Grilled peaches are a sweet summer treat, bursting with juicy flavor and a lovely char. Pair them with a rich blackberry sauce for an extra touch of yum!
I love serving this at barbecues. It’s so easy to make, and watching everyone enjoy those warm, juicy peaches is the best! Just don’t forget the ice cream on the side! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find them, nectarines work well too. They’ll give you a similar taste without the fuzz.
Olive Oil: This is great for grilling. If you prefer, you can use avocado oil for a higher smoke point or even melted coconut oil for a subtle sweetness.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are fantastic, but you can swap them for raspberries or blueberries if necessary. Frozen berries can also work; just thaw and drain any excess liquid.
Sugar: Adjust based on your sweetness preference. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that you’ll need less than the original amount due to their higher sweetness levels.
Lemon Juice: If you’re out of lemon juice, lime juice can be a zesty substitute. Both will add a nice acidity to balance the sweetness.
How Do You Grill Peaches Perfectly?
The key to grilling peaches is keeping an eye on them to achieve the right balance of tenderness and grill marks. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough for good grill marks.
- Brush olive oil on the cut sides and sprinkle with salt. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Grill cut-side down for about 4-5 minutes. Don’t move them around; let them sit for perfect grill marks!
- Flip and grill the rounded side for another 1-2 minutes to warm through. Avoid overcooking, as they can become mushy.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Blackberry Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
For the Blackberry Sauce:
- 1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh mint leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
To prepare this delicious dessert, you will need about 15-20 minutes of active cooking time. This includes about 10 minutes for grilling the peaches and 10 minutes for making the blackberry sauce. It’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting those lovely grill marks on your peaches and making them perfectly tender.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Take your halved peaches and brush the cut sides with olive oil. Sprinkle a little salt on them to enhance their flavor. This little step makes a big difference!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches on the grill with the cut side down. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes or until you see nice grill marks and the peaches feel tender. Then, flip the peaches over to the rounded side and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will give them a lovely smoky flavor.
4. Make the Blackberry Sauce:
While the peaches are grilling, it’s time to prepare the blackberry sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and optional vanilla extract. Stir it all together and mash the blackberries a bit with a fork—it helps release their tasty juices!
5. Cook the Sauce:
Continue stirring frequently and cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Once it’s done, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Assemble and Serve:
After grilling, carefully take the peaches off the grill and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the warm blackberry sauce generously over your grilled peaches. If you like, add some fresh mint leaves as a pretty garnish!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your grilled peaches immediately while they are warm. These sweet and smoky peaches with tangy blackberry sauce make for a delightful dessert or a fabulous side dish!
Enjoy your deliciously grilled peaches with a tasty blackberry sauce!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! You can try grilling other stone fruits like nectarines or plums, which will complement the blackberry sauce perfectly. Just adjust grilling time according to the firmness of the fruit; softer fruits may need less time on the grill.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Blackberries?
No problem! If fresh blackberries aren’t available, you can use frozen blackberries instead. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain excess liquid to get the best consistency for your sauce. Alternatively, you can mix in raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Peaches and Sauce
To store any leftovers, place grilled peaches and blackberry sauce in separate airtight containers. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the peaches gently in the microwave or enjoy them cold. The sauce can be warmed on the stove or used as is!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it doesn’t contain any animal products. Just keep an eye on the sugar you use—some sugars are processed with bone char, so opt for organic or cane sugar if you want to ensure it’s completely vegan.
