You bring the meats, and I got the sides to grill! Sometimes the hardest part about hosting a cookout is figuring out sides to grill, so here are my current favorites for the perfect spicy sweet touch: (1) grilled stuffed dates, (2) caramelized peaches and brie, and (3) grilled watermelon.

Ingredients you’ll need:

For the Grilled Watermelon:

watermelon
hot honey
limes
flaky salt
(optional) orange

For the Caramelized Peaches & Brie:

brie cheese
peaches
hot honey
lemon
fresh basil
crostini (for serving)

For the Grilled Stuffed Dates:

medjool dates, pitted
parmesan cheese
feta cheese
orange zest
hot honey
wood skewers, for grilling

What does Grilled Watermelon taste like?

Grilled watermelon is a surprisingly delicious twist on the classic fruit. When you grill watermelon, the heat caramelizes its natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness and bringing out a subtle smokiness. The outside gets a bit charred, adding a savory, almost savory-sweet depth, while the inside stays juicy and refreshing, but with a more concentrated flavor.

The result is a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and a little bit tangy, especially if you drizzle it with a bit of balsamic vinegar or sprinkle some sea salt. It’s like a mix between fresh fruit and a warm, grilled treat. Definitely unexpected but totally crave-worthy!

Can you prep these side dishes in advance?

Yes, you can prep up to the grilling step for all these side dish recipes 1-2 days in advance. In fact, the grilled stuffed dates can be prepped and stored in the freeze for up to 1 month and require no thawing time before grilling.

Cook with me!

Easy Grilling Side Dishes: Grilled Feta-Stuffed Dates & more

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Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Ingredients

For the Grilled Watermelon:

1 ripe Watermelon
¼ cup Nature Nate’s Hot Honey
Zest and juice of 2 Limes
Flaky Salt to taste
Optional Juice of ½ Orange

For the Grilled Stuffed Dates:

Medjool Dates pitted and stems removed
Parmesan Cheese
Feta Cheese
Nature Nate’s Hot Honey
Orange Zest
Skewers for grilling

For the Grilled Caramelized Peaches & Brie with Hot Honey:

1 round Brie Cheese
2 slightly underripe Peaches pitted and sliced
¼ cup Nature Nate’s Hot Honey
Juice of 1 Lemon
¼ cup Fresh Basil chopped
Crostini for serving

Instructions

For the Grilled Watermelon:

Preheat your grill to HIGH, or 450F-500F.
Slice the watermelon into ½” thick pieces.
In a small bowl, combine the zest of 1 lime, the juice of 2 limes, and hot honey. If adding, whisk in the orange juice, as well.
Grill the watermelon directly on the grill racks for 1 minute on each side.
Remove to a rimmed serving dish, then drizzle with the zesty hot honey mixture.
Garnish with flaky salt to taste before enjoying immediately.

For the Grilled Stuffed Dates:

Create a slit halfway through each pitted medjool date.
Stuff the dates with a bite-sized piece of parmesan or feta cheese. Gently press the edges of the date around the cheese to help seal it in.
Layer 4-5 stuffed dates on a wooden skewer.
Grill date-side down directly on your preheated grill for 5-6 minutes, until cheese is bubbly on top and dates are slightly charred on the bottoms.
Drizzle with the hot honey and garnish with orange zest to enjoy.

For the Grilled Caramelized Peaches & Brie with Hot Honey:

In a grill-safe cast iron skillet, toss together the sliced peaches, hot honey, and lemon juice.
Score the top of the brie cheese both vertically and horizontally. Set aside on a separate plate.
Place on a heated grill to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any burning.
Once the peaches are tender and caramelized, create a well in the center of them to add the prepared brie.
Cook for 4-5 minutes, until melted.
Drizzle with additional hot honey and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Enjoy immediately with crostini.

I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

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