Cooking on a Backyard Grill Simple and Delicious Meals When the Power is Out

Photo byThumbwind Publications

Now that hurricane Milton has barreled through Florida, power outages are almost inevitable. But just because the electricity is out doesn't mean your culinary options are limited to cold sandwiches or canned goods. With a trusty backyard grill, you can still create flavorful and filling meals that bring comfort in an otherwise challenging time. Whether you're using a propane or charcoal grill, the open flame offers a range of cooking possibilities that go far beyond the typical burgers and hot dogs.

Here’s a friendly guide on how to prepare ten simple, delicious meals on your grill using basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or cooler. These meals are not just practical during a power outage but can also add a bit of joy and normalcy to your routine as you wait for the lights to come back on.

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Vegetables

Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for grilling—juicy, flavorful, and forgiving if you're not an expert griller. All you need is some oil, salt, pepper, and garlic to create a tasty marinade that brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Steps:
• • Marinate chicken thighs in oil, salt, pepper, and garlic for about 30 minutes (if time allows).
  • Slice sturdy vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, toss them in a bit of oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill the chicken thighs on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Add the vegetables to the grill alongside the chicken, turning occasionally until they develop a slight char and are tender.

Not only is this meal easy to throw together, but it’s also packed with nutrients and has enough variety to keep everyone at the table happy.

Foil Packet Sausage and Potatoes

Photo byThumbwind Publications

Foil packet meals are the grill's secret weapon. With minimal prep and no dishes to wash, this hearty combo of sausage and potatoes makes a fantastic one-dish meal.

• Steps:
• • Slice sausages (Italian, smoked, or whatever you have on hand) and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
  • Toss them in a bit of oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
  • Lay the mixture out on large sheets of aluminum foil, fold them into packets, and place them on the grill.
  • Grill for about 20-30 minutes over medium heat, flipping the packets halfway through.

When you open up the foil, you’ll have perfectly cooked sausage and potatoes, infused with smoky flavor. It’s a filling, warm dish that feels like a complete dinner with very little effort.

Grilled Hot Dogs with Baked Beans

Sometimes, simplicity is best—especially when you’re dealing with a power outage. Grilled hot dogs and canned baked beans are a classic duo that everyone loves.

• Steps:
• • Grill the hot dogs over medium heat, turning frequently until they’re nicely charred and heated through.
  • Warm up canned baked beans in a small pot directly on the grill.

This meal is as straightforward as it gets, but the smoky grilled flavor elevates your standard hot dog, and pairing it with warm baked beans makes it a comforting, nostalgic dish.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewersPhoto byNational Weather Service

If you’re fortunate enough to have fresh or frozen shrimp on hand, shrimp skewers are a quick and delicious option. A simple marinade of oil, garlic, and lemon juice brings the shrimp to life on the grill.

• Steps:
• • Marinate the shrimp for 10-15 minutes in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Thread the shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning).
  • Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.

Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, so this is a perfect meal when you need something quick. Serve them with grilled vegetables or alongside a simple salad if you’ve got any fresh greens.

Burgers with Grilled Corn

Burgers are a grilling staple, and when paired with grilled corn, you’ve got a backyard barbecue favorite that requires minimal ingredients.

• Steps:
• • Shape your burger patties, season with salt and pepper, and grill them over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on how well done you like your burgers).
  • While the burgers are cooking, place ears of corn, still in their husks, directly on the grill. Turn the corn occasionally, and after about 10-15 minutes, the husks will be charred, and the kernels tender.
  • Remove the corn, peel back the husks, and serve with a little butter and salt.

A perfectly grilled burger, paired with sweet, smoky corn on the cob, will make it feel like a regular summer cookout—even in the middle of a power outage.

Grilled Quesadillas

Grilled quesadillasPhoto byThumbwind Publications

Quesadillas are simple, adaptable, and kid-friendly. All you need are some tortillas, cheese, and whatever leftover ingredients you can find—beans, cooked chicken, or vegetables.

• Steps:
• • Lay a tortilla flat and fill one half with shredded cheese, pre-cooked chicken, beans, or any grilled vegetables.
  • Fold the tortilla in half and grill over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Quesadillas cook quickly and can be eaten on the go. Plus, they're endlessly customizable based on what you have available.

Grilled Pizza

Yes, you can make pizza on the grill! Grilled pizza is a fun and creative way to enjoy a beloved dish even without an oven.

• Steps:
• • Use store-bought pizza dough (or make your own if you’re up for it), and stretch it out into a thin crust.
  • Brush one side of the dough with olive oil and place it directly on the grill for 2-3 minutes until grill marks form and the dough starts to firm up.
  • Flip the dough, add simple toppings like tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and pepperoni, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust is crispy.

Grilled pizza has a unique smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate indoors. Plus, it’s a fun project to get the family involved in, and the results are always a crowd-pleaser.

Kabobs with Chicken and Veggies

Chicken and vegetable kabobsPhoto byThumbwind Publications

Kabobs are another versatile option, and they’re fun to eat. With chunks of chicken, onions, peppers, and mushrooms, you can make a complete meal on a stick.

• Steps:
• • Cut chicken into cubes and marinate in your favorite seasoning mix (oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper).
  • Skewer the chicken, alternating with vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms.
  • Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are slightly charred—about 10-12 minutes.

Kabobs make for a visually appealing dish, and you can customize them based on what ingredients you have.

Grilled Fish Fillets

If you have access to fresh fish, grilling it can be one of the healthiest meals you make. Fish like tilapia or salmon cook beautifully on a grill and pair perfectly with grilled veggies.

• Steps:
• • Season your fish fillets with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Place the fillets on a piece of foil to prevent them from sticking to the grill, and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
  • Serve with a side of grilled asparagus or green beans, both of which cook quickly on the grill.

Grilled fish is a light, refreshing option when you want something a bit different from heavier meats.

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Crispy grilled ham and cheese sandwichesPhoto byThumbwind Publications

Sometimes, you just need a warm, comforting sandwich, and the grill can help you make it happen. Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are easy to assemble and come out with a perfectly crisp exterior.

• Steps:
• • Assemble the sandwiches with ham and your favorite cheese between two slices of bread.
  • Brush the outside of the bread with butter or oil, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

This quick meal is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve with a side of chips or fruit for a simple and satisfying meal.

Hurricane Cooking Tips for the Grill

Cooking on a grill during a power outage can feel like an adventure if you're prepared. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your meals come out great and your grilling experience is smooth:

• Keep extra fuel: Whether you're using propane or charcoal, make sure you have extra on hand. You don't want to run out in the middle of cooking.
• Use heavy-duty foil: Foil is your friend. It keeps small ingredients from falling through the grates and helps retain moisture in your dishes.
• Be mindful of grill safety: Avoid grilling indoors or in enclosed spaces. Grills should always be used in well-ventilated outdoor areas to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

With a little creativity and some basic ingredients, cooking on the grill during Hurricane Milton—or any power outage—can be a surprisingly enjoyable experience. It’s an opportunity to slow down, savor the process, and share meals with loved ones. After all, food has a way of bringing us together, even in difficult times.