How to Grill Peaches: Oak Smoked Grilled Peaches Recipe

Servings: 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Grilled peaches are one of summer's greatest pleasures, and adding oak smoke takes them to a whole new level. The earthy smoke mingles beautifully with warm spices, honey, and Grand Marnier to create an unforgettable dessert that's perfect for outdoor entertaining.

The secret ingredient? Oak wood added to your charcoal creates a subtle smoke that enhances the natural sweetness of ripe peaches without overpowering them. This simple technique transforms ordinary grilled fruit into a gourmet dessert.

Why Smoke Peaches?

After experimenting with various liquors, spices, and sweeteners, the missing ingredient turned out to be smoke. Oak smoke imparts an earthy tone that complements the peaches' natural sweetness and creates depth of flavor that honey and spices alone can't achieve.

Ingredients

  • 2-6 peaches, halved and pitted
  • 1-3 tsp fresh ground cinnamon
  • ā…› cup Grand Marnier
  • 1-2 tbsp honey
  • Almond oil for coating foil
  • Oak wood chips or branches for smoking

Directions

Prepare the Peaches:

  1. Halve and pit ripe peaches.
  2. Prepare a large sheet of foil and lightly coat with almond oil.
  3. Place peach halves on foil, cut side up.
  4. Lightly stab peaches with a fork to help them absorb flavors.
  5. Sprinkle fresh ground cinnamon over each peach half.
  6. Drizzle Grand Marnier over the peaches, followed by honey.

Grill and Smoke:

  1. Loosely wrap foil over peaches, leaving a medium-sized hole at the top to release steam.
  2. Add oak wood to your charcoal to begin the smoking process.
  3. Place foil packet on the side of the grill to cook slowly with indirect heat.
  4. Check periodically to ensure the peach mixture is bubbling, not burning.
  5. Peaches are done when soft and pliable, about 15-20 minutes.

To Serve

Serve hot with vanilla ice cream for an incredible summer dessert! The combination of smoky, sweet peaches with cold ice cream is absolutely divine.

Tips for Success

  • Use ripe but firm peaches for best results
  • Experiment with other woods like pine or cedar for different flavor profiles
  • Try this technique with other stone fruits like nectarines or plums
  • The foil packet method prevents the peaches from drying out while allowing smoke flavor to penetrate
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