Fire up that grill and get ready to wow your friends and neighbors! These grilling ideas are GENIUS. From flavoring your food to making cleanup and cooking a breeze, we've got you covered with these hacks!
Wondering how to keep your burgers from drying out? What do you do if it's kabob night and you're all out of skewers? We're about to cover it all with these crazy awesome ideas, from classic grilling conundrums to mind-blowing hacks.
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By the time we're done, you'll be wondering how you ever managed without these grilling ideas! Are you ready to become a grill master? Here we go, you guys!
KEEP YOUR BURGERS NICE & JUICY WITH THESE GRILLING IDEAS
There's nothing better than a dry, tough burger fresh off the grill! Said no one ever. Save yourself supper with these easy hacks:
- Use an Ice Cube – Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of your burger patty. Drop an ice cube there, then pat the meat over and around it until the cube is covered. As your burger cooks, the ice will melt and keep the inside super moist!
- Add a Pat of Butter – Want to make those burgers next level? After you drop that ice cube in, put a pat of butter on top of your patty. The flavor and extra juiciness will bring the wow factor!
It's just that easy! Remember to reach for an ice cube and a little butter the next time you're flipping burgers. Your friends and fam will thank you!
OUT OF SKEWERS? USE THIS INSTEAD FOR A FLAVOR BOOST
Are you planning to make chicken, beef, veggie, or shrimp kabobs? Before you reach for that kabob stick or skewer, head to the herb garden! Rosemary sprigs are the ultimate grilling tool. Use those long stems to create kabobs. Not only will the flavor (and smell) be incredible, but you'll save yourself the cleanup, too.
Pro Tip: Need some side ideas for those kabobs? We've rounded up 40+ summer dinner ideas that won't heat up your kitchen!
CLEAN YOUR GRIMY GRILL WITH NEWSPAPER
The next time your grill grates are looking grimy, save yourself the hours of elbow grease and head to your recycling bin. Newspaper is the secret weapon for breaking down dirt and grime! Here's how it works:
- Allow your grill to cool just a bit (you want to make sure it's still warm).
- Place a flat layer of newspapers on your grill top.
- Spritz the newspaper with enough water to moisten it thoroughly.
- Close the lid and wait for about 30 minutes. Let the steam work its magic.
- Pull that newspaper off, watch the grime go with it, then quickly wipe the grill with a sponge or cloth. Your work is done!
Pretty dang easy, huh? While that newspaper works its magic, you can play some yard games with the kids, do some dishes inside, or enjoy your favorite book in the hammock. No need to break a sweat scrubbing that grill!
SKIP THE OIL AND USE A POTATO TO COAT YOUR GRILL
Okay, fun fact time! You shouldn't use oil on your grill because it's highly flammable. #TheMoreYouKnow
Instead of spraying those grates with cooking oil, slice a potato in half, and rub that bad boy all over your grill before you start cooking. The starch will prevent your food from sticking to the grill, and you won't have to worry about starting any fires! That's a win-win.
TURN YOUR LEFTOVER EGG CARTONS INTO IGNITERS
If you ever have trouble igniting your grill or you're heading out in the wilderness and need some cooking hacks, this little trick is for you! Take an old cardboard egg carton, fill each hole with a piece of charcoal, toss it in the grill, and light it. By the time that egg carton disappears, all those coals will be burning, and you'll be in business!
WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS, MAKE LEMONADE….ON THE GRILL!
You know what they say about lemons and lemonade, but we bet you didn't know THIS. Your grill is your secret weapon for making the best-ever batch of fresh lemonade. And what's a cookout without a little fresh-squeezed lemonade, right?! Here's how you do it:
- Boil a cup of water while you get to work on the lemons.
- Grab 6-8 lemons, slice them in half, and then dip each half in a little bit of sugar.
- Place each lemon fruit side down on your grill and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes. You'll want a charred, slightly brown finish.
- Remove your lemons and juice them, being careful to toss out any seeds. Add about two cups of lemon juice to your cup of boiling water and stir in one cup of sugar. Serve over ice, and enjoy!
This trick works with other fruits, too! Try grilled limeade or orangeade if that's more your style. If you're feeling fancy, toss in a few fresh herbs or slice up some strawberries. SO good!!
GRILL YOUR FROZEN PIZZA TO MAKE IT TASTE FANCY
You know that $2 frozen pizza you bought on sale? Let's turn it into a gourmet dinner! Instead of popping that pizza in the oven, heat up on your grill for a nice wood-fired taste. Here's how it works:
- Preheat your grill to 450°F with the lid closed.
- Once the grill is ready, remove all the packaging and plastic from your pizza and place it directly on the grill.
- Close the lid and let your pizza grill for around 6 minutes. Open and turn your pizza about 45°, then grill for another 5-6 minutes, or until the crust looks crispy and your cheese is bubbly. Voila! Dinner is served.
Pro Tip: Skip the pricey frozen pizza! You can buy a plain cheese pizza for less and doctor it yourself! Toss on some chopped veggies, ground beef, or shredded chicken, and call it good. Just add the ingredients on top right before you throw your pizza on the grill.
GRILL YOUR FISH ON A LAYER OF SLICED LEMONS
Want to season your fish and make cleanup a heck of a lot easier? Slice up a few lemons, limes, or oranges (you decide), and then place them on your grill. Season your fish with a bit of salt and pepper, and place them directly on that citrus. Grill as usual, and enjoy! The fruit keeps your fish from sticking, and the flavor = wow. That's it! You just learned one of the easiest, yummiest grilling ideas ever.
Shall we keep going? We have some more hacks you don't want to miss. Trust us! You want to keep reading until the end. Let's just say there's chocolate involved. #YoureWelcome
GRILL YOUR VEGGIES IN A DISPOSABLE BAKING TIN
You know all those disposable tins you keep around from freezer meals? Well, they work quite well for grilling, too! Chop a few onions and place them in the tin. Add in some minced garlic. Halve a few baby red potatoes, toss in some carrots, broccoli, or any other veggies you need to use. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the seasoning of your choice.
Once assembled, place that tin directly on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes at 450°F heat. Serve and enjoy! Just toss that tin when you're done.
OUR FAVORITE GRILLING IDEA? MAKE AN EASY CLEANUP S'MORES QUESADILLA
Okay, we saved one of our best grilling ideas for last, you guys! Ready to grill up some dessert? Here's a fun take on a summer classic! Turn your s'mores ingredients into sweet quesadillas. Here's how to do it:
- Heat your grill to 400°F.
- Crush a handful of graham crackers.
- Round up a tortilla or two (or three or four; we won't judge). Gather some chocolate chips and marshmallows, too.
- Fill your tortilla with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and cracker crumbs. Fold up that tortilla, then wrap it in foil.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove the foil, slice, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: You can add all sorts of ingredients to those S'mores quesadillas! We like sliced strawberries or peanut butter. Check this microwave s'mores post for some inspiration.
And there you have it! Pretty stinking smart, huh? We hope you love putting these ideas to the test. Grilling season is the best, right?!
Tell us, what's your favorite thing to grill? Drop a comment below!
Are you looking for a few recipes to try at your next cookout?
- This Snickers Apple Salad is the perfect cookout dessert!
- Whip up a quick batch of this ridiculously easy campfire sauce and start dipping!
- Need a no-bake dessert that will wow the neighbors? Try this no-bake strawberry cream pie.
You go, grill!