Grilled Peach Galette: A Summer Dessert Recipe

Grilled Peach Galette: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched orchard with every bite of this rustic and utterly delightful dessert! Imagine the sweet, caramelized flavor of grilled peaches nestled in a flaky, buttery crust – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience.

Galettes, with their free-form, unfussy nature, have a rich history rooted in French peasant cooking. They were originally a way to use up leftover fruit and dough, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. Over time, the galette has evolved, becoming a beloved dessert enjoyed around the world, and this grilled peach galette takes it to a whole new level.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the juicy burst of the peaches against the crisp, buttery crust. The grilling process adds a subtle smoky char that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply divine. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Forget complicated pie crusts and fussy fillings; this galette is all about embracing simplicity and letting the quality of the ingredients shine. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a summer gathering or a comforting treat for a cozy night in, this grilled peach galette is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, very cold
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup ice water
• For the Filling:
• 4 ripe but firm peaches, pitted and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• For the Grilled Peaches:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• For the Egg Wash & Topping:
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (or coarse sugar)
• Optional Toppings:
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pistachios or almonds

Preparing the Crust:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is crucial for flavor.
2. Cut in the Fat: Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to keep the butter cold!), cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter and shortening – these are what create flaky layers in the crust.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix! The dough should just come together and form a shaggy mass. You might not need all the water, or you might need a little more, depending on the humidity.
4. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently gather it into a disc, about 1 inch thick. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This chilling time is essential for relaxing the gluten in the flour, which will prevent the crust from being tough.

Preparing the Peach Filling:

1. Prepare the Peaches: Wash and dry the peaches. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and slice each half into 1/2-inch wedges. I like to use a serrated knife for this, as it grips the peach skin better.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the peach slices with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, cinnamon, and salt. The cornstarch will help to thicken the juices released by the peaches during baking, preventing the galette from becoming soggy. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents the peaches from browning too quickly.
3. Let the Peaches Macerate: Allow the peach mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the sugar to draw out some of the juices from the peaches, creating a more flavorful filling.

Grilling the Peaches:

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the peaches from sticking.
2. Prepare the Peach Slices: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and honey. This mixture will add a lovely sweetness and char to the peaches.
3. Grill the Peaches: Brush the peach slices with the olive oil and honey mixture. Place them on the preheated grill, cut-side down. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are slightly softened and have grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
4. Cool Slightly: Remove the grilled peach slices from the grill and let them cool slightly before adding them to the galette.

Assembling and Baking the Galette:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the galette from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. The dough doesn’t have to be perfectly round – a rustic shape is part of the charm of a galette!
3. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Arrange the Filling: Arrange the grilled peach slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. You can arrange them in concentric circles or in a more random pattern – it’s up to you! Make sure to distribute the peaches evenly.
5. Fold the Edges: Gently fold the edges of the dough over the peach filling, pleating as you go. The pleats don’t have to be perfect – just make sure they are secure enough to hold the filling in place.
6. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or cream.
7. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the folded edges of the galette with the egg wash. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
8. Sprinkle with Sugar: Sprinkle the egg-washed edges with turbinado sugar (or coarse sugar). This will add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the crust.
9. Bake: Bake the galette in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent the crust from burning.
10. Cool Slightly: Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.

Serving Suggestions:

This grilled peach galette is delicious served warm or at room temperature. For an extra special treat, top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds adds a nice crunch and visual appeal. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Grilled Peach Galette isn’t just a dessert; it’s a summer memory waiting to be made. The combination of smoky grilled peaches, the flaky, buttery crust, and that hint of almond extract creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers a gourmet experience that rivals anything you’d find in a fancy bakery. It’s the perfect way to showcase the season’s best peaches and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills – even if you’re a beginner baker!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my favorite way to prepare it, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a truly decadent experience, serve each slice warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm galette and the cold ice cream is simply divine.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Ice Cream Pairing: As mentioned, vanilla bean ice cream is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Peach ice cream, almond ice cream, or even a salted caramel ice cream would complement the flavors beautifully.
* Whipped Cream Topping: If you prefer something lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a winner. You can even infuse the whipped cream with a little almond extract or vanilla for an extra layer of flavor.
* Nutty Crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a delightful textural contrast.
* Honey Drizzle: A drizzle of honey over the warm galette adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of the peaches.
* Savory Twist: For a more sophisticated twist, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese before baking. The salty cheese pairs surprisingly well with the sweet peaches.
* Fruit Variations: While this recipe is designed for peaches, you can easily substitute other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even a combination of berries. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly.
* Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger in the peach filling adds warmth and depth of flavor.
* Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.

I’m so excited for you to try this Grilled Peach Galette recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to celebrate the summer season. Don’t be intimidated by the grilling aspect; it’s easier than you think, and the smoky flavor it imparts is truly worth the effort.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add your own special touch? Please share your photos and comments below. I’m always eager to see how you make this recipe your own. Happy baking (and grilling)! I am confident that this will become a staple dessert in your household, just as it has in mine. Enjoy!