How to Grill Fruit (Best Grilled Fruit Recipes)
Grilling fruit transforms simple fruits into smoky, caramelized treats that add depth and excitement to your meals, and it's super easy!
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I'll admit it, when I first heard about grilling fruit, I was a bit skeptical. But after giving it a try, I became totally hooked! Grilling fruit doesn't just cook it. It enhances it! The heat brings out the fruit's natural sugars, caramelizing them and adding a smoky depth that's hard to beat. Plus, it's an easy way to switch up your go-to summer dishes.
We love grilling fruit in our family, whether it's on top of a fresh salad, tossed into a fruit salsa, or served as a sweet side dish with grilled meats. The kids especially love it as a fun and healthy dessert, and I can't get enough of how easy it is. It takes just minutes to throw on the grill, making it the perfect simple treat for any meal. If you haven't tried grilling fruit yet, trust me, it's time to give it a go!
How to Grill Fruit
Grilling fruit is one of those magical kitchen tricks that's almost too easy to believe, but once you try it, you'll be hooked. Here's the lowdown on how to get it just right.
1. Choose your fruit:
Juicy fruits like peaches, pineapple, plums, and even bananas (yes, bananas!) work perfectly for grilling. The trick is to pick fruit that holds up to heat and has a bit of natural sweetness. Softer fruits like berries won't hold up well, so stick to the firmer options.
2. Prep it:
For larger fruits like peaches or pineapple, slice them into wedges or thick rings. Peach halves, pineapple slices, and banana halves work great. You want them big enough to handle the grill but not so thick that they're hard to flip.
3. Heat up the grill:
You're looking for medium heat here, so not too hot, but just enough to get that char going. Brush the grill with a little oil to prevent sticking, or lightly coat the fruit with a bit of olive oil or melted butter to add flavor.
4. Grill away:
Place the fruit on the grill and let it cook for a few minutes on each side. The goal is to get some nice grill marks and a little caramelization. Keep an eye on it! Fruit grills quickly, usually about 2-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.
5. Finish with a squeeze:
After the fruit comes off the grill, I like to squeeze a bit of lime or lemon juice over it for a fresh zing. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can take it to the next level.
Pro tip:
For added flavor, brush the fruit with a little maple syrup or balsamic vinegar as it cooks. This adds a sweet-savory balance that's absolutely delicious.
The Best Grilled Fruit Recipes
Grilled Plantains
Grilled Peaches
Grilled Pears
Grilled Watermelon
Grilled Apples
Grilled Bananas
Grilled Figs
Grilled Plums
Grilled Pineapple
Grilled Mango
Grilled Fruit Kabobs
How to Use Grilled Fruit
- Grilled Watermelon Salad: Grilled watermelon brings smoky sweetness to this fresh salad, paired with creamy feta and a zingy honey-lime dressing!
- Arugula and Apple Salad with Goat Cheese and Pecans: Toss in some grilled apples for an added smoky sweetness that takes this already amazing salad of arugula, goat cheese, and pecans to the next level.
- Grilled Plum Salad with Goat Cheese: The smoky grilled plums in this salad pair so well with the creamy goat cheese and fresh mint.
- Dessert: Serve grilled fruit on its own as a sweet treat, drizzling it with a little honey or a dusting of cinnamon and a squeeze of lime. Grilled fruit is also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a smoky, creamy, sweet dessert!
- Grilled Pineapple Salsa: This grilled pineapple salsa is smoky, sweet, and a little spicy, making it the perfect topping for tacos, grilled meats, or just as a dip for chips.
- Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Salsa: Grilled pork chops meet fresh peach salsa in this easy, sweet-and-savory combo! Swap the fresh peaches for grilled for a smoky twist!
More Grilling Recipes You'll Love
More Grilling Recipes You'll Love
These will always be a hit!
Why should I grill fruit?
Grilling fruit adds smoky sweetness and caramelizes its natural sugars, enhancing the flavors. It's a fun, simple way to elevate your favorite fruits into a tasty side dish or dessert. Grilled fruit can also bring a unique twist to salads, salsas, or even as a topping for meats.
What fruits work best for grilling?
Firmer fruits that hold up to heat work best for grilling. This includes peaches, pineapple, bananas, plantains, pears, plums, watermelon, apples, and figs. Avoid soft fruits like berries that can fall apart or become mushy when grilled.
What temperature should my grill be for fruit?
Grill fruit on medium heat. It should be hot enough to create grill marks and caramelize the sugars, but not so hot that the fruit burns. Make sure to brush your grill or fruit with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.