Top 30+ unconventional foods to BBQ this Fourth of July

  Sure, hamburgers and hot dogs are an American staple, but times are a-changin’ and so should your old Fourth of July grill routine. Check out this gallery for some surprising things you might not have ever thought to throw on the barbecue.

Oysters

It seems intimidating, but all you have to do is throw them on the fire flat-side up for five minutes. To put it over the top, add a bit of Parmesan and garlic butter on top.

Rice balls

Yaki onigiri, or Japanese grilled rice balls, are an easy way to liven up your barbecue. Simply form warm short-grain rice into balls using plastic wrap, then grill with butter and soy sauce when you’re ready.

Guacamole

Throw corn and avocado halves onto the grill and let them char, then add them to a bowl with red onion, garlic, lime juice, and jalapeño. You’ll never do guac any other way.

Romaine hearts

You might not think to throw a leafy greens on the barbecue, but grilled romaine hearts with Caesar dressing makes a delicious and healthy side for a fraction of the calories.

Tofu

A healthy and veg-friendly addition is sure to please at any barbecue. Slather thick cuts with a sweet and spicy marinade for a burger replacement, or skewer them with vegetables for an appetizer.

Kale

Succumb to the kale chip craze as you taste the leafy green’s crisp edges and smoky flavor. Mix with ricotta, grilled plums, and fish for the classiest of celebrations.

Portobello mushroom caps

If you’re in the burger mood but are looking for a meat alternative, portobello mushrooms are perfect. They’re chewy and flavorful, and they go really well with a slice of gooey cheese.

Brussel sprouts

It’s cool not to like brussel sprouts when you’re a kid, but now it's time to get onboard. Grilled so they’re tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, pair the sprouts with bacon and maple syrup.

Carrots

Reacquaint yourself with the orange crunchy vegetable as it sweetens and softens on the grill, then toss it with lime juice, a dash of cumin, and cilantro for a gustatory adventure.

Sweet potatoes

Healthier and tastier than regular fries, slice sweet potatoes into thin wedges, toss with olive oil and spices (try a simple cilantro-lime dressing), and grill for about 10 minutes.

Mini peppers

Skewer them and lay them on the flame until they blister for optimal flavor, then top with a minty tzatziki sauce for a joyous blast to the taste buds.

Mixed nuts

Roasting nuts brings out a depth to their flavor, and you can sweeten things up with maple syrup, fruit, and ice cream, or spice them with salt, pepper, rosemary, sage, and cayenne pepper.

Grapefruit

Grilled grapefruit is amazing on its own, as the sugars caramelize and it turns sweeter. But it’s even better when you mix it with honey, ginger, and vodka. On to the desserts!

Galette

Take your pick of fruit—from peaches to strawberries, cherries, or blueberries—toss it into a pie crust, throw some chocolate in there, fold the edges, and let the grill melt all those amazing flavors together.

Doughnuts

Press some doughnuts on the grill for a dangerously good upgrade to the American classic. Take it one step further and top it with peanut butter and jelly.

Banana s’mores

Slice a banana down the center, stuff it with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cracker crumbs, wrap it in foil and let it sit on the grill. In a few minutes you’ll have a warm, gooey treat.