Easy Grilled Peaches: Your Go-To Summer Dessert in a Cast-Iron Skillet

Craving a delightful summer dessert that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these incredible **grilled peaches**! This recipe takes only about 10 minutes from start to finish, and the best part? You don’t even need an outdoor grill. A simple **cast-iron skillet grill** is all you need to achieve perfectly caramelized, smoky-sweet peaches right in your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a Fourth of July cookout, a backyard barbecue, or simply want a quick and healthy treat, these easy grilled peaches are an absolute winner.

The Inspiration: A Last-Minute Fourth of July Cookout Delight

As the Fourth of July approached, my family planned a cookout, a classic “bring your own dish” affair. The pressure was on to find something that was easy to prepare, simple to transport, and wouldn’t take all day to make. My mind drew a blank, cycling through a parade of complicated casseroles and time-consuming bakes. That’s when my boyfriend, Kal, came to the rescue with a brilliant suggestion: **Grilled Peaches**.

He fondly recounted childhood memories of enjoying grilled peaches for the Fourth of July, a tradition he cherished. It sounded perfect! A light, refreshing, yet indulgent **summer peach dessert** that felt festive and unique. And since it was his idea, I swiftly convinced him that his expertise (and helping hands!) would be invaluable in the kitchen. Neither of us had made them together before, and I honestly couldn’t recall ever trying them myself. It was an exciting culinary adventure waiting to happen!

My First Foray into Grilling Peaches (and a Delicious Success!)

Armed with enthusiasm and a slight apprehension, I headed to the grocery store. I bought a generous supply of peaches – enough for a few trial runs, just in case. Back in the kitchen, I got to work. To my delightful surprise, it only took one attempt to nail down the recipe! The grilled peaches came out almost perfect. I’ll admit, a few got a little extra “toasted” (let’s call it caramelized for a better spin!), but even those tasted absolutely divine.

The biggest challenge wasn’t the grilling, but getting pictures before they disappeared! Kal, my lovely assistant and chief taste-tester, couldn’t resist. He kept sneaking bites, leaving me with fewer and fewer peaches to photograph. I even managed to capture a candid shot of him mid-snack – a testament to how irresistible these **homemade grilled peaches** truly are!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Peaches

Incredibly Easy & Quick: Seriously, 10 minutes is all it takes for this simple peach recipe.
Deliciously Caramelized Flavor: Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the peaches, adding a wonderful smoky, caramelized depth.
Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them on their own, with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of sauce.
Healthy Option: Peaches are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a relatively healthy dessert.
No Outdoor Grill Needed: A cast-iron skillet grill pan works perfectly, making it an **indoor grilled peaches** option year-round.
Seasonal Treat: Highlights the best of summer’s bounty with fresh, juicy peaches.

Grilled Peaches: The Simple Recipe

What You’ll Need:

Fresh Peaches: About 6 medium peaches, halved (yielding 12 halves). Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best grilling experience.
Unsalted Butter: ½ stick (4 tablespoons), melted. Butter adds richness and helps with caramelization.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. A warm spice that perfectly complements the sweetness of peaches.
Sugar: 2-3 tablespoons. Adjust to your sweetness preference; it helps create that beautiful grilled crust.
Cast-Iron Skillet Grill Pan: The secret to getting those perfect grill marks without an outdoor grill.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Grilled Peaches:

1. Prepare Your Peaches

Start by washing your peaches thoroughly. While some recipes suggest soaking peaches to make them softer, this is generally unnecessary if your peaches are ripe. Ripe peaches will soften beautifully during grilling without any pre-soaking. The most important step is to halve them and carefully remove the pits. A sharp knife can help you cut around the pit, then twist the two halves apart. If the pit clings, a spoon or a small knife can help pry it out.

2. Create the Flavorful Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, let it cool for a minute or two. This prevents the sugar from completely dissolving when you mix it in. Then, stir in the cinnamon and sugar until well combined. This mixture is what gives our grilled peaches their irresistible sweetness and a hint of spice, creating a delightful caramelized crust.

3. Preheat Your Cast-Iron Grill Skillet

Place your cast-iron skillet grill pan on the stove over medium to low heat. Allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. You want it hot enough to create good grill marks and caramelization, but not so hot that it burns the peaches too quickly. A properly preheated skillet is key to successful grilling.

