10 Unexpected Foods You Can Cook on the BBQ

Ready to level up your BBQ game? Here are 10 surprising foods you can throw on the grill—and how to do it right.

02:47 09 April 2025

When you think of barbecue food, your mind probably goes straight to burgers, sausages, and chicken wings. But your grill is capable of so much more.

In fact, some of the best flavours come from thinking outside the box. Whether you use a charcoal grill or a gas barbecue, there’s a whole world of ingredients just waiting to be grilled.

Ready to level up your BBQ game? Here are 10 surprising foods you can throw on the grill—and how to do it right.

Watermelon

Grilled watermelon develops a smoky-sweet flavour that’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before.

Slice it thick—around one inch—and grill each side for about 2 minutes. A light brush of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt makes it pop. For extra kick, sprinkle some chilli flakes or a squeeze of lime.

Serve it as a starter or chop it into cubes for a bold salad.

Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi was practically made for the barbecue. It doesn’t melt like most cheeses, so it holds its shape beautifully on the grill.

Cut it into slabs and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Pair it with grilled vegetables, wrap it in a flatbread, or serve it with a dash of lemon juice.

This one’s a crowd-pleaser—even meat lovers will go back for seconds.

Pizza

You don’t need a wood-fired oven to get that authentic, smoky pizza crust. Your BBQ can do it too.

If you’ve got a pizza stone, preheat it on the grill. If not, you can cook your dough directly on the grates—just grill one side first, flip it, and then add your toppings. Close the lid to melt the cheese and cook through.

It’s fast, fun, and incredibly tasty.

Avocado

Grilled avocado? Absolutely. The heat brings out its creamy texture and adds a smoky depth.

Halve the avocado, remove the stone, and leave the skin on. Brush with oil and grill face-down for a minute or two. That’s it.

Scoop it onto toast, slice it for tacos, or mash it into smoky guacamole.

Pineapple

Pineapple caramelises beautifully on the BBQ. The natural sugars brown on the surface, creating a rich, juicy treat.

Grill rings or chunks for 2–3 minutes per side. It works brilliantly in burgers, on skewers, or as a warm dessert with a scoop of ice cream.

Sweet, sticky, and full of tropical vibes.

Oysters

Shellfish might not be the first thing you think of when you fire up the grill—but oysters are a game changer.

Place them on the barbecue shell-side down. As they heat up, the shells pop open slightly. Add a dollop of garlic butter, close the lid for a minute, and you’re good to go.

Serve with crusty bread and a cold drink for a sophisticated BBQ starter.

Romaine Lettuce

Grilled salad?

Halve a romaine heart, brush with olive oil, and grill cut-side down for 1–2 minutes. You’ll get gorgeous charred edges and a slightly smoky crunch.

Top with Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons for a bold twist on a classic.

Doughnuts

Day-old doughnuts? Give them new life on the grill.

Toast each side for 30 seconds to a minute—just enough to crisp the outside and warm the inside. You can even brush them with melted butter for extra indulgence.

Top with berries, drizzle with chocolate, or serve with ice cream. Dessert done.

Cornbread Slices

Got leftover cornbread? Slice it thick and grill each side until crisp.

It takes on a whole new texture—soft in the middle, golden on the outside. Serve it with chilli, BBQ beans, or slather it in butter and honey.

It’s the perfect side dish that nobody saw coming.

Peaches

Grilled peaches are a simple yet stunning BBQ dessert.

Cut them in half, remove the stone, and grill face-down for 2–3 minutes. The sugars caramelise, and the flesh softens to perfection.

Top with mascarpone, yoghurt, or a drizzle of honey. You won’t believe how good they taste.

Bonus Tips for BBQ Success

• Clean grill = better flavour. Make sure your BBQ is clean before you start, especially if you’re grilling delicate foods like fruit or cheese.
• If you want to keep your grill in top shape, always cover barbecue equipment when not in use. This protects it from rust and weather damage—especially important in the UK.
• Oil lightly. Most of these foods don’t need much oil, but a quick brush helps prevent sticking.
• Mind the heat. Many of these foods cook quickly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

Your barbecue is more versatile than you think. Whether you’re cooking on a classic charcoal grill or a modern gas barbecue UK setup, these unexpected foods open up a whole new world of flavours.

Try one at your next cookout. You might just discover your new favourite BBQ recipe.