Don’t Pack Away the BBQ Just Yet
When you think of fall, you likely think of reading on a rainy day or a comforting bowl of soup. While both sound great, fall can also mean grilled dishes, ones that remind us of the summertime and take us back to sunny days! If you're willing to brave the cold, you might want to bust out the BBQ tongs because there's still plenty of tasty food to dig into this season.
1. Chicken Drumsticks
Drumsticks are versatile, simple, and bursting with flavor—and there's no reason to forgo them when autumn comes knocking. Douse them in sauce or whip up a spicy mixture featuring paprika or red pepper flakes. You can also serve them alongside seasonal vegetables, which also work well on the grill.
2. Rack of Lamb
Cooler weather begs for fresh herbs like rosemary, and luckily for us, it pairs beautifully with garlic. Together, they're a classic match for lamb. If you're really looking to bring back the sunshine, you can always toss some lemon zest in your rub.
3. Cauliflower Steaks
Say what you want about cauliflower, but it's a traditional fall veggie that's great for the grill. It's also a blank canvas that lets you add whatever dry rub or homemade sauce you want! Florets only need a few minutes on each side and can be served with toasted walnuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
4. Steak Kebabs
Okay, okay, we know what you want—actual steak! Its flavor is often associated with summertime, and that's exactly why you should keep the party going. Steak's a good friend with bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini, so don't be afraid to skewer them together.
5. Brussels Sprouts
You may feel haunted by Brussels sprouts, but they're surprisingly good on the BBQ. Some home cooks stick to salt and pepper but you can always get more experimental with garlic and balsamic drizzle. However you dress 'em, these veggies belong on the dinner table.
6. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread isn't just for the oven—it's actually a terrific side dish that's easily prepared on the grill. In about 20 minutes, you'll have a lightly charred loaf loaded with the garlic flavor you know and love. Don't forget to add the cheese, either!
7. Spicy Chicken Breasts
Though the heat's gone from the air, there's no reason you can't bring it to your mouth. It doesn't take much more than paprika and a dash of chili powder to reach that sweet hot spot—though you can also kick it up a notch with red pepper flakes or cayenne.
8. Sweet Potatoes
Need a healthy autumnal side dish? It's sweet potatoes to the rescue. Keep it simple with salt and pepper, or kick it into high gear with brown sugar and cumin. It doesn't really matter how you season them because they're delicious and versatile either way.
9. Broccoli Florets
We know you probably still have some mixed feelings about broccoli, but give it a chance this season. Grilled florets taste incredible and you don't need more than salt and pepper to achieve maximum flavor. More adventurous chefs can even sprinkle a dash of steak spice on their florets.
10. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed peppers are all the rage when the sun's out, but there's something positively autumnal about mushrooms. With a bit of Gouda and some sausage for filling, you'll have a perfect fall meal in just ten minutes. Even better is that they also work as an appetizer; mushroom caps are only as filling as you make them!
11. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Dates come loaded with health benefits—and wrapped in bacon, they come with even more flavor. A touch of honey brings everything together, though you can also stick with salt and pepper. Think of it as the perfect blend of sweet and savory.
Wright Brand Bacon on Unsplash
12. Stuffed Flank Steak
What's better than steak? Oh, right, the stuffed kind! Provolone and bell peppers work best here, and the recipe is surprisingly easy to make on the grill. It's a filling meal suitable for those fall get-togethers, and it also brings a little taste of summer back to your plate.
13. Rack of Ribs
Give your ribs an autumnal twist this season with a delectable maple glaze. With a dash of brown sugar and cinnamon, these juicy ribs taste like fall in every bite. Serve them with classic veggies like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts for even more flavor.
14. Honey Mustard Salmon
There’s nothing better than a shot of bourbon on a cool day—except a delicious glaze. It pairs beautifully with grilled salmon and it’s a terrific choice for any rumbling stomachs. If you want more autumnal flavors, you can even serve it with sliced apples.
15. Apple Grilled Cheese
Speaking of apples, they're amazing in a grilled cheese sandwich! Though peanut butter or caramel get all the attention, cheddar, Provolone, and even blue cheese also work well with this beloved fall option. Get creative on the grill this season.
Pixzolo Photography on Unsplash
16. Pork Chops
Don't worry if you don't have a smoker at home—liquid smoke brings the classic taste you're after; you only need a teaspoon alongside salt, pepper, and garlic powder to bring out all the flavor. But why stop there? Smoked paprika adds an even bigger punch!
17. Honeyed Carrots
There's a reason honeyed carrots appear every Thanksgiving. Simple and delicious, you don't need more than honey, cinnamon, and butter to get the job done. Best of all, you can grill these any time you need a healthy side dish.
18. Apple Crumble
We couldn't talk about grilled fall dishes without mentioning desserts. For example, did you know that you can actually grill apple crumble? Well, you can! And you should! Pair this extra crunchy dessert with a generous dollop of ice cream for the ultimate ending to your meal.
19. Pumpkin Pie
Not only can you prepare pumpkin pie on the grill, but you can also make it with a yummy gingersnap cookie crust. All those autumnal flavors to help beat the cold? Yes, please!
20. Maple Pecan Pie
We know pumpkin pie is traditional, but that's no reason to desert other dishes! Maple pecan pie is just as gooey and delicious, easily made on the grill, and one of the best snacks for a good cup of coffee.
KEEP ON READING
The 5 Most Consumed Foods in the Entire World
