If you're looking for fun and creative dishes to serve this summer that you can easily cook on the grill, look beyond the typical hamburgers and hot dogs. Incorporating new ingredients, such as vegetables, desserts, and flatbreads into your grilling routine can be sure to please your dinner guests during your next big event or small family dinner. At your next cookout, you can create something amazing and memorable. Here are some new ideas to try when you’re planning on cooking on the grill.
1. Tangy Zucchini
Take advantage of the plentiful bounty that summer brings with seasonal zucchini. Or, you can try zucchini’s yellow cousin, summer squash. Before grilling your vegetables, slice into equal halves and drizzle with olive oil. Then season to your liking with your spice of choice. Sear on the grill to get the nutritious crunch of wholesome zucchini along with the buttery taste that the olive oil brings.
2. Succulent Corn
Buttery corn on the cob is a traditional summer side. You can elevate its taste by incorporating the grill when you prepare it. Instead of boiling these summer treasures, keep them wrapped in their husks and fire up your grill. Take advantage of the protective coating that the husk provides while browning up this summer favorite. Then when ready to serve, peel back the husk to enjoy the steamy kernels.
3. Crispy Pizza
If you want to take your pizza preparation to the next level, keep your oven on the sidelines and use the power of your grill. Simply pile your favorite flatbread and your chosen variety of mozzarella cheese with extra delicious crunchy veggies. Then char your pizza on the grill while melting the cheese and steaming up those veggies. The end result is a crunchy and flavorful crust with that smoky bit of grilled goodness throughout your pizza.
4. Crunchy Cabbage
One creative use of your grill involves chunks of cabbage and various add-on ingredients. Cut your cabbage into wedge shapes, and then liberally cover in your favorite salad dressing and other fixings. Then, wrap the cabbage up in aluminum foil. Place the foil packets directly on a hot grill, and let your grilled cabbage salad warm up to temperature.
5. Charred Tomatoes
Chargrilling summer tomatoes is a great way to start off a delicious salsa recipe. Choose your ripest tomatoes, and then season with salt and pepper. Cut into halves and then sear them until brown on the grill. Once you’ve cooked the tomatoes, you can continue to follow the steps to make your favorite salsa. The charred taste of the tomatoes can give your chips and salsa dish a new dimension of flavor.
6. Tender Baby Artichokes
Baby artichokes are another great option for easy summertime grilling. Before you char them with your backyard barbeque, you need to cook them for a few minutes in boiling water. While the grill is preheating, you can start coating your selection of fresh baby artichokes with mayonnaise and lemon juice. Instead of conventional sandwich spread, make the artichoke even more noteworthy with one of the many flavor options of Just Mayo, from hamptoncreek. You can keep the tender texture of the artichoke insides and enjoy the crunchy and creamy outside that the grill helps bring out even more.
7. Tasty Tofu
For meatless Mondays or any other time when you're looking to go vegetarian, tofu is a great protein substitute that packs a powerful nutritional advantage. Don't settle for mushy tofu that makes your entrée soggy and unappealing. Instead, you can make it even tastier by placing your tofu squares onto the grill. You can enjoy the wholesome goodness of this alternative protein without letting go of any of the taste.
8. Hot Bananas
You can even keep your grill on during your last course, dessert. A great way to give a little bit of grilled sweetness to this course is to use a large ripe banana. You can create a play on bananas foster by grilling up your bananas before serving. You get a steaming hot banana that doesn't lose its texture as it is warmed up. Add some sweet vanilla ice cream and a warm drizzle of caramel to complete this delectable dish.
Let your stove take a rest this summer, and start using your grill even more. If you’re tired of hot dogs, hamburgers, and the typical rack of ribs on the grill, try some other options that can leave everyone filled and satisfied during your cookout this summer.
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