Bored by burgers? Go grill a grape (seriously)!

updated 4:34 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2009

This summer, think outside the 'cue. Grill these items for remarkably easy, wholly unexpected, and thoroughly delicious appetizers, garnishes, and side dishes.

Grapes
Small clusters won't fall through the grate and will get even juicier and sweeter over the heat. Serve as a garnish with pork or sausage.

• Try this: Beer-Brined Grilled Pork Chops

Cheese
Briefly grill small wheels of soft cheese (such as Brie) uncut, in their rind, until just melting. Haloumi or queso fresco cheese work as well. Serve with other cheeses and fruit as an appetizer or simple dessert course.

• Try this: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Stacks

Root vegetables
Steam or parboil root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, turnips, potatoes, or sweet potatoes until slightly tender. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper, and your choice of herbs. Grill over medium heat until charred.

• Try this: Grilled Smashed Potatoes

Frisee
Toss lightly in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook over medium-hot grill just to wilt. Add to: salads for smoky flavor and textural contrast.

• Try this: Lobster Salad with Fresh Mint and Lime

More from Bon Appetit 10 Most Common Grilling Mistakes 10 Easy and Delicious Things to Do with Grilled Veggies Top 10 Barbecue Restaurants around the U.S.

Shellfish
Shrimp and lobsters are excellent grill foods — so too are clams and oysters. Place the freshest clams or oysters you can buy directly on the grill over high heat. Cover and cook until shellfish opens, 4 to 5 minutes. Eat straight from the grill with simply a squeeze of lemon and hot sauce.

• Try this: Grill-Roasted Clam Linguine

Melons
A few seconds on a hot grill does wonders for watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and other melons. Not only do the grill marks look appetizing, they taste good too--the heat caramelizes the sugars of the fruit resulting in a mildly smokey and nutty flavor.

• Try this: Brochette of Melon, Prosciutto, and Fresh Mozzarella

Citrus
Halved and charred, cut side down, limes, lemons, and oranges are a beautiful garnish for fish and chicken. The sugars caramelize and make a smoky-sweet sauce to squeeze over the food.

• Try this: Grilled Halibut with Grilled Red Pepper Harissa
  
  

MORE FROM FOOD & WINE

Food & Wine Section Front

Italian cooking made easy: Spaghetti in foil Nigella’s pumpkin pancakes with maple pecans Hoda and Kathie Lee’s favorite holiday treats Nigella’s edible gingerbread tree-decorations Yes, please! Rigatoni with 5 cheeses Patsy's chicken marsala with baked mushrooms Mushrooms gone wild! In risotto, that is 20 secrets your waiter will never tell you Gobble it up: The Scottos' Thanksgiving leftovers Don’t let a dull menu derail your holiday party Food & Wine Section Front   Add Food & Wine headlines to your news reader: