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.
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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. Top on 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 (not fresh!) 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; 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 for dessert.
Marshmallows
Grilling marshmallows has the same effect as cooking them over the campfire. Watch them very carefully because they'll get charred (and gooey) very quickly. Seriously, like 30 seconds!
Lettuce
Smoky, charred greens are a serious game-changer in the world of summer salads. Crunchy, hearty lettuce, like romaine, works best.
Twinkies
Yep, we went there. The sponge cake toasts on the outside and the cream filling gets nice and melty on the inside. Don't act like you're above it.
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