Ready in: 15 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Grilling · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
To create a delightful dessert, grill halved peaches coated in a sweet glaze until caramelized, and serve warm with ice cream or yogurt.
Whether it's the crisp autumn air in New York City that has me craving warm desserts or the impending Thanksgiving gatherings with friends and family, I always find myself turning to grilled peaches this season. Not only do they capture the season's bounty, but there's something magical about grilling these juicy gems-the caramelization brings out their natural sweetness, turning humble fruit into a show-stopping dessert.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute dessert.
- Bringing out the natural sweetness of peaches through grilling enhances their flavor.
- Versatile serving options with ice cream or yogurt, suitable for any occasion.
- A delightful combination of warm and cold, creating a perfect dessert experience.
- Impress family and friends with a stunning presentation and delightful taste.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your grilled peaches:
For the Grilled Peaches
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of sea salt
- Vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
How to Make Grilled Peaches (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious grilled peaches:
Step 1: Prep the Peaches
Start by cutting your ripe peaches in half and gently remove the pits. I suggest using a paring knife for this-it's delicate enough not to dig into the fruit.
Step 2: Create the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a glossy mixture, with the brown sugar almost dissolving into the oil-this means it's ready for the peaches.
Step 3: Coat the Peaches
Place the peach halves into the bowl and gently turn them until they're thoroughly coated in the glaze. The aroma of the cinnamon mingling with the sweetness of the brown sugar transports me straight to autumn.
Step 4: Grill Time
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Once hot, lay the peach halves flesh-side down on the grates. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes until you see beautiful grill marks and the fruit begins to soften. I love checking them around the 4-minute mark, as you'll notice a wonderful caramelized layer forming.
Step 5: Flip and Finish
Carefully turn the peaches over and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes. They should feel tender but not mushy. When you press them gently, they should still have a slight jiggle-perfection!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing unripe peaches: Always use ripe peaches to ensure they soften properly on the grill. Unripe peaches won't caramelize and may remain hard.
- Overcooking: Keep an eye on your peaches while they're on the grill. Overcooking can lead to mushy fruit, which defeats the purpose of that beautiful grill texture.
- Skipping the oil: Don't skip the olive oil! It helps the sugar caramelize and prevents the peaches from sticking to the grill.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Choosing the right peaches: Look for peaches that have a slight give when pressed. They should be fragrant and firm-not too hard, as they need to soften on the grill.
- Allow the peaches to sit in the glaze: Letting the peaches sit in the glaze for a few minutes enhances their flavor remarkably.
- Grilling temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure proper caramelization.
- Watch the timing: Grill the peaches until they have beautiful grill marks but don't overcook them; they should still have a slight jiggle when pressed.
Variations
- Swap olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for an extra kick.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Experiment with spices: Try nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
How to Serve
- Serve warm, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
- Add a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction for an elegant touch.
- Pair with a glass of dessert wine, such as late-harvest Riesling.
- Serve alongside pancakes or oatmeal for a delightful breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Storage: If you have any leftover grilled peaches, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the peaches gently on the grill or in a microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Grilled peaches can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, their texture may change once thawed.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
After testing this recipe repeatedly, I discovered that letting the peaches sit in the glaze for a few minutes enhances their flavor remarkably. The caramelized crust, paired with the fresh sweetness of the peach, is pure autumn joy! Grilled peaches are perfect not only for Thanksgiving but also for any holiday gathering where you want to impress your guests with minimal fuss.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 Servings · Serving Size: 2 Halved Peaches
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 1g protein · 36g carbs · 0g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cutting your ripe peaches in half and gently remove the pits.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk until glossy.
- Coat the peach halves in the glaze until thoroughly covered.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lay the peach halves flesh-side down and grill for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Flip the peaches and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes until tender.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
While fresh peaches are recommended for the best flavor and texture, canned peaches can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well to prevent excess moisture on the grill.
2. What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses or honey as a substitute. This will help mimic the caramel flavor that brown sugar provides.
3. How can I tell when my peaches are ripe?
Ripe peaches will have a slight give when gently pressed and will emit a sweet fragrance. Avoid peaches that are too hard or have green patches.
4. Can I use a stovetop grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! A stovetop grill pan works perfectly for grilling peaches, allowing you to achieve that nice char without needing an outdoor grill.
5. How do I store leftover grilled peaches?
Store any leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are great added to yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast.
