21 grilling recipes, from grilled eggplant to copycat smash burger

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Grill nights can get repetitive fast when the same burgers and corn show up every time. These 21 grilling recipes widen the lineup with vegetables, chicken, seafood, steak, pork, fruit, skewers, foil packets, and burger-style mains all in one place. Some stay quick for weeknights, some fit a bigger backyard spread, and a few lean on a skillet, oven, broiler, or foil packet instead of going straight on the grates.

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Grilled Eggplant

Close-up of grilled eggplant slices garnished with chopped herbs and a glossy glaze.
Grilled Eggplant. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Charred edges and garlic herb oil do the work here, with Grilled Eggplant using eggplants, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley in 25 minutes. It makes 4 servings and works as an appetizer, side, or lighter main. Add balsamic, tahini, or lemon at the end when the plate needs a brighter finish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant

Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and ketchup on a plate. A bowl of lettuce is in the background.
Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic burger setup keeps Cheeseburger focused on 80/20 ground beef, cheddar, soft buns, romaine, pickles, tomato, onion, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in 20 minutes. The recipe makes 2 burgers, with toasted buns and quickly seared patties. Add fries, onion rings, or salad when you want a simple dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Four grilled corn cobs topped with crumbled cheese, chopped herbs, and spices are arranged on a white plate.
Grilled Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet corn gets charred first, then Grilled Corn on the Cob finishes with butter, Tajín seasoning, lime, cilantro, and Cotija cheese in 25 minutes. It makes 4 servings and keeps the ingredient list short. Put it beside burgers, skewers, or chicken when the table needs a fast summer side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cob

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Close-up of grilled chicken wings with a crispy texture, next to a red bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Smoky seasoning carries Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings, with chicken wings coated in paprika, oregano, cumin, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and olive oil spray. The wings bake in 25 minutes and make 4 servings. Set them out with ranch or another dip when the grill menu needs a wing option.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Smoky chipotle, garlic, onion powder, lime, and olive oil give Chipotle Grilled Chicken its punch, while skinless boneless chicken thighs keep it juicy. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 4 servings. Slice it for tacos, rice bowls, burritos, greens, or a plate with grilled vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Charred vegetables and balsamic vinaigrette make Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies feel built for the same table as burgers and grilled mains. The card uses zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, olives, cavatappi pasta, Dijon, garlic, basil, and lemon in 40 minutes. It makes 4 servings and works well as a sturdy side.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Roasted chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin on a white plate, served with a side of greens in a black bowl.
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A whole-bird oven option, Whole Baked BBQ Chicken uses a 5-pound chicken, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, butter, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. It takes 2 hours 10 minutes and makes 5 servings. Bring it out when the spread needs a bigger centerpiece with barbecue flavor.
Get the Recipe: Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Veggie Burger

A homemade veggie burger in a bun, on a wooden plate, ready to eat.
Veggie Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lentils, black beans, mushrooms, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, oats, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce give Veggie Burger structure without making the prep complicated. The patties are skillet-browned in 35 minutes and make 4 servings. Tuck them into buns with cucumber, red onion, and sauce for a burger plate that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Flaky Grilled Salmon

A close-up of a cooked salmon fillet topped with a mixture of chopped herbs, garlic, and seasonings.
Flaky Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Skin-on fillets, lemon zest, garlic, butter, olive oil, and fresh herbs make Flaky Grilled Salmon a 30-minute option for 4 servings. The salmon grills skin-side down and gets brushed with lemon herb butter. Add lemon slices, extra herbs, vegetables, rice, or a salad to keep the plate light but full.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Grilled Salmon

Lamb Kebabs

Three grilled kebabs on flatbread, topped with shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chopped herbs, and a drizzle of white sauce, served with lime wedges.
Lamb Kebabs. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Ground lamb gets mixed with onion, garlic, coriander, mint, cumin, salt, and pepper before Lamb Kebabs hit the grill or griddle. The recipe takes 20 minutes and makes 6 servings, with Greek yogurt, paprika, cumin, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and flatbreads for assembly. Set the sauce on the side for wraps.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kebabs

