What to Grill Besides Meat: 5 Surprising BBQ Ideas

Meat may be the undisputed champion of the grill—juicy burgers, sizzling sausages, succulent chicken thighs, steaks, and pork chops—but it’s far from the only contender. Today, we’re firing up the grill from a different angle. Whether you’re not a fan of classic BBQ or just want more variety alongside your meat, here are a few mouthwatering ideas to elevate your next sunny weekend cookout.

1. Pineapple with No Compromises

If your grill is meeting pineapple for the first time, it definitely won’t be the last. Grilled pineapple can be a golden side dish for savory meats or a refreshing dessert on hot days. Depending on your mood, brush it with brown sugar and cinnamon before grilling to get that irresistible caramelized crust.

You *can* use canned rings, but fresh pineapple—grilled for 4–5 minutes on each side, with no rush and no “move it over, we need room for the steak” nonsense—delivers the real tropical flavor you didn’t know you were missing.

Pro tip: A pineapple slicer makes prep fast and effortless.

2. Bohemian Bananas

Sliced into rings and skewered like golden kebabs, split lengthwise, or grilled in the peel and stuffed with muesli and foil-wrapped—bananas adapt to any method. But they shine brightest when drizzled with honey, dark chocolate, peanut butter, or a dash of vanilla or rum extract (not all at once!).

Serve them right off the grill while they’re still warm and creamy. Wait too long and they’ll lose their magic. These bananas are sensitive souls—but well worth the gentle treatment.

Pro tip: A good fruit knife makes slicing easier and safer.

3. Smoky Avocado Halves

The only thing better than a ripe avocado is one that’s been kissed by smoke. Silky and fragrant, grilled avocado delivers deep, earthy notes and an unforgettable taste.

Halve the avocados, remove the pits, brush with olive oil, and place them cut-side down on the hot grill. After about 5 minutes, once grill marks appear, mash the flesh with sea salt and lime juice for a smoky guacamole you’ll want to spread on everything.

Pro tip: Use a multi-functional avocado tool for slicing, scooping, and dicing with ease.

4. Pizza Night on the Grill

Think crispy crust, charred black spots, and an authentic wood-fired flavor—all without heating up your kitchen. Grilling is perfect for pizza because it reaches higher temperatures than most home ovens.

Roll out mini pizza bases and grill each side for 2 minutes. Keep an eye out—they burn fast! Add no more than 3–4 toppings (like tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil) and serve immediately. Your first one might be a test run, but the second will disappear fast—possibly before you even get a bite.

Pro tip: A ceramic pizza tray helps serve your creations in style.

5. Grilled Polenta (a.k.a. Fancy Mămăligă)

Call it polenta or mămăligă—this versatile cornmeal dish gets a serious upgrade on the grill. It turns slightly crispy, adds a hint of smokiness, and looks stunning next to any grilled meat or veggie plate.

Use leftover firm polenta or cook a fresh batch and chill it until sliceable. Cut into equal pieces—rounds or squares work well—and grill until they’re golden. Top with anything: sautéed mushrooms, fresh tomatoes and basil, blue cheese and peaches with honey, spinach and shrimp, or classic Caprese toppings. The combos are endless.

Pro tip: Brush slices with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking.