Savory Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches are usually headed toward dessert, but this savory version belongs right next to the main course.
Fresh peaches are brushed with olive oil, basil, thyme, and Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub, then placed cut-side down over a hot grill. Just a few minutes of cooking softens the fruit, concentrates its natural sweetness, and creates a lightly smoky crust with beautiful grill marks.
The result is sweet, savory, smoky, and ready in about 20 minutes. Serve these grilled peaches alongside pork chops, chicken, ribs, or just about anything else coming off the grill.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: The peaches only need about four minutes on the grill.
- Sweet and savory: Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub balances the natural sweetness of the peaches with a smoky, seasoned finish.
- Perfect for summer: This is a simple way to use fresh peaches during peak season.
- Pairs well with grilled meat: Serve them with pork, chicken, steak, or smoked barbecue.
- Easy to scale: Make a few for dinner or fill the grill for a backyard crowd.
Choosing the Best Peaches for Grilling
Look for peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm. Very soft peaches can become difficult to cut and may fall apart once they hit the grill.
Freestone peaches are especially convenient because the pit separates easily from the flesh. However, any fresh peach will work as long as it can be cleanly halved and pitted.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
- ¼ teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub, or to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F to 400°F.
Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to help prevent the peaches from sticking.
2. Make the Savory Oil
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, basil, thyme, and Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub.
Allow the mixture to rest for about five minutes so the herbs and seasoning can flavor the oil.
3. Prepare the Peaches
Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.
Brush the seasoned oil generously over the cut side of each peach half.
4. Grill the Peaches
Place the peaches directly on the grill with the cut sides facing down.
Grill for approximately six minutes, or until the peaches have softened slightly and developed visible grill marks.
Avoid moving them around too much while they cook. Leaving them in place gives the grill time to create that caramelized surface.
5. Serve
Remove the peaches from the grill and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve them warm as a side dish with grilled or smoked meat.
Tips for the Best Grilled Peaches
Start With a Clean Grill
Fruit can stick easily to dirty grill grates. Give the grates a good cleaning and apply a light coating of oil before adding the peaches.
Don’t Use Overripe Peaches
Soft peaches may turn mushy or fall apart on the grill. Choose peaches that give slightly when pressed but still feel firm enough to hold their shape.
Grill Cut-Side Down
The flat cut surface has the most contact with the grill, helping the peaches caramelize and develop clean grill marks.
Don’t Overcook Them
The goal is to warm and soften the peaches without turning them into peach pudding. Six minutes is usually plenty, depending on their ripeness and the temperature of your grill.
What to Serve With Savory Grilled Peaches
These peaches are especially good alongside:
- Grilled pork chops
- Smoked pork tenderloin
- Barbecue chicken
- Grilled steak
- Smoked ribs
- Burgers
- Fresh summer salads
You can also serve them over arugula with crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Savory Grilled Peaches Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 peach halves
Ingredients
- 6 fresh peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
- ¼ teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub
Directions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F to 400°F. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.
- Whisk together the olive oil, basil, thyme, and Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub in a small bowl.
- Let the mixture rest for five minutes.
- Brush the seasoned oil over the cut side of each peach half.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill.
- Grill for about six minutes, or until softened slightly with visible grill marks.
- Remove from the grill, cool briefly, and serve warm.
Sweet peaches, smoky grill marks, and a savory Rub Yer Meat finish. It is a simple summer side that proves fruit deserves a spot next to the meat too.
