We all love a juicy burger, but sometimes mixing it up a little when you fire up the grill is fun! Whether you’re team charcoal, gas, or a little bit of both, there’s a world of delicious grilling ideas waiting to steal the show at your next cookout. Here are some of the best burger-free ideas that’ll have your guests returning for seconds and maybe asking for your secret recipes, too.
Grilled Salmon Filets
If you’ve never grilled salmon, you’re seriously missing out. It’s way easier than it sounds—lightly brush the filets with olive oil, sprinkle on sea salt, pepper, and a touch of fresh herbs like dill or rosemary, and marinate them in lemon juice and garlic for a perfect blend of flavor. Grill skin-side down until it flakes easily with a fork.
Steak Lovers Delight
Marinated Steaks
Everybody loves a juicy steak on the grill!. Try marinating flank, skirt, or ribeye cuts in soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Let it soak for a few hours or even overnight if you have the time. Grill it up quickly for a stunning sear with juicy, tender cuts that will disappear immediately.
Bison Steaks
Want to try something new? Bison steaks are leaner than beef, but still pack that rich, meaty flavor we all love. They cook fast, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. A little salt, pepper, and your favorite butter right at the end are all you need.
Grilling Handy and Hearty Eats
Kabobs
Kabobs are a party food on a stick, and they’re always a hit at large cookouts. Load your skewers with tender chunks of meat, shrimp, and tons of colorful veggies like peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. Brush them with some olive oil or your favorite marinades and seasonings. Grill until everything’s a little charred on the outside and delicious.
Beer Brats
Around here (hello, Wisconsin friends!), It’s just not a proper cookout without beer brats. Simmer your choice of bratwursts in beer and onions to lock in the flavor, then toss them on the grill for a juicy snap and smoky finish. Put into soft buns with mustard, sauerkraut, or any other toppings you love the most.
Flavor Packed Favorites
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed peppers might be the prettiest thing you can pull off the grill. Fill up some hollowed-out bell peppers with cooked rice or orzo, cheese, sausage, beans — whatever you have on hand. Grill the peppers until tender and a little charred at the edges.
Grilled Pizza
This is not a joke, you can grill pizza! And honestly? It might wreck regular pizza in the oven for you. Roll out some pizza dough, brush it with olive oil, and toss it onto the hot grates. Once it puffs up and shows some light grill marks, flip it over to add your pizza sauce, cheese, and desired toppings. Shut the grill for a few minutes until everything’s melty and rippling.
Slow and Savory Options
Beer Can Chicken
This will be the center of attention at your cookout! Set a seasoned whole chicken on top of an open beer can and let it roast on the grill until it is perfectly tender. The beer keeps the meat juicy while the skin gets perfectly crisp.
BBQ Ribs
Are you up for a challenge? Ribs are certainly a labor of love, but when you taste the tender, smoky, saucy goodness? Worth every second of your hard work. Slow-cook them on the grill until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, then smother them with your favorite BBQ sauce. Don’t forget extra napkins.
Conclusion
Who says you always have to serve burgers to have a grand cookout? Options like smoky salmon filets, juicy marinated steaks, sizzling kabobs, and slow-cooked ribs, your grill can do so much more. These ideas are guaranteed to bring the flavor — and have your guests asking when your next cookout is. You might want to stock up on the grilling goodies now!