Grilled Tri Tip

Sliced medium-rare steak arranged on a wooden board, topped with a green herb sauce.
Grilled Tri Tip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chimichurri pulls double duty in Grilled Tri Tip, first as a marinade for 2 pounds of beef and then as the sauce for slicing. Parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes come together in 40 minutes. It makes 4 servings and fits a steak-forward grill spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tri Tip

Charred Grilled Peppers

Grilled red and yellow bell peppers with char marks, topped with crumbled feta cheese and garnished with herbs.
Charred Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet bell peppers take on smoky edges in Charred Grilled Peppers, using olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and optional garlic. The recipe takes 15 minutes and makes 4 servings. Slice them into sandwiches, pile them on burgers, mix them into salads, or plate them with feta.
Get the Recipe: Charred Grilled Peppers

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Close-up of grilled veggie kabobs with zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and onions, garnished with fresh herbs.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lemon dressing gives Grilled Veggie Kabobs a sharper finish, with zucchini, red onion, mushrooms, green bell pepper, eggplant, basil, parsley, garlic, Dijon, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. The skewers take 40 minutes and make 4 servings. Pass the extra dressing around for a brighter bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp skewers served on a plate, topped with chopped herbs and a drizzle of sauce.
Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Butter, lemon, garlic, herbs, olive oil, and 1 pound of shrimp make Grilled Shrimp quick enough for weeknights but still right for the backyard table. The recipe takes 20 minutes and makes 4 servings. Use the skewers in tacos, pasta, salads, or straight off the platter with extra lemon herb butter.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

Caramelized Grilled Pineapple

Close-up of grilled pineapple rings topped with coarse salt and drizzled with syrup.
Caramelized Grilled Pineapple. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Brown sugar and dark rum turn fresh fruit into Caramelized Grilled Pineapple, with thick pineapple rings grilled until the edges caramelize. The recipe takes 20 minutes and makes 4 servings, finished with flaky sea salt and mint. Use it as a side, dessert, burger topping, or scoop-over-ice-cream moment.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Pork Chops

A grilled pork chop garnished with chopped parsley is served on a plate.
Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, Dijon, garlic, and black pepper marinade gives Grilled Pork Chops a savory-sweet base before the chops hit high heat. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 4 servings. Rest them before slicing, then pair with corn, peppers, potatoes, or a crisp salad.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Cheese Burritos

Three foil-wrapped burrito halves filled with ground meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato are stacked on a pink plate.
Grilled Cheese Burritos. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Seasoned beef, salsa, Mexican rice, Monterey Jack, sour cream, lettuce, cilantro, and large flour tortillas fill Grilled Cheese Burritos before they crisp on a griddle or cast-iron grill. The recipe takes 35 minutes and makes 6 servings. Slice them in half for game day, weekend dinners, or a loaded handheld plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese Burritos

Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet

Chunks of cooked beef and roasted potatoes served in an open aluminum foil packet, garnished with herbs.
Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cubed sirloin, baby potatoes, pearl onions, melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parsley make Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet a 45-minute meal with 4 servings. The packets can grill over medium-high heat or bake in the oven. Open carefully, then finish with parsley.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet

Grilled Peaches

Close-up of grilled peach slices with caramelized, slightly charred edges on a white plate.
Grilled Peaches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ripe fruit gets a brown sugar butter finish in Grilled Peaches, with firm peaches, olive oil, butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, optional golden rum, lemon juice, and ice cream. The recipe takes 11 minutes and makes 6 servings. Keep this one for the end of the meal when the grill is still hot.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peaches

Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Chimichurri

Grilled vegetable and halloumi skewers with red bell pepper, zucchini, and herbs, served on a white platter with a small bowl of crushed red pepper flakes.
Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lemon-marinated cheese anchors Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Chimichurri, with halloumi, bell pepper, zucchini, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 4 servings. Drizzle the chimichurri right before plating while the cheese is still warm.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Chimichurri

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cast iron heat creates the crust in Copycat Smash Burger, using ground beef, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, cheddar, buns, lettuce, tomato, spicy mayo, and pickles. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 4 servings. Toast the buns in the skillet and stack everything while the patties are hot.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

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