Grilled Peaches

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled peaches offer a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness, making them a delightful end to any meal. The heat from the grill brings out the natural sugars in the peaches, turning them into tender, juicy halves with a beautiful caramelized exterior. The addition of cinnamon and butter adds warmth and richness, while the optional toppings like ice cream and caramel sauce elevate the dish to a whole new level of indulgence. It’s a dessert that’s not only easy to make but also visually stunning, making it perfect for special occasions or a casual treat.

Ingredients

• 6 peaches, firm but ripe
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For serving (optional):

• Ice cream
• Caramel sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Peaches: Wash the peaches and cut them in half. Remove the pit from each peach. If desired, you can lightly score the flesh of the peach with a knife to help with grilling.
2. Make the Cinnamon Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the sugar and cinnamon, mixing until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
4. Grill the Peaches: Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until grill marks appear and the peaches soften. Flip the peaches over and brush the grilled side with the cinnamon butter mixture. Grill for another 3-4 minutes, until the peaches are tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Serve: Remove the peaches from the grill. Serve them warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Grill time: 8-10 minutes

Variations

• Add a Nutty Crunch: Top the grilled peaches with chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Grilled Peaches: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon butter for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
• Grilled Peaches with Honey: Drizzle honey over the grilled peaches instead of cinnamon butter for a lighter, floral flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of the unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Grilled peaches are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture may change slightly upon reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the peaches in a microwave-safe dish and warm them for 20-30 seconds, or you can reheat them on the grill for a couple of minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits for grilling?

Yes, other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even pineapples can be grilled using a similar method. Just adjust the grilling time based on the fruit’s size and firmness.

Are the peaches supposed to be soft before grilling?

No, the peaches should be firm but ripe. Overripe peaches may turn mushy when grilled, so aim for peaches that are slightly firm to the touch but still fragrant.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor.

Can I make the cinnamon butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cinnamon butter up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before brushing it onto the peaches.

Do I need a grill for this recipe?

While grilling gives the best flavor, you can also make grilled peaches in a grill pan or on a stovetop griddle. The key is to get those nice caramelized grill marks.

Can I serve these peaches with whipped cream instead of ice cream?

Yes, whipped cream makes a great lighter alternative to ice cream and pairs wonderfully with the warm, caramelized peaches.

How can I tell when the peaches are done on the grill?

The peaches are done when they are tender but still hold their shape. The flesh should be soft enough to easily scoop with a spoon, and there should be grill marks on the cut side.

Can I grill whole peaches?

It’s best to cut the peaches in half for even grilling, but you can grill whole peaches as well. Just make sure to cut a small slit around the pit to help them cook evenly.

Can I use canned peaches?

Fresh peaches work best for grilling, but canned peaches can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to drain them well before grilling, as excess liquid can cause them to fall apart.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can use a plant-based butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Conclusion

Grilled peaches are a simple yet elegant dessert that combines the natural sweetness of peaches with the smoky flavors from the grill. This recipe is quick to prepare and offers endless opportunities for customization, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle them with caramel sauce, grilled peaches are a guaranteed hit that will leave everyone coming back for more.

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