When you’re having a cookout, it can be easy to focus so hard on your main protein that you don’t stop to consider the splendor of perfecting some sides on the grill. Just like with meat, the intense heat of a grill draws out the moisture from vegetables, leaving behind all the sugars that make eating your greens so delicious. While it’s true that everyone loves the explosion of flavor that comes from biting into a perfectly charred chunk of meat, the perfectly cooked vegetable can be just what you need to set yourself apart from other chefs. We picked two mouth watering veggie based sides that could set you up for the most successful afternoon over the grill that you’ve ever had. Whether you’re having a fully vegetarian cookout or are simply craving the most sensational smoky sides you’ve ever made, the smell alone will have everyone in your area raving about your grill skills.
Option One: Mexican Street Corn
If you’re in the mood for something savory that’s still bursting with sweetness, love cheese, or are seeking some sweet heat, Mexican street corn is totally for you. This is absolutely a food you can have fun experimenting with to find the balance of ingredients that perfectly matches your unique palate, but we’ll set you up with a recipe that will knock your socks off no matter what and some pointers to guide you towards creating your ideal culinary experience.
Things you will need:
- Corn on the Cob
- Cotija cheese OR feta cheese
- Mexican Crema OR sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Lime
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Cilantro OR parsley
Things you might want to experiment with:
- Cumin
- Tajin
- Oregano
- Lemon pepper
Making it happen
For a lot of chefs, the best part about Mexican Street Corn is how quick it is to prepare. Mix together equal parts mayonnaise and either your Mexican crema or your sour cream, depending on what you can find at the store. Start with around a quarter cup of each, but you should have enough to lightly coat each piece of corn. If you want a trick to make your recipe pop even more, check your grocery store for chili-lime mayonnaise! Next it’s time to add in around one small lime’s worth of juice. If you’re relying on sour cream to do the job of Mexican crema, try adding a little more lime juice than you think you’d need. Some lime zest can be an excellent addition if you’re interested in taking this sauce to the next level.
When it comes to mixing in the spices, the most vital part is trusting your intuition. Tasting your sauce as you go is the most surefire way to guarantee it has exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re someone who can’t stand the sensation of spice, cumin can be a great substitution for chili powder. It can also taste beautiful mixed in with your chili and paprika. If you have the time, smoking cumin, paprika, and oregano together can create an amazing depth of flavor when sprinkled into the sauce.
Once you’ve mixed up your dream sauce, it’s time to turn your attention to the corn. At this stage, you might choose to add a skewer to make the corn easier to handle. Metal skewers are better for the task, but if you only have wooden ones make sure that you soak them so they don’t burn on the grill. Set your grill to medium-high heat and close the corn in the grill. Keep checking on it, rotating every three minutes. Once the corn is tender and lightly charred all around, remove it from the grill and brushing on your sauce, covering with your cheese of choice, and topping it off with an extra sprinkle of cilantro. Street corn tastes the best piping hot, so waste no time before you dig in! Try leaving some tajin on the table if you’re eating with anyone who might be craving a little extra kick.
Option Two: Loaded Twice-Grilled Potato
This twist on a classic is absolutely unbeatable in terms of creating a savory, satisfying meal. Just like the street corn, this is absolutely something that enables the chef to choose their own adventure. These can be excellent as either a side or as a main course, but whichever you choose, prepare for a flavor sensation that melts your taste buds like butter.
Things you will need:
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Garlic powder
- Chives
- Bacon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cheese of your choice
Things you might want to experiment with:
- Paprika
- Onion powder
Making it happen
Prepare your potatoes by washing, salting, peppering, and poking holes through their skin with a fork. Once they’re ready, you’ll want to heat up your grill to around 400 degrees. Shut them inside the grill and leave them alone for about an hour. Give them a poke with a skewer once you open the top again, and if it glides through they’re ready for you to remove them. Depending on size, you can end up waiting as much as thirty more minutes for the potatoes to be ready to come off the grill for the next step.
When you pull them from the grill, you can either cut them in half, creating two portions per potato, or simply cut off a little from the top. If you go the second route, consider saving your tops to make some delectable potato skins. Scrape out the innards from the potatoes, making sure to leave a little around the edges so that your potatoes don’t collapse. Mix their innards with a generous helping of shredded cheese, butter, sour cream, and garlic powder. Try adding onion powder or paprika for an extra kick if its feeling underseasoned. Feel free to mix some chives and bacon in at this point too! Re-add as much of your mixture as you can fit back into the potatoes, and top with some more cheese and green onions. If you’re looking for something more, or perhaps want your potatoes to feel like more of a complete entree on their own, consider adding some shredded, pre-cooked meat on top at this point as well. This can be a great way to take care of any leftovers!
Put your potatoes back on the grill for approximately 20 minutes, or however long it takes for the cheese to melt completely. Consider topping with a dollop of sour cream, or serve some on the side for the most unforgettable meal of the year.
As you gather with your loved ones around the grill this season, remember that food doesn't just have to be about the main courses—it's about creating a dish that shines with flavor in every part. We promise you that your sides will be bursting with flavor, grilled them to perfection, and will add a delicious twist to your backyard barbecue. Whether you're hosting a block-wide bash or a fantastic family supper, we hope to bring creativity and a burst of summer freshness to the table.
We hope you elevate your outdoor experience!
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