5 Grilled Side Dishes You’ll Love

When you think of grilling, what comes to mind? Burgers, hot dogs, and steaks, of course. But have you ever considered the delicious possibilities of grilled side dishes? They can elevate your cookout to a whole new level. In this article, we’ll explore five mouth-watering grilled side dishes that are easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for any barbecue. So grab your tongs, and let’s get started!

Grilled Vegetables

Selection of Vegetables

Choosing a diverse and colorful array of veggies is the secret to a delicious grilled vegetable side dish. Some favorites include bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!

Seasoning and Preparation

To prepare your vegetables for the grill, toss them in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil for extra flavor.

Grilling Techniques

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place your vegetables directly on the grill or use a basket to prevent smaller pieces from falling through the grates. Cook until tender and slightly charred, occasionally turning for even cooking.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Choosing the Right Corn

Look for corn with bright green husks and moist silk. The kernels should be plump and tightly arranged.

Seasoning and Preparation

Peel back the husks, but don’t remove them altogether. Instead, remove the silk and generously coat the corn with softened butter, salt, and pepper. Pull the husks back up and secure them with kitchen twine or a strip of husk.

Grilling Techniques

Place the corn directly on the grill over medium heat, occasionally turning, for about 20 minutes or until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.

Grilled Potato Skewers

Selecting the Perfect Potatoes

Choose small, firm potatoes, such as baby red or fingerling varieties, for even cooking and a delightful presentation.

Seasoning and Preparation

Parboil the potatoes in salted water until slightly tender. Allow them to cool, then thread them onto skewers. Coat the potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.

Grilling Techniques

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the potato skewers for 10-15 minutes, occasionally turning, until they’re crispy and tender.

Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushroom Selection

Select large, firm mushrooms, such as portobello or cremini, for easy grilling and stuffing.

Seasoning and Preparation

Remove the stems from the mushrooms and clean them with a damp cloth. Prepare your favorite stuffing mixtures, such as a blend of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Fill the mushroom caps with the stuffing and drizzle them with olive oil.

Grilling Techniques

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the stuffed mushrooms on the grill, stuffing side up, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown.

Grilled Pineapple

Picking the Perfect Pineapple

Choose a pineapple with a sweet aroma, vibrant color, and slightly firm texture.

Seasoning and Preparation

Peel the pineapple, remove the core, and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Coat the pineapple slices with the mixture.

Grilling Techniques

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pineapple slices for 3-4 minutes per side or until they’re caramelized and slightly charred.

Conclusion

These five grilled side dishes will be a hit at your next barbecue. Not only do they add variety and color to your meal, but they also showcase the versatility of your grill. So the next time you fire up the grill, don’t forget to include some of these tasty sides alongside your main course!

Do not miss this article, where we share other easy-to-make grilled recipes: “2 Simple Grilled Recipes for a Crowd-Pleasing Feast“

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