Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches are a sweet and juicy treat that’s perfect for summer. The brown sugar caramelizes on the grill, giving the peaches a lovely golden color and rich flavor!
Honestly, these are so easy to make—just slice, sprinkle, and grill! I love serving them with ice cream. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful combo! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are key for this dish. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, try using nectarines or apricots as alternatives. They will also grill well and offer a sweet flavor.
Brown Sugar: This gives your peaches a lovely caramelized coating. If you’re out, light or dark brown sugar can both work. You can also use coconut sugar for a healthier option, though it will have a slightly different taste.
Olive Oil: This helps the sugar stick and encourages grilling. If you’re looking for a different flavor, avocado oil is a great substitute. You could even skip the oil altogether if you prefer a lighter option.
Cinnamon and Vanilla: These are optional but recommended for added warmth. If you’re not a fan, consider nutmeg or allspice instead. You can also use almond extract for a nutty twist in place of vanilla.
How Do You Grill Peaches Perfectly?
The key to grilling peaches is ensuring they’re ripe and handling them carefully. Here’s how to ensure they grill beautifully:
- First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat; this is important for good grill marks.
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Make sure your cuts are even for uniform cooking.
- Mix brown sugar and olive oil in a bowl, and brush the mixture on the cut sides. This helps create that gorgeous caramelization!
- Place peaches cut-side down on the grill, and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
- When you flip them, grill for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sugar and infuse the flavors. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Remember that grilling times may vary based on your grill, so check for tenderness as you go!
How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ripe peaches
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Ice cream or yogurt (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to grill. So, you’ll spend a total of about 20 minutes to enjoy these sweet grilled peaches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting those nice grill marks and caramelizing the brown sugar.
2. Prep the Peaches:
Next, cut the peaches in half and carefully remove the pits. It’s easiest to do this by twisting the halves apart gently. Set them aside on a plate.
3. Mix the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, olive oil, and if you want, add in the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Stir until it’s well mixed. This mixture adds a delicious sweet flavor to the peaches!
4. Brush the Peaches:
Using a brush or a spoon, coat the cut sides of the peaches with your brown sugar mixture. Make sure to cover them well for maximum flavor!
5. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Let them grill for about 4-5 minutes. You’re looking for nice grill marks and for the peaches to become slightly soft.
6. Flip and Finish Grilling:
Carefully flip the peaches so they are cut side up on the grill. Grill for another 2-3 minutes. This will give the brown sugar a chance to caramelize and create a sweet topping.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once grilled, take the peaches off the grill and let them cool for a minute or two. Then, add a few fresh thyme sprigs on top for an extra pop of flavor and color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled peaches warm, and for a delicious treat, add a scoop of ice cream or yogurt on the side. Enjoy the amazing flavors!
Can I Use Other Types of Fruit Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can also use nectarines, apricots, or plums. Just adjust the grilling time slightly, as some fruits may cook faster or slower than peaches. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
How Do I Know When the Peaches Are Done Grilling?
Look for good grill marks and slight softening of the peaches. They should feel tender but not mushy when you press gently. The sugar will caramelize for a nice golden color on the surface, indicating they are ready to be flipped or removed from the grill.
Can I Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can! Mix the brown sugar, olive oil, and any spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may harden slightly in the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Grilled Peaches?
Grilled peaches are delightful on their own, but they truly shine when paired with ice cream or yogurt! You can also serve them on a cheese plate or dessert platter alongside nuts and honey for a gourmet touch.
