Lookout world, we just got a BBQ and I’ve already started experimenting with grilling. And of course I would start off with a recipe for grilled cantaloupe. It sounds SO weird, but it is honestly SO good!
Last weekend we decided to revamp our small apartment porch. I’ve had a few succulents on our porch, but they needed some love and attention and a few new friends.
While looking for soil and pots, we stumbled on the mini bbqs and we couldn’t resist. We’ve been talking about getting a small grill since we moved to LA and it was finally time – especially since we’re in the heat of summer.
Besides summertime cravings for bbq flavors, we wanted a grill to help mix up our dinner options and keep us eating in more often. And to be totally honest, I was excited about pushing some of the cooking off to my guy!
Grilled Cantaloupe
Grilled CantaloupeSince setting up the grill, I’ve been having so much fun playing with flavors and dreaming up dinner combinations. Marinades and seasoning mixes have come to the center of my attention (loving this homemade Caribbean Jerk seasoning). I
wanted to try grilling fruit but didn’t know exactly what to do. The default is pineapple, I think, which I’m unfortunately allergic too.
I bought this very ripe cantaloupe and thought it’d be fun to add some simple flavors, making it pop while letting the natural sweetness of the fruit come through.
We paired the grilled cantaloupe with grilled chicken and lightly seasoned vegetables. It did not disappoint. This is such a fun and unique flavor combination and it’s so easy to throw on the grill and serve…
How to Pick a Good Cantaloupe
It’s easy to pick a ripe cantaloupe. Press gently near where the stem was pulled off (the indent in the top). If it is soft but not squishy you are good. Another good technique is to smell that same spot, depending on how “cantaloupe-y” it smells, tells you how ripe it is. The stronger the fragrance, the riper it is!
How to Grill Fruit
Each kind of fruit is a little different when it comes to grilling, but some important things to keep in mind. First, fruit softens as it cooks, so bigger pieces and keeping the rind/skin (if applicable) on is really a must. Two, fruit it primarily sugar, so prepare for some fizzy, fragrant drops. It also means, you should be sure to spray or oil the grill to help keep it from sticking. Three, fruit can char pretty quickly because of the sugars, but that doesn’t mean it’s soft, so you want to cook it away from hot, direct heat.
SWEET + SPICY GRILLED CANTALOUPE
Grilled fruit is one of the most underappreciated summer joys, in my opinion! You might be familiar with grilled peaches, but the list of delicious fruit doesn't have to end there. Grilled cantaloupe is really next level and the combination of the smoked paprika and the honey really makes it a taste treat sensation!
Ingredients
- ripe cantaloupe
- smoked paprika
- honey
Instructions
- Slice cantaloupe in 1/2" pieces. Sprinkle each side liberally with smoked paprika (not regular paprika).
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill cantaloupe slices 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from grill. Drizzle with honey.
- If grilling other foods, cook cantaloupe last.
Recipe Notes
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I love grilled peaches so I've really been wanting to get into other grilled fruit, but the next fruit we tried was watermelon and it was so not ok (in my humble opinion watermelon should always be served cold), so needless to say I've been a little hesitant to try other grilled fruit. But this combo of paprika and cantaloupe served with chicken sounds too good to pass up!
What a fun idea, I have never thought of doing this but it sounds amazing!
How different and easy! It looks delicious and I'm certainly intrigued! 🙂
I love how easy this side dish is. I hope you enjoy it if that intrigue turns to taste testing! 🙂
It was a random thought after I bought a ripe cantaloupe at the market just a short while before dinner. Sometimes the crazy last minute ideas turn out to be the best!
I can totally understand the grilled watermelon thing turning you off. The cantaloupe is good – it gets a lot sweeter just like with the peaches!
Good to know…I'll give it a try!
This looks heavenly! We've been obsessed with grilling this summer, I'll have to try this!
Let me know what you think! I thought it was a nice accompaniment to the usually very savory grilled options!