Winter Grilling Recipes: Warm Up Your Taste Buds This Season

Winter grilling is a great way to add some warmth and comfort to your cold-weather meals while embracing the season’s unique flavors. Here are some creative winter grilling recipes to keep you grilling all season long.

1. Grilled Steak with Rosemary and Garlic Butter

Nothing beats the rich flavor of a grilled steak, even in winter. For this recipe, the key is to use a thick-cut steak like ribeye, which holds up well to the grill in colder weather.

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye steaks (1–1.5 inches thick)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're grilling in the winter, make sure to allow for extra time to get your grill up to temperature.

2. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add the minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Stir occasionally and let the butter infuse with the flavors.

4. Grill the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

5. Once the steaks are done, drizzle the rosemary garlic butter over the top and serve immediately with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

2. Grilled Winter Vegetables with Balsamic Glaze

Winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts, root vegetables, and butternut squash are perfect for grilling. The smoky flavor from the grill combined with a touch of balsamic glaze makes these veggies irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick strips

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Place the vegetables in a grill basket or directly on the grill grates. Grill the Brussels sprouts for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill the butternut squash and carrots for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through until tender and slightly charred.

4. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Let it simmer until the glaze thickens, about 5 minutes.

5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the grilled vegetables and serve warm.

3. Grilled Apple Cider-Glazed Pork Chops

Pork chops are perfect for winter grilling, and a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze adds a seasonal touch. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the pork chops a deliciously rich flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup apple cider

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.

2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened.

4. Once the grill is hot, place the pork chops on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the apple cider glaze onto the pork chops for a beautiful, caramelized finish.

6. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes.

4. Grilled Cedar-Plank Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce

Salmon is another perfect winter grilling choice, especially when paired with a refreshing lemon-dill sauce. Grilling on a cedar plank infuses the fish with an aromatic smoky flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on)

• 1 cedar grilling plank (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.

2. Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill and let it heat up for about 3-5 minutes. You should start to hear it crackling.

3. Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place the fillets on the cedar plank, skin-side down.

4. Close the grill lid and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

5. In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, chopped dill, and sour cream to create the sauce.

6. Serve the grilled salmon with a drizzle of lemon-dill sauce and a side of grilled asparagus or a fresh winter salad.

5. Grilled Hot Chocolate S’mores

For a cozy winter dessert, take your classic s’mores to the next level with some grilled chocolate and marshmallows. This recipe combines the rich warmth of a campfire with the comfort of hot chocolate, perfect for those cold winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of marshmallows

• 1 bar of your favorite chocolate (dark, milk, or white)

• 2 graham crackers, broken in half

• Hot chocolate (prepared and warm)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to low heat, or use a direct flame if you're grilling over an open fire.

2. Skewer the marshmallows and toast them over the grill until golden and slightly charred.

3. Once the marshmallows are ready, place a piece of chocolate on top of a graham cracker, then sandwich the toasted marshmallow between the two crackers.

4. Serve these gooey, chocolaty s’mores with a steaming cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate winter treat.

Tips for Winter Grilling:

• Keep the lid closed: Cold air can cause your grill to lose heat quickly. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature.

• Use a meat thermometer: Cold weather can make it trickier to gauge doneness. A meat thermometer ensures that your proteins are cooked to perfection.

• Grill with indirect heat: For thicker cuts of meat, consider using indirect heat to avoid burning the outside before the inside is fully cooked.

• Embrace winter flavors: Incorporate seasonal ingredients like root vegetables, citrus, and hearty meats to make the most of winter grilling.

Grilling in winter can be just as rewarding as grilling in the summer, and with these delicious recipes, you can enjoy smoky, flavorful meals all year round. Embrace the chill, fire up your grill, and make the most of this cozy grilling season!