OXO Good Tips Blogs: Cooking & Baking

Potatoes and butter-basted corn on the cob are staples when you’re cooking on the grill. But the next time you have friends over for a cookout, why not replace that standard fare with some more unique grilled side dishes? We’re talking grapes, oysters, cheese and more.

If you want to surprise your guests at your next backyard barbecue, try these four recipes.

French Sweet Onions

Directions:

1) Cut each sweet onion in half most of the way down, so the two halves are still connected at the base. Turn the onion 90 degrees and make the same cut, then turn the onion 45 degrees and make the same cut, then 90 degrees and the same cut. You’ll end up with eight onion wedges, all connected at the base. You can also use an apple divider to save time and create evenly sliced wedges.

2) Place each sweet onion on a square of tin foil large enough to wrap the entire onion. Press a stock cube down into the middle of each onion, and press a pat of butter down on top of that. Bring up the sides of the foil and wrap the onion, leaving a little bit of room inside for steam.

3) Place the packets on a medium-high heat grill for 40 minutes, or until the onion inside gets soft and tender. Move the packets into individual bowls. Unwrap foil and eat by pulling off pieces of the onion with a fork.

4) (Optional) After each onion is cooked, unwrap it and top with Gruyere cheese; cook under a grill until bubbly.

Grilled Brie with Jam and Toastlets

Directions:

1) Heat grill to medium-high heat.

2) Brush Brie rind all over with olive oil.

3) Grill for 3 to 5 minutes on indirect heat. Flip over and grill for 3-5 more minutes. If desired, brush a tablespoon of your favourite jam on top of the Brie after flipping it.

4) Remove from grill and serve with jam and toastlets.

Oysters on the Barbie

Directions:

1) Heat grill to medium-high heat.

2) Scrub the oysters.

3) Place the oysters cup-side-down onto the grill. Cover the grill and cook oysters for 5 to 10 minutes, watching for shells to pop open.

4) As each oyster opens, remove it from the grill and pull the top shell off. Serve with lemon wedges.