Grilling season is upon us, and I’m so excited. I love cooking with my friends and family outdoors. But I also love to experiment in the kitchen, so when it comes to grilling season, I like to throw together some of my favorite recipes—and these are some of my absolute favorites!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Grilling is perfect for outdoor cookouts with family and friends |
| There are many delicious recipes to choose from for your next cookout |
| Marinating meat before grilling can enhance its flavor |
| Serving appetizers and side dishes is important to complement your main dish |
| Keep your grill clean and well-maintained to ensure it works properly |
1. Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Preparing the grill:
- Prepare a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut the chicken into 1″ cubes and place in a bowl. Add olive oil and garlic, plus salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently until all of the chicken is coated with olive oil.
Allow to marinate for at least half an hour before grilling.
No meal is complete without delicious side dishes, and our guide on 15 Grilled Side Dishes That Will Make Your BBQ the Best on the Block has got you covered. From grilled corn to potato salad, these side dishes are sure to impress your friends at your next cookout.
2. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potatoes On The Grill
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potatoes Ingredients Table
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medium Yukon Gold Potatoes | 6, scrubbed and quartered |
| Bacon | 8 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Cheddar Cheese Slices | 1 1-pound package (3 cups) |
| Ranch Dressing Mix | 1/4 cup or dry dressing mix (like Hidden Valley) |
3. Grilled Peaches With Coconut Whipped Cream
Grilled Peaches: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, toss the peaches with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Grill the peaches until tender and caramelized on all sides, about 6 minutes. Remove from grill and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
Coconut Whipped Cream: In a small bowl using an electric mixer beat heavy cream until soft peaks form; add sugar and vanilla extract beating until stiff peaks form; fold in toasted coconut flakes just before serving over grilled peaches. Serve immediately topped with grated dark chocolate if desired!
4. Sheet Pan Balsamic Shrimp And Vegetables
This shrimp and vegetable dish is so easy to make, it’s practically foolproof. The flavor combination of the tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet honey is delicious, and the vegetables add a nice texture to the dish.
This recipe makes enough for four servings, but you can easily double or triple it if you’re grilling for a crowd. In fact, this sheet pan meal can be served as an appetizer or main course—it’s that versatile!
Need some inspiration for appetizers that will wow your guests? Look no further than our guide on 10 Delicious Grilled Appetizers That Will Blow Your Mind. From grilled shrimp to bacon-wrapped jalapenos, these appetizers will take your next cookout to the next level
5. Grilled Balsamic Asparagus
We love this recipe from Epicurious.com! When you’re grilling asparagus, it’s important not to overcook them. The end result should be tender and slightly crispy on the outside, but still have some bite to them when you bite down on them.
Asparagus is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K as well as folate. It also contains high levels of fiber which will help keep you feeling full longer so you don’t overeat later on in the day or night!
This recipe only takes 20 minutes perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight–and can be served hot or cold depending on your preference (or if there’s leftovers).
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | 1 pound, tough ends trimmed |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
6. Easy Grilled Meatloaf Sliders
Make sure your meatloaf is fully cooked. Meatloaf should always be fully cooked before serving. To check, use a meat thermometer to make sure the center of your loaf has reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a meatloaf pan to bake it in and grill it on top of charcoal briquettes or hardwood chunks. If you don’t have a grill that can accommodate cooking on top of charcoal briquettes or hardwood chunks (this is ideal), simply place your meatloaf pan directly on the grates and bake it in there until done!
7. Grilled Pork Chops With Crunchy Blueberry Salsa
Preparing the salsa ahead of time can make your life so much easier, and it will also allow you to focus on grilling the pork chops.
When you are grilling the pork chops, be sure to use a grill basket to keep them together. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from falling through the grate of your grill or oven. If they are really thick, don’t worry; they will still taste delicious!
Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F and no more than 160°F before removing them from the heat source (it is recommended that you check with a meat thermometer).
Cool off on a hot summer day with one of our 15 Grill-Friendly Cocktails that will refresh and hydrate while adding to the fun atmosphere. Check out our guide for ideas on how to quench your thirst while grilling up delicious foods.
8. Spanish Chicken Skewers
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, cut into pieces
- Handful of cilantro leaves (optional)
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press
- Olive oil for brushing the skewers (or use cooking spray)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
9. Classic Skillet Mac & Cheese (Right On The Barbecue!)
The first step to perfecting this recipe is getting the right tools. You’ll need a cast iron skillet, which can be found at any kitchen supply store or online.
