MomSkoop
Summer’s sizzling days are quickly fading, but there’s still time to enjoy outdoor cooking at its finest. Firing up the grill creates memories and flavors that simply can’t be matched by indoor cooking. Before you pack away your tongs and apron for the season, try these mouthwatering recipes that celebrate the best of summer grilling.
1. Classic Grilled Burgers
Nothing says summer like the sound of burgers sizzling on a hot grill. The secret to perfect patties lies in using ground beef with about 20% fat content, which keeps them juicy and flavorful during cooking.
Gently form your meat into patties without overworking it, then create a small thumbprint in the center to prevent bulging. Season generously with salt and pepper just before grilling.
Cook over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side for medium doneness, adding cheese during the final minute. Serve on toasted buns with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and your favorite condiments for the ultimate backyard classic.
2. BBQ Chicken Thighs
Forget dry chicken breast – thighs are where the real magic happens on a grill! These dark meat cuts stay incredibly moist while developing a gorgeous caramelized exterior when brushed with barbecue sauce.
Start by marinating the thighs in your favorite BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes. When grilling, place them skin-side up first over medium heat, then flip after about 7 minutes. The real trick comes during the final few minutes when you brush on additional sauce in layers, allowing each to set slightly.
This creates that sticky, finger-licking coating that makes BBQ chicken thighs an irresistible summer favorite that both kids and adults will devour.
3. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Ready in minutes yet impressive enough for guests, grilled shrimp skewers bring coastal vibes to any backyard gathering. Large shrimp work best, marinated briefly in a mixture of minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped herbs like parsley and dill.
Metal skewers prevent burning and eliminate soaking time, but if using wooden ones, soak them for 30 minutes first. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece for even cooking.
The key to perfect shrimp is hot, fast cooking – just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly firm. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch carefully and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
4. Veggie Kebabs
Bursting with color and flavor, veggie kebabs bring garden-fresh goodness to your grill. The combination of bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onions creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that even meat-lovers can’t resist.
Cut vegetables into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and Italian herbs elevates their natural flavors without overpowering them.
For best results, group similar vegetables on separate skewers since cooking times vary – mushrooms and zucchini cook faster than peppers and onions. Turn frequently over medium heat until vegetables are tender with slight charring, about 8-10 minutes total, brushing with extra marinade halfway through.
5. Cedar Plank Salmon
Cedar plank salmon transforms an ordinary fish dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience right in your backyard. The cedar wood infuses the salmon with subtle smokiness while keeping it incredibly moist and tender.
Soak your cedar plank in water for at least one hour before grilling to prevent it from catching fire. Season a whole salmon fillet with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and fresh dill, then place it skin-side down on the plank.
Grill over medium heat with the lid closed for about 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily but remains slightly translucent in the center. The plank will char and may smoke slightly – that’s exactly what creates the distinctive flavor that makes this method so special.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Summer’s sweetest vegetable gets even better with a kiss of smoke from the grill. Fresh corn develops incredible flavor as the natural sugars caramelize over the heat, creating a sweet-smoky taste that’s impossible to resist.
Leave the husks on but peel them back to remove the silk, then replace the husks and soak in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Place directly on a medium-hot grill and turn occasionally for 15-20 minutes until kernels are tender.
For a Mexican-inspired twist, peel back the husks after cooking and brush the corn with lime-infused butter, then sprinkle with chili powder, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. This elote-style preparation transforms a simple side into the star of your cookout.
7. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Meaty, juicy, and deeply satisfying, grilled portobello mushrooms win over even dedicated carnivores with their rich umami flavor. Their substantial texture makes them perfect for vegetarians seeking a hearty grilled main course.
Marinating is essential – a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh thyme penetrates the mushrooms, enhancing their natural earthiness. Remove stems and wipe caps clean with a damp paper towel rather than washing them, which makes them waterlogged.
Grill gill-side up first for 5 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender throughout. Serve on toasted buns as burgers, slice for sandwiches, or present whole as an elegant main dish drizzled with any remaining marinade.
8. BBQ Ribs
Succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs might seem intimidating, but they’re actually quite simple to master on your backyard grill. The secret lies in the low-and-slow cooking method that transforms tough meat into tender perfection.
Start by removing the membrane from the bone side of the rack, then apply a dry rub of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and your favorite spices. For truly tender ribs, use indirect heat by placing them away from the flames, maintaining a temperature around 275°F.
Cook covered for about 2½ hours, then brush with barbecue sauce during the final 30 minutes, allowing it to caramelize without burning. Let them rest for 10 minutes before cutting between the bones to serve these sticky, messy, utterly delicious summer classics.
9. Grilled Pizza
Forget delivery – grilled pizza offers crispy, slightly charred crust and smoky flavor that conventional ovens simply can’t match. The intense heat of the grill mimics a brick oven, creating restaurant-quality results in your backyard.
Stretch your dough (store-bought works great) into an oval or rectangle rather than a perfect circle, which is easier to manage. Brush one side with olive oil and place it oil-side down on a clean, medium-hot grill for just 2-3 minutes until bubbles form and grill marks appear.
Flip the crust, quickly add a thin layer of sauce and toppings, then close the lid for another 3-4 minutes until cheese melts. Fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil make a classic summer combination that lets the unique grilled flavor shine through.
10. Stuffed Peppers on the Grill
Colorful bell peppers become edible bowls of deliciousness when stuffed and grilled to smoky perfection. The peppers soften while maintaining their shape, and their natural sweetness intensifies over the flames.
Cut peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. For the filling, combine cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese with taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired version that’s both vegetarian and satisfying.
Place stuffed peppers in a disposable aluminum pan or on heavy-duty foil, then grill over medium heat with the lid closed for about 20 minutes. The peppers should be tender but not collapsing, with a slightly charred exterior and bubbling filling topped with perfectly melted cheese.
11. Grilled Pineapple Slices
Transforming from tangy to caramelized sweetness, grilled pineapple makes a surprisingly simple yet impressive dessert. The heat concentrates the fruit’s natural sugars while adding smoky complexity that pairs beautifully with cool ice cream.
Cut a fresh pineapple into ½-inch thick rings, leaving the core intact to help the slices hold together. A light brushing of honey or maple syrup mixed with a pinch of cinnamon enhances the caramelization process without masking the fruit’s flavor.
Grill over medium-high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side until golden grill marks appear and the pineapple softens slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts deliciously into the hot fruit, or chop and add to grilled fish tacos for a sweet-savory combination.
12. S’mores Foil Packets
Campfire treats meet backyard convenience with these no-mess s’mores packets that bring childhood nostalgia to your grill. Perfect for families, they capture all the gooey goodness without the need for long sticks or open flames.
For each packet, tear a 12-inch square of heavy-duty aluminum foil and place two graham cracker halves inside. Top one half with chocolate pieces and the other with a large marshmallow. Fold the foil to create a sealed packet with some room for expansion.
Place packets on a medium-hot grill for about 5 minutes until marshmallows puff and chocolate melts. Open carefully (watch for steam!) and press the halves together for that classic s’mores experience, no campfire required. The graham crackers stay crisp while everything else turns deliciously melty.