Grilled peaches are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy one of summer’s best fruits. Topped with brown sugar and spices, these grilled peaches caramelize perfectly on the grill, creating a sweet and juicy treat. They’re wonderful when served with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. Whether you serve them as a dessert or incorporate them into savory dishes, grilled peaches are a versatile and delightful addition to any meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
Brush the cut sides of the halved peaches with melted butter.
Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill or grill pan.
Cook for 4-6 minutes, until grill marks form and the peaches begin to soften.
Flip the peaches and sprinkle the tops with the brown sugar mixture.
Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sugar has melted and the peaches are soft.
Remove from the grill and serve with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of honey, and fresh thyme leaves for garnish.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 163 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 49mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 26g

Why Grilled Peaches Are Perfect for Summer

Peaches are a quintessential summer fruit, ripening at the height of the season and offering a burst of juiciness with every bite. When grilled, their natural sugars begin to caramelize, creating a rich depth of flavor that perfectly complements the smoky char from the grill. Grilling peaches is an excellent way to elevate this already delicious fruit, adding a touch of sophistication to a simple summer treat. The versatility of grilled peaches makes them suitable for a wide range of dishes—from refreshing salads to indulgent desserts—making them a summer favorite for cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

The Caramelization Process

The magic behind grilled peaches lies in the caramelization process, which occurs when the fruit is exposed to high heat. As the peaches cook on the grill, the sugars in the fruit begin to break down and transform, turning golden brown and forming a sticky glaze. This caramelized layer creates a rich, sweet flavor while enhancing the fruit’s natural complexity. The addition of brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice intensifies the caramelization, infusing the peaches with a spiced, warm sweetness. This transformation is not only visually appealing with the grill marks but also adds a depth of flavor that makes grilled peaches so irresistible.

Choosing the Right Peaches

Selecting the right peaches for grilling is crucial to ensuring the best possible result. Look for ripe, but firm peaches that are slightly soft to the touch. Overripe peaches can become mushy on the grill, while underripe peaches may not have the sweetness or flavor you want. When grilling, it’s also important to use peaches that are halved and pitted to allow for even cooking and to provide enough surface area for caramelization. The skin of the peach also plays a role in the grilling process, offering a protective barrier while allowing the fruit’s sweetness to concentrate inside as it cooks.

Preparing Grilled Peaches

Before grilling, the peaches are halved and pitted, which makes them easier to handle and allows them to cook more evenly. Brushing the peach halves with melted butter before placing them on the grill helps prevent sticking and encourages a golden, crispy exterior. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice adds layers of flavor, elevating the peaches into a dessert-worthy dish. Once on the grill, the peaches cook quickly, transforming into a delicious, juicy treat in just a few minutes. The key is to monitor the cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking, as you want the peaches to remain soft and juicy but not mushy.

The Role of Brown Sugar and Spices

The combination of brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice is what really sets grilled peaches apart from ordinary grilled fruit. Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the peaches’ natural sugars. It also helps create the coveted caramelized crust as it melts and mingles with the juices from the fruit. Pumpkin pie spice, with its blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, gives the peaches a warm, comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for summer but also hints at fall spices. This simple blend of ingredients takes grilled peaches to the next level, transforming them from a simple fruit into a decadent dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Peaches

Grilled peaches are incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to serve them. For a classic dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the warm peaches to melt into the creamy ice cream for a perfect contrast of temperatures and textures. A drizzle of honey can add a touch of sweetness and shine, while fresh thyme leaves provide a bright, herby note that cuts through the richness of the grilled fruit. For a more savory option, grilled peaches can be paired with goat cheese and arugula to create a refreshing salad. They also make an excellent topping for pork chops or grilled chicken, offering a sweet contrast to savory proteins. No matter how you serve them, grilled peaches are sure to impress.

Health Benefits of Grilled Peaches

Not only are grilled peaches delicious, but they also offer several health benefits. Peaches are a great source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and promotes glowing skin. Peaches are also rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help combat oxidative stress and protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, peaches contain fiber, which supports digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. Grilling the peaches doesn’t diminish their nutritional value, making grilled peaches a delicious and healthy addition to your summer meals.

Grilled Peaches as a Versatile Ingredient

While grilled peaches are often enjoyed as a dessert, they can be used in a variety of dishes that extend beyond sweet treats. For instance, grilled peaches can be added to savory salads, lending a sweet contrast to salty cheeses and crispy greens. Pairing grilled peaches with cheese like feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese creates a delightful balance of flavors, making it a perfect addition to any summer salad. They can also be used in salsas or relishes, paired with ingredients like red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to create a refreshing topping for grilled meats or seafood. The versatility of grilled peaches makes them a standout ingredient that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes.

Grilled Peaches for Meal Prep and Storage

If you’re looking to prepare grilled peaches ahead of time for a special occasion or meal prep, they can be easily stored. Once the peaches are grilled and cooled, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—simply place the grilled peach halves on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Frozen grilled peaches can be thawed in the refrigerator or warmed in the microwave or oven, ready to be enjoyed at any time. Having grilled peaches on hand makes it easy to incorporate them into meals throughout the week.

Conclusion

Grilled peaches are a delightful way to enjoy one of summer’s best fruits in a simple yet delicious way. The process of grilling enhances the peaches’ natural sweetness and creates a perfectly caramelized exterior that’s irresistible. Whether served as a dessert with ice cream and honey or incorporated into savory dishes like salads or salsas, grilled peaches are a versatile addition to any meal. With their vibrant flavor, health benefits, and endless possibilities for pairing, grilled peaches are sure to become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire. Try this recipe today and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!

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