Whether or not you’re already grilling your main course, grilled vegetables bring out the best flavor in brussels sprouts, asparagus, zucchini, and more. If you or a family member thinks they don’t like vegetables, you might change that mindset after trying veggies grilled.
We recommend grilling veggies you think will pair well with your main course. It’s hard to go wrong with grilled vegetables, but here are a few of our favorites.
We also recommend grilling vegetables that you don’t usually -- especially if you’ve only had them steamed or boiled.
A lot of us grew up thinking we hated vegetables like cabbage and Brussels sprouts. That's because those two vegetables contain sulfur compounds. When you cook them with moisture, such as steaming them, they become especially bitter.
The chemical reactions around that are complicated but essentially, these vegetables produce hydrogen sulfide when exposed to heat. When they’re steamed, the hydrogen sulfide can’t escape and falls back into the vegetable. Hydrogen sulfide produces that sulfurous smell and bitter taste that many people dislike. When you grill or roast these vegetables, hydrogen sulfide escapes and doesn’t ruin your meal.
The ideal grilling temperature for vegetables depends on the vegetable and the texture you want to achieve. Medium to medium-high heat is the recommended range for vegetables. In our recipes, we grill vegetables between 300 and 450-degrees Fahrenheit.
We generally recommend grilling meat before grilling vegetables. Typically, meat takes longer to grill and might require a hotter grill temperature. You should grill your meat before your vegetables if any of the following apply:
If you’re cooking your meat and vegetables at the same temperature, and they take about the same amount of time to grill, feel free to cook them at the same time. If the vegetables take longer to grill than your meat, you can start the vegetables first.
Yes, grilled vegetables are healthy. In general, grilling is considered a healthy method of cooking because it relies on only little brushed oil versus cooking in bacon grease or lard. That does mean you’re using more oil than you would if you were eating your vegetables raw or steamed. But if adding a little oil and salt to your vegetables means you’re actually eating veggies, that’s healthier than no vegetables at all.
Yes, you should lightly brush oil on your vegetables before grilling. This step can help seasoning (like salt and pepper) stick to the vegetables. Oil also prevents the vegetables from drying out and sticking to the grill.
The exact time it takes to grill vegetables depends on a few factors including the size and density of the vegetable. Here are a few common vegetables and their recommended grill time and Fahrenheit temperature.
Generally speaking, cook vegetables until they are soft enough to be easily pierced by a fork, but not mushy.
Grilling vegetables can be as easy as brushing with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are a few of our favorite grilled vegetable recipes.
This easy grilled vegetable medley is the perfect foray into grilling vegetables. It’s elevated by our homemade light and flavorful lemon herb vinaigrette. You may never buy dressing in the grocery store again.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Root vegetables—including beets, squash, and yams— are packed in nutrients, making them a hearty side when cooked on the grill.
Ingredients
Serves: 6
Cooking time: 45 minutes
This colorful medley of sheet pan vegetables takes just a few minutes of preparation and is ready to serve in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 25
Another take on roasted root vegetables, this recipe incorporates cinnamon and honey for an unforgettable and hearty side dish.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 45
This roasted asparagus recipe is simple and delightful. Our Traeger Veggie Rub does the heavy lifting.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 30 minutes
These grilled zucchini squash spears are easy to prep and come together with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 10 minutes
The competition is fierce, but we think grilled eggplant is the star of our grilled veggie sandwich. Simply toss the eggplant and other vegetables with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper, then grill until tender.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Grilling an onion is as easy as slicing it in rounds or wedges, drizzling with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, and grilling at medium high heat until tender. But if you really want to impress your friends and family, try our grilled blooming onion.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 30 minutes
For a quick and delicious weeknight side, try this roasted broccoli with Parmesan cheese recipe on the Traeger.
Ingredients
Serves: 6
Cooking time: 10 minutes
To grill these brussels sprouts, toss in olive oil and salt and pepper and grill at 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Check out our creamy brussels sprouts recipe for a stellar bacon and cheese sauce to elevate your new favorite vegetable.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Grilled mushrooms, including our grilled baby portobello mushrooms, are a great addition to other dishes like stuffing or pizza.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 45 minutes
According to acclaimed chef Tyler Florence, the key to perfect grilled artichokes is simmering them for 30 minutes before grilling.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cauliflower is having a moment right now (we’ve seen cauliflower pizza and cauliflower wings!) but cauliflower is a great vegetable on its own. Our simple roasted cauliflower recipe lets this vegetable shine.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 30 minutes
When most folks think of grilling vegetables, they may not consider green beans. We want to change that with our recipe for bacon-wrapped green beans. All you need is a sheet pan and your grill.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 20
Our favorite grilled carrot recipe uses beautiful heirloom carrots and is equally perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Our grilled beer cabbage is an ideal side for St. Patrick’s Day and is cooked in an entire can of Guinness.
Ingredients:
Serves: 4
Cooking time: 50 minutes