Grilled Peaches (Savory or Sweet)

This Grilled Peaches recipe will quickly elevate your summer gatherings! Bursting with natural sweetness and kissed by flames, these caramelized beauties are the epitome of seasonal flavor. Whether served as a side dish, dessert, or atop salads, each bite offers an amazing blend of smoky goodness and juicy freshness.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Enhanced Flavor: Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in peaches, intensifying their sweetness and creating a rich, smoky flavor that adds depth to the fruit.
• Perfect Texture: Grilling softens their flesh slightly while also imparting a subtle charred exterior.
• Versatile: The peaches can be enjoyed in various ways, from serving them as a simple side dish to adding them into salads, desserts, or savory dishes like grilled meats or sandwiches.
• Easy Prep: This recipe is quick and easy, requiring minimal prep and cooking time.

What Type of Peaches to Use

Select ripe yet firm peaches that will hold their shape well on the grill without becoming mushy.

Freestone peaches are generally preferred for grilling because their flesh separates easily from the pit, making them easier to halve and remove the pit before grilling.

Both yellow and white peaches can be grilled, and the choice depends on personal preference. Yellow peaches tend to be more commonly available and have a classic sweet flavor, while white peaches have a milder, slightly floral taste. You can also use nectarines.

How to Shop For Them

• Firm Texture: Look for peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch. They should yield slightly when gently squeezed but not feel overly soft or mushy. Avoid peaches that are too hard or underripe, as they may not soften sufficiently during grilling.
• Even Color: Choose peaches with vibrant, uniform coloration and smooth skin. Avoid peaches with bruises, blemishes, or signs of decay, as these may indicate overripeness or spoilage.
• Local Varieties: Whenever possible, consider purchasing locally grown peaches from farmers' markets or orchards. Local peaches are often fresher and more flavorful than those that have been shipped long distances.

How to Make Grilled Peaches

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat the grill.
2. Drizzle the peaches with olive oil.
3. Grill.

Grill Temperature

It's best to use medium-high heat around 350 to 400 degrees. This temperature range allows the peaches to cook quickly and develop grill marks and caramelization on the surface without overcooking or burning them.

How to Tell When They Are Done

• Grill Marks: The peaches should have prominent grill marks on the surface, indicating that they have been seared and caramelized by the heat of the grill. Rotate the peaches halfway through cooking to ensure even grill marks on both sides.
• Caramelization: The edges of the peach slices should appear slightly caramelized and golden brown. This adds depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness of the peaches.
• Tender Texture: They should be tender and softened but still hold their shape. You can test the tenderness by gently pressing on the flesh with a fork or tongs. It should yield slightly to pressure without being mushy.
• Juicy Interior: They should still be juicy and moist on the inside. Avoid overcooking them, as this can cause them to become dry and lose their natural sweetness.
• Smell: When they are perfectly cooked, they will emit a deliciously fragrant aroma. You'll notice a sweet and slightly smoky scent that indicates they are ready to be removed from the grill.

How to Pair Them/Ways to Use Them

• Salad: Combine the peaches with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese or feta, toasted nuts (such as pecans or almonds), and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful salad.
• Salsa: Chop the peach slices and combine them with diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to make a vibrant and flavorful salsa. Serve with tortilla chips or grilled meats.
• Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with a mixture of grilled peach slices, creamy ricotta cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a delightful appetizer or snack.
• Parfait: Layer peach slices with Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream, granola, and a drizzle of honey for a delicious dessert.

How to Store Them

Leftover peaches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After this time, their texture and flavor may start to deteriorate, so it's best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze them tightly covered and sealed for several months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

Pair With These Recipes

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs
Southern Coleslaw
Vinegar Based Coleslaw with No Mayo
Soul Food Potato Salad
Potato Salad with Bacon
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Beans
Broccoli Salad with Bacon

More Peach Recipes

Homemade Peach Iced Tea
Smoked Peaches
Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls