10 Surprising Foods to Elevate Your Grilling Game

Ready to shake up your backyard barbecue? Think beyond burgers and hot dogs – your grill can transform unexpected ingredients into smoky, caramelized delights. I’ve gathered 10 foods that will add excitement and variety to your outdoor cooking adventures.

From sweet watermelon slices that become even juicier over the flames to perfectly charred romaine lettuce for the ultimate grilled Caesar salad, these foods will make your next cookout truly memorable. Your friends won’t believe how grilling can enhance familiar ingredients in completely new ways.

Each of these foods brings unique flavors and textures when kissed by fire and smoke. I’ll show you simple techniques to grill everything from pound cake to meatballs, creating dishes that will make you the talk of the neighborhood. Get ready to transform your grill into a versatile cooking tool that goes way beyond the basics.

 

Bananas

You’ll discover a whole new world of grilling magic when you put bananas on those hot grates! The natural sugars in bananas caramelize beautifully under high heat, creating an intensely sweet and creamy treat that will make your backyard barbecue extra special. I love to split them lengthwise while still in their peels, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of sea salt, then grill them for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and get those beautiful grill marks.

My favorite way to serve grilled bananas is to top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey – the contrast between hot and cold creates such an amazing dessert experience! You can also get creative by adding chopped nuts, a splash of rum, or even a dollop of Nutella. The trick is to pick bananas that are ripe but still firm – they should be yellow with just a few brown spots. Too ripe and they’ll turn mushy on the grill, while underripe ones won’t develop that wonderful caramelized sweetness.

 

Pizza Dough

You’ll transform your backyard grill into a wood-fired pizza oven with homemade pizza dough! The high heat from your grill creates a perfectly charred, crispy crust that rivals your favorite pizzeria. The direct heat underneath cooks the dough fast and hot, giving you those beautiful grill marks and that irresistible smoky flavor you can’t achieve in a regular oven. Plus, grilling pizza adds a fun twist to your outdoor cooking routine – your guests will love gathering around to watch their pizzas bubble and brown.

Getting started with grilled pizza is simple – just stretch your dough into small, manageable rounds and brush both sides with olive oil. Place the dough directly on clean, oiled grates over medium-high heat. Once the bottom firms up (about 2-3 minutes), flip it over, add your toppings quickly, and close the lid. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll have pizza with perfectly melted cheese and a wonderfully smoky crust. I recommend making individual-sized pizzas so everyone can customize their toppings and you can manage the cooking process more easily.

 

Cheese

You might think cheese belongs inside your burger, but grilling it directly will transform your outdoor cooking forever! Hard cheeses like halloumi, provolone, and aged cheddar hold their shape beautifully on the grill and develop an irresistible golden-brown crust with a gooey center. The direct heat brings out deep, nutty notes while creating those coveted crispy edges that add an incredible texture to your dishes. I love throwing thick slices of halloumi on the grill for a quick vegetarian main or adding grilled provolone to elevate a standard sandwich.

The key to grilling cheese lies in choosing the right varieties and proper preparation. Pick firm cheeses with high melting points and cut them into thick slices – at least half an inch – to prevent them from slipping through the grates. Brush your cheese lightly with olive oil and season with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme before grilling. Keep a close eye on them as they cook quickly, usually needing just 2-3 minutes per side. Try adding grilled cheese to salads, serving it with grilled vegetables, or creating a Mediterranean-inspired platter with olives and fresh bread.

 

Sweet Potato Rounds

You’ll transform your next BBQ with these gorgeous sweet potato rounds on the grill! I’ve discovered that slicing sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick circles and giving them a quick brush of olive oil creates the perfect base for endless toppings. The direct heat brings out their natural sweetness while adding a subtle smokiness that regular oven-roasting just can’t match. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper before grilling, and you’ll get crispy edges with tender, caramelized centers.

My favorite way to serve these grilled rounds is to top them with crumbled goat cheese, chopped pecans, and a drizzle of honey. You can also go savory with black beans, corn, and cilantro for a southwestern twist. The key is to grill them over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side – any hotter and the sugars will burn before the center cooks through. Make extra because these disappear fast at parties, and they make great leftovers in salads or grain bowls the next day.

 

Oranges

I bet you’ve never thought about grilling oranges before, but trust me – they’ll transform your outdoor cooking into something extraordinary! The heat brings out the natural sugars in oranges, creating a wonderfully caramelized exterior while intensifying their sweet-tart flavor. You can slice them into rounds or halve them before placing them directly on clean grill grates. The slight char marks add a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a unique addition to summer cocktails.

