The holidays are all about warmth, family, and of course, incredible food. But let’s be honest, the kitchen can quickly turn into a chaotic battlefield with the oven working overtime. What if I told you there’s a better way? A way to create spectacular, mouth-watering dishes without the stress. It’s time to unlock the magic of Holiday Grilling Recipes with your trusty electric grill, turning your countertop into the star of the festive season. Forget the notion that grilling is just for summer. With an electric grill, you can bring that incredible charred flavor indoors, any time of year.
Why Your Electric Grill is a Holiday Game-Changer
Before we dive into the delicious recipes, let’s talk about why your electric grill is your secret weapon for the holidays. For years, I’ve relied on mine to take the pressure off. While the turkey or ham is roasting away in the oven, my electric grill is busy handling appetizers, sides, and even desserts.
It’s all about convenience and control. Modern electric grills are a far cry from the simple hot plates of the past. They offer:
- Precise Temperature Control: Go from a gentle warming heat to a searing hot temperature with the turn of a dial. This means no more guessing games and perfectly cooked food every time.
- Smokeless Operation: Most high-quality indoor grills are designed to be virtually smokeless, making them perfect for apartments or kitchens without heavy-duty ventilation. You get the grill marks without setting off the smoke alarm.
- Easy Cleanup: Non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe drip trays mean you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones.
- Space Saving: It frees up valuable oven and stovetop space, which is an absolute lifesaver when you’re cooking for a crowd.
“The beauty of a modern electric grill is its precision. For delicate proteins like fish or scallops, or for getting that perfect crust on a steak without overcooking the inside, the consistent, even heat is something professional chefs strive for.” – Chef Michael Thornton, author of ‘The Urban Chef’
Our Top Holiday Grilling Recipes: From Appetizers to Mains
Ready to get cooking? I’ve put together some of my absolute favorite holiday grilling recipes that are guaranteed to impress your guests. These are designed for flavor, simplicity, and festive flair.
Festive Appetizers to Kick Things Off
These quick and easy bites will get the party started and keep your guests happy while you put the finishing touches on the main course.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze
This appetizer looks incredibly elegant but is ridiculously simple to make. The saltiness of the prosciutto, the freshness of the asparagus, and the sweet tang of the balsamic is a classic combination.
- Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 8-10 slices of prosciutto
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Instructions:
- Preheat your electric grill to medium-high (around 400°F or 200°C).
- Toss the asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Take 2-3 spears and wrap them tightly with a slice of prosciutto. Repeat until all the asparagus is used.
- Place the bundles on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Remove from the grill, arrange on a platter, and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
The Main Event: Show-Stopping Holiday Entrees
Who says the main course has to come from the oven? These grilled entrees are packed with flavor and make for a stunning centerpiece on your holiday table.
Herb-Crusted Grilled Lamb Chops
Lamb is a fantastic choice for a special occasion. The high, direct heat of the electric grill creates an amazing crust while keeping the inside juicy and pink. This is one of those holiday grilling recipes that feels five-star.
- Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in lamb loin chops, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel and rub the herb mixture evenly over all sides. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your electric grill to its highest setting (around 450°F or 230°C).
- Place the lamb chops on the hot grill. For a perfect medium-rare, grill for 3-4 minutes per side. Resist the urge to move them around to get those beautiful, deep grill marks.
- Let the chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This is crucial for keeping them juicy!
