With the Washington summer in full-swing, it’s time to fine-tune your grilling skills. Mix up your grilling fare and impress your guests by grilling up these three fun food recipes at your next BBQ cookout.
1. Grilled Quesadilla with Fresh Pesto
Spice up this traditional, crowd favorite by trading the frying pan for the grill top and giving these tasty quesadillas a delectable freshly grilled flavor. Gather four or five of your favorite veggies, four 12-inch flour tortillas, and at least two cups of Monterey Jack cheese, and four tablespoons of either homemade or store-bought pesto. Dice and slice the veggies and grill until cooked on a grill pan. Place a large grill skillet over medium-low heat and warm ½ teaspoon butter until melted. Lay a tortilla in bubbling butter and begin layering pesto, cheese, veggies, more cheese, and top tortilla. Flip when bottom tortilla is golden brown and remove from the pan once both sides are grilled and cheese is melted. You can also incorporate grilled shrimp, chicken, steak or other meat if desired.
2. Grilled Mini Peppers with Tzatziki
Perfect for appetizers or side dish items, these mini peppers are the perfect fresh, summertime flavors. Place 3 to 4 mini peppers, lightly oiled and salted, on wooden skewers and repeat until you have enough for your party. Toss them onto a grill at medium-high heat, flipping occasionally to grill all sides. While the peppers cook, combine the following to make a cool, minty homemade tzatziki sauce:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 mini cucumber, finely grated and squeezed of all liquid (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1½ teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
3. Asparagus and Ricotta Pizza
Grilled pizza is all the rage this summer. Make yours unique by incorporating unique ingredients like grilled asparagus, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh lemon zest. While grilling a bunch of asparagus, make your pizzas by stretching uncooked pizza dough on floured surface until the dough becomes a thin, 10-inch-wide oval or circle. On the top side of the dough, apply a thin layer of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place the pizza oil-side-down on a medium-high heated grill. Top with generous amounts of cheese, asparagus, and lemon zest and cook for 2 to 5 minutes until cheese is melted and toppings are thoroughly heated. Drizzle olive oil and serve.
For more tips and tricks on how you can spice up your summer entertainment style, contact Aqua Rec Hearth N’ Home.