Grilled Peaches Recipe: The Ultimate Summer Dessert with Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Get ready to fire up your grill and create the most delicious summer dessert you can imagine: perfectly caramelized and juicy grilled peaches! This easy recipe transforms simple peaches into a decadent treat. Top them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of homemade bourbon caramel sauce for the ultimate summer indulgence.
As soon as peaches start appearing at the farmers’ market each summer, I can’t resist grabbing the juiciest, ripest ones I can find. There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, seasonal peaches. Peach desserts are my absolute favorite, and nothing beats the simple elegance of perfectly grilled peaches. All you need are ripe, succulent peaches, a touch of olive oil, and a hot grill (or a reliable grill pan!) to create this impressive, yet incredibly easy, dessert.
In just a few minutes on the grill, the peaches’ natural sugars undergo a beautiful transformation, caramelizing to create a wonderfully charred exterior that contrasts perfectly with the juicy, tender interior. The grilling process intensifies their sweetness, making them even more irresistible. Then, the only thing left to do is add a generous scoop of premium vanilla ice cream. The delightful contrast between the warm, caramelized peaches and the cool, creamy ice cream is simply divine—a true taste of summer.
But don’t limit yourself to just ice cream! Grilled peaches are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, from sweet breakfast creations to savory salads and appetizers. They are a fantastic addition to any summer meal. For more creative ideas on how to use these delectable grilled peaches, including a wealth of fresh peach recipes that will elevate your summer cooking, keep reading below!
Choosing the Best Peaches for Grilling: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Fruit
To ensure that your grilled peaches turn out absolutely perfect, it’s essential to start with high-quality fruit. Here are a few crucial tips to keep in mind when choosing peaches for grilling:
- Gently Squeeze for Firmness: Look for peaches that are firm to the touch but yield slightly when gently pressed. This indicates that the peach is ripe enough to grill without becoming mushy.
- Avoid Overripe Peaches: Steer clear of peaches that are overly soft or mushy. These peaches tend to burn quickly on the grill and can lose their shape. They are better suited for other uses like smoothies or peach sauces.
- The Juicier, the Better: Select peaches that are noticeably juicy and fragrant. The higher the natural sugar content, the more beautiful caramelization you’ll achieve on the grill, resulting in a richer, more flavorful dessert.
And here’s a pro tip to make your grilling experience even easier: Always opt for freestone peaches. Unlike clingstone peaches, where the flesh stubbornly clings to the pit, freestone peaches have flesh that easily separates from the pit, making it a breeze to remove before grilling. Freestone peaches are readily available in both yellow and white varieties, and they are typically what you’ll find at your local grocery stores and farmers’ markets during peach season.
How to Grill Peaches: A Step-by-Step Guide to Summer Perfection
Grilling peaches is surprisingly simple and requires just a few straightforward steps. With a little preparation and attention, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dessert in no time:
- Prep Your Peaches: Begin by gently washing the peaches under cool water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, carefully halve each peach and remove the pit. While you can remove the skin if you prefer, I highly recommend leaving it on. The skin actually helps the peach retain its shape and prevents it from falling apart on the grill.
- Preheat Your Grill to Medium-High Heat: Ensure that your grill is thoroughly preheated to a consistent medium-high heat before adding the peaches. A hot grill is crucial for achieving those desirable grill marks and preventing the peaches from sticking. If the grill isn’t hot enough, the peaches will steam rather than caramelize.
- Cook with Care: Lightly brush the cut side of each peach half with either extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter. This helps prevent sticking and enhances the caramelization process. Place the peaches cut-side down directly on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until you begin to see beautiful grill marks forming. I personally prefer my peaches to be soft but still retain a slight firmness. Therefore, I typically don’t flip them. However, if you desire a more tender, extra-soft peach, simply flip the peach halves and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes on the skin side.
- Serve and Enjoy! Once the peaches are grilled to your liking, carefully remove them from the grill and allow them to cool slightly before serving. The warm peaches are delightful on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary toppings. Continue reading to discover my favorite ways to enjoy grilled peaches!
What to Serve with Grilled Peaches: Delicious Topping Ideas and Creative Combinations
While I am a firm believer in the classic combination of juicy grilled peaches with a generous scoop of no-churn vanilla ice cream and a decadent drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce, there are countless ways to enhance and customize this simple dessert. You could switch it up with a dollop of fluffy homemade whipped cream for a lighter alternative. If you’re looking to elevate your grilled peach dessert with even more delectable sweet toppings, here are a few irresistible ideas that are sure to please:
- Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: A simple yet classic combination that enhances the peaches’ natural sweetness with a warm, comforting spice.
- Toasted Pecans and a Drizzle of Honey: The crunchy pecans add a delightful textural contrast, while the honey provides an extra layer of sweetness and a subtle floral note.
- Granola: The combination of soft, juicy fruit and crunchy granola is simply divine! Consider adding a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for a satisfying and wholesome breakfast option.
- Yogurt and a Drizzle of Honey: A light and healthy topping that adds a tangy creaminess and a touch of sweetness.
However, don’t limit yourself to sweet pairings! Grilled peaches are surprisingly versatile and can be equally delicious when paired with savory flavors. They complement just about any summer salad. My personal favorite is substituting grilled peaches for strawberries in this vibrant spinach salad with poppyseed dressing. Grilled peaches are also insanely delicious alongside creamy burrata cheese, salty prosciutto, and grilled baguette slices for an elegant and flavorful summer appetizer or side dish. You could even elevate whipped Brie cheese with a topping of grilled peaches. And for a flavor-packed dinner that’s sure to impress, grilled peaches are absolutely fantastic on top of grilled chicken or pork, adding a burst of sweetness and complexity.
What if I Don’t Have a Grill? Alternative Cooking Methods for Delicious Grilled Peaches
Don’t fret if you don’t own a traditional outdoor grill! You can still savor the wonderful flavors of warm, juicy grilled peaches by using your stovetop or oven. These alternative cooking methods offer convenient and delicious ways to achieve that signature grilled peach experience.
Stovetop Method: Grilling Peaches Indoors Using a Grill Pan
If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to grill peaches indoors, a stovetop grill pan is your best friend. Simply use a grill pan on your stovetop. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Then, follow the same steps for grilling peaches as you would on an outdoor grill. Make sure to provide good ventilation and turn on your kitchen vent fan to avoid excessive smoke. This method delivers the grilled flavor you crave without needing to head outdoors.
Oven Method: Baking Peaches to Perfection for a Warm, Tender Treat
For a hands-off approach, baking peaches in the oven is an excellent option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the peach halves, cut side up, in a lightly greased baking pan. Place a small pat of butter in the center of each peach half to add richness and moisture. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and lightly caramelized. Pro tip: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the butter before baking. The resulting aroma and taste are absolutely divine!
More Peach Desserts You’ll Love: Expanding Your Peach Repertoire for Summer Baking
If you’re as obsessed with peaches as I am, you’ll want to explore even more ways to enjoy their deliciousness. Here are a few of my favorite peach dessert recipes to expand your culinary horizons:
- Peach Cobbler with Buttermilk Biscuits: A warm, comforting classic.
- 5-Ingredient Peach Tart: An elegant and effortless dessert.
- Easy Peach Slab Pie: Perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Easy Peach Turnovers: A flaky and delightful treat.
- 5-Minute Healthy Peach Frozen Yogurt: A guilt-free indulgence.
- Peaches and Cream Cupcakes: A delightful twist on a classic.
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Grilled Peaches: A Simple and Delicious Summer Treat
Kelly Senyei