Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

There’s really nothing quite like Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream! This dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, juicy peaches and creamy vanilla ice cream, making it perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or simply a treat at home. The grilling process caramelizes the peaches, enhancing their natural sweetness while providing a warm contrast to the cold ice cream. With just a few simple ingredients and quick prep time, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for last-minute dessert cravings.
• Seasonal Flavors: Grilling brings out the best in peaches and nectarines, showcasing their juicy sweetness during peak season.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this dessert fits right in.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings beyond honey and sea salt—think nuts or chocolate sauce!
• Healthier Dessert Option: With fresh fruit and minimal added sugar, this treat is a lighter alternative to traditional desserts.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your grilling experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Basting brush
• Tongs
• Serving plates

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: The key to achieving those beautiful grill marks while caramelizing the fruit.
• Basting brush: Helps evenly apply oil on the peach halves for perfect grilling.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping and removing the fruit safely from the grill without damaging it.

Ingredients

For the Peaches

• 2 ripe peaches
• 2 ripe nectarines
• canola oil

For Serving

• 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream
• Honey and sea salt for finishing

How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that when you place the peaches on it, they will cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

• Brush each peach and nectarine half lightly with canola oil. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
• Place them on the grill cut-side down.

Step 3: Grill the Fruit

Allow the peaches to grill for about 3-4 minutes. After a couple of minutes:
* Rotate each peach half 90 degrees. This gives you beautiful grill marks.
* Look for signs of caramelization; they should become tender and slightly charred.

Step 4: Assemble Your Dessert

Using tongs, carefully remove the grilled peaches from the grill. Serve them warm with:
* A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream nestled in each peach half.
* Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that extra touch.

And there you have it! Your delicious Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream are ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Classic Presentation

• Serve the grilled peaches warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm fruit and cold ice cream creates a delicious balance.

Drizzled with Honey

• Add an extra touch of sweetness by drizzling honey over the top. This enhances the natural sugars of the peaches while providing a beautiful glaze.

Sprinkle of Sea Salt

• A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a savory element that complements the sweetness of the peaches and ice cream. It’s a simple but effective way to elevate the dish.

Garnished with Mint

• Fresh mint leaves can be used as a garnish. They not only add a pop of color but also bring a refreshing flavor that pairs well with the dessert.

Served with Berries

• Pair grilled peaches with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for added texture and flavor. This combination makes for an appealing presentation.

How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

To ensure your grilled peaches turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch. Ripe fruit will caramelize beautifully on the grill.
• Use medium-high heat: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking. This helps achieve those perfect grill marks without burning.
• Brush with oil: Lightly brushing the peach halves with canola oil prevents sticking and promotes even grilling.
• Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on your peaches while grilling. They should cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they have nice caramelization.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to explore different toppings like chocolate sauce or nuts for added crunch and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

While grilled peaches are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create a more complete meal. Here are some excellent side dish options.

1. Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad featuring grilled chicken and mixed greens complements the sweetness of peaches perfectly.
2. Savory Quinoa Salad: Quinoa tossed with vegetables offers a nutritious side that’s both filling and refreshing beside your dessert.
3. Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavors of roasted asparagus provide a nice contrast to sweet grilled peaches.
4. Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese: This creamy cheese spread adds richness and is great served on crackers as an appetizer before dessert.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a vibrant starter that precedes your sweet treat beautifully.
6. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread can serve as a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of your dessert, making it an unexpected yet delightful combination.
7. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate before indulging in rich grilled peaches topped with ice cream.
8. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses pairs wonderfully prior to dessert, enhancing flavors while keeping things sophisticated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling peaches can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls. Let’s explore how to avoid them for the best results.

• Skipping the Oil: Not brushing your peaches with oil can lead to sticking on the grill. Always use a touch of canola oil to create a non-stick surface.
• Overcooking the Fruit: Grilling peaches for too long can turn them mushy. Aim for about 3-4 minutes total, just until grill marks appear and they start to caramelize.
• Using Unripe Peaches: Starting with unripe peaches will not give you the best flavor. Ensure your peaches are ripe for sweetness and juiciness.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to add honey or sea salt at the end may leave your dessert flat. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Not Serving Immediately: Letting grilled peaches sit too long before serving can affect their texture. Enjoy them fresh off the grill with ice cream for the best experience.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled peaches in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep vanilla ice cream separate to maintain its texture.

Freezing Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Place grilled peaches in a freezer-safe container.
• They will freeze well for up to 3 months.
• It’s best not to freeze ice cream; only freeze the grilled peaches.

Reheating Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place peaches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm peaches in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, turning gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream?

To make grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream, simply brush ripe peach halves with oil, grill them until caramelized, and serve topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream.

What is the best type of peach for grilling?

Ripe freestone peaches work beautifully for grilling as they are easier to pit and have great flavor when cooked.

Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?

Yes! Nectarines also work well in this recipe and provide a slightly different flavor while still being delicious when grilled.

How do I store leftover Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream?

Store leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep ice cream separate until ready to serve again.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is a quick, easy dessert that combines warm fruit and cold ice cream perfectly. This recipe allows room for customization—try adding nuts or different spices! We encourage you to experiment and enjoy this delightful treat during summer gatherings or as a sweet ending to any meal!