Grilled Watermelon
Easy 15 minutes 4–6 servings Gas

Grilled Watermelon

Grilling watermelon sounds like a stunt, but it's one of the best summer surprises in outdoor cooking. The heat concentrates the sugars, the edges caramelize and char, and the smoke adds a savory depth that makes you question whether it's fruit or dessert. Add a drizzle of honey and lime, or go savory with feta and mint. Either way, it's unforgettable.

Grill Wizard — Aussie pitmaster in MinnesotaBy The Grill Wizard · Aussie pitmaster, MN

Last Updated

First Published

Recently reviewedThis recipe was last reviewed on June 5, 2026.

Ingredients

  • 1 small seedless watermelon (or ¼ of a large one)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Optional: crumbled feta, fresh mint, balsamic glaze

Step by Step

1

Cut into thick wedges

Slice the watermelon into 1-inch thick wedges or rounds. Leave the rind on — it holds the shape and makes the watermelon easy to flip on the grill. Pat the cut surfaces dry with a paper towel so they sear instead of steam.

2

Oil lightly and season

Brush both cut sides with a very light coat of olive oil. You don't need much — watermelon is mostly water and won't stick if the grates are hot and clean.

3

Grill 2–3 minutes per side over high heat

Place on a hot grill (450°F+) for 2–3 minutes per side. You're looking for light char marks and slight caramelization at the edges. The watermelon should still be firm — if it's collapsing, you've gone too far.

4

Drizzle and serve immediately

Arrange on a platter. Drizzle with honey and fresh lime juice, then sprinkle with sea salt. If going savory, add crumbled feta and torn mint. Serve warm — it's best right off the grill.

Pro Tips

  • Seedless watermelon is non-negotiable. Spitting seeds while eating grilled fruit ruins the vibe.
  • If your watermelon is already super sweet, skip the honey and go savory with feta, mint, and a balsamic reduction. The salt-fatsweet contrast is elite.
  • These are incredible as a salad base the next day. Chop leftover grilled watermelon and toss with arugula, goat cheese, and pistachios.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Grilled Watermelon take to cook?
Total time is about 15 minutes including prep and rest. It's a beginner-friendly recipe — no special technique required.
What grill do I need?
This recipe is written for a gas. You can adapt it to other cookers — the main thing is matching the temperature and zone setup, not the brand of grill.
How many people does it serve?
4–6 servings. Scale ingredients up or down proportionally for larger or smaller groups.
What's the single most important tip?
Seedless watermelon is non-negotiable. Spitting seeds while eating grilled fruit ruins the vibe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Most BBQ recipes hold beautifully — you can cook it earlier in the day, wrap tightly in foil, and rest in a cooler (no ice) for up to 4 hours. The flavor often improves with the rest.

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