7 Fun Things Your Family Can Grill Together This Weekend

Hanging in the yard all day? Cook snacks, dinner and dessert together outside too. These ideas are much more fun than burgers.

July 24, 2020

By: Michelle N. Warner

Related To:

Food Network Kitchen’s Pie Iron Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz

Matt Armendariz

If you're spending much of your weekdays cooped up right now, getting outside on the weekend has that much more allure. So let’s get out of the house and into the yard to grill together all weekend long. We’ve got some fun recipes, including fire-side desserts, grilled pizza and even meatless entrees to make a whole meal that everyone can get involved cooking, even the littles.

Snack Time

While everyone is running around playing in the yard, make an activity out of snacks around the grill.

Split and brush a baguette with olive oil and grill it up to top with fresh tomatoes, pesto, fresh ricotta or all of the above. This Grilled Tomato and Soppresatta bread is a great start.

Food Network Kitchen's Grilled Tomato and Sopressata Bread, as seen on Food Network.

Another easy slam dunk are these Grilled Loaded Nachos. They can hold the family over 'til dinner or make an after-dark snack while you watch a movie together in the backyard.

Food Network Kitchen’s Grilled Loaded Nachos.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz

Matt Armendariz

The Main Event

If you’re making a day of grilling don’t just default to burgers. With a little prep you can make some exciting dishes that even your non-meat eaters will be happy to help cook.

This Grilled Lemonade Chicken is a bright star and with a simple marinade that you can make anywhere from 4 to 24 hours ahead, you should be able to find time to put it together or have another member of your home team get going on it.

Food Network Kitchen’s Grilled Lemonade Chicken.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz

Matt Armendariz

Not eating meat? This Coal-Roasted Cauliflower with Romesco is a show-stopper, and paired with some tasty sides your crowd will love it.

Food Network Kitchen’s Coal-Roasted Cauliflower with Romesco.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz

Matt Armendariz

Do you have a picky bunch? Try these Grilled Pizzas for a Crowd. Everyone gets to top their own from a mix-and-match toppings bar.

GRILLED PIZZA FOR A CROWD, Food Network Kitchen, Food Network, Bread Flour, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Cornmeal, Mozzarella, Fontina, Asiago, Prosciutto, Salami, Ham, Tuscan Kale, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Red Onions, Figs, Corn, Olives, Pistachios, Fennel, Summer Squash or Zucchini, Radicchio, Balsamic Vinegar, Calabrese Chili Sauce, Honey, Parmesan, Sea Salt, Fennel Seeds, Baby Greens, Basil, Lemon Wedges, Tomato Sauce, Garlic, Arugula, Parsley, Capers, Ricotta

Did Someone Say Dessert?

While the coals are still hot, make the most of your time together and make dessert on the open fire too.

Pop open a can of biscuits and get everyone rolling to make these gooey Caramel Apple Grilled Mini Monkey Breads.

Food Network Kitchen’s Caramel Apple Grilled Mini Monkey Breads.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz

Matt Armendariz

Or do it up camping-style in your yard with a pie iron — a fun gadget that allows you to approach the fire from a distance. This Pie Iron Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast makes a great dessert. Or sub the filling for chocolate and marshmallows and you’ve got a gooey delight!