The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (2024)

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (1)

If you've ever thought, "Can you grill it?" we're here to tell you, yes, you absolutely can. Here at Delish, we very much have a "What can't we grill?" attitude when it comes to grilling, so without fail, our BBQ bucket lists gets longer and longer each summer. Since we wouldn't want you to have any grilling FOMO, we’ve rounded up a few of the classics, like burgers, hot dogs, and other grilled meats, as well as some of the most over-the-top, outrageous, and creative recipes for your outdoor grilling pleasure. Consider these 100 recipes the ultimate grill-spiration this summer!

Don’t have a grill yet? Don’t fret, it’s not too late. You’ve got options, and we’ve got opinions. The classic, of course, is the outdoor grill. We’ve done the research on both charcoal, electric, and gas grills for you, and have rounded up our top 9. Don’t have an outdoor space? Try an indoor grill—we’ve highlighted 11 of our faves, plus our best tips for successful indoor grilling. If even that seems like too much, snag a grill pan for your stovetop—you’ll still be able to make most, if not all, of these recipes (just don’t forget to turn on your kitchen fan when you do!).

Now, for the recipes! They range from full meals (thank you foil packs!) to perfectly grilled vegetables and sides; grilled chicken and grilled seafood, with every other kind of meat in between; and lots of vegetarian and vegan options too. For an appetizer or a meal, try one of our kebab options on skewers, like our tomato gnocchi kebabs, grilled chicken kebabs, or buffalo cauliflower kebabs (and while you’re at it, check out our top picks for the best skewers to grill with).

Feeling beef-y? You could do grilled ribs, grilled pork tenderloin, or even learn how to grill steak. Want grilled fish? We got that too. Try a show-stopping full red snapper or our , or for something more low-key, go with grilled mahi mahi tacos, or even grilled scallops. Looking for something meatless? Try our Thai-inspired cauliflower “steaks” or our eggplant steak frites with chimichurri. They’re so flavorful, even omnivores will want a bite.

For even more summertime recipes, check out our favorite summer sides, our best summer salads, and our top summer desserts too!

1

Grilled Stuffed Peppers

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (3)

Why grill your stuffed peppers? Because it’s summer and we want to be outside! Don’t stay indoors and turn on the hot oven. Instead, step outside to the grill and take advantage of the great weather and the nice smoky charred flavor grilling brings to this classic comfort dish.

Get the Grilled Stuffed Peppers recipe.

2

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (4)

Whether we’re looking for a creative BBQ main, an easy weeknight dinner or party side, grilled skewers are one of our go-to’s all season long. While we have plenty of favorite protein + veggie combinations, these Hawaiian chicken skewers just might be one of our favorites. With sweet pineapple, chicken, red bell peppers, and onion all basted in a sweet teriyaki-style sauce, these skewers are the ultimate summer dinner.

Get the Hawaiian Chicken Skewers recipe.

3

Grilled Beer Brats

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (5)

It takes almost zero cooking skills to get perfectly charred brats topped with flavor-packed caramelized onions and peppers. First, the brats get burnished on the grill, then they finish off in a simmering beer bath alongside the veg. Use whatever beer you like to drink, but not IPAs (India Pale Ales), which are brewed to be hoppy (i.e. bitter).

Get the Grilled Beer Brats recipe.

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4

Honey Lime Grilled Corn

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Nothing says summertime like the smell of corn on the grill. It also happens to be the easiest side you’ll make all season. After getting some char on a hot grill, juicy ears of corn get brushed with an irresistible honey-lime butter that you can also slather on grilled sweet potatoes, cornbread, or even grilled skirt steak.

Get the Honey Lime Grilled Corn recipe.

5

Grilled Zucchini With Ricotta & Walnuts

Instead of leaving the zucchini in their traditional slices, we threaded them onto skewers to lessen the amount of direct contact the zucchini had with the grill and create contrasting textures. The ribboning also creates plenty of nooks and crannies for the creamy ricotta and walnuts to settle.

