15 Foods You Didn't Know You Could Grill Gallery

15 Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Grill Gallery

Summer is the perfect time to explore, be adventurous, and try something new — and that means outside on the grill, too. If you've flipped too many burgers, eaten too much barbecue chicken, and are up to your ears in corn cobs, there are plenty of new and delicious foods to try that taste even better with some char. To give you some extra creative inspiration this grilling season we've rounded up a few of our favorite nontraditional grilling foods.

Grills are magical things. They have the ability to transform normal foods we eat on a regular basis into something new and exciting. Whether you are using a gas, charcoal, or wood-burning grill, you will be surprised by the amount of flavor that this beloved piece of equipment will add to whatever you are cooking.

From halloumi cheese to pizza and romaine, you can throw just about anything on your grill to add an extra kick to your favorite dish. Use this optimal warm weather to dust off the grill and try something new. In addition to this list, there are plenty of other deliciously grilled foods. Roam the produce aisle and see what you can find, and be sure to check out these 19 marinades that will up your steak game.

Artichokes

Artichokes are delicious under any circumstance, but adding a nice charred edge takes these vegetables to a whole new level. Cut the artichokes in half and remove the choke, the part that looks like a bunch of hair strands. Parboil the artichokes, brush with oil, and continue to cook through on the grill.

Click here for the Grilled and Smothered Artichokes recipe.

Cauliflower

Not only does cauliflower have a great taste, but the texture is incredibly satisfying when not overcooked. This is another vegetable that can be grilled whole, if you have the time, or in smaller pieces to add more char to a dish.

Click here for this Grilled Cauliflower Pasta With Lemon-Tahini Dressing recipe.

Cheese

Cheese doesn't always melt into gooiness on the grill — some kinds turn soft and chewy. Thick slices of halloumi or any cheese wheels with a thick rind are perfect when grilled. Lightly oil the cheese and grill over medium-high heat. Serve with crusty bread and fruit.

Click here for this Green Bean Salad With Grilled Haloumi & Rum-Soaked Figs recipe.

Oysters

If you are a fan of oysters, you will love this simple trick: To add some depth of flavor and just a kiss of smoke, try grilling some oysters at your next barbecue. They don't need much time on the grill, just enough until the shells start to pop open.

Click here for this easy Grilled Oysters on the Half Shell recipe.

Pineapple

Pineapple, one of the easiest fruits to grill, doesn't need much more than a drizzle of honey to taste great. Try this served warm with some vanilla ice cream, or muddled up and mixed with your favorite spirit for a fun summer cocktail.

Click here for this Honey Grilled Pineapple recipe.

Pizza

Don't bother heating up the house cooking your pizza in the oven — head out to the grill instead. Brush the fresh dough with olive oil and grill it over medium-low heat. Flip it over and add your toppings, being careful not to overload the crust. Continue to grill until the crust is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.

Click here for one of our favorite grilled pizza recipes.

Polenta

Normally served as a creamy dish to soak up a nice sauce or gravy, polenta is very versatile and can even be grilled. Once allowed to set, polenta can then be sliced and thrown on the grill to get a nice golden exterior and smoky flavor.

Click here for this Grilled Polenta With Corn and Parmesan recipe.

Potatoes

Normally boiled or roasted, potatoes have the ability to round out any meal. When grilled, however, potatoes pick up all of the smoky flavors that remind you summer. They taste great on their own with a light dusting of sea salt and pepper, but feel free to season them any way you would like.

Click here for this Grilled Potato Salad With Basil, Blue Cheese and Tomatoes recipe.

Pound Cake

My life was changed after I figured out that you could grill pound cake. Whether it is homemade or store-bought, the kiss of fire the pound cake gets from grilling adds a great dimension to any dessert you serve it with.

Click here for this Grilled Gluten-Free Pound Cake recipe

Quesadillas

Who would have thought this favorite microwave snack can be made better on the grill? The tortillas get a nice, crisp char and the cheese gets evenly melted and gooey. Serve with fresh guacamole for an elegant and upscale quesadilla.

Click here for this Cumin-Lime Zucchini Quesadillas recipe.

Radicchio

Radicchio can be thought of as bitter, but by grilling and slightly wilting it down, it can transform into a savory vegetable that pairs great with the addition of sweet and creamy flavors.

Click here for this Balsamic-Grilled Radicchio With Shaved Pecorino recipe.

Ramps

Ramps mean that spring is finally here and it's time to fire up that grill. If you are lucky enough to find these beauties at the farmers market, grab as many as you can! With just a little salt and olive oil, you will have a delicious side to accompany any main.

Click here for this Sausage Gravy, Ramps, and Biscuit Skillet recipe.

Romaine Lettuce

Add a slight char to your lettuce by grilling a head of romaine or butter lettuce. Simply halve the heads and brush with olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat until charred in places. Serve with a Caesar or buttermilk dressing.

Click here for this Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad With Garlic Chicken Sausage recipe.

Squash

Yes, you can even grill squash! Even though you may be tired of eating squash all winter, these hearty vegetables grill up nicely with no effort at all. Toss them on the grill whole to roast inside their own skin or cut in half to get a nice char on the inside.

Click here for this Wood Grilled Adobo Squash Taco recipe.

Watermelon

If I had to choose the most appropriate food for summer, watermelon would be at the top of my list. For a new spin, try grilling watermelon steaks and balancing out the sweetness with some salt. Keep these recipes in mind next time you are thinking about our 25 best grilled chicken recipes.

Click here for this Grilled Watermelon Steaks recipe.

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