4 Really Easy BBQ Ideas you Have Never Thought of

Sive O'Brien

We love it when a plan comes together. Weekends and warm weather at the SAME time. Brilliant. Now add some really easy BBQ dining ideas, and you’ve got the Best. Weekend. Ever.

1. Asparagus rafts

Its not like you have never thought to grill asparagus, but when you thread them like this, it makes it a whole lot easier to cook, and it looks so cool too.

All you need is:

Asparagus
Wooden skewers (remember to soak them in water first so they don’t burn on the grill)
1 tbsp Soy sauce
1 tbsp Sesame oil
1 garlic clove crushed
Sesame seeds to sprinkle

What to do

With one hand, hold an asparagus stalk at its base. Bend the stalk over with your other hand – the asparagus will break where the woody part ends and the tender part begins. Discard the base. Place 4 or 5 asparagus stalks next to one another. Skewer them crosswise in two places – just below the tips and 3cm from the bottom – with slender bamboo skewers. You will end up with something that looks like a raft.
In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and sesame seeds and stir with a fork to mix. Brush this mixture on the asparagus rafts on both sides. Season the asparagus with a little salt and lots of pepper.
Grill the asparagus on a barbecue or in a griddle pan for 4-5 mins per side, turning with tongs. Sprinkle with sesame mix as they grill.

Thanks to our favourite foodie inspiration site, bbcgoodfood

2. Cinnamon sugar BBQ peaches

Once you have tried these, you will never reach for an unhealthy dessert option again. You can skip the sugar and add honey if you’re on a real health-kick and serve with lime squeezed into natural yoghurt. If you’re going all-out, these taste great with mascarpone mixed in with lime juice. These are HerFamily.ie tried and tested.

What you need

2 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
1 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
4 ripe, yellow-flesh peaches, halved and pitted (Marks & Spencer do gorgeous ripe and ready peaches you could try)
Coconut or vegetable oil

What to do

In a small bowl, whip the butter with a spatula until smooth. Add the sugar and cinnamon and mix well.
Get your grill going on medium-high heat.
Lightly baste the peaches with the oil and place face-down on the grill. Cook until the tops are slightly softened when you touch them. There’s no need to move them or check them, just wait until those tops are slightly soft!
Remove the peaches from the grill and top with the cinnamon butter.
Serve warm.

Thanks so much for High Heels and Grills for this DELISH recipe. Check them out for more grill ideas.

3. Pepper poppers

You’ll never have grilled peppers on their own again. These are so easy to make.

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (4oz) pimentos or a teaspoon of crushed chilli peppers
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste
6 peppers, de-seeded and quartered

What to do

Place cheeses, garlic, pimentos, and basil in a large bowl. Whizz up with a handheld mixer until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fill peppers up and grill over medium-high heat on tin foil until peppers start to char and soften, and the filling is warm and melted, about 5 minutes.
Enjoy while they’re hot!

Thanks to Whole and Heavenly Oven for this amazing idea.

4. BBQ cones