Grilling can and should be a year-round endeavor. But summer seems to be when we up the ante, becoming self-proclaimed barbecue masters seemingly overnight. We get saucy with new marinades and rubs, boost burgers by experimenting with different meats and accompaniments, and work in our farmers market finds, putting everything from berries and stone fruits to vegetables and cheese over hot coals.
There’s no rule stating that grilling is just for the main meal of the day. Rise and shine with breakfast; grill up a midday salad; slice a loaf of crusty bread, slather with oil and after a few minutes over hot goals, you’ll have the perfect vessel for happy hour bruschetta. Dessert? You could go old school with s’mores, but there’s so much sweet territory to explore that it would be a shame to limit yourself.
This seems like a fine time to don our “Kiss the Cook” apron and try recipes with a little more flair, so we called on expert authors and a local chef to help fuel our ideas. Whether your preferred method is charcoal, gas, fire pit, flat-top or smoker, here are five recipes to get you started on a smoky, delicious summer adventure.
Grilled French Toast
Serves 4. Breakfast outdoors spells adventure, no matter where you’re cooking and eating it. This hearty French toast (yes, cook it right on the grill!) is a cinch to prepare. Serve with butter, maple syrup and fresh berries and it’s a sure bet that everybody will be talking about breakfast for the rest of the day. From “The Outdoor Cook: How to Cook Anything Outside,” by America’s Test Kitchen (2023, $30). The book is a great resource for beginner outdoor cooks or those who want to learn more about cooking al fresco. It covers gas and charcoal grills, flat-tops, fire pits and more, in the typical no-detail-is-too-small fashion that’s an ATK hallmark.