Grilled Peaches With Balsamic Vinegar

These grilled peaches with balsamic vinegar are juicy, sweet, and tender—a perfect summer dessert! Topped with real balsamic and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they are a sophisticated yet simple dessert that you will fall in love with.

Grilled Peaches with Balsamic Vinegar: A Taste of Italy in Colorado

This summer, I found myself wandering through the sun-drenched streets of Modena, Italy, a small town with a big reputation for one thing: balsamic vinegar. My visit to this picturesque region introduced me to the true essence of balsamic, a far cry from the mass-produced varieties I’d previously known. The rich, complex flavors of the aged vinegar, crafted with patience and care, were a revelation. I left Italy inspired, with a bottle of authentic balsamic vinegar in hand, eager to bring a taste of Italy back to my kitchen.

Back home in Colorado, the Palisade peach season was in full swing. These peaches, famed for their sweetness and juiciness, are a summer staple in my kitchen. With memories of Italy still fresh, I knew exactly what I wanted to create: grilled Palisade peaches drizzled with that incredible balsamic vinegar, finished with a touch of butter. Just three ingredients, yet each one packed with flavor, capable of transporting you straight to the Italian countryside.

Why Make Grilled Peaches with Balsamic Glaze?

Grilled peaches are the best way to enjoy fresh peaches during the peak of stone fruit season. The heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the peaches, creating beautiful grill marks that add both flavor and visual appeal. Drizzling the peaches with a balsamic glaze enhances their sweetness while adding a tangy, irresistible contrast. Whether served on their own or paired with a scoop of ice cream, this dish is a great way to enjoy an easy peach recipe that’s both elegant and flavorful.

The Ingredients

• Palisade Peaches: These sweet peaches are the star of this recipe. When grilled, they develop a caramelized exterior with a juicy, tender interior that makes for the perfect bite. For the best results, choose ripe peaches that are still firm but give slightly when pressed.
• Balsamic Vinegar (Aged) or Balsamic Glaze: Made from good quality balsamic vinegar, this glaze is a balsamic vinegar reduction that adds a rich, tangy sweetness to the dish. You can either make it yourself by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens, or use a store-bought version for convenience.
• Butter: A dab of butter adds richness and helps to create a luscious sauce when combined with the balsamic glaze. It also enhances the caramelization of the peaches on the grill.

How to Make Pan-Grilled Peaches with Balsamic Glaze

1. Preheat the Pan: Place a heavy skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, or if you’re using a gas grill, preheat the grill to medium heat. A preheated grill or pan is key to achieving those perfect grill marks.
2. Prepare the Peaches: Halve the peaches and remove the pits. Brush the cut side of each peach half with melted butter or a dab of oil to prevent sticking. If your peaches are a bit hard, let them sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before grilling.
3. Cook the Peaches: Place peach halves face-down in the hot pan or on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon to ensure they make good contact with the surface. Flip the peaches and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender and have developed nice grill marks.
4. Finish with Balsamic Vinegar (Aged) or Balsamic Glaze: While the peaches are grilling, prepare the balsamic glaze. Combine balsamic vinegar with a touch of brown sugar in a small saucepan and simmer over low heat until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Drizzle the peaches with the glaze, letting it pool in the center of each peach half.
5. Serve: These simple grilled peaches can be served on their own, with a scoop of ice cream or sour cream, or even alongside a cheese plate with goat cheese or blue cheese. Drizzle peaches with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper for a savory twist. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes this a great recipe for summer entertaining.

How to serve it?

Serving grilled peaches with balsamic vinegar is all about highlighting their natural beauty and flavor. Here are a few ways you can serve them to impress your guests or enjoy a special treat:

Simple and Elegant

• Plate Presentation: Place the grilled peach halves on a clean, white plate to make the colors pop. Drizzle the peaches with a little extra balsamic vinegar and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a touch of color and freshness.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve the peaches warm, allowing the butter to melt and mingle with the balsamic, creating a luscious sauce. This simple presentation is perfect as a light dessert or an afternoon snack.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Plate Presentation: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside each peach half, letting the warmth of the peaches slightly melt the ice cream. Drizzle the entire plate with a bit more balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Serving Suggestion: The creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the caramelized peaches, adding a cool and smooth element to each bite. This combination makes for a delightful summer dessert.

On a Bed of Mascarpone or Greek Yogurt

• Plate Presentation: Spread a dollop of mascarpone or thick Greek yogurt on the plate and place the grilled peaches on top. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with crushed pistachios or toasted almonds for added texture.
• Serving Suggestion: This option adds a creamy and slightly tangy base, balancing the sweetness of the peaches and the richness of the butter. It’s a more substantial dish that can be served as a sophisticated dessert or even a special brunch item.

With a Biscuit or Shortcake

• Plate Presentation: Place a warm biscuit or shortcake beside the grilled peaches. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
• Serving Suggestion: This turns the grilled peaches into a more indulgent dessert, reminiscent of a fruit shortcake but with a unique twist. The buttery biscuit or shortcake soaks up the juices, creating a delicious bite.

With a Cheese Plate

• Plate Presentation: Add the grilled peaches to a cheese platter alongside creamy cheeses like burrata, brie, or goat cheese. Drizzle the peaches and cheese with balsamic vinegar and serve with crusty bread or crackers.
• Serving Suggestion: The sweet and savory combination makes this a great appetizer or snack, perfect for entertaining. The peaches pair beautifully with the rich, creamy cheeses and the tangy balsamic.

These serving suggestions highlight the versatility of grilled peaches. Depending on the occasion and your preferences, you can enjoy them in various ways.

This delightful recipe is a great way to celebrate the flavors of summer, combining the sweetness of fresh peaches with the tangy richness of balsamic glaze. Whether you’re looking for easy peach recipes to enjoy during the peach season or new recipes inspired by Italian cuisine, this dish is sure to impress.

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