Grilled Peaches Recipe

Article by: Krissy Downey

How to Grill Peaches Like a Pro

Use perfectly ripe peaches. Use peaches that are ripe but still a bit firm. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not so soft and ripe that they won’t hold their shape on the grill. If you use overripe peaches, it will be difficult to remove the pit, and they will not be nice and juicy after grilling.

Macerate the peaches before grilling. We like to slightly macerate the peaches, which means to toss them with sugar and let them sit, allowing their natural juices to release and create a syrupy, flavorful coating. This process ensures the peaches are as juicy as possible, and that sugary coating helps the peaches get a nice char on the outside. We also take things to the next level by adding vanilla and almond extracts to brown sugar while the peaches macerate. The vanilla ups the sweetness, while the almond flavor and molasses from the brown sugar deepen the fruity richness.

Have fun with the toppings. We keep it simple (and healthy!) with toasted almonds and frozen vanilla yogurt, but feel free to have fun here with what you like. Vanilla ice cream, honey, maple syrup, whipped cream, crumbled cookies and any toasted nuts are all excellent places to start.

The Best Peaches for Grilling

The best peaches to use for grilling are freestone peaches, which are the regular yellow peaches commonly found in any produce section. The pit in freestone peaches separates easily from the flesh, making them easy to split and slice. Yellow peaches are the ideal choice because they have a slightly tart flavor that perfectly balances the caramelization from the grill. If you only have white peaches on hand, they should work well too but know that they are sweeter and more delicate than yellow peaches.

How Long to Grill Peaches

Grilled peaches should be charred and tender on the outside, but they shouldn’t be too soft or mushy on the inside. The key to the perfect texture is to make sure your grill is properly heated to medium-high heat, around 375 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, they should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side. At higher temperatures, the outside will burn too quickly, while at lower heat, the insides of the peaches will soften before the exterior has a chance to caramelize.

How to Turn Grilled Peaches Into Dessert

Believe us when we say: grilled peaches are so juicy and sweet, they are a dessert right when they come off the grill. Those natural sugars in peaches caramelize, bringing out the lush sweetness that anyone craves in a satisfying dessert. If you’re looking for more of a showstopper, we like to take it to the next level with additions like frozen yogurt and toasted almonds.

What Other Fruits Are Good for Grilling?

Peaches are probably our favorite fruit to grill, but we love many other grilled fruit recipes. Pineapple and watermelon – yes, watermelon! - are two classic options, but you can also get creative with unexpected choices like plums, bananas, figs and mango. Grill any of these fruits and serve them with a nice heaping of vanilla frozen yogurt and a sprinkling of toasted almonds, and you have a gourmet summer dessert with just a few simple ingredients.