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17 Grilled Eats That Taste Better With a Bit of Char, a Little Smoke, and a Whole Lot of Messy Goodness

Grilling brings out the kind of food that never pretends to be fancy. It’s a little charred, kind of loud, and usually requires a plate you’re okay with staining. These 17 grilled eats keep things real and don’t ask for approval. They show up, get messy, and still end up being the star. People eat faster and talk less, and that says a lot.

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Grilled lime-garlic chicken breasts with visible char marks on a white rectangular plate, with vine tomatoes in the background.
Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Grilled chicken breasts take on a bold twist with the citrus and garlic flavors of Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts. The smoky char from the grill enhances every bite, making them stand out on any plate. Whether served solo or paired with a side, the lime and garlic combination strikes a balance of freshness and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets

Four servings of lemon-dill salmon in foil packets, with lemon slices and dill on top, arranged on a black grill grate with a green grass background.
Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Foil packets make cooking seafood a breeze, and Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets are no exception. The sealed packets allow the flavor of fresh lemon and dill to infuse every bite while locking in moisture. Balanced simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing the grilled goodness, as the heat caramelizes the edges perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets

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Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Whole cooked leg of lamb on a board with a knife.
Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Lamb gets a smoky upgrade with Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb, creating tender, flavorful bites that hold up to a variety of sides. The smoking process locks in moisture while giving the meat a unique depth of flavor. It’s a great choice to share at gatherings or for a hearty meal. This recipe brings out the best in lamb without overpowering its natural essence.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimps on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled seafood options like Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp combine smokiness with light, vibrant flavors. Easy to cook and quick to serve, shrimp take on just the right amount of char from the grill. Whether added to salads, wraps, or served on skewers, their versatility shines through. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a mix of smoky and light textures.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Smoked Eye of Round

A whole and sliced smoked eye of round with on a wooden cutting board.
Smoked Eye of Round. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rich and hearty flavors shine in Smoked Eye of Round, a cut of beef made even better with the addition of smokiness. The slower cooking preserves the juiciness while ensuring a perfectly cooked center. Easy to slice and share, this dish is ideal for sandwiches, mains, or pairing with simple sides. For those who love beef with layered flavor, this is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Eye of Round

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes served on a white rectangular plate.
Quick Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Charred tomatoes get an upgrade with Quick Smoked Tomatoes, offering a smoky twist to fresh produce. Their soft texture is complemented by subtle sweet and smoky layers from the grill. Use these as a unique topping for dishes, salads, or even pasta for added depth of flavor. It’s a simple way to add a touch of smoke without needing hours of prep.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Best Rub for Beef

A piece of steak on a cutting board with rub on it.
Best Rub for Beef. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Having a solid rub can make all the difference, and Best Rub for Beef brings out the full flavors of any meat it touches. Whether slow-cooking or grilling steaks, this rub complements without overshadowing. The smoky and seasoned outer crust develops beautifully over charcoal or pellets. It’s a dependable choice for anyone looking to transform their beef dishes without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Best Rub for Beef

Traeger Smoked Garlic

Close-up of roasted garlic cloves.
Traeger Smoked Garlic. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoked garlic doesn’t have to be complicated, and Traeger Smoked Garlic makes it easier than ever to achieve deep, smoky flavor. Once smoked, garlic softens and takes on a rich sweetness, ideal for spreading or blending into dishes. Versatile for grilling nights or everyday cooking, it adds a subtle yet impactful kick. Great for anyone who loves bold but simple additions to meals.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Chicken skewers find balance with spiced and sweet flavors in Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. The blend of smoky char with spicy harissa and sweet honey creates layers of flavor in every bite. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts, these skewers are easy to cook while still offering maximum flavor. Try them as a crowd-pleaser or for adding variety to grill night.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

Smoked Berry Crisp

A spoon lifts a portion of Smoked Berry Crisp from a bowl.
Smoked Berry Crisp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet desserts meet smoky flavors in Smoked Berry Crisp, a grilled treat offering rich layers of sweetness with a smoky touch. The heat of the grill creates a caramelized edge, while tender berries bring a natural burst of flavor. Ideal for finishing off a barbecue or just enjoying something different, this crisp checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Berry Crisp

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoky and fresh come together beautifully with Grilled Corn Guacamole, a twist on a classic dip. The charred corn kernels offer added depth to creamy avocado and fresh ingredients. This dish is a standout as a grilled side or appetizer and works for any casual meal or gathering. With just the right amount of smokiness, it’s a reliable go-to for grilled flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs with a dipping sauce.
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Kabobs get a herby refresh with Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs, blending smoky char with the fresh essence of oregano and lemon. Easy to skewer and grill, these kabobs are flavorful yet straightforward to prepare. The chicken stays juicy and tender, making them perfect for outdoor meals. For a dish full of character without being overwhelming, it’s hard to beat this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables including zucchini, mushrooms, red onions, peppers, and squash, arranged on a rectangular black platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Fresh produce gets transformed with Grilled Vegetables, an option rich in smoky char that pairs well with anything grilled. From zucchini to peppers, the natural sweetness of each vegetable shines with a little grill time. This healthy option isn’t just a side dish but can stand alone as a main. For simple yet bold flavors, this recipe brings balance to the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce on a white square plate.
Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tangy meets smoky with Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce, combining grilling goodness with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce. The char from the grill brings out layers of flavor in every wing, perfect for shared meals. Whether served at gatherings or as a meal on their own, wings hit the grill just right here. If you want spice, smokiness, and pure comfort food, these wings fit the bill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter on a plate with asparagus.
Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoky steaks take center stage in Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter, combining depth and tenderness with a buttery finish. Slow-smoking the steaks builds a rich flavor profile, while the sear locks in juices for every bite. Topped with smoked garlic butter, this dish is ideal for steak fans who love smoky accents.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Corn gets a creative twist with Grilled Elote Corn Ribs, featuring smokiness paired with bold spices and flavors in rib-like slices. The smoky edges offer a fun take while keeping the corn tender inside. Perfect as a side dish or snack option, these ribs are great for anyone wanting a bit of grilled creativity on their plate. For a shareable and flavorful dish, this recipe delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Burgers get a smoky upgrade with Bacon-Wrapped Burgers, where the bacon adds texture, flavor, and a bit of extra indulgence. Wrapping bacon around a patty allows the bacon fat to infuse the meat while grilling. These burgers hold their own at gatherings or for casual outdoor meals. If you’re craving bold and meaty flavors, this is a great choice to fire up your grill.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

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