Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Grilled peaches with ice cream is a delightful summer dessert that captures the essence of warm weather. Juicy, ripe peaches are transformed by the grill, developing a smoky sweetness that pairs exquisitely with the cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream. The light caramelization on the peaches creates a tender texture that melts in your mouth, bursting with flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also impresses guests at BBQs or family gatherings. Drizzling honey on top adds a layer of sweetness, while flaky sea salt enhances the natural flavors, making it a memorable dessert that beautifully balances sweet and savory.

This dish is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be put together quickly, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a weekend cookout, or simply indulging in a treat after a long day, grilled peaches with ice cream is a go-to recipe that highlights the best of summer fruits. After one bite of these warm, succulent peaches topped with cold ice cream, you’ll find yourself wanting to whip it up time and again.

Ingredients about Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

To prepare grilled peaches with ice cream, you will need the following ingredients:

List of ingredients with measurements

• 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
• Vanilla ice cream for serving
• Honey for drizzling
• Flaky sea salt

Optional ingredient substitutions

• You can substitute the vanilla ice cream with other flavors like coconut or almond for a different twist.
• Instead of honey, try maple syrup or a fruit puree for drizzling.
• If you don’t have peaches, other stone fruits like nectarines or plums work splendidly too.

How to Make Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare the grill

Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure that the grates are clean to prevent the peaches from sticking. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals turn to ash before starting to cook. For gas grills, allow it to preheat for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the peaches

While the grill heats up, take your ripe peaches, slice them in half, and remove the pits. Brushing the cut side of the peaches with vegetable or canola oil helps to prevent sticking and enhances the grilling process. This step will ensure that you get nice grill marks and a smoky flavor.

Step 3: Grill the peaches

Once the grill is ready, place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and caramelize. After that, flip the peaches over, placing them skin-side down on the grill. Continue grilling for another 4 to 6 minutes until they are tender and nearly falling apart. These grilling times can vary depending on the ripeness of the peaches, so keep an eye on them.

Step 4: Assemble and serve

After grilling, remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool for a minute. Serve them warm, placing a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each half. Drizzle honey over the ice cream and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. This combination of hot and cold is irresistible!

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Best ways to serve Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

The best way to enjoy grilled peaches with ice cream is to serve them warm right off the grill. This creates a delightful contrast between the warm, juicy fruit and the cold, creamy ice cream. Plated beautifully, it will look enticing for any gathering or family meal.

Serving suggestions or pairings

You can elevate your serving experience by pairing grilled peaches with complementary flavors. Consider serving alongside a tart fruit compote for added zest or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch. You could also pair the dessert with a glass of dessert wine or a refreshing iced tea to cleanse your palate between bites.

How to Store Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Proper storage methods

If you have leftovers, it’s best to store peaches separately from the ice cream. Keep grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The ice cream should stay in its original container in the freezer, ensuring it remains fresh and scoopable.

Tips for reheating or freezing

When reheating grilled peaches, you can place them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until warm. Be careful not to overdo it, or they may become mushy. If you want to freeze them, it’s recommended to place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together.

Tips to Make Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is using unripe peaches. They may not soften enough on the grill and can taste too fibrous. Make sure your peaches are perfectly ripe for the best results. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can cause uneven cooking or scorching.

Helpful tips for better results

For extra flavor, consider marinating the peaches in a bit of honey and lemon juice before grilling. This will add sweetness and a hint of zest. Always keep a close eye on the grilling times, as peaches can go from perfectly grilled to overly mushy quite quickly.

Variation of Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. For instance, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before grilling for a warm spice flavor. Alternatively, consider topping your grilled peaches with crushed cookies or granola for a fun textural contrast.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those with dietary restrictions, dairy-free ice cream can be used in place of regular vanilla ice cream. This allows everyone to enjoy the dessert without concern for lactose intolerance or vegan preferences. Also, using sugar-free honey or agave syrup can keep the dish low-calorie for those watching their sugar intake.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your peaches are not softening adequately, they may be under-ripe. Look for peaches that give slightly when pressed. If they’re too mushy after grilling, they may have been overripe. Trying different peaches in the future can lead to better results.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the peaches by grilling them ahead of time, and then storing them in the refrigerator as mentioned before. Just grill them shortly before serving to maintain the warm-cold contrast. The ice cream should be stored in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you don’t have peaches, nectarines can be a perfect substitute, providing a similar taste. For the oil, olive oil or coconut oil can work as alternatives. When it comes to ice cream, any cream-based frozen dessert will work, including gelato or non-dairy alternatives for a vegan version. Also, honey can be replaced with agave syrup or fruit syrup depending on your preference.

Grilled peaches with ice cream is a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s an easy way to showcase seasonal fruits. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or part of a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to please all who dare to indulge in its summer flavors.

Print