Unlocking the Sweet Side of Barbecue: A Pitmaster’s Guide
As an experienced barbecue pitmaster, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my craft, from mastering the art of low-and-slow smoking to experimenting with bold flavor combinations. But one aspect of barbecue that often gets overlooked is the sweet side – the delectable grilled desserts that can truly elevate any backyard BBQ bash.
In this article, I’m excited to share my personal insights and12 mouthwatering grilled dessert skewer recipes that will have your guests begging for more. Whether you’re a seasoned pit boss or a backyard grilling enthusiast, these irresistible treats are sure to steal the show and become the talk of the party.
Mastering the Grilled Dessert Skewer
Grilled desserts might seem like uncharted territory for some pitmasters, but I can assure you, the rewards are well worth the effort. The key is to approach it with the same level of care and precision as any other barbecue dish. After all, the smoky, caramelized flavors can add an entirely new dimension to your favorite sweet ingredients.
One of the biggest advantages of grilled dessert skewers is their versatility. You can truly customize the ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences or the theme of your backyard BBQ. From fresh seasonal fruits to decadent chocolate-dipped treats, the possibilities are endless.
Selecting the Right Ingredients
When it comes to building the perfect grilled dessert skewer, the key is to choose ingredients that can withstand the high heat of the grill without becoming mushy or falling apart. Firm fruits like pineapple, peaches, and watermelon work exceptionally well, as do heartier vegetables like sweet potatoes and zucchini.
For a truly show-stopping presentation, consider incorporating a variety of colors and textures onto your skewers. The visual appeal is just as important as the flavors, and your guests will be delighted by the vibrant, Instagram-worthy display.
Mastering the Marinade
One of the secrets to making your grilled dessert skewers irresistible is the marinade. Much like a savory barbecue dish, the marinade can infuse your sweet ingredients with a depth of flavor that elevates the entire experience.
I like to start with a base of brown sugar or honey, which helps to caramelize the sugars and create a beautifully glazed finish. From there, I’ll add a touch of acid, such as balsamic vinegar or fresh citrus, to balance the sweetness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices and herbs, too – a sprinkle of cinnamon or a hint of rosemary can work wonders.
The key is to let your skewers marinate for at least an hour, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to fully permeate the ingredients. This extra step may seem tedious, but I can assure you, it’s the difference between a good grilled dessert and a truly exceptional one.
12 Irresistible Grilled Dessert Skewer Recipes
Now, let’s dive into the good stuff – the 12 mouthwatering grilled dessert skewer recipes that are sure to elevate your next backyard BBQ bash. Get ready to wow your guests with these sweet and smoky creations!
1. Honey-Balsamic Grilled Peach Skewers
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, pitted and cut into wedges
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of sea salt
Marinade Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, and sea salt until well combined.
2. Add the peach wedges and gently toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.
Grilling Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Thread the marinated peach wedges onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
3. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the peaches are lightly charred and caramelized.
4. Serve the grilled peach skewers warm, drizzled with any remaining marinade.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Skewers
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
– 8 ounces dark chocolate, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped toasted nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
Assembly Instructions:
1. Thread the fresh strawberries onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each one.
2. Dip the skewered strawberries into the melted dark chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Sprinkle the chocolate-dipped strawberries with the chopped toasted nuts.
4. Place the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
5. Serve the chilled chocolate-dipped strawberry skewers as a decadent grilled dessert.
3. Maple-Glazed Grilled Sweet Potato Skewers
Ingredients:
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of sea salt
Marinade Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
2. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and gently toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Thread the marinated sweet potato cubes onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
3. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
4. Serve the warm maple-glazed grilled sweet potato skewers immediately.
4. Grilled Pineapple and Coconut Skewers
Ingredients:
– 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of sea salt
Marinade Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the pineapple cubes, shredded coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Toss to coat the pineapple evenly.
2. Cover and refrigerate the pineapple mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Thread the marinated pineapple cubes onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
3. Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the pineapple is lightly charred and the coconut is golden brown.
4. Serve the warm grilled pineapple and coconut skewers immediately.
5. Grilled Banana Split Skewers
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe bananas, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
– 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
Assembly Instructions:
1. Thread the banana chunks, strawberry halves, marshmallows, and chocolate chips onto skewers, alternating the ingredients.
2. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat (around 400°F) for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bananas are lightly charred and the marshmallows are toasted.
3. Drizzle the warm grilled banana split skewers with the caramel sauce before serving.
6. Grilled S’mores Skewers
Ingredients:
– 8 large marshmallows
– 8 graham cracker squares, broken into halves
– 4 ounces milk chocolate, cut into 1-inch pieces
Assembly Instructions:
1. Thread the marshmallows, graham cracker halves, and chocolate pieces onto skewers, alternating the ingredients.
2. Grill the s’mores skewers over medium-high heat (around 400°F) for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the marshmallows are lightly charred and the chocolate is melted.
3. Serve the warm grilled s’mores skewers immediately.
7. Grilled Lemon-Blueberry Skewers
Ingredients:
– 1 pint fresh blueberries
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Marinade Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, lemon wedges, honey, and lemon zest. Gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
2. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Thread the marinated blueberries and lemon wedges onto skewers.
3. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the lemon wedges are lightly charred and the blueberries are slightly softened.
4. Serve the warm grilled lemon-blueberry skewers immediately.
8. Grilled Mango and Lime Skewers
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 limes, cut into wedges
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon lime zest
Marinade Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mango cubes, lime wedges, honey, and lime zest. Gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
2. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Thread the marinated mango and lime wedges onto skewers.
3. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the lime wedges are lightly charred and the mango is slightly softened.
4. Serve the warm grilled mango and lime skewers immediately.
9. Grilled Berry Skewers with Honey-Balsamic Drizzle
Ingredients:
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled
– 1 pint fresh blueberries
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Marinade Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey and balsamic vinegar until well combined.
2. Add the fresh strawberries and blueberries to the honey-balsamic mixture and gently toss to coat the berries evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate the berry mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Thread the marinated berries onto skewers, alternating between strawberries and blueberries.
3. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the berries are lightly charred and slightly softened.
4. Drizzle the warm grilled berry skewers with any remaining honey-balsamic mixture before serving.
10. Grilled Pound Cake and Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
– 1 store-bought pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as pineapple, peaches, and strawberries), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Assembly Instructions:
1. Thread the pound cake cubes and assorted fruit pieces onto skewers, alternating the ingredients.
2. Brush the skewered pound cake and fruit with the melted butter, then sprinkle with the brown sugar.
3. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat (around 400°F) for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the pound cake is lightly charred and the fruit is slightly softened.
4. Serve the warm grilled pound cake and fruit skewers immediately.
11. Grilled Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Skewers
Ingredients:
– 3 large apples, cored and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Marinade Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Add the apple wedges and toss to coat them evenly.
2. Drizzle the melted butter over the cinnamon-sugar coated apples and toss to combine.
3. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Thread the marinated apple wedges onto skewers.
3. Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the apples are tender and caramelized.
4. Serve the warm grilled cinnamon-sugar apple skewers immediately.
12. Grilled Coconut-Lime Pineapple Skewers
Ingredients:
– 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon lime zest
Marinade Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the pineapple cubes, shredded coconut, lime juice, honey, and lime zest. Gently toss to coat the pineapple evenly.
2. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Thread the marinated pineapple cubes onto skewers.
3. Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the pineapple is lightly charred and the coconut is toasted.
4. Serve the warm grilled coconut-lime pineapple skewers immediately.
Elevating Your Backyard BBQ Bash
As a seasoned barbecue pitmaster, I can attest that these 12 grilled dessert skewer recipes are guaranteed to take your backyard BBQ bash to new heights. By incorporating sweet, smoky, and caramelized flavors into your dessert offerings, you’ll not only delight your guests but also showcase your culinary expertise.
Remember, the key to success lies in the details – from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the marinade and grilling techniques. With a little practice and experimentation, you’ll be whipping up these irresistible treats with ease, leaving your guests awestruck and craving more.
So, fire up those grills, get creative with your skewers, and let’s celebrate the sweet side of barbecue together. I can’t wait to hear about your backyard BBQ bash and the rave reviews you receive for these mouthwatering grilled dessert creations. Happy grilling, my fellow pit bosses!
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