I can still recall some of the most memorable — and oddest — dishes I’ve tried. Do you? Those flavorful and offbeat meals tend to linger in my memory.
Last summer I made an avocado pie that became the highlight of a gathering. Every guest wanted the recipe, and now I’m practically required to bring it to every party.
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply tired of the same old hot dogs, we’ve put together a list — with some expert insight — of surprising bites you can easily grill to spark conversations at your next get-together.
Warning: Possible side effects include never wanting to use the stovetop again.
12 Fun Things to Grill This Summer
Try these 12 items on the grill to elevate your cookouts this season.
1. Pineapple
This sunny fruit doesn’t require much prep before hitting the grill, though there are plenty of delicious variations to try. Dust it with brown sugar and cinnamon, or brush with olive oil, honey or teriyaki.
You can slice pineapple into large chunks or use canned rings; both are bursting with flavor. Add them to burgers or salads, skewer them for roasting, or serve as a summery side dish.
2. Greens
Give your greens a makeover by grilling them. Try whole heads of lettuce, bok choy, Swiss chard, romaine, kale and collards.
“Greens are a big surprise the first time you grill them,” said Mark Bittman, author of “How to Grill Everything.”
Keep the leaves attached to the core instead of separating them, and halve larger heads. Baste and season to your preference. The outer layers develop a lovely caramelized char that tames bitterness while the inner leaves stay crisp.
Serve as an open-faced salad or fold into other dishes. Just don’t look away while cooking — they can go from perfect to sadly wilted in seconds.
3. Watermelon
Spice it up with cayenne, sweeten with honey or brighten with lime zest. Or keep things simple with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on the wedges.
Toss grilled wedges with feta and mint, glaze with balsamic, or dress with cilantro. Use a seedless watermelon for the best experience.
Heads up: guests will start expecting this every summer.
4. Cakes/Donuts
Why not? Donuts have proven themselves alongside burgers, breakfast sandwiches and even ice cream. Toast them on the grill. Top with berries, give them a brûlée finish or a French toast twist.
The same idea works for pound cake or shortcake. Brush pre-sliced pieces with butter and crown with ice cream, whipped cream, berries or the glaze you prefer. Bittman has experimented with grilling breads and cakes — you can cook them ahead of time or while everyone digs into the main course.
5. Beef Tongue
Bittman recommends this often-overlooked cut. Like many organ meats, it’s inexpensive and helps reduce waste. He called it “surprisingly delicious when cooked slowly on the grill.”
Season with onion, garlic and olive oil, or serve with chimichurri. It’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter for months.
6. Artichokes
Artichokes were practically made for the grill. Steam them first, then season the tender leaves with salt, pepper, lemon or garlic. The smoky flavor the leaves absorb is unbeatable. Pair with hollandaise or aioli. In the end, you’ll be rewarded with the heart of the vegetable.
7. Avocados
Avocados keep on giving. Use grilled avocado halves as handheld bowls and fill with tomatoes, salsa, quinoa or shrimp. Or skip the stuffing and drizzle with a cream sauce, lime, Sriracha or melted cheese.
Add grilled avocado to nachos, tacos or sandwiches. Combine with grilled watermelon for a delightful flavor combo. Or simply level up your avocado toast — you may never go back.
8. Peaches
Just picturing warm peaches with a scoop of ice cream makes my mouth water. Slice and grill them about five minutes per side.
Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon and a bit of butter, or get playful with pepper, basil or prosciutto. This seasonal favorite rarely disappoints.
9. Eggplant
No need to smother eggplant in sauce and cheese. Peel and slice this purple contender either way and give it a crispy new life on the grill. Keep it basic with butter, salt, pepper and garlic, or step it up with Cajun seasoning, bruschetta toppings or a Parmesan-style finish.
Fun fact: Eggplant is among Bittman’s go-to vegetables for grilling, whole or sliced.
10. Bananas
This classic breakfast fruit becomes a must-have dessert when grilled. Make a banana boat stuffed with marshmallows, chocolate and nuts, wrap in foil and grill. Or slice lengthwise with the peel on and grill until caramelized.
Top with maple syrup, toffee, honey and cinnamon, or turn it into a bananas Foster-style treat. Warm comfort that tastes like home.
11. Oysters/Clams
Grab a few dozen oysters, scrub them and heat until they open. Pry them the rest of the way and drizzle with lemon butter or your favorite hot sauce. Or shuck and roast them face up, topping with cream or barbecue sauce, basil, cheese or garlic.
Clams work the same way. Steam or roast them on the grill, toss with garlic, tomatoes and white wine or a lemon-cayenne mix. Be careful — they’re piping hot and cook very quickly.
12. Grapefruit
Grapefruit doesn’t have to be limited to juice or a breakfast side — it can be a dessert when grilled. Halve it, sprinkle the flesh with cinnamon, sugar and a dab of butter, or drizzle honey and caramelize on the grill. Serve with mint, coconut, nuts or crème fraîche.
4 Grilling Tips to Remember
Keep these four pointers in mind to ensure your summer grilling is a success.
- Always start with a clean grate free of residue before you cook something new. This prevents cross-contamination (and unwanted hot dog flavor on your desserts).
- Pay close attention to the temperature and what you’re grilling. Nothing stings more than spending time and money on a dish that charcoals in seconds.
- Beware of snackers. They’ll pilfer bites until there’s nothing left. Set aside a backup plate so you still get to enjoy your own cooking.
- Waste not. Grill everything you can. Trust Bittman when he says, “I can’t think of a vegetable that can’t be grilled.”
Rebecca Lane is a former staff writer for Savinly.
Looking for budget-friendly ways to boost your cookout? Try these cheap grilling ideas for more inspiration.
