8 Unlikely Grill Foods Slideshow
"I think pizza is one of those great things that really benefits from being cooked on the grates outside," says Sam Zien. He usually takes raw pizza dough that he buys from Whole Foods ("It's cheap, it's all done, and you don't have to mess with all the flour and dough.") He says to take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before you use it to let the glutens relax, throw oil on a baking sheet, put the dough down, and it will stretch out nicely.
You can also grill the raw dough then, when it's almost finished, top it with your favorite cheese and make a delicious cheese bread to snack on. (Another favorite of Zien's.)
Grilled Hearts of Palm
Usually sliced and tossed into salads, these tubular treats also work wonderfully thrown on the grill, which creates a texture that's almost reminiscent of grilled calamari. Topped with some fresh ricotta (as pictured) or feta they made a fantastic cook-out side dish.
Lettuce or Greens
"I throw salad on the grill, but you need something that will hold together, a handful of loose leaves will be a pain in the a#s," says Zien. He recommends using a head of Romaine, sliced lengthwise with olive oil, and grilling for only two to three minutes per side until it wilts and gets some color on it.
The leaves will get a fabulous charred and smoky taste that works well in cold or hot salads. You can also try charring other greens like chard or kale to serve as side dishes or to accompany grilled meats or fish.
Fruit
"Some people are still skeptical about grilling fruit, but it's a great way to have a refreshing dessert," says Aaron McCargo. He favors peaches, plums, pineapples, and watermelon with a little bit of smoke salt on it, "so it's a little sweet and salty." Whether skewered or thrown on the grill, other fruits like peaches, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe make delicious desserts or great complements to grilled chicken or fish dishes.
Avocados
A versatile ingredient, this creamy food can be grilled and then sliced into salads, used as a topping for tacos or grilled fish, or simply stuffed with a chicken or tuna salad as pictured.
Haloumi
A grilled cheese isn't new but this type is. Serve this popular white cheese on a grilled baguette with some fresh mint as a perfect snack or appetizer. You could also try it with a square of feta cheese. But we haven't tried that one yet, so let us know how it goes!
French Toast
Not just meant to be made indoors, this brunch favorite from Zien's cookbook can easily be made on the grill. (Plus it's super fun to make and eat.)
Meatballs
"I cook meatballs on the grill and I'm a fan of frozen meatballs," says Zien. "I use them for all kinds of things, so I let them defrost, and scatter them on the grill. I suppose if I were more sophisticated, I'd skewer them or something. But they get nice marks on the grill, flavor, and defrost and cook really well."
Whether you skewer or throw them on the grill, meatballs are delicious eaten alone or with a toasted baguette, melted cheese, and grilled tomatoes for a fancified meatball sub.