Get the most out of your grill with these unexpected recipes. From apps and sides to non-slab-of-meat suppers and desserts, you're gonna want extra fuel around this summer.
44 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Grill
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
1/44
Pear Crumble
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
ORIGINALLY a pear crumble pie, I shortened this to a crumble when I often was too short of time to make a pie crust.
I've also found canned pears work as well as fresh, so that makes it even easier to prepare.
-Kezia Sullivan, Sackets Harbor, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 376 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 7g fiber), 5g protein.
2/44
Grilled Guacamole
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 85 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
3/44
Grilled Apple Tossed Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The grilled apples in this salad combine so well with the blue cheese, walnuts and balsamic dressing. I like to serve it on pink Depression glass dessert plates from my great-grandmother. —Paul Soska, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 341 calories, 28g fat (5g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
4/44
Spicy Grilled Eggplant
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 88 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
5/44
Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tart was a hit at my friend's baby shower. It reminds me of a fruit salad that my mother used to make with cream cheese and whipped topping. Everyone loved the flaky crust, and the bright colors make it a pretty addition to any spread. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 233 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
6/44
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
5 pieces: 120 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
7/44
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry syrup. —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake slice with 1/4 cup strawberries (calculated without ice cream and syrup): 132 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
8/44
Cajun Boil on the Grill
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The packets steam up inside, so open them carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 509 calories, 30g fat (7g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
9/44
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 spears with 2 tablespoons dip: 160 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
10/44
Eclairs on the Grill
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My best camping treat is an easy eclair on a stick. This is the one that makes people watch what you’re doing and beg to be included. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 eclair: 293 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 418mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
11/44
Grilled Hash Browns
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since my husband and I love to grill meats, we're always looking for easy side dishes that cook on the grill, too. So I came up with this simple recipe for hash browns. There are never any leftovers. —Kelly Chastain, Bedford, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 89 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
12/44
Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
13/44
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I need dessert fast, I go with angel food cake. Mix fruit salsa ahead of time, and pop the cake on the grill. —Glorimar Jimenez, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 1/4 cup salsa: 169 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
14/44
Grilled Lemon & Thyme Lemonade
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
We use our grill for most summer dinners, so we thought, "why not grill the lemonade?" The flavor is surprisingly smooth, with just the right amount of honey and herbs. We call it Thyme for Lemonade. —Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado
15/44
Grilled Pears with Mascarpone Cheese
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a light dessert after a big barbecue, we stuff pears with mascarpone cheese and gingersnap cookies. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet touch. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
16/44
Stuffed Grilled Zucchini
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair these zucchini boats with charred pork chops, smoked fish or other grilled greats. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed zucchini halves: 186 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
17/44
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese Crostini
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 48 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
18/44
Blackout Peach Bread Pudding
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I bake several times a week so my kids have homemade desserts. We lost power in a storm, so I used the grill to invent “blackout” pudding. —Augustina Zaccardi, Eastchester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bread pudding cup: 173 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
19/44
Grilled Italian Sandwiches
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this for a family gathering and everyone raved about it. It's a fun recipe to grill for a crowd and can be adjusted according to everyone's favorite sandwich fillings. —Tammy Kriz, Marshall, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 364 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
20/44
Grilled Peach Sundaes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These peaches with a hint of grill flavor are sweet and juicy. We serve them in a waffle bowl with ice cream. That’s jackpot at our house. —Nancy Dentler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sundae: 486 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
21/44
Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Napoleons
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Vegetarian or not, your guests will savor this meatless entree at your next summer soiree. —Joan Meyer, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 377 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 833mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein.
22/44
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Flatbreads
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 flatbreads (12 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a combination of grilled pizza and a cheesy flatbread recipe I discovered years ago. It's a great appetizer or main dish. —Tina Repak Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 99 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
23/44
Pot of S’mores
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom’s easy Dutch oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 584 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
24/44
Zucchini Salsa Verde
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best green salsa ever; it's bright and sweet with just the right hint of spice. —Donna Kelly, Provo, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 44 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
25/44
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 342 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
26/44
Grilled Peach & Pineapple Sangria
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 206 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
27/44
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 218 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
28/44
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed Fruit
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings (1/2 cup glaze)
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without ice cream): 164 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
29/44
Pizza Mountain Pies
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Because we liked this pudgy pie recipe so much, I started making them for my daughter on our stove at home. —Pam Weik, West Lawn, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 388 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 745mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
30/44
Lime and Sesame Grilled Eggplant
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I lived in Greece, I fell in love with eggplant. My recipe's seasonings have an Asian theme, but the dish still makes me think Greek. —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 50 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
31/44
Sweet & Smoky Salsa
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the roasted flavor that grilling gives food, so I decided to make a salsa from grilled vegetables. I think this recipe would also taste great using plum tomatoes. Also, if you can't use wood chip charcoal, you might try adding a little liquid smoke to the salsa while it cooks. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 49 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
32/44
Grilled Potato Skins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to love these delicious appetizers. They're nice to serve outside when you invite friends over for a grilled meal. They remind me of the potato skins I have had in restaurants—only better! —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 327 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
33/44
Triple Tomato Flatbread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this recipe as a way to show off my garden's plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. The dish is easy and will impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 235 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
34/44
Grilled Cabbage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 98 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
35/44
Quick Barbecued Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 13g fiber), 14g protein.
36/44
Dutch Oven Cheesy Bacon & Eggs
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For campouts, my sister and I escape on horseback into the woods. We make bacon and eggs the first morning, then love the leftovers for the rest of the trip. —Mary Burris, Okeechobee, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 393 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 242mg cholesterol, 907mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
37/44
Grilled Mango & Avocado Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A big hit with my family, this light salad is so easy to make! The healthy option of mango and avocado is simply the best combination you could serve. —Amy Liesemeyer, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 249 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.
38/44
Grilled Fig and Honey Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 slices
From the Recipe Creator:
I had figs I needed to use up, so I made a batch of dough, tossed the figs on the grill and created a scrumptious dessert pizza. —Aaron Reynolds, Fox River Grove, Illinois
39/44
Veggie Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling is a delightful way to prepare the season's freshest produce. The zesty Italian marinade adds just the right amount of spice to these veggie kabobs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 202 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
40/44
Grilled Figgy Pies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Delicious figs combined with maple, walnuts and creamy mascarpone make a decadent treat that's easy to enjoy at a backyard cookout. These unique hand pies always disappear quickly. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 hand pie: 280 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
41/44
Summer Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
42/44
Grilled Green Beans
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I cook almost everything outdoors, including grilled green beans. I prepare this snappy side dish while the entree is cooking. The recipe has won over my picky eaters. —Carol Traupman-Carr, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
43/44
Scrambled Egg Bread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always eat ham, eggs and bread on camping trips, and we often have extras. Combine them and you’ve got scrambled egg bread. We first made this on a visit to Mount Shasta. —Shirley Mondeau, Rohnert Park, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 723 calories, 37g fat (19g saturated fat), 372mg cholesterol, 1530mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
44/44
Grilled Cheese Loaf
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10-12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often serve buttery grilled bread with steak and a salad. It's so quick to make, and it's also easy to add to whatever else you have on the grill. —Debbi Baker, Green Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 172 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
