Tiffany Haney
Grilled peaches are a fun and easy dessert to make that can elevate a simple peach to a stunning dish. Grilling peaches softens and caramelizes the fruit, enhancing its natural sweetness and flavour. The process is simple: cut the peaches in half, brush them with olive oil, and grill them cut-side down until grill marks form. You can top them with ice cream, whipped cream, or a variety of other toppings for a sweet and delicious summer treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ingredients | 2 |
| Ingredients | Peaches, olive oil, butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, honey, thyme, cinnamon, walnuts, pistachios, maple syrup, bourbon, molasses, agave syrup, salt, cardamom, coconut oil, canola oil, yogurt, crème fraîche, goat cheese, mozzarella, arugula, spinach, balsamic vinaigrette, Greek yogurt, homemade granola, instant pot oatmeal, overnight oats, chia pudding |
| Peach type | Freestone, clingstone |
| Peach ripeness | Slightly under-ripe, firm |
| Peach preparation | Halved, pitted, brushed with oil, grilled cut-side down |
| Grill type | Gas grill, charcoal grill, grill pan |
| Grill heat | Medium |
| Grill marks | Yes |
| Grill time | 3-8 minutes |
| Serving temperature | Hot, warm, room temperature |
| Serving suggestions | Ice cream, whipped cream, yoghurt, crème fraîche, honey, walnuts, cinnamon, thyme, pistachios, maple syrup, bourbon, molasses, agave syrup, salt, cardamom, goat cheese, mozzarella, arugula, spinach, balsamic vinaigrette, Greek yogurt, homemade granola, instant pot oatmeal, overnight oats, chia pudding |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right peaches
First, look for freestone peaches that are slightly under-ripe and firm to the touch. Ripe peaches tend to have higher sugar content, which can cause them to burn quickly on the grill. Slightly firmer peaches will hold their shape better during grilling. When selecting, gently squeeze the peaches to ensure they have a little give but are not too soft.
The aroma of the peaches is also a good indicator of their flavour. Give the peaches a gentle sniff, especially at their stem end, and choose those with a strong, fragrant peach scent. This is a good rule of thumb for determining their potential flavour.
If you're buying peaches from a grocery store or farmer's market, it's a good idea to purchase them a few days in advance and let them ripen on your counter. This way, you can control their ripeness and have them ready for grilling when they're just right.
When preparing the peaches for grilling, cut them in half and remove the pits. Freestone peaches are ideal for this as their pits separate easily from the flesh. If you're using clingstone peaches, which have pits that cling to the flesh, cutting them into wedges is a better option.
Lastly, while peaches are delicious on their own, grilling them enhances their natural sweetness and flavour. Grilled peaches are best when they are slightly softened with distinct grill marks, but not mushy or falling apart.
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Preparing the grill pan
Firstly, select a grill pan that is suitable for the number of peaches you plan to cook. The pan should be large enough to accommodate the peach halves without overcrowding. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to work in batches or use multiple pans. Make sure your grill pan is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking.
Next, preheat your grill pan over medium heat. This is an important step, as it ensures that the peaches cook evenly and develop those desirable grill marks. Allow the pan to heat up for a few minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. You can test the heat by holding your hand about an inch above the pan's surface; if you can hold it for 3 to 4 seconds, the temperature is ideal.
Before placing the peaches on the grill pan, brush the pan's surface lightly with oil. This step helps prevent the peaches from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to achieve those coveted grill marks. You can use olive oil, canola oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice.
Once your grill pan is preheated and oiled, it's time to prepare the peaches. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. You can use freestone peaches, which have pits that separate easily, or clingstone peaches, which require cutting into wedges or halves, depending on your preference.
Now, you're ready to place the peaches on the grill pan. Brush the cut sides of the peaches with oil, such as olive oil, to prevent sticking and enhance the grilling process. You may also choose to brush the peaches with melted butter for added richness. Place the oiled or buttered peach halves, cut-side down, onto the preheated grill pan.
At this point, your grill pan is ready for the cooking process to begin. With the peaches placed cut-side down, they will start to develop grill marks and take on that distinctive grilled flavour. Depending on your desired level of doneness, you can cook the peaches for 4 to 6 minutes on the first side, and then flip them over to cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
By following these steps, you'll have a well-prepared grill pan that is ready to transform fresh peaches into a delicious treat.
