Grilled fruit skewers are a delightful and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The natural sugars caramelize on the grill, creating a symphony of sweet and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, and you can customize them with your favorite fruits.
Choosing Your Fruit
The key to amazing grilled fruit skewers is selecting fruits that hold their shape well and have a bit of natural sweetness. Here are some of my top picks:
- Pineapple: Grilled pineapple is a classic for a reason. Its tangy sweetness intensifies on the grill, creating a truly tropical treat.
- Peaches: The juicy sweetness of peaches gets a delightful smoky edge from the grill. Be sure to choose firm, ripe peaches for grilling.
- Mango: Mangoes bring a vibrant, tropical flavor to the skewers. Look for firm mangoes that are slightly underripe for best results.
- Strawberries: Grilled strawberries are a revelation! Their sweetness intensifies, and they take on a slightly jammy texture.
- Watermelon: While you might not think to grill watermelon, it’s surprisingly delicious! Choose a seedless variety and grill it just until it’s slightly warmed through.
Other Delicious Additions:
- Bananas: For a creamy, decadent treat, add slices of banana to your skewers.
- Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for grilling.
- Pears: Like apples, opt for firm pears that can withstand the heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup mango, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup watermelon, cubed
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Equipment:
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
Instructions:
- Prepare your fruit: Wash and chop your chosen fruits into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the fruit onto the skewers, creating a colorful and appetizing arrangement.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat. You want a nice, even heat to prevent the fruit from burning.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the fruit is lightly charred and tender.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Grilling Fruit to Perfection:
- Soaking your skewers: Don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Leave a little space between each skewer to ensure even cooking.
- Watch for flare-ups: The natural sugars in fruit can cause flare-ups on the grill. Keep a close eye on the skewers and adjust the heat if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cool, creamy contrast against the warm, grilled fruit is simply divine.
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup: Enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- A sprinkle of chopped nuts: Add a bit of crunch and nutty flavor with a sprinkle of your favorite chopped nuts.
FAQs:
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
Absolutely! Metal skewers are a great option because they’re reusable and heat up quickly. Just be sure to use caution, as they will be hot when you remove them from the grill.
Can I grill fruit in advance?
While grilled fruit is best served immediately, you can grill it a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Grilled Fruit Skewers
Close-up of Grilled Fruit
These grilled fruit skewers are sure to become a family favorite. They’re incredibly delicious, easy to make, and a healthier alternative to other grilled desserts. If you’re looking for another way to enjoy grilled fruit, try our recipe for Grilled Pineapple. Happy grilling!
