I love grilling season! Using a grill to cook your food is such a great way to produce a delicious meal without heating up the house. And the grill adds that little bit of an extra smoky flavor that you just can’t get with any other cooking method.
But don't limit yourself. Grilling works for more than meat. Vegetables are delicious when grilled. I could eat grilled broccoli almost every day!
Now, I’m adding grilled peppers and onions to the list. Bell peppers and onions are grilled to a crisp-tender texture with a smoky char.
Incredibly delish!
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Why I love these grilled peppers and onions
Back when I worked a “real” job, I had a boss who used to say “you can get it fast, cheap or good. But you can only have 2 of the 3.” So, if you want something to be cheaper, you’ll either have to sacrifice speed or quality. Same with speed vs the other factors. It’s a great analogy that applies to many situations in life.
These peppers and onions are an exception. In addition to being healthy, they are cheap, fast AND good. The trifecta!
Ingredients
The only ingredients you need are bell peppers and an onion, plus olive oil and salt & pepper.
Bell peppers come in all colors and they all work, so you can choose your favorites for grilling. My favorites are yellow or red bell peppers, so I always include those. Green bell peppers are a classic, plus they really liven up the colors of this grilled pepper mix.
Sometimes I buy 3 or 4 peppers and just use half of each. It’s even better when I find peppers already cut up in the produce section – my local grocery store calls it a “fajita mix” which includes multiple colors of bell peppers plus plenty of onions. Buying this mix makes it even more convenient!
How to make peppers and onions on the grill
Did I mention this was easy? Simply toss your strips of pepper and onion with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Your veggies are now ready for the grill.
Those veggies will want to slip right between the grill grates once they start cooking, which is why a grill basket works best for this. I like to place the grill basket right on the grill while it’s preheating, then transfer the veggies onto the hot basket.
Caution: do not “pour” the veggies into the basket, as tempting as it may be. The extra oil in the bottom of your bowl will definitely cause a flare up when it hits the flames!!
Close the lid and cook the peppers for about 5 minutes. Lift the lid, toss the veggies and close and cook 5 minutes more. Toss again and cook up to 5 more minutes until peppers are done. They will be slightly soft with charred edges. Remove and serve. (I like to cover the bowl with foil just to help retain the heat.)
Expert Tips
Overcrowding the grill basket will mean your veggies will take a little longer to cook, and they will probably have less “char” to show for your efforts. They’ll still be delicious. 😀
I usually try for a grill temperature of about 375F, but this is not set in stone. Since I am grilling onions and bell peppers as a side dish, the grill temperature is usually dictated by whatever else I am grilling that day.
I have made these with all colors of bell pepper and both red and yellow onion. I have never been disappointed in the results.
Serving suggestions for these easy grilled peppers and onions
Serve these with any other grilled foods. Sometimes when I’m making beef kabobs, I’ll cook the extra veggies on the side rather than threading more skewers. I also love having them with other kabobs like shrimp skewers or chicken on a stick. Yummy!
And of course, with their fajita-like flavors, these grilled veggies are perfectly suited to go with burritos, quesadillas or any other of your Tex-Mex favorites. They are a fantastic addition to a taco salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
The only dietary issue I can see with this recipe is for those who avoid nightshades: tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers. If you or someone you are cooking for are avoiding these foods, this would not be a great choice.
Direct heat works best here. This means placing the peppers and onions directly over the flame or heat source on the grill. This method allows them to cook quickly, retain their natural sweetness, and develop a delicious charred flavor.
If you don't have a grill, you can cook peppers and onions by using a stovetop grill pan or a cast-iron skillet. Heat the pan over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and grill the peppers and onions in batches, turning them occasionally until they are charred and tender.
📖 Recipe
Grilled Peppers & Onions
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers any color, cut in strips
- 1 onion red or yellow, cut in strips
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add onion and pepper strips to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt & pepper and toss.
- Transfer to a grill basket on a preheated grill (medium-high heat). Close the lid and let the veggies cook for about 5 minutes. The target temperature for the grill is about 350-400F.
- Open the lid and toss the veggies, then close and cook 5 minutes more. Open and toss again, then cook until done, usually up to 5 more minutes. Veggies are done when the onions are translucent and the peppers are softened and slightly charred.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Michelle
These were amazing! I'm so excited for grill season.
Sula
Grilling season is the best!
Gabriela Herrera
This is the perfect medley for a hot dog topper or even some sausage dogs. I love this. Then add some mustard and you have a perfect summer outdoor meal.
Sula
I love how you think! Sounds like the perfect combination of flavors!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
Grilled peppers are the yummiest grilled veggie! My partner is always in charge of firing the grill, but this week is too hot for him even to bother, but cool days are never too distant in the UK, so I am getting prepared; I really love grilled peppers; both bell and pointed!
Sula
They are often overlooked, don't you think? They really are so very yummy when grilled.
Julia
I love how sweet peppers become when you grill them like this and the 'charring' does give them a nice flavour. We tried this yesterday with just a few leftovers which I think I'm going to include in a pasta dish today. Brilliant recipe - love how pretty it looks.
Sula
I agree, and I have found many ways to use leftovers, when I have some.
Anaiah
This recipe was super easy to make as a side to our BBQ. I love grilling veggies any time of year! I love the simplicity of it and the charred to perfection flavors.
Sula
There is just something special about that char, isn't there?
Gina Abernathy
I grill dinner about 4-5 nights a week during the summer months. Grilled vegetables are one of my favorite sides. They say--you eat with your eyes-- and these peppers and onions are such a beautiful color and look so delicious!
Sula
I grill all summer too! And I definitely love grilled vegetables!
Emily
There is nothing better than charred veggies in the summer!! Love this recipe 👍🏻
Sula
Thank you!
Toni
Such an amazing side dish! Easy to make and so good!
Sula
I love it when easy and delicious happen together!