Sizzling Summer Grilling Ideas
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious meals outdoors with friends and family. Our creative summer grilling ideas will add excitement and flavor to your outdoor cooking adventures.
- Gourmet Burger Bar
Transform your basic burger into a gourmet experience with a build-your-own burger bar. Offer a variety of patties, buns, and toppings to cater to all tastes:
Patties: Beef, turkey, chicken, veggie, and black bean patties.
Buns: Brioche, whole grain, pretzel, and lettuce wraps.
Toppings: Offer avocado slices, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, blue cheese, pepper jack, bacon, arugula, and a selection of sauces like sriracha mayo and garlic aioli.
- Seafood Sensations
Grilling seafood enhances its natural flavors and imparts a smoky flavor, sure to please your guests.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinate shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs. Skewer and grill until pink and slightly charred.
Cedar Plank Salmon: Soak cedar planks in water, place salmon filets on the planks, and grill. Top with a honey mustard glaze or fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon.
Fish Tacos: Grill your favorite white fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi. Serve in corn tortillas with a fresh slaw and a drizzle of lime crema.
- Veggie Delights
Vegetables can be stars on the grill, too. These options are perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more plant-based dishes to their diet:
Grilled Vegetable Platter: Slice zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and asparagus. Brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender. Serve with a balsamic glaze or hummus.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers: Marinate large portobello mushrooms in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. Grill and serve on a bun with your favorite toppings.
Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and cheese. Wrap in foil and grill until the peppers are soft and the filling is heated through.
- Unexpected Fruits
Grilling fruit caramelizes its natural sugars, and enhances its sweetness:
Grilled Pineapple: Slice pineapple into rings, brush with a bit of honey or brown sugar, and grill until caramelized. Serve as a side, in tacos, or with ice cream for dessert.
Peach Halves: Cut peaches in half, remove the pit, and grill until you see grill marks. Serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
- Innovative Side Dishes
Complement your grilled mains with these classic sides:
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush corn with butter and sprinkle with chili powder before grilling. Serve with lime wedges and cotija cheese for a street-corn-inspired dish.
Sweet Potato Wedges: Slice sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, and paprika, and grill until tender and slightly charred.
Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and grill just until the cheese begins to melt.
- Sweet Endings
Finish your meal with a grilled dessert that’s sure to impress:
Banana Boats: Split bananas down the middle (leave the peel on), stuff with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, wrap in foil, and grill until everything is melted and gooey.
S’mores on a Stick: Skewer marshmallows and dip in melted chocolate. Roll in crushed graham crackers and grill just until the marshmallow is gooey.
With these inventive grilling ideas, your summer cookouts will transform into culinary adventures. Gather your friends and family, light up the grill, and savor the flavors of summer!
