Here's the thing: We love barbecuing but after the first few weekends of firing up the grill, we start to get a little bored with the same old burgers and hot dogs. It's time for a change and these surprising ingredients are just the delicious upgrade your BBQ needs. Here, 25 foods—from A to Z—you probably never thought of grilling.
25 Foods You Never Thought to Grill
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Published Jul 23, 2015
Artichokes
Boil and drain them, then throw your halved 'chokes on the grill cut-side down.
Lexis Clean Kitchen
Bananas
Top them with chocolate or go full-on banana split.
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Peaches
Cook cut-side down for two to three minutes, then serve as a dessert or on a savory salad.
Blogging Over Thyme
Crispy Polenta
Throw this southern staple on the grill for a hearty and rich side dish.
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Cake
You heard us.
Endive
Grill until crisp and tender (about five minutes).
Panning The Globe
Figs
Brush them with olive oil and grill facedown, then toss them in a salad with balsamic vinegar, Prosciutto and cheese.
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Gazpacho
For a smoky kick, first grill the tomatoes, peppers, garlic and onions before pureeing.
Halloumi Cheese
Grill each side for about two minutes until marks appear. Pair with a chilled rosé and sunset.
Iceberg Lettuce
Cook for one to two minutes on each side for the ultimate wedge salad.
Jalapeños
Wrap these spicy peppers in bacon and grill until crisp.
Kale
Brush everyone’s favorite trendy green with olive oil and grill for two minutes until the edges are charred.
Lobster Tails
Grill these bad boys until the shells turn a nice, bright red.
Mango
Cut the mango into flat pieces, drizzle on some olive oil and grill for about six minutes.
Doughnuts
We mean, why not?
Oysters
For next-level oysters, place these shellfish cupped-side down on the grate. Cover and cook for just two minutes.
Eat Yourself Skinny
Quinoa
Mix this grain into patties, then throw on the grill for a healthy hamburger alternative.
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Romaine
Season a sliced head, then grill for a minute on each side, starting flat-side down.
Shishito Peppers
Grill these mild yet flavorful peppers for about six minutes, flipping halfway through until blistered and soft.
Tofu
Because there will be a vegetarian at your next cookout.
Homemade Pizza
Grilling your own pizza is easy and it's so much fun customizing your pie with all your favorite toppings.
Finger Fork Knife
Avocados
De-pit, halve and grill Hass avocados flesh-side down for five minutes. Then serve them straight up, stuff them or mash them into avo toast 2.0.
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Watermelon
Place sliced watermelon on the grill and let each side cook for two minutes until char lines appear. Pair with tangy feta for the ultimate summer dish.
Yams Or Sweet Potatoes
Season sliced yams or sweet potato wedges, brush them with olive oil and grill for about 40 minutes on medium-high heat.
Zucchini
Brush strips with some E.V.O.O., and grill each side for three minutes until tender. Serve them plain or add tomatoes and mozzarella on top for a fun twist on the classical caprese.