With summer here, it’s time to whip out those bathing suits, drink that lemonade (or listen to it), and fire up that grill. BBQs are arguably one of the best parts of summer but the usual hot dogs, hamburgers, and corn-on-the-cob gets old real quick.
So it’s time people. Time to break out of that BBQ rut and grill up things that will have people wondering if you’re out of your mind. Time to be adventurous. Time to act like that chef you’ve always wanted to be but were too scared to try.
Below is a list of foods that are never the usual options at your family BBQ, but taste absolutely delicious when they are grilled.
1. Peaches
Photo by Brittany Arnett
I promise you, this will be your new favorite dessert. Grilled peaches taste amazing on yogurt, with ice cream, or with cheese. Try it on top of toast with ricotta cheese and granola.
2. Avocados
Photo by Erin Thomas
You’ve seen avocados in many places – on top of toast, in trendy Instagrams, even in the form of roses. But grilled? It’s a gift from the avocado heavens. Try this recipe of grilled avocado with quinoa and black bean salad.
3. Pizza
Photo by Sophie Maschinot
You may be scared to do anything drastic to your beloved ‘za, but trust me, this is worth it. Learn how to make it here.
4. Haloumi Cheese
Photo courtesy of @jackswifefreda on Instagram
Haloumi cheese is a hard white cheese with a mild flavor. Grilled haloumi is super popular at the NYC brunch spot Jack’s Wife Freda, but you can make it at home with some arugula and parmesan salad.
5. Romaine Lettuce
Photo courtesy of anotherpintplease on flickr
Yup, you read that right. You can grill lettuce. It tastes much better than salad too. Sprinkle it with some cheese and you’ve got a match that even an online dating site couldn’t put together.
6. Edamame
Photo courtesy of moviesofmyself on flickr
These are no longer reserved for that sushi dinner. Grill it up. Make extra for later. And dip it in Thai peanut sauce. Enjoy your trip to flavor town.
7. Lemons
Photo courtesy of arsheffield on flickr
Adding a smoky flavor to the sour citrus one in lemons is like adding ice cream on top of apple pie. Yes, it’s really that good. Grill some up and squeeze them over this chicken with shallots.
8. Watermelon
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Beyoncé was wrong: you don’t only have to drink your watermelon. You can also grill it. Then toss it with feta and mint.
9. Pound Cake
Photo courtesy of kylie on flickr
Guess what? You can grill your cake and eat it too. Try this recipe with Nutella and strawberries.
10. Bananas
Photo by Emma Delaney
Gwen Stefani wasn’t kidding when she spelled it out for us in Hollaback Gurl. Try it in this banana s’mores boat. It’s B-A-N-A-N-A-S.
11. Brie Cheese
Photo by Kaylee McIntosh
You’ve heard about baked brie. But grilled brie? Just amazing. Try this recipe with garlic and honey. We know, fancy.
12. Pita Bread
Photo courtesy of kristin :: thekitchensink on flickr
This will elevate Mediterranean food to a whole other level. Stick some whole pitas on the grill, then slice ’em up and dip ’em in homemade hummus.
13. Donuts
Photo by Phoebe Melnick
Yes, this is a thing. Go ahead and try this recipe at your next BBQ.