My favorite way to use grilled oranges is to squeeze their warm juice over a fresh arugula salad or drizzle it on grilled salmon right before serving. The heat makes the juice flow more freely, and the subtle smokiness adds an unexpected dimension to any dish. You can also grill orange segments alongside other fruits like pineapple or peaches for a show-stopping dessert. Just brush them lightly with honey and cinnamon before grilling, and you’ll create a simple yet impressive treat that your guests will remember.

 

Meatballs

I bet you’ve never thought about grilling meatballs, but this cooking method will transform your favorite Italian comfort food into something extraordinary. The direct heat creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. You can make them from scratch with your preferred mix of ground meats – I recommend a blend of beef, pork, and veal – or grab your favorite pre-made ones from the store. Just skewer them for easy handling and brush with olive oil before they hit the grill.

The magic happens when you add a touch of wood smoke to your grilled meatballs. Try placing some soaked wood chips in a foil packet near the heat source to infuse them with an irresistible smoky flavor. Your meatballs will pick up those wonderful charred notes that only a grill can provide. Serve them straight off the grill with marinara sauce, pile them onto submarine rolls for epic sandwiches, or toss them with pasta. The versatility of grilled meatballs will make them your new go-to protein for summer cookouts.

 

Avocado Halves

You’ll transform your summer barbecues by adding grilled avocado halves to your menu! Simply cut your avocados in half, remove the pit, brush them with lime juice and olive oil, then place them face-down on a hot grill for 3-4 minutes. The heat brings out a rich, smoky flavor while maintaining that creamy texture we all love. I like to sprinkle them with sea salt and red pepper flakes right off the grill for an extra kick of flavor.

These grilled avocados make fantastic boats for your favorite toppings – from fresh corn salsa to spicy shrimp. You can even turn them into a unique guacamole by mashing the warm flesh with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. My family goes crazy for these at every cookout, especially when I fill them with quinoa and black bean salad for a complete vegetarian meal. The warm, charred exterior paired with the velvety interior creates an amazing contrast that will keep your guests coming back for more.

 

Pound Cake

I bet you’ve never thought about tossing pound cake on the grill – but trust me, this will change your backyard barbecue game forever! The heat transforms this classic dessert into a warm, toasted delight with gorgeous grill marks and caramelized edges. Simply brush thick slices with a little melted butter and place them directly on clean, oiled grates for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. The result? A crispy exterior that gives way to a tender, buttery center.

Your grilled pound cake can become the foundation for countless amazing desserts. Top it with grilled peaches and a dollop of vanilla ice cream in summer, or layer it with grilled pineapple and a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an extra kick, brush the cake with rum or bourbon before grilling – the alcohol will create beautiful caramelization while adding deep flavor notes. I love serving this at casual dinner parties where guests can customize their own toppings from a selection of fresh fruits, whipped cream, and various sauces.

 

Hearts of Romaine Lettuce

You’ll transform your backyard grilling routine once you add hearts of romaine to your menu! The heat from your grill brings out an incredible smokiness in these crisp lettuce heads while maintaining their fresh crunch. I love brushing them with olive oil, sprinkling with sea salt, and placing them cut-side down on hot grates for 2-3 minutes. The edges get slightly charred and develop a fantastic caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Make your grilled romaine hearts the star of a unique Caesar salad by topping them with shaved parmesan, homemade croutons, and a creamy dressing. Or keep it simple with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and crumbled blue cheese. The warmth of the lettuce slightly wilts the leaves while keeping their structure intact, creating an amazing contrast of textures. Your guests will be amazed at how this humble salad green becomes a sophisticated side dish with just a few minutes on the grill.

Watermelon Slices

You’ve probably enjoyed countless watermelon slices at summer picnics, but have you tried grilling them? A quick sear on hot grates transforms this sweet fruit into a mind-blowing treat that will make your guests do a double-take. The heat brings out the natural sugars while adding a subtle smokiness, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of honey, and you’ll create an addictive combination that works beautifully as both a side dish or dessert.

I love throwing thick watermelon wedges on the grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until those beautiful grill marks appear. The warm, caramelized exterior paired with the cool, juicy center makes for an incredible texture contrast. Try serving your grilled watermelon with a handful of fresh mint leaves, a crumble of feta cheese, or a light balsamic glaze. This unexpected grilled fruit will become your new go-to for summer entertaining – it’s simple yet sophisticated, and always gets people talking around the table.