Grilled Peaches

The grill has the ability to elevate sweet, juicy peaches from over-the-sink snack to the most stunning dessert or a side dish with nothing more than heat. Grilled peaches are the kind of magic that happens in a hot grill’s twilight, when dinner is nearly done, and sweet fruit is the best pairing for the cold wine and ice cream destined for dessert. Here’s how to pull it off with grace and ease in only four simple steps.

• They’re incredibly easy to grill. The truth is that grilled peaches are surprisingly simple to make! They only require fresh peaches and olive oil, and make the most of residual heat from a cooling grill.
• Grilled peaches pair well with everything. They’re a great side dish to grilled meats, can be added to refreshing summer salads, or turned into a knock-out summer dessert with vanilla ice cream.

When it comes to grilling, you’ll want to look for freestone peaches that are still firm when squeezed. Really ripe peaches have more sugar, which will burn quickly, and are too tender to take the heat.

Grilling the peaches in halves, rather than slices, prevents them from overcooking and makes the peaches easier to handle — no slices slipping through grill grates. Brushing the peach halves with olive oil prevents sticking, and it won’t burn the way sugar or spice rubs can when added to fruit.

I most often find myself cooking peaches on the grill after dinner, when the coals have cooled down. That being said, perfect peaches are as good an excuse as any for firing up the grill, so medium heat is best when you plan to grill peaches.

Grill the peaches uncovered for four to five minutes on each side. Resist the temptation to reposition the peaches once on the grill — good grill marks on peaches are the result of patience (and clean grill grates).

The finished peaches should be more tender, but not falling apart, with distinct grill marks. Most of the time the peach skin will be loose and falling away. Feel free to pull these off with tongs before serving if desired.

Here’s how to be the hero of your next summer cookout: Bring a tray of scooped ice cream and spoons to the table, add the warm peaches from the grill to the ice cream, and let everyone dig in. Plan on at least one peach half per person. Here are some of our favorite additions to the table to serve alongside grilled peaches.

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
• Angel Food Cake
• Whipped Cream
• Butterscotch Syrup
• Quick Drop Biscuits
• Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream
• Classic Pound Cake
• Caramel Sauce