Grilled peaches are a sweet and juicy treat, especially when topped with a rich blackberry sauce! The warm peaches paired with the tangy sauce make for a lovely dessert or snack.
Just imagine the deliciousness of those caramelized edges! I can’t help but sneak a few bites before serving. Trust me, these are the perfect summer delight you won’t want to miss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are the star of the dish. If you can’t find fresh ones, you might try nectarines, which have a similar taste. Canned or jarred peaches work too, just skip the grilling step.
Olive Oil: This ingredient helps with grilling and adds flavor. You can swap it with melted butter or a neutral oil like canola or avocado oil if you prefer.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are best, but frozen ones are a great backup. Just remember to thaw and drain excess water before cooking. Alternatively, other berries like blueberries or raspberries can also be used.
Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances the sauce but can be swapped with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness. If you’re cutting back on sugar, feel free to reduce the amount or use a sugar substitute.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to the sauce. Lime juice can be a good substitute too. You can skip it if citrus isn’t your thing.
How Do I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches should be easy and rewarding, but it helps to know a few things. The goal is to highlight their natural sweetness while getting those beautiful grill marks.
- Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for the best results.
- Brush peach halves with olive oil and sprinkle a bit of salt. Salt brings out more flavor and helps caramelize during grilling.
- Grill cut-side down for 4-5 minutes until marked, then flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes. This way, they soften without falling apart.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Blackberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Blackberry Sauce:
- 1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, making it ready to enjoy in about 25 minutes. Quick and simple, but oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the peaches grill perfectly and get those beautiful marks.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Take your peach halves and brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle a little salt over them to enhance their natural sweetness. The salt adds a lovely depth to the flavor!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Once your grill is hot, place the peach halves on it, cut-side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches become tender. Then, gently flip them over and grill the skin side for another 2-3 minutes, just to warm them through.
4. Make the Blackberry Sauce:
While the peaches are grilling, grab a small saucepan to make the sauce. Combine the blackberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat and stir gently until it begins to simmer. This will help all the flavors mix together nicely!
5. Cook the Sauce:
Let the blackberry mixture cook for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the blackberries have softened and the sauce thickens. If you want to add a twist, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor just before it’s done.
6. Serve:
Once the peaches are grilled and the sauce is ready, transfer the peaches to a serving platter. Drizzle the warm blackberry sauce generously over your grilled peaches.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delightful grilled peaches right away. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy this lovely treat!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other stone fruits such as plums or nectarines. You can also try firm fruits like apples or pineapples, but adjust the grilling time accordingly since they may take longer to soften.
Can I Make the Blackberry Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, the blackberry sauce can be made in advance! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before drizzling over the grilled peaches.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Peaches?
Store any leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, consider placing them back on a warm grill for a minute or two to warm them up and restore some of the grill marks.
Can I Substitute Fresh Blackberries for Frozen?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries! Just add them directly to the saucepan, but keep in mind they may release more liquid. You might want to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness or tartness of the berries. Don’t forget to simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking!