Cast iron skillets are ideal for cooking on the grill because they retain heat so well, making sure that the cheese doesn’t burn before it has time to fully melt and become creamy. If you don’t happen to have one laying around already, I recommend ordering one from Amazon (they’re only about $20).
Once you have your trusty cast iron skillet in hand and ready for grilling duty, start by preheating your grill on medium-high heat about 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius—for 15 minutes or so.
While you’re waiting for it to warm up, mix together some flour with water until it forms a thin paste; set aside for later use when baking off your macaroni noodles (don’t worry about mixing too much into the batter it’s just what gives them crispy edges).
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Macaroni | 12 ounces, uncooked |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 3 cups, warm |
| Mustard Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, shredded |
Next grab some butter from the fridge and add it into another bowl; place that bowl inside of an ice bath until chilled through (this will ensure that when you combine both types of fat together they won’t melt each other out into a big mess). Now go ahead and prepare all ingredients according to instructions listed below:
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes| Total Time: 35 minutes
Looking for more grilling ideas? Our guide on 10 Mouth-Watering Grilling Recipes for Your Next Summer BBQ has got you covered. From grilled chicken to grilled pineapple, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends at your next barbecue.
10. Perfectly-Grilled Corn On The Cob In A Husk
The husk of a corn on the cob provides protection that keeps the kernels moist, but you still need to wrap each ear in foil before putting it on the grill. Place 1-2 ears per person in foil, then wrap tightly and place them on the grill for 10 minutes.
Cooking time may vary depending on how hot your grill is or how far away from your home you are (the further away from your house and backyard barbecue you are, the slower your food will cook).
Check frequently during this period to make sure there isn’t any burning occurring inside of their wrappers! Don’t worry if part of a kernel has burnt off you can always remove any burned parts when eating these tasty treats later!
11. Sweet And Smoky Sriracha Candied Bacon
Sriracha is a spicy sauce made from chili peppers. It can be used in many different ways, from topping popcorn to adding flavor to sandwiches.
Sriracha is also the perfect addition to bacon! The sweet and smoky flavor will enhance any meal or snack you have planned for your next cookout.
Take your grilling skills to the next level with our comprehensive Ultimate Grilling Guide. Learn everything you need to know about grilling – from essential equipment to grilling techniques – to become the ultimate grill master at your next cookout.
Conclusion
And there you have it! These are some of our favorite easy grilled recipes that take a little bit of time to prepare, but will make your friends and family think you’re a total grill master.
The key is to get creative with your ingredients and not be afraid to try new things, because that’s how you find something new and delicious every time!
Good luck with these recipes and happy grilling!
Further reading
Looking for more grilling inspiration? Check out these resources:
Southern Living’s Favorite Grilling Recipes: Southern Living provides a collection of mouth-watering grilling recipes that will leave you wanting more. From classic burgers to grilled veggies, this recipe collection has it all.
Mashed’s BBQ and Grilling Recipes: Mashed’s collection of BBQ and grilling recipes contains a range of delicious dishes that are perfect for any cookout. From smoked ribs to grilled peaches, these recipes are sure to impress your guests.
Insanely Good Recipes’ BBQ Recipes: This site has compiled a list of BBQ recipes that will make your mouth water. With recipes for smoky pulled pork, grilled shrimp, and more, this collection has something for everyone.
FAQs
What are some easy grilling recipes for beginners?
If you’re new to grilling, start with simple recipes like burgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken. These are great beginner recipes that can help you get comfortable with the basics of grilling.
How do I clean my grill?
Cleaning your grill is an essential part of grill maintenance. To clean your grill, start by brushing the grates with a grill brush to remove any leftover food particles. Then, wipe down the grates with a damp cloth. Finally, clean the exterior of the grill with a mild cleaning solution and a sponge.
How do I know when my meat is properly cooked on the grill?
A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature. For example, a medium-rare steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F.
What are some common grilling mistakes?
Some common grilling mistakes include not preheating the grill, flipping meat too often, and not letting meat rest after it’s been cooked. These mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results, so be sure to avoid them.
What are some unique grilling recipes to try?
If you’re looking for some unique recipes to try out, consider grilling fruit, like peaches or pineapple, or grilling pizza. These fun and unexpected recipes are sure to impress your guests.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a grilling enthusiast. I’ve been grilling for years, and I absolutely love it. I love how it brings people together and how you can feed your family with just a few minutes of work.