Get ready for a sweet treat with grilled peaches topped with creamy mascarpone and a drizzle of honey! Simple and tasty, this dish is perfect for warm days.
These peaches turn all caramelized and juicy on the grill, almost like a dessert hug. I love serving them for company, but let’s be real—I often eat them all myself! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for this recipe; they should be just soft to the touch. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use nectarines or even mangoes as a tasty alternative.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but you can substitute with melted coconut oil or avocado oil if you’re looking for a different taste or if you don’t use olive oil.
Honey: Honey brings sweetness to the dish, but if you’re avoiding sugar, maple syrup or agave nectar works well too. I often drizzle extra honey on top to enhance the flavor!
Mascarpone Cheese: Mascarpone is creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using ricotta or Greek yogurt. They provide a nice consistency, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Cinnamon: While optional, cinnamon adds warmth. You can use nutmeg or cardamom for a different spice kick, depending on your preference!
How Do I Grill Peaches Without Them Falling Apart?
Grilling peaches requires some care to keep them intact. Here’s how to handle them well:
- First, make sure your peaches are halved and pitted cleanly. This prevents any splintering.
- Use a medium heat on your grill. Too high, and they will char before cooking through.
- Brush them evenly with the olive oil mixture to help them crisp up and not stick.
- Start grilling cut-side down for 4-5 minutes until you see great grill marks. Then flip carefully with a spatula to avoid smashing.
By keeping an eye on the heat and handling them gently, you’ll have beautifully grilled peaches every time!
Grilled Peaches With Honey And Mascarpone
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fruits:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
For The Grill Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
For The Mascarpone:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of preparation and another 10 minutes to grill the peaches. In total, you’ll need around 20 minutes to prepare and serve this delicious treat. Perfect for a quick summer dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure your peaches get those lovely grill marks and the right texture.
2. Prepare the Olive Oil Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, honey, and fresh thyme leaves. This mixture will add fantastic flavor to your peaches.
3. Coat the Peaches:
Take the peach halves and brush them generously with the olive oil mixture. Make sure they are well coated so they grill nicely.
4. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peach halves on the grill with the cut side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until you see great grill marks and the peaches are getting soft. Be cautious, as they can get hot!
5. Flip and Finish Grilling:
Carefully flip the peaches over and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will warm them through and give them a delicious texture.
6. Prepare the Mascarpone:
While your peaches are grilling, take another bowl and combine the mascarpone cheese with a pinch of salt and cinnamon if you’d like. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
7. Serve the Grilled Peaches:
Once the peaches are done grilling, take them off the grill and place them on a serving dish. They should look beautiful and slightly caramelized!
8. Add Mascarpone and Honey:
Serve the peaches warm by adding a dollop of mascarpone cheese next to each peach half. This creamy cheese pairs amazingly with the sweet peaches!
9. Drizzle and Garnish:
Finish off your dish by drizzling some extra honey over the peaches and adding fresh thyme leaves as a nice garnish. Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dessert!
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh Ones?
While fresh peaches are recommended for grilling, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture, which can interfere with the grilling process. Grill for a shorter time, roughly 2-3 minutes on each side, as they’re already soft.
What Can I Substitute for Mascarpone Cheese?
If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream in a 1:1 ratio. Mix equal parts for a similar creamy texture, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Peaches?
Store leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed chilled, or you can quickly reheat them on the grill or in a pan for a few minutes to warm them up before serving.
Can I Add Other Toppings to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. You can add chopped nuts for crunch, a sprinkle of granola for extra texture, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Enjoy making it your own!
