Grilled peaches are sweet and smoky, making them a fantastic summer treat! Topped with a tasty blackberry sauce, this dish is as simple as it is delicious.
Making this is a breeze, and it brings sunshine to your table. I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a perfect ending to any meal! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key to this recipe. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch. If peaches are out of season, you could use nectarines as a substitute. They have a similar flavor and texture when grilled.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are best for the sauce. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen blackberries work well too. Just thaw them before use. Alternatively, you might consider using raspberries for a different flavor but keep in mind they can be a bit tart.
Sugar: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on how sweet the blackberries are. For a healthier option, honey or maple syrup can be used as substitutes. Just remember, these sweeteners might alter the flavor slightly.
Olive Oil: While olive oil adds a nice flavor, you can use melted butter or coconut oil as alternatives. They both work well to enhance the grilling process.
How Do You Get Perfect Grill Marks on Peaches?
Grilling peaches to perfection takes a little care, but it’s easy! The goal is to achieve those beautiful grill marks while making sure the peaches get soft without falling apart.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat; a hot grill helps create those marks.
- Brush the cut side of the peaches with olive oil. This prevents sticking and enhances flavor.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Let them sit without moving for 4-5 minutes to get those grill marks.
- Flip them carefully with tongs and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes. By this time, they should be slightly softened but not 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 fresh blackberries
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 15-20 minutes. You’ll need around 5-7 minutes to prepare everything and another 10-12 minutes for grilling and cooking the sauce. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures that your peaches will grill perfectly!
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Brush the cut side of the peach halves with olive oil, making sure to coat them well. Sprinkle a little salt on top; this enhances the sweetness of the peaches when grilled.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches are starting to soften. After that, flip them over and grill for another 2-3 minutes until they’re tender.
4. Make the Blackberry Sauce:
While those peaches are grilling, it’s time to whip up the blackberry sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh blackberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries are soft and the sugar is dissolved.
5. Blend or Strain the Sauce:
Once your sauce has thickened a bit, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can mash the blackberries or strain the mixture through a fine sieve. Either way, it will taste fantastic!
6. Plate and Serve:
Now it’s time to plate your grilled peaches! Place them on a serving dish and generously drizzle the blackberry sauce over the top. For an extra treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your delightful dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but keep in mind that they will release more moisture when grilled. Thaw them completely in the fridge before grilling, and pat them dry to help minimize excess liquid. Grill them for a slightly shorter time to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
What If I Don’t Have Blackberries?
No worries! You can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the berries you choose. The cooking process will remain the same, just make sure to watch for the consistency of the sauce as different berries may cook down differently.
How to Store Leftover Blackberry Sauce?
Store any leftover blackberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you find it too thick upon reheating, simply add a splash of water to loosen it up while warming on the stove over low heat.
Can I Prep This Recipe in Advance?
You can prep components ahead of time! Grill the peaches and make the blackberry sauce, then refrigerate them separately for up to a day. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently and grill the peaches briefly to warm them back up. Enjoy the deliciousness without the last-minute rush!
