Grilled Watermelon

Grilled watermelon can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or dessert. It's especially delicious when paired with savory components like corn, cilantro, lime, feta, or sweet additions like a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Set yourself up for success by cutting the melon into one-inch triangle wedges or quarter slices before grilling. Full steaks often break when flipped. Be sure to sprinkle both sides of the fruit with the sugar-and-salt mixture. Without it, the juicy melon won't char as easily.

If your watermelon is much larger than four pounds, you may need a bit more of the sugar and salt coating.

Learn how to make grilled watermelon. Serve simply topped with lime zest, Tajin, chili powder, or any final touches of your choosing.

What Happens When You Grill Watermelon?

Watermelon has a high sugar content, and when those wedges hit the heat of the grill, the sugars present in and on top of the fruit quickly begin to caramelize. Grill marks bring new dimension to the flavor of the melon, contrasting the sweetness with smokiness and bringing savory components to this classically sweet fruit.

What Does Grilled Watermelon Taste Like?

Served right off the grill, each slice of melon is a masterclass in complexity. Sweet watermelon, deepened with caramelization, smoke from the grill, and a hint of salt, is wonderfully balanced. Top with lime zest, Tajín, and/or chili powder, and you've added acidity and heat that brings it all to the next level.

Ingredients for Grilled Watermelon

You don't need much to make grilled watermelon. All that's required are;

• A ripe watermelon: You want a perfectly ripe, juicy watermelon. Look for a melon that's heavy for its size and has the field spot (a yellow spot where the watermelon sat and grew).
• A little sugar: This will help caramelize the watermelon's surface once on the grill.
• Salt: A hint of salt is a great way to enhance the fruit's sweetness.

After grilling, take things up a notch with lime, Tajín, and/or chili powder, or top with whipped cream or ice cream for a sweet finish.

How To Make Grilled Watermelon

To make grilled watermelon, follow these simple steps. The full recipe is further below:

• Step 1. Trim the watermelon: Start by trimming and cutting the melon into quarters. Then, cut each quarter into 1-inch slices.
• Step 2. Add seasoning: Sprinkle watermelon evenly with sugar and salt.
• Step 3. Grill: Place fruit onto oiled grates of a preheated grill, and wait for those grill marks to appear; about three minutes on each side.
• Step 4. Finish: Once watermelon is finished grilling, you can top it with anything you prefer and serve immediately.

How To Serve Grilled Watermelon

Grilled watermelon should be served hot off the grill. You can even grill to order as the party progresses, or when guests are ready for dessert.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.