Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

Sweet juicy peaches are grilled and topped with a cinnamon, honey, ricotta mixture. Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta are perfect for summer! This delightful dessert is not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish is sure to impress. The warm, caramelized peaches paired with the creamy ricotta make for a unique treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 13 minutes, you can whip up this delicious dessert, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
• Healthy Indulgence: With fresh peaches and minimal added sugars, this dish is a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a standalone dessert or serve it alongside grilled meats for a complete meal.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of the honey complements the warm cinnamon and rich ricotta perfectly.
• Seasonal Delight: This recipe highlights summer’s freshest produce, ensuring vibrant flavors in every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start grilling those peaches, gather your tools! Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and keep your kitchen organized.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving those perfect grill marks and enhancing the sweetness of the peaches through caramelization.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients, which is crucial for achieving a smooth ricotta mixture.
• Whisk: Ensures that your ricotta mixture is well-blended, creating a creamy topping that pairs perfectly with the peaches.
• Basting brush: Helps evenly coat the peach halves with butter or oil, ensuring they grill beautifully without sticking.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Peaches

• Melted butter or coconut oil for brushing on the peaches
• 4 peaches (halved and the pit removed)

For the Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

• 3/4 cup part skim ricotta
• 1 tablespoon honey (plus more for drizzling on top)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus more for sprinkling on top)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the ricotta, honey, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it heats up, brush the flesh side of each peach half with melted butter or coconut oil. This ensures they don’t stick to the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

Place the peach halves cut side down onto the hot grill. Grill them for about 3 minutes or until they are warm and have nice grill marks. The grilling process enhances their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once grilled, remove the peaches from heat. Top each half with a generous amount of the cinnamon honey ricotta mixture. Finally, sprinkle some additional ground cinnamon over them and drizzle with more honey before serving. Enjoy your delightful dessert!

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

Grilled peaches with cinnamon honey ricotta make a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your serving experience.

On a Bed of Greens

• Pair the grilled peaches with a mix of arugula and spinach for a fresh, vibrant salad. The sweetness of the peaches complements the peppery greens perfectly.

With Crumbled Nuts

• Top your grilled peaches with crushed walnuts or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats. This adds texture and flavor to each bite.

As a Parfait

• Layer the grilled peaches and cinnamon honey ricotta in a glass with granola for a delicious parfait. This is perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack.

Drizzled With Balsamic Glaze

• A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the grilled peaches adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness. This elevates the dish and makes it visually appealing.

Served Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream

• For an indulgent treat, serve the grilled peaches warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream melts into the warm fruit, creating a delightful combination.

On Toast

• Spread the cinnamon honey ricotta on toasted bread and top it with sliced grilled peaches for a unique twist on toast. This makes for an excellent breakfast option or snack.

How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

Achieving the perfect grilled peaches requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out wonderfully each time.

• Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Ripe peaches will caramelize beautifully on the grill.

• Preheat your grill: Make sure your grill is properly heated before placing the peaches on it. A medium-high heat ensures that they cook evenly and develop nice grill marks.

• Use melted butter or oil: Brushing melted butter or coconut oil on the cut side of the peaches helps prevent sticking and adds flavor during grilling.

• Watch grilling time: Grill the peaches for about 3 minutes, just until they are warm and marked. Overcooking can make them mushy.

• Customize your ricotta: Feel free to experiment by adding other spices like nutmeg or cardamom to your ricotta mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

• Serve immediately: Grilled peaches taste best when served right off the grill while still warm, ensuring maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

To complement your grilled peaches, consider pairing them with these delicious side dishes. Each option brings its own unique flavors to your meal.

1. Greek Yogurt Salad: A refreshing blend of Greek yogurt, cucumbers, mint, and lemon juice provides a tangy contrast to sweet peaches.

2. Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed dish can include cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs, offering both texture and nutrition alongside your dessert.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add savory depth that balances out the sweetness of grilled peaches.

4. Charred Corn Salad: Sweet corn tossed with lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeños creates a vibrant side that pairs well with fruity desserts.

5. Chickpea Stew: A hearty chickpea stew spiced with cumin and coriander offers warmth and heartiness that contrasts nicely with light grilled fruit.

6. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil provide a fresh burst of flavor to enjoy alongside your dessert.

7. Spinach Feta Flatbreads: These savory flatbreads topped with spinach and feta offer a satisfying element that complements the sweet flavors of grilled peaches.

8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits provides an additional refreshing option that enhances the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling peaches is simple but there are common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.

• Using unripe peaches: Unripe peaches will not soften properly on the grill. Always choose ripe peaches for a sweeter, juicier result.
• Forgetting to preheat the grill: A cold grill won’t give you those beautiful grill marks. Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the peaches on it.
• Skipping the brushing step: Not brushing the peaches with melted butter or oil can lead to sticking. Ensure you lightly brush the flesh of each peach half before grilling.
• Overcooking the peaches: Grilling for too long can turn them mushy. Aim for about 3 minutes on each side, just until warm and marked.
• Neglecting flavor enhancements: Failing to add spices or toppings can make your dish bland. Use cinnamon, honey, and vanilla to elevate the flavor of your grilled peaches.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Timeframe*: Store grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• • Containers*: Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.

Freezing Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

• • Timeframe*: You can freeze grilled peaches for up to 2 months.
• • Containers*: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.

Reheating Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the peaches on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a peach half on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta that you may find helpful.

How do I choose ripe peaches for grilling?

Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. Avoid hard or overly soft fruits.

Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?

Yes! This recipe works well with nectarines, plums, or even apricots if you’re looking to switch things up.

How can I customize my Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta?

Feel free to add nuts, different spices like nutmeg, or use flavored yogurts instead of ricotta for varied textures and tastes.

What should I serve with Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta?

These grilled peaches pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or as part of a fruit salad. They also make a delightful topping for pancakes!

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta are a delightful summer dessert that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of warm grilled peaches topped with creamy ricotta creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings or fruits. Give it a try today—you won’t be disappointed!