13 Things You Didn't Know You Could Grill

Lindsay Funston

Whether you're in a grilling rut or on a continual hunt for a new excuse to fire up the flames, we rounded up some delicious options for your next barbecue that will definitely surprise some guests. For all of these, make sure your grates are well-oiled and, when it feels right, season with salt and pepper.

Watermelon

Of course watermelon will always be a people-pleaser when you slice it raw, but grilling it is a delicious twist. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Pound Cake

When thrown on the grill, a slice gets a crumbly texture similar to cornbread. Top with strawberries and whipped cream for grilled strawberry shortcake.

Kiwi

Keep the skins on, thickly slice, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream.

Banana

These get deliciously caramelized over the fire. Keep the peel on and halve lengthwise. Sprinkle with sugar. Eat with a spoon or — bonus — drizzle with dulce de leche.

Cheese

Pick up some halloumi (often labeled grilling cheese on the packaging), a mild-tasting sturdy cheese that develops a crisp crust and gooey center on the grill. Mozzarella works, too.

Avocado

Halve and pit (keep skin on). Brush insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Slice and serve with steak or make grilled guacamole by also grilling red onions and jalapeños (see below).

Donuts

Best with a classic sugar-dusted donut. (Skip a glaze, which will get too melty.)

Cucumber

Perfect for burgers or homemade salsa or guacamole, slices of cucumber lose their watery texture on the grill. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Bacon

Bacon is delicious no matter how you cook it, but on the grill it takes on a charred, smoky flavor. Use it in a B.L.T. or a burger or crumble it for a hot dog topping. (If you're worried about a grease fire, cook it over foil on the grates.)

Mango

You're probably already throwing nectarines and peaches on the grill — now try slices of mango. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with cayenne for a spicy kick.

Pickles

Pickle lovers indulge in fried pickles, and grilling them is the next best thing. Serve on their own as a finger food.

Jalapeños

Brush whole ones with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill, then slice or chop.

Citrus

Like when you're roasting citrus, the fruit takes on a delicious caramelized texture. Either slice thickly or halve and grill facedown. Use grilled lemons for lemonade, serve limes with fish or steak, and incorporate oranges in dessert.

From: Delish