Cheese
Cheese lovers take note: Halloumi is a cheese that won’t melt and make a mess when heated on the grill. The cheese, which is made from sheep’s milk, gets a nice char on the outside when grilled and it makes a great appetizer. Here’s how chef Bobby Flay suggests cooking halloumi: Brush on a little olive oil and place the cheese onto a medium hot grill for 2 minutes on each side, or until marked. Then remove and slice. Serve with grilled pita bread, fruit or eat on its own. If you’re new to halloumi, learn more about it and 13 other little-known cheeses.
Stone Fruits
This summer, bring out the flavor of stone fruits by cooking them on the grill. The heat brings out the natural sugars which caramelize, creating an intense flavor. Just slice in half, remove the pit and brush with a little olive oil. Grill cut-side down first and then flip. Serve your grilled nectarines, peaches and plums with salads, as dessert or on their own. If grilled stone-fruit sounds amazing, be sure to check out these 36 recipes for grilled fruit.
Watermelon
A staple of summer, watermelon takes on a unique flavor when grilled. Simply brush watermelon slices with a little olive oil and grill them over high heat until there are grill marks and the melon is slightly softened, or about five minutes. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and try mixing grilled watermelon into a salad with arugula or turn it into this amazing grilled watermelon gazpacho. Get your grill ready for grilling season with an annual tune-up.
Polenta
Serve up some grilled polenta this summer. All you have to do is slice your polenta, brush it with a bit of oil and grill it for about 3 minutes on each side. Serve it a fresh bruschetta, mozzarella and balsamic for the ultimate appetizer. If you want to take it to the next level, be sure to make this shallot and white wine grilled polenta.
Pizza
Yes, you can grill pizza! Start by liberally oiling your grill and then toss on the raw or refrigerated pizza dough, allowing it to cook for 5-7 minutes. Flip the pizza over and add your sauce, toppings and cheese, grilling until your cheese has melted and the cust is fully cooked. Take a look at our 15 favorite pizzas to make on the grill for inspiration.
Pound Cake
For a quick summer dessert, grill up some store-bought pound cake (or homemade, if you have time!). Heat the grill to medium and spread a little melted butter on slices of pound cake. Grill them three to four minutes or until they are crispy. Try serving the cake slices with grilled fruit. Or, try this delicious grilled pound and berries cake recipe. Here are 10 more grilled dessert recipes for those with a sweet tooth.
Clams
Toss those clams right on the grill. You can place cleaned clams right on the grates on high, and cook them for about six to eight minutes. Be sure to throw away any that don’t open. Use tongs to transfer to a platter and pour over some melted butter with fresh chopped herbs. Check out these 11 new grilling gadgets you’ll flip over.
Avocado
On your next Taco Tuesday, try grilling up some avocados to go with your meal. Just cut an avocado in half (the skin should stay on) and remove the pit. Coat the flesh with a little oil and place it flesh side down on the grates and grill for about five minutes. Then remove the peel, slice them up and serve. Also, try this recipe for grilled guacamole.
Quesadillas
To grill quesadillas, prepare with your favorite fillings then lightly spray each side of the tortilla with cooking spray. Place the quesadilla on the grill, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted. Make your next cookout a cut above the rest with these 10 tiny grilling changes that will make a big difference.
Bacon
Bacon lovers rejoice—you can cook bacon slices on the grill. Just take a cast iron skillet and place it directly on the grates. Preheat the grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the bacon in the skillet for seven to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness. Turn the bacon over and cook for an additional three to five minutes until it’s crispy. Learn why you should use a cast-iron skillet to grill your steak.
Salads
Bring the flavor of the grill to your favorite summer salads. Try throwing some romaine on the grill. Just wash a head of lettuce and cut it in half lengthwise. Grill it for about five minutes on each side, or until there are some grill marks. Chop it up and try using it in a Caesar salad or this grilled romaine with chive-buttermilk dressing.
Artichokes
Grilling artichokes brings out an unexpected, delicious flavor. Boil the artichokes before grilling them. Once boiled, brush them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill them about 10 minutes, turning occasionally so they don’t burn. When cooked, squeeze on a little lemon juice and serve. Check out these 11 gifts for the griller who has everything.
The post 12 Things You Haven’t Tried on Your Grill—But Should appeared first on Taste of Home.
Rachel Brougham