Summer is here which means it’s the perfect season for grilling in the great outdoors. While you’re undoubtedly excited to whip up your signature dish, even the most tried and true recipes need a little something extra now and again. But when it comes to kids and their discerning palates (“I only eat dinosaur macaroni!”), shaking things up without rocking the boat can be a challenge. How can you create memorable dishes they’re sure to love?
Strike up the outdoor grill and bring the whole family together for these 12 kid-friendly grilling recipes. From classic barbecue chicken to grilled pizzas and desserts these crowd pleasers are sure to have the whole family heading back for seconds.
1. Skewers and Shish Kabobs
Nothing is easier than stacking some skewers with meat and veggies then throwing them on the grill. Assemble them in advance with a little help from older kids who know how to be careful with sharp skewers. And don’t forget to cut the meats and veggies into bite-sized chunks for little mouths.
Try to make two to three skewers for each family member, marinating them in a plastic bag or container in the fridge until it’s time for dinner. Soaking the skewers for 10 – 30 minutes is a handy trick that prevents them from burning on the grill. Plus, it makes the food easier to slide off.
The beauty of Shish Kabobs is that you can choose whatever meat and veggie combination your family enjoys most. If you don’t have any go-to favorites, Hawaiian skewers with grilled ham or chicken and pineapple chunks are always a hit.
2. Grilled Meatballs
Meatballs are also a top contender for kids, especially since they’re already bite-sized. These easy to make treats also cook quicker than you might expect when you throw them on the grill. Take things up a notch by using the meatballs for grilled meatball parmigiana sandwiches with melted mozzarella or classic spaghetti and meatballs.
3. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a great kid-friendly grilling recipe. Grill up some fresh summer veggies, such as corn on the cob, zucchini, and peppers. Cut the kernels off the cob and chop up the veggies. Then place them in a flour or corn tortilla with a little shredded cheese, beans, or chicken. You can put out some salsa, bean dip and chips for a tasty side dish as well.
4. Campfire Potatoes
There’s nothing that says summer like cooking over a bonfire. If you don’t feel like striking up the grill or cleaning it afterward, simply put together a small foil packet of oiled and seasoned potatoes and roast them over an open fire pit in the backyard. Not only does it make an easy side dish to the main meal, but it teaches kids some basic camping and survival skills, too. Plus, you can enjoy the ambiance as you eat by the light of the fire.
5. Grilled Steak Salad
Getting kids to eat more salad is a challenge, to say the least. But if you add enough toppings and sneak in some healthy alternatives, like yogurt dressing, they may even enjoy it. Grill up some steak and onions to give it some protein as well. Certain heartier lettuces, like romaine and iceberg, are also great for grilling and provide a lovely, warm crispy texture.
6. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a must-have for any summer BBQ. Offer flavored kinds of butter like a honey-ginger barbecue sauce for a sweet tanginess. Or try your hand at making Mexican street corn Elote style with mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice and a dash of chili powder for the more daring kids. Quick Tip: Peel back the husks toward the bottom, but leave them on to create a mess-free handle.
7. Grilled Pizza and Flatbread
There’s no better kid-friendly grilling recipe than grilled pizza and flatbread. Whether you buy the crust from the store or knead it yourself, it’s an incredibly fun and entertaining way for kids to create whatever kind of pizza pie they want with the toppings they love. You can make mini pizzas so that everyone can enjoy their favorites without the cooties from something undesirable on a neighboring slice. Save some dough for a dessert pizza with Nutella spread, chocolates, and caramels mixed with fruit and graham cracker toppings.
8. Sliders
Grill up some mini patties and create kid-sized hamburgers, better known as “sliders.” Create a garnish and topping bar with pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard–everything a usual burger has! Fancy it up with blue cheese or brie, caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, and red peppers. If you have vegetarian kids, make a few veggie burger sliders, too!
9. Grilled Vegetables
Instead of serving bland and boring steamed vegetables, season some fresh veggies with a little olive oil and throw them on the grill. Freshly grilled vegetables are a fantastic way to convince kids to try a healthy alternative to burgers and pizza. Serve them over a healthy carb such as brown rice or quinoa to create a more substantial meal.
10. Fajitas and Tacos
Serving up fajitas or tacos with chorizo or carne asada is another great way to make the kids happy. Like creating personal pizzas, it allows them to throw together a concoction to suit their individual tastes. Create a fillings or toppings bar complete with cheeses, onions, cilantro, beans, salsa and more. Offer a variety of wraps or crunchy hard-shelled tacos as well.
11. Simple Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a versatile dinner entree, made unique by just about any marinade you can imagine. Try a garlicky lemon pepper seasoning for a pasta dish or a saucy barbecue for a southern-style feast. One tip: spatchcocking the chicken is a great way to reduce cook times while getting the skin deliciously crispy. Serve the chicken with hearty sides like potatoes, veggies, or rice for an instant meal.
12. Grilled Fruit
Last but not least, don’t forget to satisfy your kids’ sweet tooths. Many delicious fruits can stand up to a hot grill. So as you eat dinner, keep the grill hot to sear pineapple, peaches, apricots, and other fruits. You could even warm up a simple pound cake to accompany the fruit. Top off the dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream drizzled with chocolate or caramel toppings.
Images:
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/picture-big-happy-family-making-barbeque-1378345295
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/preparing-individual-grilled-pizzas-on-outdoor-1452639950
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/young-blonde-girl-eating-tortilla-meat-1159447612