Get Fired Up About Grilled Fruits: Natural Sweetness & Smoky Sear
We all have our favorite grillables—burgers, ribs, corn on the cob—but have you ever thought about grilling something a little sweeter? Sturdy fruits like melon and pineapple, as well as most all types of stone fruits, hold up to low and medium grill temperatures, and by adding a subtle smoke from the grill, you can add new depths of flavor to your favorite fruits. Ready to surprise your taste buds? We’ll summer-ize the best fruits to grill.
Sweet & Simple
Whether you're hosting friends or treating yourself, grilled stone fruits are a quick and satisfying way to bring something new to summer meals. Best of all, the prep is as simple as it gets. Slice the stone fruits in half, remove the pit, and brush with butter or olive oil. We’ve listed our top picks, and all serve up nicely in summer meals. From salads to toppings on yogurt or ice cream, we’ve found that grilling intensifies the flavor. Grilled stone fruits also elevate desserts of all kinds—try pairing grilled cherries with brownies for an irresistible summer treat.
Best Stone Fruits for Grilling:
Cherries
Nectarines
Peaches
Plums
Make Melons Sizzle
Melons and grilling? It’s a match made for summer. Slice your melon of choice—cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon are plentiful in Nebraska—and brush with olive oil. Grill over medium heat until the melon is softened and lightly charred. Add a little balsamic vinegar and you’ve got a sweet, rich, and smoky treat that’s a star side dish. Want to increase the sweet flavors for dessert? Add some honey after grilling.
Tropical Magic
Whether you’re jazzing up a salsa, pairing it with grilled chicken, or stacking it on a teriyaki burger, pineapple is a go-to flavor boost for summer. Adding a smoky twist to its sweet, tart, and tangy charm takes the flavor to the next level. Want something a little sweeter? Grilled pineapple wedges topped with ice cream are a summer dessert dream come true.
The next time you fire up the grill, don’t stop at the savory—let the natural sweetness of grilled fruits take center stage.