9 Foods You Did Not Know You Could Grill
You can grill way more than meat. Try grilled romaine, watermelon, avocado, cheese, pizza, pineapple, cabbage, and even pound cake for smoky, caramelized flavor.
Your grill can cook way more than burgers and steak. High heat and a little smoke turn all kinds of everyday foods into something special. Fruit gets sweeter, greens get crispy edges, and cheese gets melty and golden. Here are 9 foods you did not know you could grill, plus how to do each one.
1. Romaine lettuce
Grilled romaine sounds odd, but it is amazing. Cut a heart of romaine in half, brush the cut side with oil, and grill it face down for 2 to 3 minutes. You get warm, smoky, slightly crisp lettuce that makes a killer Caesar salad.
2. Watermelon
Grilling watermelon makes it sweeter and adds a smoky edge. Cut thick slices, pat them dry, and grill 2 to 3 minutes per side over high heat. Great with feta and mint, or just on its own.
3. Avocado
Halve an avocado, brush the cut side with oil, and grill it face down for 3 to 5 minutes. The char adds a nutty, smoky flavor. Fill the center with salsa or scoop it onto a burger. We have a full guide on how to grill avocado if you want the details.
4. Cheese
Firm cheeses like halloumi and queso de freir hold their shape on the grill. Slice them thick, oil the grates well, and grill about 2 minutes per side until you get golden grill marks. Hot, gooey, and salty.
5. Pizza
Grilled pizza has a crispy, smoky crust you cannot get in the oven. Stretch the dough, oil one side, and lay it oiled-side down on the grill. Once it firms up, flip it, add your toppings, close the lid, and let the cheese melt.
6. Pineapple
Pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Cut it into rings or spears and grill 3 to 4 minutes per side. The heat brings out the sugar for a sweet, sticky treat. Serve it with ice cream or on top of a pork sandwich.
7. Cabbage
Cut cabbage into thick wedges, brush with oil, and sprinkle on Dad Spice The Classic. Grill over medium heat, turning now and then, until the edges char and the inside softens. It is a cheap, hearty side.
8. Corn, out of the husk
Most people boil corn, but grilling it right on the grates gives it char and deeper flavor. Pull off the husk, brush with butter, and grill until you see dark spots. For the full method, see our guide on how to grill corn on the cob.
9. Pound cake
Yes, dessert. Slice store-bought pound cake thick and grill each side for about a minute until it is warm and toasty with grill marks. Top with grilled fruit and whipped cream for an easy showstopper.
A few tips for grilling anything new
- Clean, oiled grates. This keeps delicate foods from sticking and tearing.
- Do not walk away. Fruit, cheese, and bread cook fast and can burn in a flash.
- Season simply. A little oil, salt, and Dad Spice is all most of these need.
Once you start, you will want to grill everything. Need a main to go with your new sides? Let the What Should I Grill quiz pick one, or browse more ideas on the Dad Spice blog.
Frequently asked questions
What foods can you grill besides meat?
Plenty. Romaine lettuce, watermelon, avocado, firm cheese, pizza, pineapple, cabbage, corn, and even pound cake all grill well and pick up smoky, caramelized flavor.
Can you grill fruit?
Yes. Watermelon, pineapple, peaches, and more get sweeter and smokier on the grill. Cut thick slices, pat them dry, and grill a few minutes per side over high heat.
How do you keep food from sticking to the grill?
Start with clean, hot, well-oiled grates and brush a little oil on the food too. Let it release on its own before you flip, instead of forcing it.
Can you grill cheese without it melting through the grate?
Use firm, grill-ready cheeses like halloumi. They hold their shape and get golden grill marks. Soft cheeses will melt through, so save those for inside foil or a pan.
Make it taste better.
Grab a bottle of The Classic and season like you mean it.
