We’ve got no beef with burgers, but face it: The conventional approach to barbecuing can get a bit boring. At your next backyard bash, impress your guests with these creative – and astoundingly easy – BBQ ideas.
Backyard Pizza
In a perfect world, you’d have a golden toilet and a wood-burning pizza oven. Until then, traditional porcelain and your BBQ will do the trick. For killer pizza, toss an oiled raw pizza dough (either purchased or homemade) on a greased grill over low heat. After it puffs up for a few minutes, oil the topside and flip it; then add sauce and toppings. Cover again for a few minutes, until cheese is gooey and dough is crusty.
Smokey Mac and Cheese
Follow your favourite recipe (or this classic), but cook it in a BBQ-safe dish, away from direct flames. Use wood chips and smoked cheddar for a smokiness you can’t achieve in the oven.
Blue Cheese-Crusted Tomato
Stuff large tomatoes (halved, with seeds removed) with blue cheese and top with a Parmesan and breadcrumb mix. Drizzle with olive oil and grill, away from flame, for 12-15 minutes. Grilled vegetables – and your life – will never be the same.
Pineapple Kebabs
Cut a pineapple length-wise and skewer. Cover skewers with a melted butter and brown sugar sauce. Grill on medium heat until grill marks appear. Drizzle with dark chocolate. The recipe also works with thick slices of apple, cinnamon and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Image courtesy of Stephano A.
