There’s something special about the first warm weekend of May. For us, it’s the unofficial start of grilling season — the smell of smoke in the air, cold drinks in hand, and the sound of kids running barefoot on the grass. This year, we kicked things off with a full-day backyard barbecue, and it couldn’t have been better.
If you’re wondering what to grill, I’ve got you covered with a roundup of our favorite grilled dishes from the day — including some fun options for kids. Plus, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of using a charcoal grill, briquettes, or gas.
🔥 Grills We Used: Charcoal vs Briquettes vs Gas
Before diving into the grill recipes, let’s talk gear. We tried out three types of grills this weekend, and each brought something unique to the table.
Charcoal Grill – Classic and smoky. Nothing beats that rustic flavor you get from real wood charcoal. It takes time to get the fire going, but once it’s hot, it’s unbeatable. The char and smoky finish it gives meat is next-level.
Briquette Grill – Think of it as the charcoal grill’s reliable cousin. Briquettes burn longer and more evenly, which is perfect when you’ve got a crowd and a lot of food to grill. The heat control is better, and you don’t have to keep adding fuel.
Gas Grill – The MVP of convenience. With a turn of the knob, you’re cooking in minutes. It’s clean, quick, and easy to adjust temperatures. While the flavor is milder, a good marinade makes up for it.
🍴 What to Grill? Our Favorite Grilled Dishes from the Day
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just grilling for your family, here are our go-to grill recipes that made this sunny day unforgettable:
🍖 Honey-Mustard Pork Neck Steaks (Karkówka)
This Polish-inspired grilled dish is the definition of comfort food. Thick-cut pork neck steaks were marinated overnight in a mix of Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. The result? A caramelized, slightly sweet crust with juicy meat inside.
We grilled them over briquettes for that perfect sear without burning the marinade. Pair with grilled potatoes and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a hearty meal that makes you feel like you’re on vacation in your own backyard.
🥙 Chicken & Pineapple Skewers
If you’re asking what to grill that’s both colorful and kid-friendly, these skewers are a winner. We marinated chicken breast in olive oil, lime juice, and a touch of curry powder. Then we layered it onto skewers with chunks of pineapple, red bell pepper, and red onion.
Grilled on a gas grill for precise control, they came out tender, sweet, and slightly spicy. Perfect finger food for adults and kids alike — and super Instagrammable!
🧀 Grilled Halloumi with Mint & Lemon
Looking for a vegetarian option that’s still exciting? This grill recipe is one of our go-to dishes. Halloumi cheese doesn’t melt, which makes it ideal for grilling. We seared thick slices until golden and served them with fresh mint and lemon juice.
It’s light, fresh, and a perfect contrast to the heavier meats. Even the meat-lovers went back for seconds!
🥔 Foil-Wrapped Grilled Potatoes with Garlic Butter
You can’t have a BBQ without potatoes, right? We wrapped medium potatoes in foil with garlic butter and tossed them into the hot coals under the grill grate. After about 40 minutes, they came out soft, smoky, and buttery — the ultimate side dish.
Top with sour cream, herbs, or crumbled feta and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that goes with everything.
👧 What to Grill for Kids? 3 Ideas That Were a Hit
Feeding little ones at a BBQ doesn’t have to mean plain hot dogs. Here are three grilled dishes we made that the kids devoured (and honestly, so did the adults):
🍔 Mini Burgers
Small is fun! We shaped mini turkey burger patties and grilled them quickly on high heat. Then we set up a burger station where the kids could assemble their own sliders with cheese, lettuce, and ketchup.
They loved the hands-on part, and we loved how easy they were to make. A must for any family BBQ.
🍫 Chocolate-Stuffed Grilled Bananas
This dessert is pure magic. We sliced bananas down the middle, stuffed them with pieces of milk chocolate, wrapped them in foil, and placed them on the grill for about 10 minutes.
The bananas turn gooey, the chocolate melts, and the result is a warm, melty treat that feels indulgent but takes almost no effort. Serve with a spoon and watch the smiles.
🌈 Veggie Rainbow Skewers
Let kids make their own veggie skewers! We set out bowls of cherry tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, red and yellow peppers — all cut to kid-size. They got to build their own, and we grilled them until just tender.
Served with a simple yogurt dip, these grilled dishes were a fun, healthy way to balance out the sweets.
🍹 Drinks & Atmosphere
While the grill was doing its thing, we served pitchers of homemade lemonade with strawberries and mint. The adults enjoyed a crisp rosé and craft beer from a local brewery. With music playing, string lights swaying in the breeze, and kids laughing in the background — it was everything a spring day should be.
Final Thoughts: What to Grill for a Perfect Day?
Grilling isn’t just about food. It’s about togetherness, slow living, and enjoying what’s right in front of you. Whether you’re firing up a charcoal, briquette, or gas grill, the best moments come from simple, delicious grilled dishes shared with the people you love.
Next time you’re wondering what to grill, come back to these recipes — they’ve been tried, tested, and devoured by some very happy people.
Happy grilling! 🔥🥩🌽