Get the .

6

Campfire Hot Dog Skewers

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Skip the chicken skewers or basic hot dogs in a bun—if you're looking for the most creative grilled recipe or a way to get even the kids excited, then turn to these hot dog skewers. In this recipe, we layer cut up hot dogs, bell peppers, pineapple, and onions on skewers before basting with a homemade sweet-tangy BBQ sauce and grill until charred and caramelized. The result is a slightly sweet, summer-worthy skewer made to be served at any BBQ, camping trip, or casual summer dinner.

Get the Campfire Hot Dog Skewers recipe.

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7

Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower Steaks

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Looking for a vegetarian centerpiece for your summer grill-out? Make these teriyaki cauliflower steaks. Slathered in a brown sugar and soy glaze and showered with scallions and toasted sesame seeds, these saucy cauliflower steaks might just upstage the ribs.

Get the Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower Steaks recipe.

8

Grilled Tomato Feta Pizzettes

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (10)

The undying love for tomato and feta continues, and we can’t get enough. These little pizzettes are excellent for a lazy summer backyard hangout. The combination of crunchy grilled pizza dough, garlic, and olive oil with charred sweet tomatoes and briny salty feta is a simple pleasure, while the scallions get a nice char right before they're covered with gooey cheese. In short, it’s time to start up the grill.

Get the Grilled Tomato Feta Pizzettes recipe.

9

Steak Kebab Bowls

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (11)

Nothing screams summer quite like rainbow veggie kebabs dotted with cubes of marinated steak, charred to perfection over the grill. We complete this dish by resting the kebabs over a bed of crunchy spinach and cucumber salad tossed in a garlicky tahini dressing, plus a pile of herby orzo, which is toasted until golden before being gently simmered in savory chicken stock. More tahini dressing is drizzled over the whole bowl, tying everything together in a vibrant array of colors, flavors, textures, and temperatures.

Get the Steak Kebab Bowls recipe.

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10

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

If you think mayo is the worst, and are worried this recipe won't be for you, think again. Elote will have you reconsidering your stance; or, at the very least, make one incredible exception. The mayo becomes more like a creamy sauce, absorbing the flavor of the chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice. It's tangy without overpowering the corn—exactly the kind of refreshing treat you could use at your next cookout or backyard BBQ.

Get the Elote: Mexican Street Corn recipe.

11

Grilled Shrimp Piccata Skewers

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These grilled shrimp piccata skewers are the perfect combination of juicy, charred shrimp, bright lemon zest, briny capers, and white wine butter sauce that will make your friends beg you for the recipe. Since it only takes 45 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for everything from a backyard bash to a quick weeknight dinner.

Get the Grilled Shrimp Piccata Skewers recipe.

12

Tex Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (14)

It's time to embrace the simplest summer meal there is: foil packets. They have the simplicity of a one-pot meal, but all the ingredients are wrapped up in aluminum foil, which makes for extra-simple cleanup. The prep is quick too, since everything cooks inside the foil. In the case of this version, that means a heap of veggies (there are potatoes, onions, and bell peppers) and tender nuggets of boneless skinless chicken thighs, all flavored with delicious fajita spices. Though potatoes aren't traditionally served with fajitas, here they're a welcome addition. Bonus: They soak up all that tasty fajita goodness.

Get the Tex Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets recipe.

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13

Chipotle Tofu & Pineapple Skewers

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Tofu is so much more than a meat substitute—it’s a protein source that stands on its own, and is the perfect base to soak up tasty sauces, like this chipotle and guajillo chile marinade inspired by the popular Mexican street food, tacos al pastor.

Get the .

14

Grilled Portobello Tacos

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Mushroom lovers alert: Summer taco nights just got upgraded. Featuring portobello mushrooms marinated in taco spices and grilled to perfection, these vegetarian tacos will delight meat-lovers and vegans alike.

