Eight Great Ways To Use Your Grill In The Fall

Peak grilling season is typically the summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun grilling throughout the year. For those who love firing up the grill to create flame-broiled delicacies, you’ll want to think of ways to extend your grilling season far beyond the end of summer. One great way to keep your grill operational after the warm sun has said its final goodbye is to find ways to add fall foods and traditions to your grill.

Some quintessential fall items that you can cook on the grill include pumpkin, apples, sweet potatoes, and yams. You can make s’mores on the grill as a sweet and interactive treat. Grilled pork chops and lamb are particularly tasty this time of year, and pair nicely with fall fruits and root vegetables. You can even cook mulled wine and Thanksgiving sides on the grill in the autumn.

If you love using your grill but find yourself losing the inspiration to cook outside when the fall weather arrives, then this article is for you. Below is a list of tasty fall favorites you can cook on the grill, as well as fun ways to utilize your grill and outdoor space during the coldest months of the year.

Eight Great Seasonal Foods You Can Cook On The Grill This Fall

1. Pumpkin

There are many ways you can cook a freshly-picked pumpkin, but grilling this iconic fall vegetable is arguably the most aromatic. You can grill pumpkin when eating it as a hot side dish, or eat it cold with a seasonal salad. Cook it longer to make pureed pumpkin that you can incorporate into slightly smoky pumpkin pie and other desserts.

Use indirect heat to grill pumpkin. Remember to halve the pumpkin and remove the seeds. Rub oil and whatever seasonings you desire before adding the pumpkin directly to the grill. It takes between 25 and 40 minutes to grill a pumpkin, depending on its size and your desired texture.

2. Sweet Potatoes And Yams

Sweet potatoes and yams are two colorful root vegetables that are nutritious and widely popular in the autumn. You can cook sweet potatoes in various ways and put them in just about anything. There are also multiple ways you can grill this versatile vegetable.

One easy method for cooking sweet potatoes and yams is to wrap them individually in foil and place them on the grill. This method takes between 40 and 50 minutes, and can coincide with the cooking of meat or another main course on the grill.

Alternatively, you can cut sweet potatoes into thick slices, toss them in oil and spices, and place them directly on the grill. These slices will get a delicious charred flavor, and are a healthy alternative to sweet potato fries.

3. S’Mores

S’mores are the ultimate fireside indulgence, but you don’t need a fire pit to enjoy this sweet treat. Not only can you make tasty s’mores on the grill, but there’s a way to make the process clean, safe, and worry-free.

To make hassle-free s’mores on the grill, prepare the graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow, and wrap them in their entirety in foil. Then place it on indirect heat on the grill. In a matter of minutes, you will have a s'more that is melted to perfection.

Alternatively, you can roast marshmallows individually using sticks or skewers with your grill on high heat.

4. Grilled Apples For Dessert

Apples are a quintessential fall fruit. While they are tasty raw and baked in a pie, they can also be delicious when grilled. To grill apples, first slice them and toss in melted butter, sugar, and spices. Then grill them on each side for two minutes, until there’s a sear.

Alternatively, you can core an apple and stuff it with brown sugar, nuts, and other flavors. You then wrap it in foil and cook it slowly on the grill until it’s soft to the touch.

5. Grilled Lamb And Pork Chops

Lamb is tasty any time of year, but it is particularly popular in the fall. This rich and gamey meat pairs nicely with many fall root vegetables, and it is a popular main course for holiday gatherings.

Grilled pork chops are another delicious meat that is best enjoyed in the fall. Pork pairs perfectly with cooked apples, red wine reduction, and other fall flavors.

6. Mulled Wine

Another fall and winter favorite you can cook outside to extend your grilling season is mulled wine. This is a hot alcoholic beverage that warms the body and lifts spirits in the holiday season.

It is cooked in a pot, often on a stovetop, but it can also be slowly simmered on a grill. Cooking mulled wine on the grill is a great activity for those looking to entertain outdoors in the fall and winter. The smells are intoxicating, and the warm alcohol will keep your guests warm on cool days.

7. Thanksgiving Overflow

One great way to use your grill this fall is to use it to cook Thanksgiving sides and keep food warm. When you host Thanksgiving and have a small kitchen, your grill can be a very useful stove alternative.

Using the stove function, or indirect heat, you can keep casseroles warm and heat sauces until you are ready to serve your feast.

8. Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a unique and healthy fall squash that is commonly roasted, but can also be cooked on the grill. Some chefs like to cut the squash in half and then stuff it with various flavors after removing its seeds. 

While many choose to bake acorn squash, you can just as easily add it to the grill by wrapping the stuffed squash in foil and then cooking it with indirect heat.

Five Tips To Remember When Grilling This Fall

1. Give Your Grill Plenty Of Time To Heat Up

You should always give your grill ample time to heat up before adding food items. This allows the interior temperature to get extra hot, so the food immediately starts sizzling when it touches down on the grill. In most cases, this ensures a nice char on the outside while cooking the interior to perfection.

In the fall, you may need to allow even more time for your grill to heat up. This is due to the cooler outside temperatures. Never rush the grilling process, especially as the weather gets colder.

2. Use Indirect Heat To Prevent Drying Food

Once you get your grill hot, you should try to use indirect heat, rather than blasting food with constant flames. Cooking food on your grill in the fall involves a careful balance and consistent temperatures.

To avoid overcooking and drying out your food, try using only one or two burners and placing food a safe distance from the flames. This will help prevent burning and promote slow and controlled grilling.

3. Keep The Lid Shut

As tempting as it is to constantly peek at the progress of your food, it’s crucial you keep the grill lid shut as often as possible. In cold weather, you lose a great deal of heat every time you open the lid. This can lead to uneven and slow cooking.

Instead, set timers, and only open your grill when you prepare to flip and remove the food from the grill.

4. Bring Food Inside Right Away

Grilling safely means cooking outside, often many steps away from your home. While this helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and potential fire hazards, it also means your food will get cold if you don’t act quickly. 

As soon as you remove food from the grill, you should bring it inside. Alternatively, you can place it in an insulated container or in a container inside a warm cooler. This will help keep your food at its ideal serving temperature. The last thing you want to do is microwave food you cooked to perfection only moments prior.

5. Choose Fall-Inspired Foods Whenever Possible

Cooking in the fall can be tricky, but it also has the potential to be very festive. If you extend your grilling season into the fall, try to cook the foods listed above whenever possible. It is a unique time of year when you can enjoy certain squashes and fatty meats that otherwise aren’t available or don’t taste nearly as indulgent.

Summing Up Great Ways To Use Your Grill This Fall

If you get sad when grilling season ends, then you should find ways to use your grill in the fall. The best way to get excited about grilling as the weather cools off is to make fall favorites outside. You can cook pumpkins, acorn squash, sweet potatoes, and even apples on the grill.

Mulled wine and s’mores can be cooked on the grill, and are a great option for those looking to entertain on crisp fall afternoons. Lamb and pork chops are great meat options, as they pair wonderfully with autumn fruits and vegetables.

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