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 is the perfect dessert for summer gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night in. This dish not only brings vibrant flavors to your table but also offers a delightful twist on traditional desserts. With its simple preparation and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to impress guests while being easy enough for a weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 13 minutes from prep to plate, making it a great last-minute dessert.
• Healthy Indulgence: With fresh peaches and ricotta, this dish is a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these grilled peaches as a standalone dessert, or serve them alongside yogurt or ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From summer barbecues to family dinners, this dessert fits perfectly in any setting.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of warm grilled peaches with cool cinnamon honey ricotta creates a delicious contrast that is irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delightful dessert, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance the final result.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: The grill gives the peaches those beautiful marks and enhances their natural sweetness through caramelization.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is crucial for combining the ricotta, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla seamlessly.
• Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth texture in your ricotta mixture, ensuring even flavor distribution.
• Basting brush: Use this tool to apply melted butter or oil evenly on the peach halves before grilling.

Ingredients

To prepare Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta, gather the following 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

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ricotta, honey, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Cover the mixture and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush melted butter or coconut oil onto the flesh side of each peach half.

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

1. Place the peach halves cut side down onto the hot grill.
2. Grill for about 3 minutes or until they are warm and have nice grill marks.

Step 4: Assemble Your Dessert

1. Remove the peaches from the grill and place them on serving plates.
2. Top each grilled peach half generously with the cinnamon honey ricotta mixture.
3. Finish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and drizzle additional honey over each serving.

Enjoy your deliciously grilled peaches as an unforgettable dessert!

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

Grilled peaches with cinnamon honey ricotta make a delightful dessert that impresses with minimal effort. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate this delicious treat.

Pair with Fresh Mint

• Chopped fresh mint adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the peaches and richness of the ricotta.

Serve with Toasted Nuts

• Almonds or walnuts provide a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall flavor experience and adding healthy fats.

Add a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a beautiful temperature contrast and makes this dessert even more indulgent.

Drizzle with Balsamic Reduction

• A drizzle of balsamic reduction offers a tangy depth that balances the sweet notes of the dish perfectly.

Garnish with Edible Flowers

• Edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums add visual appeal and an unexpected floral note that brightens the dish.

How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

Perfecting your grilled peaches is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure they come out delicious every time.

• Choose ripe peaches: Look for peaches that yield slightly when pressed. This ensures they are sweet and juicy for grilling.
• Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the peaches on it. This helps create beautiful grill marks and caramelizes the sugars.
• Brush lightly: Use just enough melted butter or coconut oil to coat the peach halves without making them greasy.
• Monitor cooking time: Grill for about 3 minutes, checking frequently. You want them warm and marked but not mushy.
• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is classic, adding nutmeg or cardamom can give your ricotta mixture an exciting twist.
• Serve immediately: Grilled peaches taste best fresh off the grill, so serve them right away for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

Grilled peaches pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here’s a list of great options to consider.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   A parfait layered with Greek yogurt, granola, and berries provides a creamy, crunchy side that balances sweetness.

2. Honey-Glazed Carrots
   Sweet carrots glazed in honey offer a delightful mix of flavors that work beautifully alongside grilled peaches.

3. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta adds freshness and nuttiness, making it a healthy counterpart to the dessert.

4. Mixed Green Salad
   A simple mixed green salad dressed in vinaigrette provides crispness that contrasts nicely with the grilled fruit’s warmth.

5. Roasted Asparagus
   Tender roasted asparagus brings an earthy element, perfect for balancing out rich desserts like this one.

6. Cheese Board
   A selection of cheeses paired with crackers allows guests to nibble while enjoying grilled peaches, enhancing their flavor experience.

7. Fruit Salsa
   A refreshing fruit salsa made from diced mango, pineapple, or berries can brighten up each bite of grilled peach.

8. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
   These sweet treats add luxury alongside grilled peaches, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling peaches can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin this delightful dessert. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the oil: Not brushing the peaches with melted butter or oil can lead to sticking on the grill. Always brush your peaches before grilling to ensure they come off easily and have a lovely char.

• Overcooking the peaches: Grilling for too long will turn your peaches mushy. Aim for about 3 minutes on medium-high heat for perfect warmth and grill marks.

• Under-seasoning: Failing to season the ricotta mixture adequately can make the dish bland. Make sure to add enough cinnamon and honey to enhance the flavors.

• Ignoring ripeness: Using unripe peaches can result in a tough texture. Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and tenderness.

• Not chilling the ricotta: Serving warm ricotta can dilute its flavor. Chill the mixture before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

• Freeze grilled peaches without toppings for best results.
• Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm peaches on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals until warmed through, usually about 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place peaches in a skillet over low heat until warmed, usually around 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta:

Can I use other fruits besides peaches?

Yes! You can try this recipe with nectarines, plums, or apricots for a delicious twist.

What can I substitute for ricotta?

Cottage cheese blended until smooth works well as a ricotta alternative if you want a different texture.

How do I know when my peaches are ripe?

Ripe peaches should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed and have a sweet aroma at their stem end.

What is the best way to serve grilled peaches?

Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the ricotta mixture ahead of time and grill the peaches just before serving to maintain their freshness.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Ricotta is not only an easy-to-make dessert but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or swapping out spices based on your preference. Don’t hesitate to give this tasty treat a try—it’s sure to impress family and friends!