Expand your outdoor dining menu with these genius ways to enjoy your grill.
The thought of grill season brings visions ofburgersand brats, salmon and steaks, pineapple and pound cake.
Yes, and these grilled food ideas include carrots and cauliflower, stuffed peppers and sweet potatoes, too!
Greg DuPree
For another idea, toss grilled zucchini rounds with scallions anda simple vinaigrette.
Serve with ketchup, or drizzle with melted butter and brown sugar for a sweet treat.
The pepper’s delicate skin picks up the hint of smoke in just a matter of minutes.
Regarding BBQ Inc.
Take that one step further by grillingstuffed peppers!
Let the peppers cook over medium heat until the cheese mixture is gooey and peppers are tender.
Carrots
The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi
Roasting allows carrots' intense natural sweetness to really shine.
Armando Rafael
Now imagine what the combination of that caramelization and a heaping dose of smoke tastes like.
That’s the beauty of grilled carrots.
For best results, peel the carrots and then grill over medium heat, 8 to 10 minutes.
The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi
Before serving, brush carrots with a nutty oil (like walnut) or melted butter.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, which partner well with grilled carrots.
Season with salt and pepper, and then drizzle with a vinaigrette or salad dressing and toppings.
Andre Baranowski
Enjoy right off the grill for the best texture.
Cauliflower
Grills are ideal for steaks, even the kinds made from vegetables.
Cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetableslike cabbage and Brussels sproutshave a density and thickness that make them ideal for grilling.
Victor Protasio
it’s possible for you to baste cauliflower steaks the way you would beef steaks.
Use grilled avocado halves to elevate classic summer BBQ foods like egg salad,chicken salad, or bruschetta.
To grill, cut each avocado in half and remove the pit.
Antonis Achilleos
Gently brush each half with oil, and grill, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Cheese
Not all cheese melts into a puddle.
It’s also great alongside BBQ,grilled corn, and a helping of beans.
The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
It doesn’t take long to get halloumi ready to eat.
Thinner slabs (14- to 12-inch thick) are best for the grill.
Brie is another cheese it’s possible for you to grill using a similar method.
Greg DuPree
Serve softened brie with crusty bread or crackers with some summer jam.
To grill, cut peaches in half or into wedges, and remove the pit.
What’s more, the cake develops an irresistible kiss of smoke that matches its delicate sweetness.
Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
For best results, slice the cake 1-inch thick.
Complete this grilled dessert with a topping of fresh fruit and maybe a dollop ofhomemade whipped cream.
Cut 1-inch rounds into wedges and grill, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
About.com
Remove from the grill, and season immediately.
For a savory dish like a salad, consider salting the watermelon for a uniquely special treat.
For dessert, sprinkle each wedge with a bit of lime zest to bring out its natural sweetness.
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Pineapple
If your grill is going, you should have pineapple on it.
You’ll impress your guests and kick back knowing this was the simplest dessert you ever made.
Use grilled pineapple to give a flavor boost to lemonade, cocktails, and pineapple granitas.
Victor Protasio
you’re free to also grill bread rounds for croutons or appetizers like bruschetta or cheesy garlic bread.
Grilled breads are also delicious with your favorite sandwich fixings.
you’ve got the option to also buy polenta in tubes.
Caitlin Bensel
The texture of the loaf is thick, but the polenta is tender.
Plus, tofu edges can develop a gentle crispness from the flicker of the flames.
For grilling, use firm or extra-firm tofu only.
Regarding BBQ Inc.
Other forms are too soft to hold up against the grill’s heat.
Cook for at least 5 minutes per side or until the tofu is warmed through.
If nothing else, this helps the tortillas get extra crispy and may invite even more delicious char.
Victor Protasio
Grill filled quesadillas on each side, 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.
Pizza
You don’t need a custom outdoor pizza oven to make a really delicious pizza outdoors.
Your grill has all the components you needdry, hot fire with lots of circulating air.
Lisa Hubbard / Getty Images
A thin layer is all you need for the best flavor and best results.
Small to medium eggplants aren’t usually bitter, but medium to large ones can be.
To overcome bitterness, sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
Alex Farnum
Wipe the salt and excess moisture with paper towels, and they’re ready for the grill.
Slice the eggplant crosswise into 12-inch rounds.
Swapping grilled eggplant for roasted in a variety ofeggplant recipesgives dishes a distinctive deeper, smoky flavor.
Andrew Purcell
Cantaloupe
When experimenting withfruit on the grill, don’t overlook cantaloupe.
Grilling gives this melon a deeper flavor and adds a lovely char.
You have options when it comes to grilling cantaloupe.
Charles Masters
If using thin slices, leaving the rind intact helps the slices keep their shape.
If your slices are more like wedges, you might leave the rind off for grilling.
Alternatively, thread cubes or balls of melon on pre-soaked skewers.
Victor Protasio
For a savory take, brush melon with olive oil before grilling.
Grill over indirect heat, 3 to 7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) or until charred.
Cornbread
To revive day-old cornbread that’s lost its luster, give it the grill treatment.
Daniel Agee
Grilling gives any kind of winter squashacorn, butternut, and the rest (even pumpkin!
)a subtle smokiness that elevates its naturally mild flavor.
Grilling over indirect heat is the key to ensuring it cooks evenly and turns out tender throughout.
Christopher Testani
We recommend grilling unpeeled, seeded squash halves over indirect high heat with the grill covered.
You’ll know it’s done when it’s fork-tender.
