5 Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Cook on a Grill

Grilling is often associated with steaks, burgers, and hot dogs, but there’s so much more you can do with an open flame. Many people stick to the basics, never realizing how versatile their grill actually is. Whether you’re using charcoal, gas, or even a pellet grill, certain foods take on an entirely new level of flavor when cooked over fire. Did you know Champagne and sparkling wine pair well with the smoky flavours of grilled food?

If you’re looking to experiment beyond the usual barbecue fare, this guide will introduce you to five foods that you probably didn’t know you could grill. Some will surprise you, while others will make you wonder why you haven’t tried them sooner.

1. Fruits That Taste Better with a Charred Edge

Most people think of fruit as something you eat raw or blend into a smoothie, but grilling fruit enhances its natural sweetness. The heat caramelizes the sugars, creating a deep, rich flavor with slightly crisp edges. Fruits with a firm texture and low water content work best for grilling.

Some great fruits to try include:

• Peaches – Grilling brings out their natural juiciness and intensifies their sweetness. Slice them in half, remove the pit, and grill them face down for a few minutes.
• Watermelon – It might sound strange, but grilling watermelon gives it a smoky, slightly meaty taste. Cut thick slices and sear them for a few minutes on each side.
• Bananas – Slice them lengthwise with the peel on, grill them until soft, then scoop out the caramelized fruit for a delicious dessert topping.

One fruit that works exceptionally well on the grill is pineapple. The natural sugars in pineapple caramelize beautifully, creating a rich, golden-brown crust with a soft, juicy inside. While many people grill pineapple in slices or spears, using a rotisserie takes it to another level. If you want to learn how to rotisserie a pineapple, the process is simple: peel the fruit, keep the core intact, and secure it on a rotisserie spit. Slow rotation over indirect heat allows even caramelization, making it the perfect grilled dessert. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, or drizzle it with honey for extra sweetness. Grilled pineapple pairs really well with vintage Champagne. The bright acidity of the Champagne cuts through the richness of the caramelised fruit and enhances its tropical essence.

2. Cheese That Holds Up to the Heat

Most cheeses melt quickly, making them tricky to grill. However, certain varieties hold their shape and develop a crispy, golden crust while maintaining a soft, gooey center.

The best cheeses for grilling include:

• Halloumi – A popular Mediterranean cheese that doesn’t melt easily. It gets crispy on the outside while staying chewy inside.
• Provolone – A semi-hard cheese that grills well when sliced thick. It’s perfect for topping burgers or eating on its own.
• Paneer – A mild, Indian-style cheese that holds its shape under heat. Great for pairing with grilled vegetables.

To grill cheese, slice it into thick pieces, brush with oil, and cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes per side. You’ll get a slightly charred, crispy crust and a soft, flavorful center. Try serving grilled cheese with honey, nuts, or a sprinkle of herbs for an extra layer of flavor. A rosé Champagne or sparkling wine pairs well with grilled cheese.

3. Avocados for a Creamy, Smoky Twist

Avocados are usually eaten raw, but grilling them adds a smoky depth to their creamy texture. The key is to choose avocados that are ripe but still firm, so they hold their shape.

To grill an avocado:

1. Cut it in half and remove the pit.
2. Brush with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Place it face-down on the grill for 2-3 minutes until you see charred grill marks.

The slight smokiness pairs well with a variety of toppings. Try filling the grilled avocado halves with salsa, grilled shrimp, or even a poached egg. It’s a simple but impressive dish that works well as an appetizer or side. A Grüner Veltliner sparkling wine pairs well as its acidity cuts through the richness of the avocado.

4. Grains That Take on a Smoky Flavor

Most people don’t think of grains when it comes to grilling, but they absorb smoky flavors beautifully. The trick is to pre-cook them first, then use the grill to add texture and depth.

Some great grains to grill include:

• Cooked rice – Spread it in a heatproof pan and place it on the grill, stirring occasionally for a smoky, slightly crispy texture.
• Quinoa – Cook it ahead of time, then grill in a foil packet with herbs and olive oil.
• Polenta rounds – Slice chilled polenta into discs and grill until crispy on the outside and creamy inside.

For an easy side dish, try tossing grilled grains with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The subtle smokiness elevates even the simplest grain dishes. Here a Chardonnay sparkling wine pairs well with these types of dishes.

5. Eggs That Can Be Cooked Over an Open Flame

Eggs might seem like something you need a stovetop for, but they can be cooked directly on the grill in several different ways.

Here are some fun methods to try:

• Grilled hard-boiled eggs – Place whole eggs (in their shells) over indirect heat and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Once peeled, they have a slightly smoky taste.
• Scrambled eggs on the grill – Use a cast-iron skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
• Eggs in grilled vegetables – Hollow out bell peppers, crack an egg inside, and grill until the egg is set.

Grilled eggs work well for breakfast, but they’re also great for adding protein to salads and grain bowls. If you’re already using the grill, it’s an easy way to cook eggs without extra mess. Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco pair well with grilled eggs because they cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of eggs.

Grilling isn’t just for meats and vegetables—you can cook all kinds of foods over an open flame. Fruits, cheese, avocados, grains, and eggs all take on new flavors and textures when grilled.

If you’re looking to get creative, start with something simple like grilled cheese or a smoky avocado. Then, try more adventurous options like grilled grains or rotisserie pineapple. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a hot grill and a little curiosity. Give it a try, and you’ll never look at grilling the same way again.