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Brushing with oil
To grill peaches in a pan, brushing the peach halves with oil is a crucial step. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, or melted butter. Brush each side of the peach halves lightly with oil to prevent them from sticking to the pan and to create a barrier between the fruit and the heat source. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the peaches from burning.
When brushing the peaches with oil, focus on coating the cut sides well. The oil will help to enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches and add a bit of smoky flavor. You can also brush the pan or grill with oil to create a non-stick surface, which will make it easier to flip the peaches without tearing them.
After brushing the peaches with oil, place them cut-side down on the pan or grill. This will create those beautiful grill marks that are a signature of grilled peaches. Cook the peaches until grill marks form, and then flip them over to cook the other side.
You can also add extra flavor by brushing the tops of the peaches with oil or butter and then sprinkling them with cinnamon, sugar, or other desired seasonings. This will give the grilled peaches a glistening appearance and an extra boost of flavor.
Remember, when grilling peaches, it's important to use firm, slightly under-ripe freestone peaches. Ripe peaches have a higher sugar content, which can cause them to burn easily. By brushing them with oil, you create a protective layer that helps prevent sticking and burning, resulting in juicy, tender, and flavorful grilled peaches.
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Adding toppings
Grilled peaches are a versatile dish that can be served as a dessert or a side. They can be topped with a variety of ingredients to enhance their flavour and make them even more delicious. Here are some ideas for toppings to take your grilled peaches to the next level:
Ice Cream
One popular way to serve grilled peaches is with a scoop of ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm, juicy peaches. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other flavours that complement the sweetness of the peaches.
Nuts
Toasted nuts, such as walnuts, add a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour to grilled peaches. You can sprinkle them on top of the ice cream or directly onto the peaches themselves. For an extra touch of spice, cinnamon-spiced walnuts are a perfect choice.
Brown Sugar and Spices
For a touch of added sweetness and warmth, sprinkle your grilled peaches with brown sugar and spices. Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon are excellent options to enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches.
Honey and Fresh Herbs
Drizzling honey over your grilled peaches adds a golden touch of sweetness. Pairing it with fresh herbs like thyme provides a unique flavour combination that elevates the dish.
Whipped Cream
For an extra indulgent treat, top your grilled peaches with a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the peaches.
Savory Accompaniments
Grilled peaches can also shine as a savoury side dish. Try pairing them with grilled meats, such as pork tenderloin, or adding them to a salad or cheese plate. Their natural sweetness can complement savoury dishes surprisingly well.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings or experiment with your own creations to find your favourite combinations. Grilled peaches are a versatile and tasty treat that can be customised to your liking.
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Serving suggestions
Grilled peaches are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a dessert. They can be paired with a variety of savoury and sweet dishes, including:
Savoury dishes
- Salads: Grilled peaches can be chopped into bite-sized pieces and tossed with arugula or spinach, along with chunks of mozzarella and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
- Charcuterie platter: Grilled peach halves can be sliced and served with burrata cheese, prosciutto, and grilled slices of sourdough bread.
- Grilled pork: Grilled peaches can be served as a side dish alongside grilled pork tenderloin.
Sweet dishes
- Ice cream: Grilled peaches are often served with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream, and can be garnished with a drizzle of honey, fresh thyme, or cinnamon-spiced toasted walnuts.
- Whipped cream: Grilled peaches can be topped with homemade whipped cream, salted caramel sauce, or a combination of both.
- Pancakes or waffles: Grilled peaches can be diced and used as a topping for whole wheat pancakes or waffles, along with a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Oatmeal: Grilled peaches can be added to oatmeal, overnight oats, or chia pudding for a tasty breakfast option.
- Parfait: Grilled peaches can be layered with Greek yoghurt and homemade granola for a healthy breakfast or snack option.
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Frequently asked questions
Freestone peaches are the best type to use as they are firmer and less ripe, which prevents them from overcooking and makes them easier to handle.
Cut the peaches in half and twist to remove the pit. Brush the cut sides with olive oil, melted coconut oil, canola oil, or melted butter. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill.
You should grill peaches at medium heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, wait until the fire has died down to medium-low heat.
Grill the peaches for 4-6 minutes, or until grill marks form and the peaches start to soften. Flip the peaches and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the peaches are soft.