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Our Picks for the Best Electric Grill in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Foreman® Fully Submersible™ Grill, NEW Dishwasher Safe, Wash the Entire Grill, Easy-to-Clean Nonstick, Black/Grey |
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| 2 | George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Electric Grill and Panini Press, George Tough Non-Stick Coating, Drip Tray Catches Grease, Black |
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| 3 | OVENTE Electric Sandwich Maker with Non-Stick Plates, Indicator Lights, Cool Touch Handle, Easy to Clean and Store, Perfect for Cooking Breakfast, Grilled Cheese, Tuna Melts and Snacks, Black GPS401B |
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| 4 | bella Electric Griddle with Warming Tray - Smokeless Indoor Grill, Nonstick Surface, Adjustable Temperature & Cool-touch Handles, 10\" x 18\", Copper/Black |
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| 5 | Gourmia Smokeless Indoor Grill & Air Fryer with Recipe Book – Electric Grill for Indoor Use, 5‑in‑1 Countertop Cooker, Cast-Iron Grate, 1650W, Glass Lid, Dishwasher-Safe Plates |
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| 6 | Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle With Removable Handles, Black, 22-inch |
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| 7 | BELLA XL Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle, Make 15 Eggs At Once, Healthy-Eco Non-stick Coating, Hassle-Free Clean Up, Large Submersible Cooking Surface, 12\" x 22\", Copper/Black |
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| 8 | Chefman Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker Non-Stick Coated Plates, Opens 180 Degrees to Fit Any Type or Size of Food, Stainless Steel Surface and Removable Drip Tray, 4 Slice, Black |
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| 9 | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer Combo with Ceramic Accessories, 7-IN-1 Digital Display, 5.2 QT Electric Smokeless, 500°F Max, Large View Window, Roast, Bake & Dehydrate, Adjustable Temps, Easy Clean |
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| 10 | Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control, Immersible Flat Top Grill, Burger, Eggs, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick Extra Large Cooking Surface, Slide Out Drip Tray, 10 x 20 Inch |
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Don’t Forget the Sides: Grilled Holiday Vegetables
Move over, steamed veggies. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and adds a delightful smoky char.
Smoky Paprika & Garlic Grilled Broccoli
This isn’t your average boring broccoli. It’s smoky, savory, and slightly crispy—the perfect companion to any holiday main.
- Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into large florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat the electric grill to medium-high (400°F or 200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the broccoli in a single layer on the grill. You might need to do this in batches.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the stems are tender and the florets have some nice char marks.
How Do You Get That Perfect Holiday Sear on an Electric Grill?
This is a question I get all the time. Getting that steakhouse-quality crust is easier than you think. It’s not about magic; it’s about technique.
Getting a great sear is all about maximizing the Maillard reaction, the chemical process that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Pat It Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Before seasoning, use paper towels to pat your protein (steak, chops, chicken) completely dry.
- Preheat Properly: Don’t rush this step. Allow your electric grill to come to its maximum temperature. Most grills have an indicator light that tells you when it’s ready. This can take 5-10 minutes.
- Use a Little Oil: Lightly oil the food, not the grill. This helps with heat transfer and prevents sticking. A high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil is best.
- Don’t Crowd the Grill: Place your food on the grill, leaving space between each piece. Overcrowding lowers the grill’s surface temperature, causing the food to steam rather than sear.
- Leave It Alone: Once you place the food on the grill, let it be. Let it sit for a few minutes to develop that beautiful crust and grill marks before flipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions to help you become an electric grilling pro this holiday season.
What are the best holiday appetizers to make on an electric grill?
Beyond the recipes above, think about grilled shrimp skewers with a chili-lime glaze, mini grilled cheese sandwiches with cranberry chutney, or grilled halloumi cheese with a drizzle of honey and thyme. Anything that cooks quickly and can be eaten easily is a great choice.
Can I really get a smoky flavor from an electric grill?
While an electric grill won’t replicate the deep smokiness of charcoal, you can add smoky flavor. Try using a light touch of liquid smoke in your marinade, or use spices like smoked paprika and chipotle powder in your rubs.
What’s the best way to clean my electric grill after a big holiday meal?
The best time to clean is when it’s still slightly warm. Use a plastic or silicone scraper to remove any large bits of food. Then, once it’s cool, remove the grill plates and drip tray. Most are dishwasher safe, but a quick wash with hot, soapy water works perfectly.
How do I avoid drying out my meat when using an electric grill?
The key is to avoid overcooking. Because electric grills provide very direct heat, food can cook faster than you expect. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and always let your meat rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
Are electric grills safe to use indoors during the winter?
Absolutely. That’s one of their biggest advantages. They are designed for indoor use, producing no carbon monoxide like charcoal or gas grills. Just ensure you use it in a well-ventilated area, like your kitchen, and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Wrap Up Your Holidays with Flavor
This holiday season, I encourage you to see your Electric Grill not just as an appliance, but as a partner in creating unforgettable meals and memories. It’s about bringing people together over delicious food that is simple to prepare and a joy to eat. By embracing these holiday grilling recipes, you can reduce your kitchen stress and elevate your festive feast to a whole new level of flavor. So go ahead, plug it in, and get ready to grill your way to a happy and delicious holiday.