15 BBQ-Friendly Foods for Kids Beyond Hot Dogs

Remember that time your kids had full-on meltdowns because they actually tired of hot dogs—that summer parenting go-to? Yeah, that memory’s seared into the brain.

This is your sign to rethink the kids’ grill menu with ideas that deliver flavor, fun and, most importantly, do-ability. We’re talking crispy chicken nuggets straight from your BBQ Grill Pan and cheesy quesadillas with a little fire-kissed flair.

Bonus: The grown-ups might want in, too. Just be sure to set up a self-serve drink station with water, juice boxes and milk so kids can fuel up without interrupting your flow.

1. Grilled Chicken Nuggets

Use your BBQ Grill Pan to crisp up pre-cooked chicken nuggets. They’ll get golden on the outside while staying juicy inside—no oven required.

2. Grilled Quesadillas

With our new BBQ Grill Topper, there’s no need to fear floppy tortillas sliding through the grates. Cheese-crusted quesadillas are just the thing to make to keep the kids happy, which means the adults are happy, too.

3. DIY Grilled Pizzas

Did your know our Hybrid Pizza Steel is grill-safe? Yep, mini pizza night can now happen on the grill. Have kids top their own pies on a floured pizza peel and slide them onto the heated pizza steel for easy cooking.

4. Mini Sliders

Tiny burgers means no food gets left behind. Cook up big patties on one side of the grill for the adults, and use your BBQ Grill Topper or Hybrid Pizza Steel to make kid-friendly sliders on the other side. Set out toppings on a low table so kids can assemble their own burgers.

5. Grilled PB&Js

Assemble peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (brushed with butter on the outside slides) and cook on your BBQ Grill Topper or Hybrid Pizza Steel. They'll turn out gooey, toasty and surprisingly good.

6. Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks

Make grilled cheese sandwiches on your Hybrid Pizza Steel or Double Burner Griddle then slice 'em into dunkable strips. Pair with warm tomato soup (canned is fine, obvi) in kid-sized cups.

7. Grilled French Toast Sticks

Our Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks normally come together in your 12" Hybrid Fry Pan, but the Hybrid Pizza Steel set over a grill is also up to the task. Toss the sticks in cinnamon sugar grill-side and serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.

8. Grilled Brunch Sizzle

If you’re grilling on the early side (or your kids are happy with breakfast any time of day), cook up frozen hash brown patties (or tater tots), sausage patties and fried eggs on your Hybrid Pizza Steel. Serve with ketchup.

9. Pizza Bagels

Top halved mini bagels with sauce, cheese and kid-friendly toppings. Toast on the BBQ Grill Topper until the cheese melts and the bottoms are crisp.

10. Grilled Gnocchi Bites

Toss shelf-stable gnocchi in oil and grill on your BBQ Grill Pan until lightly charred and crispy. Serve with warm marinara or pesto.

11. BBQ Pan Nachos 

Line your BBQ Grill Pan with foil and layer tortilla chips, cheese, beans and shredded chicken on top. Cover with foil and heat until melty, then transfer the nachos (lifting the foil carefully) to a platter and serve with sour cream and guac.

12. Sausage Coins

This one is dead simple, but the kiddos love it. Slice up cooked sausage and crisp in your BBQ Grill Pan. Serve with your kid’s fave dips.

13. Shrimp Skewers

Slide shrimp onto stainless-steel skewers and grill until cooked through. Serve them as-is or toss with buttered noodles for an easy meal for the little ones.

14. Sweet Corn Rounds

Cut corn on the cob into 2-inch rounds (a size that's way easier for kids to handle) and grill until golden. Let them cool slightly, then brush with butter and serve.

15. Grilled Fish Sticks

Heat up frozen fish sticks on the BBQ Grill Pan for a crunchy exterior and smoky flavor. Serve with tartar sauce or ketchup and call it dinner.

Craving a grilled feast that’s a little more grown-up? We’ve got you covered.