It's Memorial Day Weekend, so that means you'll probably be eating some food from the grill. Let me guess, you're planning on grilling some burgers for Memorial Day? Guess what, your guests may have been at a friend's cookout on Saturday, a neighbor's BBQ on Sunday. It's time for you to be a hosting hero by providing something a bit different than the summer grilling staples of burgers and hot dogs.

Fortunately, we are here with some innovative grilling recipes that will take you well beyond the burger. In fact, we even have a dessert here, too. Let's get going!

skewers cooked on the grill

Appetizers

Have you ever considered adding an appetizer or two to your grilling repertoire? If not, you definitely want to make sure you do so this summer. It is far easier than you might imagine, and ideal for times with friends or guests as it gives you little, easily whipped up nibbles that make for an unforgettable meal.

Grilled bread with a grilled tomato bruschetta topping

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds plum tomatoes, cored and cut lengthwise
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp. red wine or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 4-6 very thick slices of Italian bread
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves minced

Steps:

  1. Heat your grill to medium and, while it heats, toss the tomatoes with one or two tablespoons of olive oil. Lay them on the grill and let them cook for five to ten minutes - or until they start to char.
  2. Slide them from the grill and into a bowl. Add the garlic, vinegar and pepper as well as salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Brush the bread on both sides with oil and then grill on each side. Cut the slices in half and place a bit of the bruschetta on each, sprinkling with basil and serving.

Side Dishes

Grilled Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of small red potatoes (in their skins)
  • Favorite marinade or dressing, examples: italian, ranch, etc.

Steps:

  1. Boil a pound of small red potatoes (in their skins) til fork tender.
  2. Drain and while hot, toss with your favorite marinade or dressing.
  3. Let cool, and while grilling other sides or the main dish, place the potatoes on the grill allow to begin to scorch before turning, and when all have browned nicely, return to the bowl with remaining marinade, tossing gently.

Grilled Corn

Ingredients:

  • 4-6 ears of corn
  • Butter
  • Favorite herbs or flavorings, examples: lime, paprika, parmesan cheese, etc.

Steps:

  1. Start with only four to six ears that have been husked with the husks tied at the far end as a handle. Soak them in cold water for at least an hour, or more before grilling.
  2. Heat the grill to high and make sure it is lightly oiled. Cook on the grate for two to three minutes, basting with melted butter or any combination of herbs or flavorings you'd like. Turn every two to three minutes, cooking for about 12 minutes in total.
  3. Baste a final time and enjoy.

Entree

Stuffed Burgers

Did you ever think about stuffing burgers to allow faster cooking times and juicier meat? Whether you are using beef, turkey or chicken, these combinations are amazing!

Combinations:

  • Smoked gouda and barbecue sauce
  • Avocado and spicy mayo
  • Swiss cheese, steak sauce, horseradish
  • Wild mushrooms, blue cheese, hot sauce
  • Cheddar and cooked bacon
  • Chutney, curry, scallions, peppers, ginger, cilantro, chili sauce
  • Tomato, basil and mozzarella
  • Spinach and cheddar
  • Feta, red pepper and pesto
  • Cream cheese and diced jalapeños

burgers cooked on the grill

Satay and Skewers

There is nothing more American to grill than a Burger, but it's OK to get a bit global in your menu. If you have yet to try "satay" of any kind, your summer grilling will benefit from a bit of experimentation with these delicious treats. Satay is an Asian dish, consisting of small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer and served with a spiced sauce that typically contains peanuts. Try some chicken satay, pork satay or beef satay using the links provided.

Dessert

Though we have considered some great recipes already, we have to also add a dessert! You will find yourself torn between this iconic Grilled Apple Crisp from Reader's Digest and the irresistible Grilled Pound Cake from Taste of Home.

You're ready to wow your guests with great new food to try off the grill. Now you just need to get out there and get your yard looking good for your cookout! What's a good meal without a nice view to go along with it?