Summer is the time of year when everyone likes to throw a party. While people are at your house, you’ll want to make them some great food to eat. Break out your grill and make some of the best dishes of the year, now that you don’t have to worry about rain or snow. Check out these favorite freezer-to-grill meals that will go great with any summertime event. They’re super easy to prep and make, saving you time so you can enjoy the season.
1. Basic Hamburger Patties
When you think about your grill, the first thing you probably imagine is hamburgers. Your first summer bash won’t feel the same without them.
Don’t worry about putting the patties together before guests start arriving. You can easily freeze your burgers well in advance. Just layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together, then zip them shut in a freezer bag.
They can be put on the grill straight from the freezer. Let them cook for three minutes on both sides for medium-well.
2. Seasoned Steaks
Grilling for a smaller party? Pull some steaks from your freezer and start cooking as soon as guests arrive.
The key to freezing and grilling steaks is to season them before they freeze. The seasoning won’t be absorbed into the steak quite as well when it’s frozen, so throw together steakhouse seasoning and make sure they’re covered before they go in freezer bags.
Make sure you get perfectly grilled steaks by setting up a two-fire zone. They should be seared on direct flames, then cooked in indirect heat. That will give you the perfect charred outside without overcooking the inside.
3. Easy Grilled Lobster Tails
The safest way to handle lobster is to order it already frozen. Professionals will know how to freeze it when it’s the freshest, so you won’t lose the quality of what you’re ordering.
When you want to grill your lobster tails, prep a day ahead. Let them thaw out in the fridge overnight, or you’ll have to reduce the heat of your grill when you grill them frozen.
Thawed tails only need six to eight minutes to cook on the grill, meat side up. Frozen lobster will take a bit longer. When the meat becomes firm and opaque, it’s ready.
4. Savory Salmon Fillets
For a summer seafood twist, try grilling salmon fillets. Check out the frozen aisles of your local grocery store. You may even find some pre-seasoned, just for the grill.
Whether you got your salmon fresh or frozen, once you take it out of the freezer, you should brush it with olive oil for easier grilling. Cover in whatever seasonings you like and then turn your grill on its highest setting.
Grill the salmon skin-side down in indirect heat and not over open flames. Give them six minutes to cook, and then flip and repeat. Once the fish is firm, serve with a drizzle of lemon juice.
5. Grilled Chicken Breasts
One of the best things about chicken breasts is that they’re versatile. You can serve them with marinara sauce or shred them for salads. They can be cut up for burritos or mixed into pasta salad.
Chicken should be placed on medium heat and cooked for seven to eight minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached 165 degrees.
6. Steak and Vegetable Kabobs
Are you a more confident grill chef? It’s time to amp up your game with steak and vegetable kabobs. This is a lighter entree that can be served alongside a summer salad or fruit bowl for a delicious and filling meal.
Mix the steak cubes with sauces and seasonings to give them a kick, then drizzle onion and bell pepper slices with olive oil. Skewer on 10-inch sticks, layering as you prefer.
Freeze for at least three hours before putting them on the grill. Rotate them every three minutes for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare steak. Serve with steak sauce or ranch dressing.
7. Cilantro Lime Chicken
This recipe is good for chicken breasts, thighs and wings. It’s perfect to use in tacos, fried rice or an enchilada filling.
Marinate your chicken in freezer bags with cilantro, lime juice, and plenty of salt and pepper. When you’re ready, they can be pulled from the freezer bag and put right on the grill.
Cook over indirect heat until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees. When it’s done, you can cut it or serve it however you like.
8. Breakfast Sandwiches
Try something totally new by whipping up a few breakfast sandwiches and putting them in the freezer. You can pull these out and grill them to perfection alongside baked hash browns and scrambled eggs.
Use English muffins or croissants and pile the inside with eggs, bacon, ham and whatever cheese you like. Grill over indirect heat until the meat has warmed, and the cheese has melted before serving.
9. Get Creative with Your Grill
Don’t let this summer slip away without grilling yourself an amazing meal. Start with something simple if you’re new, like frozen burger patties, and then work your way up to lobster tails and breakfast sandwiches.
You’ll eventually find a recipe you’ll want to make every day. All it takes is a little bit of practice and a spirit of adventure.