4. Brush and Grill

While the skillet is heating, take your peach halves and generously brush the butter mixture onto their cut sides. Don’t be shy – this coating is essential for flavor and browning. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the peach halves, cut-side down, onto the grill pan. Leave them undisturbed to allow those beautiful grill marks to form. Cook for approximately 4 minutes, then gently flip them over and cook for another 4 minutes on the skin side. You’re looking for tender peaches with a nice char on the cut side.

Don’t be alarmed if some pieces look a little “burnt” – that’s just extra delicious caramelization, adding a wonderful depth of flavor!

Serving Suggestions: The World is Your Oyster!

The beauty of **caramelized peaches** is their incredible versatility when it comes to toppings. They are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a cool, creamy element truly elevates the dessert experience. Here are some fantastic ideas:

Classic Creamy Toppings:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream is light, airy, and perfect with the warm peaches.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The quintessential pairing. The melting ice cream creates a delightful sauce.
- Mascarpone Cheese: A sophisticated, slightly tangy option that adds a rich creaminess.
- Greek Yogurt: For a lighter, healthier twist, a spoonful of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt works wonderfully.
Sweet Sauces:
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce takes these peaches to another level of indulgence.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a touch of dark or milk chocolate sauce can be surprisingly good.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: A natural sweetener that enhances the peach flavor.
Crunchy Additions:
- Toasted Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a lovely texture contrast.
- Granola: For a breakfast-for-dessert vibe.
Herbs & Spices:
- A sprinkle of fresh mint or basil can add an unexpected, refreshing twist.
- A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the butter mixture can also be lovely.

For my first batch, I served them with fluffy homemade whipped cream and a generous drizzle of rich caramel sauce – a truly irresistible combination!

Tips for Grilling Peaches Like a Pro

Choose the Right Peaches: Select peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft peaches can become mushy on the grill, while unripe ones lack flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Grill peaches in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature and prevents good searing.
Resist the Urge to Peek: Allow the peaches to cook undisturbed for the recommended time to achieve distinct grill marks.
Adjust Heat as Needed: If the peaches are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. If they’re not browning enough, increase it.
Use a Pastry Brush: A pastry brush makes it easy to evenly coat the peaches with the butter mixture.
Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is classic, try a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a tiny dash of ginger for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Peaches

Can I use a regular outdoor grill for this recipe?: Absolutely! An outdoor grill works wonderfully. Preheat it to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Brush the peaches with the butter mixture and grill cut-side down for 3-5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the skin side, or until tender with good grill marks.
Do I need to peel the peaches before grilling?: No, you don’t! The skin helps the peaches hold their shape during grilling and is perfectly edible. In fact, it adds a lovely texture contrast.
Can I use frozen peaches?: While fresh peaches are highly recommended for their texture and juiciness, you can use frozen peach halves. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before brushing with the butter mixture and grilling. They might be a bit softer and release more water, so adjust grilling time accordingly.
How do I store leftover grilled peaches?: Store any leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are delicious cold, or you can gently reheat them in a microwave or a warm skillet.
Can I make these ahead of time?: Grilled peaches are best served warm, shortly after grilling. However, you can prepare the butter mixture and halve the peaches a few hours in advance, keeping them chilled until you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Summer Dessert

Grilled peaches are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of summer’s bounty, offering a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tender flavors. Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, they’re an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. So grab some ripe peaches, fire up your cast-iron skillet, and prepare to enjoy this delightful treat. You’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can yield such extraordinary results!

Grilled Peaches

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Additional Time
5 minutes

Total Time
5 minutes

Ingredients

6 peaches (halved and pitted)
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp sugar
Whipped Cream (for topping)

Instructions

Put the cast iron grill on the stove on medium-low heat. Wash and cut the peaches in half and removed the pits.
Melt the butter and mix it with the cinnamon and sugar. Brush this mixture onto all sides of the peaches.
Place the peaches cut side down on to the grill and cook for about 4 minutes then flip and cook for about another 4 minutes.
Remove from heat and top with whipped cream (or whatever toppings you feel like).

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 78Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g