Get the Grilled Portobello Tacos recipe.

15

Jerk Shrimp & Pineapple Bowls

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (17)

Long live the pineapple bowl. Not only is it a super-cute and fun way to serve dinner, but it also guarantees that whatever you’re about to eat is going to be loaded with plenty of fresh, delicious pineapple. In this case, we’ve got jerk-marinated shrimp, sweet peppers, and a sweet and spicy glaze that will make you want to lick your plate clean.

Get the .

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16

Grilled Persian Chicken

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (18)

When it comes to marinades, yogurt-based sauces are pretty classic. When the meat is cooked, the remaining yogurt caramelizes and creates a prize-worthy crust with tender meat underneath. We’ve marinated tons of proteins with it, but we're always thinking, "What's next?" In this case, it's Persian-spiced grilled chicken with tomatoes and lemons, served with tons of fresh herbs over fluffy jasmine rice. Trust us, this dish has flavors and textures for days.

Get the Grilled Persian Chicken recipe.

17

Pesto Shrimp Skewers

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If we're looking for an delicious, low-effort summer dinner, skewers win out, every time. They couldn't be simpler: simply layer on your chosen ingredients, choose a signature sauce, grill, and serve!

Get the Pesto Shrimp Skewers recipe.

18

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (20)

Get these spicy coconut chicken thighs on the grill ASAP, you won’t regret it. They're insanely tender thanks to a tasty duo of coconut milk and tenderizing pineapple juice in the marinade. We bet you'll revisit this simple recipe again and again this summer (so why not start now?).

Get the Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken recipe.

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19

Grilled Peach Salad

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (21)

With so much juiciness and just a hint of acidity, peaches—like their summery friend the tomato—are amazing in all sorts of salads. Next up on our peach salad agenda? This summery spin on the iconic wedge salad.

Get the Grilled Peach Salad recipe.

20

Grilled Green Tomatoes

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (22)

Long a Southern staple in famous dishes like fried green tomatoes, green tomatoes are equally delicious in this lighter, healthier preparation that's perfect for summer. This rendition combines the slightly tangy flavor of underripe tomatoes with the smoky char of the grill and a whipped goat cheese schmear to boot.

Get the Grilled Green Tomatoes recipe.

The 101 Most Creative Things To Cook On The Grill (2024)

FAQs

What would be good to cook on the grill? ›

Easy, Tasty Grilled Foods for Dinner Tonight
  • Put a Pizza on the Grill. 1/20. The grill's intense heat is a lot like a restaurant pizza oven. ...
  • Skewered Fish. 2/20. ...
  • Grill-Worthy Veggies. 3/20. ...
  • Grill Fruit for a Delicious Dessert. 4/20. ...
  • Kebabs for Kids. 5/20. ...
  • Better Burgers. 6/20. ...
  • Fish That Can Take the Heat. 7/20. ...
  • Slimmed-Down Dogs. 8/20.
Jun 10, 2024

What foods are best for grilling? ›

You could do grilled ribs, grilled pork tenderloin, or even learn how to grill steak. Want grilled fish? We got that too. Try a show-stopping full red snapper or our jerk shrimp & pineapple bowls, or for something more low-key, go with grilled mahi mahi tacos, or even grilled scallops.

Should Weber lid vents be open or closed? ›

Most Weber barbecues have vents on both the lid and the bottom bowl. If you are a beginner, leave both the top and bottom vents fully open. As you become more experienced, try permanently leaving the bottom vent fully open and using the lid vent to control the temperature.

Should the lid be up or down on a Weber grill? ›

By keeping the lid closed throughout the grilling process flare ups are virtually eliminated and food is grilled to perfect. Again, it's important to recognize that Weber grills are designed and engineered to grill your food to perfection.

What are 3 rules for using the grill? ›

Safety Tips

Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.

