Welcome to Come On Over, a Food52 newsletter about hosting life’s big and little moments. It’s where we share our personal tips and tricks, from modern-day etiquette—shoes off or shoes on?—to making extra seating out of every surface of an apartment. This week, we’re veggie grilling for the masses.
Good hosts know that catering to all kinds of diets is the name of the game nowadays. No hate to meat—I love a good steak on the grill—but broadening your horizons to master meatless grilling is a win for you and your guests. I like to use hosting opportunities to play with ingredients I’m less familiar with, like nutritional yeast, a big fave of mine lately… What are yours? Respond and let me know, and let’s get into the veg-forward grilling tips.
1. Grilling With the Stars
Step aside, basic veggie burger. Think big: spicy Impossible sausages, charred cauliflower steaks, juicy portobellos, zesty halloumi slabs. The goal is to have as much variety as you'd expect from a meat-heavy grill—maybe more. The sky’s the limit.
2. With Cheese, Please
When grilling for vegetarians, don’t hold back on the cheese. A whole block of feta dressed with lemon and herbs can take any veggie dish from fine to fire, and check out all the cheesy ways to top your veggie patties with different Cracker Barrel Cheeses.
3. Don’t Sleep on the Sides
Grilled corn, asparagus, leeks—throw just about any veg on the grill and it’ll earn fan mail. But it’s a good idea to balance all that char and cheese with something fresh and chilled. Think: crisp slaw, arugula and pomegranate salad, or anything that cools guests down between bites. A good veggie spread needs contrast.
4. A Smokin’ Sweet Ending
Once the savory’s off the grill, it’s time to turn up the heat on dessert. Think: caramelized pineapple, peaches, figs, bananas—even strawberries. Thread it all onto skewers to stay on theme, but with a sweet twist.
5. Be Mindful of Tools
If you’re grilling meat alongside veggies, check in with your meatless guests ahead of time. Some might be fine sharing grill space; others may prefer you use separate tongs or a different section of the grill. A quick ask goes a long way—and keeps everyone happily fed.
6. Don’t Walk Away
It sounds obvious, but it’s a reminder I need too: Keep an eye on the grill. I’ve burned one too many cobs of corn while topping off drinks or getting lost in conversation. If you can, delegate—grill master or host, not both.
What are your best BBQ hosting tips? Veggie grilling hacks, crowd-pleasing sides, or go-to gear—we want to hear it.
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