How to Properly Grill Vegetables

Grilling vegetables is incredibly easy and absolutely delicious! The smoky heat does wonders for veggies, and we always look forward to adding grilled asparagus, corn, zucchini, and more to our plates—especially when they have those beautiful grill marks. Below, we’ve provided some tips on how to grill vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, and onions so you can enjoy them at your summer picnics or add a smoky flair to your vegetable side dishes. We offer specific prep and grilling instructions for each vegetable, but to ensure even cooking without burning, keep your grill at a medium temperature.

How to Grill Vegetables in Foil Packets

Grilling in foil packets is one of our favorite ways to grill fresh vegetables. Just remember that foil packets create steam, so be sure to seal them well. Otherwise, delicious juices will bubble out, leading to dry or burnt food.

1. Lay out a 36×18-inch piece of foil on your workspace and fold it in half to create an 18-inch square. Arrange your vegetables in the center of the square, leaving enough room around the edges for the foil to fold over.
2. Fold the two sides over so they meet snugly in the middle, over the vegetables. Fold the edges over several times to create a tight seam.
3. Fold the ends of the packet over, tightly rolling the foil. Toss the packet on the grill immediately, or refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

How to Grill Vegetable Skewers

For a variety of grilled vegetables, skewer them! When making grilled vegetable skewers, thread cut vegetables or smaller whole vegetables (like cherry tomatoes and small mushrooms) onto soaked bamboo skewers or metal skewers. Soaking bamboo skewers is essential to prevent them from catching fire on the grill. Grill them directly over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and lightly charred.

Grilling vegetables is a fantastic way to ensure you have veggies on your plate during summer barbecues and outdoor picnics. During other times of the year, you can also learn how to roast vegetables to get a similar crispy-tender result (minus the smoky flavor). With grilling and roasting, you can easily keep vegetable side dishes on the table that your whole family will enjoy all year long.

Tip: Some vegetables need a head start so they cook evenly on the grill. If the grilling guide suggests precooking vegetables, you can do so by boiling them in a small amount of water in a saucepan. Add the desired vegetables, cover, and simmer gently for the specified time. Drain well. Before grilling, brush the vegetables with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.