What is the most popular item to grill? ›

Best Grilling Meats
  • Burgers and Steaks. Burgers and steaks are staples of any backyard bbq. ...
  • Chicken Legs. You can't go wrong with bbq chicken legs. ...
  • Ribs. Killer ribs are smoky, juicy, sweet, and fall-off-the-bone tender. ...
  • Pork Butts. ...
  • Pork Sausages. ...
  • Kabobs. ...
  • Brisket. ...
  • Hot Dogs.
Jun 3, 2023

What foods cook poorly on a grill? ›

Be sure to steer clear of these 7 grilling mistakes you didn't know you were making as well.
  • Pork chops. Raw pork chops on a cutting board (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Delicate fish. Flaky fish (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Bacon. Bacon rashers (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Peeled shrimp. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Leafy greens. ...
  • Tomatoes.
Apr 23, 2023

What not to do when grilling? ›

The biggest barbecue pitfalls and how to avoid them
  1. 1Winging it.
  2. 2Not cleaning the grill.
  3. 3Using lighter fluid.
  4. 4Rushing the coals.
  5. 5Using poor-quality ingredients.
  6. 6Saucing too early.
  7. 7Using too much smoke.
  8. 8Using too much direct heat.
Jun 30, 2023

What is the hardest meat to grill? ›

Beef Brisket

It's a really difficult piece of meat to get right on the bbq and depending on size, it takes a long time to cook. If you're going to tackle it, be prepared for either an all nighter or a very early morning to get in cooked in time for dinner!

Is it better to grill with lid up or down? ›

The heat doesn't build up and intensify the way it would if the lid was down. Thin pork chops, shrimp, and burgers tend to cook quickly. Leaving the grill lid up will slow the cooking process by reducing the temperature around the meat. For thicker cuts, you want to close the lid to keep the temperature high and even.

Does opening the vents on a grill make it hotter or colder? ›

Regardless of which vent you're messing with, remember that open vents mean hotter and faster-burning charcoal. Closed vents mean less oxygen, which in turn means less heat and slower-burning charcoal.

Should you grill burgers with lid on or off? ›

If you're grilling quick-cooking foods like burgers, thin steaks, chops, fish, shrimp, or sliced vegetables directly over the flames, you can leave the grill open. For red meat, that means you won't lose that pink, juicy center so many of us love.

Do grill grates point up or down? ›

This question would apply to fans that have a Genesis or Spirit series gas grill. The wider, flat side of the cooking grates should be facing upwards for cast iron grates.

Should the lid be up or down when starting a BBQ? ›

The lid should be open while you arrange and light your charcoal. Once the coals are well-lit, close the lid. Most charcoal grills are hotter right after lighting. The heat then tapers off.

What is the easiest meat to grill? ›

Chicken is a leaner option for grilling and one of the easiest meats to grill. Popular choices include chicken wings, drumsticks, and breasts. Leaner cuts like chicken breasts or tenders are great for hot and fast grilling.

What not to cook on a grill? ›

7 foods you should never cook on a grill
  1. Pork chops. Raw pork chops on a cutting board (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  2. Delicate fish. Flaky fish (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  3. Bacon. Bacon rashers (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  4. Peeled shrimp. Peeled shrimp (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  5. Tofu. ...
  6. Leafy greens. ...
  7. Tomatoes.
Apr 23, 2023

Which items are the most useful for cooking safely on a grill? ›

Safe Grilling Must-Have Items

Keep a meat thermometer handy to ensure the perfect temperature. Always use heat-resistant gloves or over mitts and long-handled tools to protect yourself when handling hot items. And as an extra safety measure, always keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires close by.

What is healthy to cook on the grill? ›

Truly, you can put any vegetable on the grill—try everything from basics like grilled zucchini and corn on the cob to Mediterranean grilled eggplant and grilled green tomatoes. You could just eat your vegetables plain, straight from the grill, but we recommend jazzing them up a bit.

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