Nothing says summer quite like the sizzle of something delicious hitting the grill. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a Sunday gathering on the porch, grilling brings the flavors of the farm to life. From smoky meats to fire-kissed veggies and even grilled fruit, this guide will help you master the art of homestead grilling.
Guide to Grilling – Why Grilling Works on the Farm
- Keeps the heat outside – No need to warm up the kitchen.
- Utilizes farm-fresh ingredients – Garden veggies, home-raised meats, and fresh herbs shine on the grill.
- Brings people together – Grilling is a social event and a simple way to feed a crowd.
Guide to Grilling – Essential Grilling Gear
You don’t need fancy equipment, but a few basics help:
- A solid grill (charcoal, propane, or smoker)
- Long-handled tongs and spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Grill basket for smaller veggies
- Cast iron pan (for grill-top sides or desserts)
The Outdoor Cook: How to Cook Anything Outside Using Your Grill
Your comprehensive guide to outdoor cooking with 150 recipes to make the whole meal outdoors, including snacks, sides, breads, and desserts
Guide to Grilling – Grillable Produce from the Farm
Here are just a few fruits and veggies that taste amazing with a little char:
- Zucchini & Squash – Slice thick and season with olive oil and herbs.
- Bell Peppers – Grill in halves or strips; great in fajitas or salads.
- Corn on the Cob – Grill with husks on for a smoky-sweet flavor.
- Onions – Caramelize into sweet rings perfect for burgers.
- Tomatoes – Grill cherry tomatoes in a foil packet or thick tomato slices for bruschetta.
- Peaches & Pineapple – Grilled fruit brings out their natural sugars and makes a great dessert.
Guide to Grilling – Go-To Grilled Meat Marinades
Mix these ahead and let meats soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight):
Farmhouse Herb Marinade
- Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and thyme
Sweet & Spicy BBQ
- Brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, paprika, mustard, and a splash of hot sauce
Simple Garlic Citrus
- Orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and olive oil
Guide to Grilling – 3 Easy Grilled Recipes to Try
1. Grilled Veggie Platter
- Zucchini, squash, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms
- Toss in olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs
- Grill until tender and lightly charred
2. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Marinate in your favorite sauce, then grill on medium-low
- Turn frequently for even cooking and juicy meat
3. Grilled Peaches with Honey & Cream
- Halve and pit ripe peaches
- Grill face down for 3–4 minutes
- Drizzle with honey and serve with whipped cream or yogurt
Guide to Grilling – Homestead Grilling Tips
- Let your meat come to room temperature before grilling.
- Don’t press burgers or steaks—keep those juices inside.
- Use direct heat for searing and indirect heat for slow cooking.
- Always let meat rest a few minutes before slicing.
Farm Life Bonus:
Save your veggie scraps and meat bones from the grill. Use them to make a smoky homemade broth for fall soups. Nothing goes to waste on the homestead.
A Life on the Farm is beginning a series of farm fresh summer cooking ideas! We just completed a series of informational and instructional posts concerning various aspects of much needed cooking skills. Check them out and be sure to subscribe and come back for that and more!
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT
We also, as a homesteading family, have a variety of blogs that might interest you. A Life on the Farm focuses on the more personal side of the homesteading life. We discuss subjects like family, parenting, relationships, homeschooling, cooking, canning and so much more.
Two Oaks Farm Talk concerns the more technical side of homesteading. We discuss subjects like gardening, food prep, and farm building and construction with lots of tutorials!
Farm Raised Family is basically a hub for everything under the Two Oaks Farmstead umbrella. You can learn a great deal about all parts of the farmstead there. The Farm Raised Family blog focuses on financial matters such as budgeting, saving, and more and on current events affecting families.
You can also have a more in depth look at all that we do by visiting our Two Oaks Farmstead YouTube Channel and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss a thing!
Farm Life and Freedom is the new podcast we are in the process of launching! It is going to be so much fun! You could also check in with our Farm Life and Freedom Youtube Channel.
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