Delicious Grilled Peaches with Honey Mascarpone: Your Ultimate Summer Dessert and Appetizer

This Grilled Peaches Recipe is the perfect treat for the warm summer weather. This quick and easy vegetarian recipe works great as a dessert or an appetizer for parties. Pair with Honey Mascarpone and fresh thyme for the perfect finish.

Summer is officially here, and that means a bounty of juicy peaches! As a lifelong peach enthusiast who grew up on a small peach orchard, I’ve enjoyed these vibrant fruits in countless ways, including this exquisite Grilled Peaches Recipe. There’s something truly special about the way grilling transforms peaches, making them incredibly soft, intensely sweet, and beautifully charred. When paired with a creamy, rich Honey Mascarpone and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, they become an unforgettable culinary experience.

This delightful vegetarian dessert or appetizer is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly quick to prepare, ready in under 15 minutes. While perfect for summer barbecues, these grilled peaches can be enjoyed all year round, as they can also be made effortlessly on a stovetop or in the oven if outdoor grilling isn’t an option. I am confident that you and your family will cherish these succulent and sweet grilled peaches as much as mine does, finding them to be a refreshing and elegant addition to any meal or gathering.

Ingredient Notes

Peaches: The selection of your peaches is key to achieving the perfect texture. I highly recommend using a Freestone or Semi-Clingstone variety, which are typically easier to pit and hold their shape well during grilling. Most local grocery stores will carry the classic orange/red peaches that work wonderfully for this recipe. It’s crucial to avoid overly ripe or soft white peaches, as their delicate flesh can easily turn to mush when exposed to heat, preventing them from developing that desirable firm-yet-tender consistency and beautiful char. Aim for peaches that are firm but have a slight give when gently squeezed.

Olive Oil or Melted Butter: A light brush of olive oil helps prevent sticking and promotes a beautiful caramelization on the cut surfaces of the peaches. Melted butter offers a richer flavor profile and also works perfectly. Choose whichever you prefer for the best results.

Brown Sugar: A sprinkle of brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches and helps create those irresistible caramelized grill marks, adding depth of flavor and a lovely crust. You can adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your peaches and your personal preference.

Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cream cheese is incredibly rich and smooth, providing a luxurious base for our honey mascarpone. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor perfectly complements the grilled peaches. Ensure it’s softened slightly for easier mixing.

Honey: Honey adds a wonderful floral sweetness to the mascarpone, balancing its richness. Any good quality honey will work, but a local or artisanal variety can add an extra layer of flavor complexity. Don’t be shy about adding a little extra drizzle just before serving!

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract in the mascarpone amplifies its sweetness and adds a warm, inviting aroma that pairs beautifully with the peaches.

Fresh Thyme: This optional but highly recommended herb adds a fragrant, earthy note that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the peaches and honey mascarpone, elevating the dish to gourmet status. A few small sprigs or a light sprinkle of chopped thyme make a significant difference.

Why You’ll LOVE These Grilled Peaches!

Quick & Easy: Ready in About 15 Minutes! Forget complicated desserts! This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. From prep to plate, you’ll have these delicious grilled peaches ready in roughly 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for impromptu gatherings or a spontaneous sweet craving on a busy weeknight.

The Perfect Summer Dessert or Snack: There’s no better way to celebrate the bounty of summer than with fresh, sweet peaches. Grilling them brings out their natural sugars and adds a smoky depth that is simply irresistible. Whether served as a light dessert after a barbecue, a refreshing snack, or a unique appetizer, these peaches encapsulate the taste of the season.

Versatile: Eat Solo, with Ice Cream, or in a Salad: The beauty of grilled peaches lies in their incredible versatility. Enjoy them on their own for a healthy, satisfying treat. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert. For a savory twist, add them to a vibrant summer salad with goat cheese, pecans, and a light vinaigrette. The possibilities are endless!

Instructions

Prepping the Peaches for Grilling

1. Wash the peaches thoroughly under cool running water. Then, carefully slice each peach in half lengthwise, following the natural seam. Gently twist the two halves apart to separate them, and remove the pit. If the pit clings stubbornly, a small spoon can help dislodge it.
2. Once pitted, lightly brush the cut side of each peach half with a generous coating of olive oil or melted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown char.
3. Generously sprinkle each oiled, cut peach half with brown sugar. This step is crucial for caramelization and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit, creating a delightful sugary crust.
4. Heat your chosen cooking surface: an outdoor charcoal or gas grill, or an indoor grill pan. Once heated to a medium-high temperature, place the peaches skin side up, with the oiled and sugared cut side directly onto the hot surface.
5. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes. Resist the urge to move them too frequently! The goal is to allow them to soften and develop distinct, appealing char marks. You’ll know they’re ready when they are tender and show clear grill lines.
6. Using tongs, carefully remove the perfectly grilled peaches from the heat. Serve them warm with a generous dollop of our luscious Honey Mascarpone. For extra indulgence, you can also pair them with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Pro Tip!
To achieve those coveted, perfect grill marks, ensure your grill or grill pan is adequately heated before placing the peaches. Once placed, let them sit undisturbed in one spot. Avoid constantly rotating or shifting them, as this disrupts the charring process and results in less defined marks. If you notice the peaches are charring too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill or slightly reduce the heat to allow them to continue cooking through without burning.

Honey Mascarpone Prep

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Ensure your mascarpone is at room temperature for easier blending.
2. Using a whisk or a fork, gently stir the ingredients together until they are well combined, light, and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix, as mascarpone can curdle if beaten too vigorously.
3. Once your grilled peaches are ready, scoop a spoonful of this creamy, sweet mixture over each warm peach half. Finish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh thyme and an additional drizzle of honey for an elegant presentation and enhanced flavor.

Leftover Storage Instructions
Any leftover grilled peaches and honey mascarpone should be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 3 days. Storing them separately helps maintain the texture of both components. When ready to serve, gently rewarm the peaches in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until just warm. Then, combine with the chilled mascarpone.

FAQS About Grilled Peaches

Alternate Cooking Methods for Peaches

If an outdoor grill isn’t available or if you simply prefer other cooking methods, these delectable peaches can be prepared just as easily in your oven or on a stovetop. Regardless of the method you choose, follow the initial peach preparation instructions (washing, slicing, pitting, oiling, and sugaring) exactly as described in the grilled peaches recipe.

Oven Method: For a hands-off approach that still delivers tender, sweet peaches, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). Arrange the prepared peach halves, skin side down, on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the peaches have softened to your liking. While this method yields wonderfully sweet peaches, note that you won’t achieve the distinctive smoky flavor or prominent char marks that grilling provides.

Stove Top Method: To simulate grilling indoors, a grill pan or even a regular skillet can be used. Heat your pan over medium heat until warm. For the best results and those beautiful grill marks, a cast iron skillet or a ridged grill pan is highly recommended. Once heated, place the peaches into the pan, skin side up (oiled and sugared side down). Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the peaches are soft and have developed a nice caramelization on their cut surface. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, adjusting the heat if necessary.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for Perfect Peaches
If you opt for the stovetop method to prepare your grilled peaches, I cannot emphasize enough the benefits of using a cast iron grill pan or a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet. The superior heat retention and distribution of cast iron are unmatched, allowing the peaches to cook evenly and develop a much richer, more nuanced flavor compared to lighter non-stick pans. Moreover, a grill pan’s ridges are specifically designed to create those desirable, professional-looking char marks that are a hallmark of perfectly grilled fruit.

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Storytime: A Childhood Filled with Peaches

Okay, so peaches have held an exceptionally special place in my heart since I was just 12 years old. My family made a big move from the bustling suburbs of St. Louis to a serene, small town just over the river. There, we settled on several acres of beautiful land, which, to my absolute delight, included a small peach orchard. It was a picturesque setting, brimming with fruit trees that promised endless summer delights.

My brother and I spent our summers immersed in the orchard, a truly idyllic childhood. We would wake up with the sun, ready to help with trimming the trees, a task that, despite being hard work, felt like an adventure. We’d also meticulously collect the fallen peaches, ensuring the orchard remained tidy. But, of course, the best part was eating our fill of the sweet, sun-ripened fruit directly from the branches. We even set up a small stand right in front of our house, transforming it into our very own version of a lemonade stand, but with peaches! Selling our fresh bounty to neighbors and passersby was not only fun but also instilled a sense of responsibility and pride in our harvest. Those long, warm days were filled with laughter, the sweet scent of peaches, and the joy of working together.

Hilariously enough, my mom has always disliked peaches, so all those delicious fruits were left for my brother and me to enjoy. Over the years, my mom and grandma, who both had a knack for preserving and cooking, taught me countless ways to utilize our abundant peach harvest. We would transform them into everything imaginable: from savory grilled peaches and sweet, bubbling jams to comforting pies, elegant tarts, and even refreshing smoothies. Each recipe was a lesson in cherishing and making the most of nature’s gifts.

The peaches from my parents’ orchard were, without a doubt, the best on this planet. I genuinely miss living so close to them and being able to enjoy their unparalleled flavor fresh off the tree every summer. Still to this very day, whenever I bite into a juicy peach, I’m instantly transported back to those magical summers. I can almost feel the warm earth beneath my bare feet as I’d venture out into our backyard, picking a fresh, perfectly ripe peach for breakfast, a simple pleasure that continues to define my love for this incredible fruit.