guacamole. Try some of these recipes!
How To Grill Avocados [Easier Than You Think!]
Grilled Artichokes
These will take a little prep time but well worth it in our opinion! You could even trim and steam the day before then they will be all ready to pop on the grill when your guests arrive.
Below is a great how-to video in case you are new to cooking these delectable vegetables.
Learn How to Make Bobby Flay's Grilled Artichokes
Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Aioli
Quesadillas and Fajitas
This is kind of like a “DUH, how come I never thought of grilling these on the BBQ?”. Right?!
You can grill all of your ingredients then assemble when your guests arrive! That way everything will have that rich, smoky flavor and the charred tortillas really make it extra delicious.
Best Grilled Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Grilled Pizza and Flatbreads
Everyone loves brick oven pizza and utilizing your grill is the perfect way to achieve that delicious char and smoky flavor.
You can use either pre-made crusts and flatbreads or even start with your own dough.
The topping possibilities are endless and offering your guests the opportunity to make their own adds to a fun evening.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
How to Grill Pizza - Easy Grilled Pizza Recipe
Grilled Flatbread Veggie Pizza Recipe
Grilled Fruits
Fruits are super easy to grill, yet you get the most amazing results.
Pineapple for example gets a sweet, caramelized flavor after just a few minutes.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you have quite the treat.
Grilled watermelon is fabulous in salads and don’t get us started on grilled peaches because we can’t stop thinking about them!
Check out these amazing recipes.
One More Important Tip
Grills get dirty easily. A clean grill cooks your food without having it stick to the grates and makes your food just taste better.
With a Grill Daddy, you can quickly clean your grill with the power of steam. Get yours here and check out this very thorough post on cleaning your grill.
Do you have a unique grilling recipe to share? We’d love to read all about it in the comments below!
