Memorial Day is just around the corner and what does that mean? Grilling season has officially started. All we want to do is hang around outside, cook, and eat. And while burgers and steaks are amazing on the grill, there are so many more things that can be fixed outside without ever cranking up the heat inside.
On the grill you can cook entire meals, not just meat. Think things like vegetables, fruit, and even dessert! So, without further ado, here are a few recipes to go along with your main course.
Start Things Off with Bacon Wrapped, Stuffed Jalapenos
Kick things up a notch and start the part off on the right foot with the right appetizer. These stuffed jalapenos are going to be a hit, because well, they’re wrapped in bacon!
Ingredients
- 24 Medium Jalapeno Peppers
- 1 Pound Uncooked Chorizo or Spicy Pork Sausage
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 12 Bacon Strips, cut in half
Directions
Make a lengthwise cut in each jalapeno about 1/8 inch deep and remove the seeds. Mix the sausage and cheese and stuff equally into the jalapenos. Wrap each pepper with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Grill over indirect heat, covered for 36-40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees. Turn over and grill covered over direct heat for 1-2 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
What’s a Summer Meal Without a Salad?
This Grilled Watermelon, Feta & Basil Salad is perfect for summer grilling. The sweet watermelon pairs perfectly with fresh basil, salty feta cheese, and lime juice.
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Cubed Watermelon
- 4 Ounces Feta Cheese, cubed
- 1-2 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Basil
- ¼ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper to Taste
- Balsamic Glaze for Drizzling on the Top of the Salad
Directions
Cut the watermelon into 1 inch thick slabs and brush lightly with olive oil. Place the slabs cut side down onto a heated grill and grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until marked and warm. Remove from the grill, cut off the rind, and cut into 1 inch cubes.
Toss the grilled watermelon with basil, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Stir in the cubed feta being careful not to break it up. Drizzle with your favorite balsamic reduction before serving.
Wrap Up the Party with Pie Baked on the Grill
Pie for dessert without heating up the oven and house inside? Yep! You really can grill a pie, and this Berry Pie is the perfect recipe to give it a try.
Ingredients
- 1 Pie Crust (store-bought, or make your own)
- 3 Cups Berries, fresh or frozen
- 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Zest of ½ Lemon (about 1 Teaspoon)
- 1 Teaspoon Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 Disposable Pie Pans or Square Baking Pan
Directions
Preheat grill to as close to 350 degrees as you can get it. Mix berries in a large bowl with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest. Unroll the pie crust and place it in the disposable pan. Place the fruit in the center and fold the edges of the crust up to form a crust. Brush the edges with heavy whipping cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Place a second foil pan upside down on the grill. Place the pie (in its pan) on top of the inverted pan and close the lid to the grill. Cook 20-30 minutes until the crust is cooked through. Remove the pie from the grill and cool before slicing.