If you’re passionate about bold, smoky flavors and unforgettable meals, it’s time to elevate your backyard cooking experience with a wood-fired grill. Unlike gas or charcoal options, wood-fired grills offer an authentic, rich flavor profile that enhances everything from meats to vegetables—and even desserts.
At Lanchester Grill & Hearth, we specialize in helping homeowners build their dream outdoor kitchens, and wood-fired grills are one of our favorite centerpiece features. To inspire your next cookout, here are 10 delicious foods that truly taste better when grilled over wood.
- Steak Few things match the savory satisfaction of a perfectly grilled steak. A wood-fired grill adds a deep, natural smokiness that complements the char and brings out the meat’s richness—especially when using hardwoods like oak, hickory, or mesquite.
- Pizza Wood-fired pizza isn’t just a trend—it’s a flavor revolution. The high, even heat creates a perfectly crisp crust while infusing the dough and toppings with subtle wood-fired notes. It’s restaurant quality in your own backyard.
- Ribs Slow-cooked ribs on a wood-fired grill absorb all the smoky flavor as they become fall-off-the-bone tender. Add your favorite rub or BBQ sauce, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
- Salmon The delicate texture of salmon pairs beautifully with the robust flavor of a wood fire. Try grilling it on a cedar plank to enhance the flavor while keeping the fish moist and flaky.
- Burgers Take your burgers from basic to unforgettable. A wood-fired grill delivers an unbeatable sear and infuses your patties with rich, smoky flavor you just can’t get from gas.
- Vegetables Don’t overlook the veggies—wood-fired grills can turn bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and even corn on the cob into smoky, caramelized side dishes or meatless mains.
- Chicken From wings to whole birds, chicken gets a major flavor upgrade on a wood-fired grill. The crispy skin and juicy interior are enhanced by the aroma and taste of the wood smoke.
- Shrimp and Shellfish Seafood is surprisingly well-suited for wood-fired cooking. Quick to grill and easy to season, shrimp, scallops, and oysters absorb that subtle smoky essence beautifully.
- Bread and Flatbreads Wood-fired heat gives homemade bread and flatbreads a delicious outer crust with soft, chewy centers. Try naan, focaccia, or even cornbread for a rustic side.
- Pineapple and Peaches For dessert, try grilling fruit! The natural sugars caramelize quickly over high heat, and the wood smoke adds a subtle complexity. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a perfect finish.
Experience the Flavor with Lanchester Grill & Hearth A wood-fired grill is more than a cooking appliance—it’s a flavor-enhancing tool that brings a touch of gourmet to everything you make. At Lanchester Grill & Hearth, we carry a wide selection of top-quality wood-fired grills to match your space, lifestyle, and culinary ambitions.
Stop by our showroom or contact us to learn how a wood-fired grill can transform your outdoor cooking game. From steak night to Sunday brunch, your backyard menu will never be the same.