Grilled Apples

Grilling fruit is my favorite obsession and is such a fun way to dress up plain fruit! My family loves it when I make fruit on the grill because it caramelizes and brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit. The smoky flavor is the cherry on top!

This recipe starts with a foil packet. This helps the apples cook all the way through without worrying about them falling through the grill grates. Then, you'll toss them in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. I like to add some ginger as well for a zippy flavor, but it's totally up to you!

Serve grilled apples with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt on top or as a side dish alongside your favorite main dishes!

Check out these other grilled fruit recipes–Grilled Peaches, Grilled Pears, and Grilled Bananas!

What are the best apples to grill?

The best apples for grilling are ones that hold their shape and don't turn to mush over the heat. I like to use firm, crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady. They've got just the right texture to stay intact on the grill and a good balance of sweet and tart flavor. Softer apples like Red Delicious tend to fall apart or get too mushy when exposed to direct heat, so they're better for baking or eating fresh.

How to Grill Apples

Grilling apples may seem complicated, but it couldn't be easier. Simply slice them up, wrap them in foil, and they're ready to grill.

1. Start by slicing the apples into smaller pieces - slices, diced, small wedges, any shape will work.
2. Prepare the foil packet by doubling up two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. You can make a larger family-style portion or make, my favorite option, individual packets.
3. Add the apples to the center of the foil. Toss with the cinnamon, brown sugar, and ginger. Then, place the cubed butter on top.
4. Seal the foil. This helps the apples to cook all the way through.
5. Grill on medium heat for about 15 minutes, rotating the packets a few times during cooking until the apples are cooked through to your liking. Carefully open and serve.

Topping Ideas

Grilled apples are great on their own but even better with your favorite toppings! Here are some of our favorites:

• Ice cream or frozen yogurt: This may seem like a natural fit, given that we are almost making apple pie, and you wouldn't be wrong. This is my absolute favorite way to eat these apples. The ice cream melts right into the apples, and it couldn't be more delicious.
• Greek yogurt: For a little bit of a healthier option, consider adding some regular or vanilla yogurt to the apples. In my opinion. This makes them healthy enough for breakfast, and it is my favorite thing to do with leftover grilled apples.
• Mascarpone: For a special treat, top with a dollop of mascarpone cheese and a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
• Chopped nuts: For some texture and crunch, add some chopped nuts. Favorites include walnuts, pecans, and sliced almonds.
• Granola: Another delicious crunch option is granola. With some yogurt, this is a perfect camping breakfast.
• Caramel or peanut butter drizzle: When we make this for parties, I like to drizzle some caramel sauce, melted peanut butter, or both on top right before serving. It's hard to beat.
• Crispy bacon and maple syrup: If you love all things salty and sweet, add some crispy cooked bacon and a little drizzle of maple syrup. This is another popular option for guests.
• Whipped cream: Use classic, light, or coconut whipped cream and add some on top of the apples right before serving.

Recipe Ideas and Twists

Here are a few ways to change up the recipe to make it your own:

• Add more fruit: This is one of those recipes that you can play with once you get the basics. One of my favorite ways to change up the flavor is by adding another fruit to the mix. Consider trying pears, plums, peaches, pineapple, blueberries, raspberries, dried cranberries, or raisins.
• Try different spices: Another great way to change up the flavor is by using different spices. Warm spices like cardamom, mace, allspice, and nutmeg are all great choices. You can also add a touch of black pepper, salt, or turmeric to try something different.
• Make them savory: Believe it or not, these work as a savory application as well. Think about sauteed apples. Usually, for this option, I add another savory vegetable like butternut squash or cabbage. Then, add your favorite seasoning blends, acids, and herbs.
• Sweet and salty: Go for a sweet and spicy application with a touch of center-cut bacon or turkey bacon. You could also add sliced sausage.
• Dairy-free: If you prefer, use coconut oil or a neutral oil like avocado. Just use thin slices or small dollops so it melts evenly.
• Brown sugar swap: You can swap brown sugar with maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, or even a sprinkle of stevia or monk fruit if you're looking for a lower-sugar option. Maple syrup gives a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs especially well with grilled fruit.

Ways to Use Grilled Apples

There are so many ways to enjoy grilled apples! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Desserts: Naturally, these make an amazing dessert on their own or with any of the toppings listed above. This is how we eat them 99% of the time because they are just that good.
• Salads: Cook these for about 8-10 minutes so that they retain some of their texture. Then toss them in your favorite salad or slaw.
• Salsa, compote, and chutney: Chop up these grilled apples and turn them into a fruit salsa, compote, or chutney.Leave off the sugar for a more savory application.
• Cocktails: Muddle up some grilled apples to create really delicious fall cocktails and punches.
• As a side dish: Serve a pile of grilled apples alongside Rosemary Chicken, Brown Sugar Chicken, Grilled Pork Chops, or Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin!
• Breakfast: Scoop some grilled apples onto Healthy French Toast, Low Carb Almond Flour Pancakes, or on top of Yogurt Chia Seed Pudding!

Storage and Reheating

Here's how to store grilled apples to keep them fresh for days:

• Storing: Once your grilled apple slices have cooled, stash them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Toss them in a skillet over medium heat until they're warm and lightly sizzling again. You can microwave them if you're in a rush, but the skillet gives you better texture.
• Leftovers: Scoop the grilled apples onto a yogurt bowl for breakfast or for dessert with a scoop of ice cream!