Grilled Brie with Peaches

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dish that combines sophistication and comfort food, grilled brie with peaches is the perfect option. This flavorful recipe pairs creamy, gooey brie with the natural sweetness of fresh peaches, bringing a satisfying juxtaposition of textures and tastes. It’s an ideal appetizer for summer gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Dive into this easy-to-make yet completely delectable recipe.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 1 round of brie cheese
– 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme or basil leaves, for garnish
– Sliced baguette, crackers, or bread, for serving

Prep Time

The preparation for this dish is wonderfully quick and straightforward. Wash the peaches, slice them in half, and remove the pits. Coat the peaches with olive oil to ensure they don’t stick to the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get those perfect grill marks on your peaches while slightly softening them. Once everything is prepped, you’re all set to start.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: Grilling the peaches and brie only takes about 10 minutes combined. The peaches will caramelize and soften beautifully, while the brie melts to a creamy consistency. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Total Time: From start to finish, you’ll spend just around 15-20 minutes on this recipe. It’s the ideal choice when you want a gourmet dish without investing too much time.

Yield: This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people, depending on the portion sizes and accompaniments used. It’s perfect for small gatherings or as a delightful appetizer before dinner.

Grilled brie with peaches is a recipe that brings out the best of its simple ingredients. The sweetness of the peaches, paired with the rich, creamy brie, enhanced by a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Serve with slices of baguette or your favorite crackers to complete this delightful appetizer. It’s minimal effort with maximum flavor – a combination worth trying!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350-400°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Slice the peaches into halves and remove the pits. Lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil to prevent sticking on the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

Place the peach halves, cut side down, directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until grill marks appear. Turn them over and grill the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Brie

Unwrap the wheel of brie and use a knife to carefully slice off the thin top rind (optional but allows the cheese to ooze more easily when warmed).

Step 5: Grill the Brie

Place the brie round on a piece of aluminum foil. Fold up the edges of the foil slightly to create a shallow dish around the brie in case it melts too much. Set the wrapped brie directly on the grill over medium heat. Let it grill for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese is warm and soft.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Transfer the grilled brie to a serving platter. Arrange the grilled peaches around the brie. Drizzle with honey over the top of the brie and the peaches for added sweetness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top for a herby finish. Serve the dish immediately with crackers, crostini, or fresh bread for dipping.

Notes

Note on Choosing Peaches

Use ripe but firm peaches for grilling. Overripe peaches may become too mushy when cooked.

Note on Cooking Time

Monitor the brie closely on the grill to prevent it from over-melting. You want the inside soft and gooey but not completely liquefied.

Note on Variations

You can swap honey with maple syrup or balsamic glaze for a different flavor profile. For a sweet-and-savory twist, try adding some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds as a garnish.

Note on Grill Marks

To ensure the peaches have beautiful grill marks, avoid moving them once you place them on the grill. Let them cook undisturbed.

Note on Serving Size

This recipe is perfect for sharing as an appetizer for a group. If serving as a main snack, adjust peach and brie quantities accordingly.
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Cook Techniques

How to Grill Bread

To grill bread, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil to ensure it doesn’t stick and develops a nice, crisp texture. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes or until grill marks appear.

Preparing Brie for Grilling

Place the brie in a small cast iron skillet or on a sheet of aluminum foil to keep it intact while grilling. This technique helps contain the cheese as it softens.

Prepping the Peaches

Slice the peaches and brush them lightly with olive oil before grilling to enhance flavor and prevent sticking. Grill the peaches cut-side down for about 2-4 minutes until tender with grill marks.

Adding Honey After Grilling

Drizzle honey over the grilled brie and peaches just before serving. This final step enhances the sweetness and compliments the smoky flavors.

Assembling for Serving

Layer the grilled brie and peaches on the grilled bread and garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or basil, for a burst of fresh flavor.

FAQ

Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Yes, you can substitute brie with other soft cheeses like Camembert or a soft goat cheese, but grilling brie provides the best creamy texture.

Do I Have to Use Fresh Peaches?

Fresh peaches are best for grilling due to their firmness and ability to hold up under heat. However, if peaches are out of season, other fruits like nectarines or even plums can work too.

Can I Use a Grill Pan Instead of a Grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan over medium-high heat if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

What Type of Bread Works Best?

Ciabatta, French baguette, or sourdough work well because they hold up to grilling without becoming too soft or mushy.

Can I Make This Dish in Advance?

It’s best to prepare and serve this dish immediately to enjoy it at its freshest. The grilled bread and peaches can cool and lose texture if prepared too early.

What Herbs Pair Well with This Recipe?

Fresh thyme and basil are great options. They add a subtle earthiness to balance the sweetness of the peaches and honey.

Conclusion

Grilled Brie with Peaches is the ultimate combination of sweet and savory, a delightfully simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy brie paired with juicy, caramelized peaches creates a luscious flavor that’s irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is bound to impress.

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