Every family has their go-to foods and dishes that they make when they grill. But I challenge you–and myself–to make this grilling season your best one yet. Surprise your loved ones by bringing in a few unorthodox but delicious foods to throw on the grill. You'll be so glad you did.
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To make it easy, we've done all the research for you. These dishes range from quick and easy to ones that take more of a time commitment, but are so well-worth it. From grilled watermelon to brie, we've got you covered.
So fire up the grill, invite friends and family over, and be ready to live up to a reputation for having the most creative and yummy cookouts.
Grilled apples are to die for.
Seriously. I’ve grilled apples using this recipe. How can you go wrong with apples, cinnamon and brown sugar? I promise you’ll wonder what took you so long to try it.
Change things up by making French toast on the grill.
It's more delicious than conventional French toast–promise! Here’s a grilled honey-vanilla French toast recipe that’s sure to please everyone.
Don’t knock grilled watermelon until you try it.
I was also skeptical, but I promise you grilled watermelon is delicious. The sugars of this spongy fruit caramelize, giving it a sweeter taste. Get grilling instructions here.
Smoky sweet potatoes with honey are delectable.
Give this honey grilled sweet potatoes recipe a try for an easy and healthy side dish.
Give grilled cheese a whole new meaning.
Not all cheeses are made for grilling, so choose carefully to avoid a mess. Some good options are queso panela and provolone. Serious Eats has a list of good cheese candidates for the grill.
Grilled cabbage is better than you think.
And this recipe with honey mustard vinaigrette and bacon proves it.
Yes, you can grill romaine lettuce and it’s delicious.
I know what you’re thinking: Are you kidding me, grilled romaine?! Bear with me, though, because I was surprised that grilled romaine tasted good. Just let this recipe that calls for drizzling avocado-lime dressing over grilled romaine convince you.
If you love oysters, you must try them grilled.
Even if oysters on the half shell over ice are your thing, you should give the grilled version a try. Here’s a good recipe from Bon Appétit.
Grilled avocado is irresistible.
Just think about it: the avocado’s creamy flesh with a hint of smokiness. Yes, please! Try this grilled watermelon and avocado salad for a dish that just screams summer.
Grilled bacon is irresistible, and you’ll be so mad you didn’t do it sooner.
What’s not to love? It’s bacon and it’s grilled. Be forewarned that you’ll be obsessed. Follow Bon Appétit’s instructions for grilling bacon to perfection.
Duck can take the heat.
Impress your family and guests with this spiced rub grilled duck breast recipe from none other than Bobby Flay.
That smoky shrimp makes it from the grill to your plate and your belly in no time.
Six minutes on the grill will get these crustaceans ready to be the star of these tacos with sriracha slaw.
Make a Cuban sandwich outdoors.
Whether you happen to already have all of the ingredients for a Cuban sandwich or you go out of your way to make sure you have them by the time time you fire up the grill, here’s the perfect recipe.
Grilled fava beans are quick and easy to make.
In just 15 minutes, which includes prep and cook time, you’ll have some delicious smoky fava beans ready. Try this recipe from Food & Wine.
Mexican street corn, or elote, gives me life.
With just a few more ingredients, you can make that grilled corn the star of your get-together. Try this delicious recipe from the New York Times.
Bring on that low-carb smoky eggplant.
Charred outside and silky middle is a sure sign of perfectly made grilled eggplant. Here’s a fool-proof recipe from The Spruce Eats.
Add some depth to artichokes by grilling them.
This recipe by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis does just that.
Grilled bananas will be one of your go-to summer desserts.
And you’ll be so obsessed when you make this honey-rum grilled banana recipe.
Quesadillas on the grill? You bet!
Whether you favor corn tortillas like me or the flour kind, stuff it with you favorite cheese and make quesadillas next time you grill. Here’s a recipe that shows you just how easy they are to make.
Throw edamame into the fire.
Charred edamame pods are delish. Here’s a simple recipe to try by Food & Wine.
Make a batch of grilled mixed nuts.
Take it from the grill masters at Weber. Here’s their recipe for sweet and spicy mixed nuts.
Grilled pineapple might just be your signature summer dessert.
Not making this grilled pineapple recipe with vanilla ice cream and rum sauce is unforgivable.
Skewer those Brussels sprouts.
The added umami in the form of parmesan in this recipe elevates this veggie.
Grilled doughnuts are magical.
Don’t just take my word for it. This recipe shows you how to breathe new life into a day-old doughnut–and it’s amazing.
Have extra cinnamon buns?
Throw those on the grill as well to heat them up deliciously.
Keep your house cool and make blueberry cobbler on the grill.
Kiss my smoke’s recipe is simply divine.
In the mood for smoky and salty goodness?
Go for grilled olives! With minimal effort, you’ll have a tasty appetizer. Try this recipe.
Make mouth-watering pizza on the grill.
Please even the pickiest eaters with this grilled pizza recipe.
Something magical happens when you grill oranges.
The sugars begin to crystalize and the citrusy flavors just pop. Try this grilled orange recipe with Grand Marnier.
Put carrots on the grill for the ultimate snack or side dish.
Grilling carrots brings out their natural sweetness, and this recipe with lime and cilantro provides a lovely balance.
Make a large batch of grilled tomatoes.
Swap them in for regular tomatoes in your favorite salsa recipe or eat them as is. Bon Appétit walks you through how to make them.
Make cauliflower on the grill.
If you love cauliflower, give this recipe a try for crispy and tender cauliflower.
Beets are perfect for the grill.
The cooking method brings out its sweetness and marries it with a smoky flavor. Here’s how to make delicious no-fail grilled beets.
Yet another summer fruit to toss on the grill.
Grilled apricots make an excellent summer dessert. Follow the instructions on here for the most delectable dessert your family will love.
Don't overlook mushrooms this summer.
I must confess that my appreciation of mushrooms happened later in life. Next time I fire up the grill, mushrooms will definitely make an appearance. Here’s a great recipe that calls for soy sauce and only takes 25 minutes, including prep time.
Grilled octopus is definitely worth the time.
If you’re planning an all-day cookout, then add grilling octopus to your must-haves. It’s time-consuming but the reward of simultaneously tender and charred tentacles make it worth it. Try this grilled octopus with ancho chili sauce recipe by celebrity chef Tom Cholicchio.
If you love baked brie, then give the grilled version a try.
Be prepared for grilled brie to become a family favorite. Try this delicious recipe.
Or you can make grilled calamari.
Grilled calamari takes less time. Here’s a recipe from Williams Sonoma that’s finger-licking good.
Make meatloaf a surprise guest at your next cookout.
Friends and family won’t expect a meatloaf to come off of your grill. Impress them at your next get-together by making this recipe.
