Grilled Peaches

Grilled peaches remind me of the first time I realized just how much flavor summer fruit could have when it’s treated right.

Not tossed in a smoothie or hidden under whipped cream—just kissed by the heat of a grill and given space to shine. I didn’t grow up eating them this way, but once I tried it, I couldn’t stop.

The peaches we get at our local market are usually hit or miss—some are sweet and juicy, others turn out dry or too firm.

But when you cut them in half and throw them on a hot grill for a few minutes, something magic happens.

Even the ones that seem a little underwhelming raw suddenly taste deeper, warmer, almost like caramel without the sugar.

We’ve had summers where the whole fruit bowl got grilled before we even sat down to dinner.

My nephew once called them “candy with grill marks,” and honestly, he wasn’t wrong. The best ones get a little soft around the edges but still hold their shape.

Add a cool spoonful of thick yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a few torn mint leaves—suddenly, dessert feels like something special without needing to try too hard.

Now we look forward to them every year, just like corn on the cob or the first tomato that actually tastes like a tomato.

Grilled peaches have become our way of holding onto the sweetest part of summer, even if it’s just for a few bites.

Table of Contents

Grilled Peaches With Honeyed Yogurt & Mint Recipe

Ingredients

3 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
1 tablespoon light olive oil or neutral oil (like grapeseed or avocado)
1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey (plus more for drizzling)
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Optional: A pinch of sea salt for balance

Instructions

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Brush the cut side of each peach half with a small amount of oil. This helps achieve clean grill marks and prevents burning.
Place the peaches cut side down on the hot grill. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes until clear char lines form and the flesh softens slightly. Flip them and grill for an additional 1 to 2 minutes on the skin side. The goal is to warm the fruit through without making it mushy.
While the peaches are grilling, in a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir until fully blended and creamy.
Remove the grilled peaches from the heat and allow them to cool slightly, just enough so they’re warm but not too hot to handle.
Arrange the peaches on a serving plate, cut side up. Spoon a dollop of the honeyed yogurt beside or into the center of each peach half.
Drizzle with extra honey to taste. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a cool contrast.
Serve immediately while the peaches are still warm, with the yogurt and mint offering a refreshing balance.

How Do I Choose The Best Peaches For Grilling?

Picking the right peaches makes all the difference when grilling. You want fruit that can hold its shape but still has great flavor.

Look For Firm But Ripe Peaches: Gently press near the stem—there should be a little give, but the peach should still feel sturdy overall. Avoid overly soft or mushy peaches.
Go For Freestone Varieties: These are easier to halve and pit because the stone comes out cleanly. Clingstone peaches are harder to work with since the pit sticks.
Check The Color: Deep yellow or golden flesh with a rich color on the skin usually means the peach is ripe and full of flavor.
Smell Matters: A ripe peach will smell sweet and fragrant. If there’s no scent, it probably won’t have much flavor either.
Avoid Blemishes Or Bruises: Minor surface marks are fine, but avoid any with large bruises or mold, especially near the stem or pit area.

Can I Use Other Stone Fruits For This Recipe?

Yes, other stone fruits can work beautifully if you follow the same grilling method. This gives you variety and helps if peaches aren’t in season.

Nectarines: These are very similar to peaches and grill just as well. No need to peel them.
Plums: Slightly more tart than peaches, but they caramelize nicely and pair well with yogurt or cream.
Apricots: Smaller, but still great for grilling. Just reduce the grill time so they don’t fall apart.
Cherries (Pitted and Skewered): For a unique twist, grill them on skewers for a burst of smoky sweetness.

What Kind Of Yogurt Works Best With Grilled Peaches?

The cool creaminess of yogurt balances the warm peaches, and different styles offer different textures.

Greek Yogurt (Full Fat): Thick, creamy, and tangy. This is ideal because it holds its shape and complements the warm fruit perfectly.
Regular Plain Yogurt: Works well but is thinner, so it may spread more on the plate.
Flavored Yogurt: Vanilla pairs especially well with peaches, but keep it simple so the fruit remains the focus.
Non-Dairy Yogurt Options: Coconut, almond, or oat-based yogurts also work for those who avoid dairy. Look for ones with a thicker texture.

Can I Make Grilled Peaches Ahead Of Time?

Grilled peaches are best when served warm, but if you need to prep in advance, you can still make it work with a little planning.

Grill Them A Few Hours Ahead: Let them cool, then store in an airtight container at room temperature if serving the same day.
Reheat Gently Before Serving: Place them cut side down in a skillet or warm oven for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy.
Store Yogurt Separately: Keep the yogurt chilled and add it just before serving so it stays cool and fresh.

How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Peaches?

If you have leftovers, don’t toss them. They still taste great the next day with a few simple steps.

Refrigerate Promptly: Place grilled peaches in a covered container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Avoid Adding Yogurt Before Storing: Keep the toppings separate so the fruit doesn’t get watery or mushy.
Use Them In Other Dishes: Slice them into oatmeal, layer them in yogurt parfaits, or add them to a salad with soft cheese and nuts.

Can I Grill Peaches Without A Grill?

Not everyone has an outdoor grill, but you can still get great results at home with other tools.

Use A Grill Pan: A cast iron grill pan on the stovetop will give you those same char marks and flavor. Preheat it well before placing the peaches.
Try A Broiler: Place the peaches cut side up on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until lightly charred and caramelized.
Use An Air Fryer: Slice the peaches and roast them in the air fryer at high heat for a few minutes. The flavor is slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I Add Spices Or Flavors To The Peaches?

You can keep it simple or add extra flavors for a deeper, more complex taste.

Cinnamon Or Nutmeg: Sprinkle a tiny bit on the peaches before grilling for warm, cozy notes.
Vanilla Extract Or Paste: Mix a few drops into the yogurt or brush onto the fruit before grilling.
Lemon Or Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy lift to balance the sweetness.
Fresh Herbs: Mint is a classic, but you can also try basil or thyme for a fresh twist.

What Should I Serve With Grilled Peaches?

Grilled peaches are flexible and go well with many sides or main dishes. You can serve them at brunch, lunch, or dinner.

With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or mascarpone ice cream melts beautifully over warm peaches.
On Pound Cake Or Shortbread: Layer them on a slice of cake for a dessert that feels more like a full dish.
Next To Grilled Meats: They pair surprisingly well with grilled chicken or pork chops for a sweet-savory combo.
As Part Of A Cheese Plate: Serve with soft cheeses, nuts, and crackers for a beautiful summer board.