Grilled Apples Recipe

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There’s something undeniably magical about warm, caramelized fruits. If you ever saw me at a summer barbecue, I’d be the one hovering around the grill, savoring the air thick with smoke and sweet aromas.

You know what’s the star of my summer grilling? Grilled apples. These indulgent slices add a sweet twist to any meal, pairing beautifully with savory dishes like grilled chicken or a spicy sausage.

As the smoky flavor mingles with the sweetness of the apples, it makes for a delightful contrast that your taste buds will adore.

What Are Grilled Apples?

Grilled apples are just that—crisp, juicy apple slices cooked on the grill until they become caramelized and tender. This technique enhances their natural sweetness while adding a smoky depth.

They can be served as a dessert, a side dish, or even on a salad. Imagine biting into a warm apple slice drizzled with honey, its edges slightly crispy, paired perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Now, that’s a dessert worth celebrating.

You’ll also like the followiing dessert recipes!

The Ingredients

For this delightful creation, you’ll need:

2 tablespoons raw honey
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons pecan or canola oil
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 apples, cored and sliced into ½-inch pieces
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
⅓ cup packed brown sugar

This may sound like a simple list, but each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting that memorable flavor.

How to Make Grilled Apples

Creating grilled apples is as straightforward as it gets. You’re in for a treat. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of grilling these beauties.

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Begin with selecting the right apples. I always go for Honeycrisp or Granny Smith—they’re both excellent for grilling. Core them and slice them into ½-inch pieces. This thickness allows for a perfect grill caramelization without disintegrating.

Once cut, place them in a bowl and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice not only imparts a zesty flavor but helps prevent browning.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with raw honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.

Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and sugar has dissolved. This concoction will coat those apples in lusciousness! Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

While your sauce is cooling, preheat your grill to medium heat. You want to ensure that the grill grates are hot enough to sear the apples without sticking.

Use a grill-safe pan or grill basket if you’re worried about apple slices falling through.

Step 4: Grill the Apples

Once the grill is hot, toss your apple slices with the sauce you created. Use tongs to place the coated slices directly on the grill.

Those sizzling sounds? That’s music to my ears! Grill them for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they’ve developed attractive grill marks and have softened a bit.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once grilled to perfection, remove the apples from the grill. You can serve them immediately, warm, drizzled with any leftover sauce. They go excellently with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

Before you start grilling, consider these tips:

Choose Fresh Apples: Always opt for fresh, firm apples. Soft ones won’t hold up on the grill.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and sugar to your preference.
Use a Grill Mat: If you’re nervous about small pieces falling through, grill mats are a great investment.
Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile!
Sear Quickly: Don’t leave the apples too long—cooking them too much can lead to mushiness.

Storage Tips

Should you happen to have leftover grilled apples (though I doubt it!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, a quick visit to the microwave will do the trick, or you can toss them back on the grill for a few minutes.

Nutrition Information

grilled apples nutrition facts

Serving Suggestions

Here are five delightful ideas for serving grilled apples:

With Vanilla Ice Cream: A timeless combination! The warm apples with a cold scoop of ice cream create a perfect contrast in temperature and taste.
Topping for Pancakes: Imagine fluffy pancakes adorned with these sweet, smoky slices. Drizzle with maple syrup for breakfast heaven.
In a Salad: Toss grilled apples into a spinach salad with walnuts and feta. A delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Spoon it Over Yogurt: For a healthy dessert or snack, add grilled apples on top of Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola.
As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside grilled meats, like pork or chicken. The smoky sweetness is an exceptional contrast to savory flavors.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Grilled Apples?

If you’re interested in experimenting, here are five substitutes worth considering:

Pears: Using pears offers a similar texture and sweetness. They grill beautifully, too.
Peaches: Sweet, juicy peaches caramelize nicely and have a soft texture, creating an alternative summer vibe.
Pineapple: Grilled pineapple brings a tropical flair to dishes. It pairs excellently with honey and cinnamon.
Plums: For a more tart flavor, try plums. They become delightfully tender and juicy on the grill.
Bananas: Sliced bananas can also be grilled. They bring a unique sweetness that pairs well with chocolate.

Content Editor

You know what’s the star of my summer grilling? Grilled apples. These indulgent slices add a sweet twist to any meal, pairing beautifully with savory dishes like grilled chicken or a spicy sausage.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course grilling

Cuisine American

Servings slices

Calories 174 kcal

Equipment

saucepan

Ingredients

2 tablespoons raw honey
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons pecan or canola oil
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 apples cored and sliced into ½-inch pieces
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
⅓ cup packed brown sugar