Peaches are a versatile fruit that can transform simple dishes into something special. Whether you have a basket of fresh peaches from the market or a stash of canned ones in your pantry, there are endless possibilities to explore. From sweet desserts to savory meals, peaches can be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Looking for ways to incorporate peaches into your meals? This collection of recipes will provide you with a variety of tasty options. You’ll find creative ways to use peaches that will impress your family and friends, making your summer gatherings even more enjoyable.
Peach cobbler is a timeless dessert that combines sweet, juicy peaches with a golden, buttery crust. It’s especially delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
To start, you need fresh, ripe peaches. Peel and slice them, then mix with sugar, lemon juice, and a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg if you like.
Next, you’ll prepare the baking dish. Melt butter in the dish by placing it in a preheated oven. Once melted, pour the peach mixture into the dish.
For the topping, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually stir in milk until just combined. Spoon the batter over the peaches.
Bake the cobbler until the top is golden brown and the juices are bubbling. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on your oven.
Serve the peach cobbler warm, and enjoy the blend of textures and flavors. This dessert is a hit at family gatherings and summer picnics.
Peach ice cream is a refreshing and delightful treat. To make it, start by pureeing fresh peaches. You’ll need to mix the peach puree with cream, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This combination creates a rich and creamy base that highlights the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches.
If you have an ice cream maker, it’s easy to churn the mixture until it thickens. Set the machine to mix for about 20 to 25 minutes. Just before finishing, add in some reserved mashed peaches for extra texture and flavor. The result is a homemade, creamy dessert with chunks of real peach in every bite.
For those without an ice cream maker, many recipes suggest freezing the mixture in a container and stirring it every 30 minutes. This method takes longer, but you can still enjoy delicious homemade peach ice cream. Remember to chill your mixture before starting to ensure a smooth, well-set texture.
Experimenting with additional flavors like vanilla or a touch of cinnamon can add a unique twist to your peach ice cream. Always use the freshest and ripest peaches for the best flavor. This treat is perfect for cooling down on hot summer days and is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
A peach smoothie is a refreshing and nutritious choice. You can combine frozen peaches with bananas for a creamy blend. Using Greek yogurt adds protein and a tangy flavor.
Try mixing peaches with spinach and grapes. This creates a sweet and slightly tart smoothie. Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.
For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or another non-dairy milk. You can also substitute Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt or more bananas. Adding honey, vanilla, and cinnamon enhances the taste.
These smoothies are simple to make. Just blend everything until smooth. Adjust the ingredients to your liking and enjoy a delicious peach smoothie.
Making peach jam at home is a wonderful way to enjoy the sweet, juicy flavors of peaches year-round.
First, you’ll need to prepare your peaches. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cut an “X” on the bottom of each peach. Plunge the peaches into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This makes peeling easier.
Once peeled, mash the peaches to your desired consistency. Add lemon juice and pectin, then place the mixture on high heat. Stir constantly until it reaches a full rolling boil.
After reaching a boil, add sugar and any desired spices all at once. Continue boiling for one minute while stirring continuously. Use a timer to ensure accuracy.
Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the top. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal them properly. Store in a cool, dark place.
Enjoy your homemade peach jam on toast, in desserts, or as a delightful topping for ice cream.
Peach salsa is a refreshing and tasty twist on traditional salsa. It combines the sweetness of peaches with the zest of lime and the heat of jalapenos.
To make peach salsa, start by chopping ripe peaches into small pieces. Dice tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers to a similar size.
Add finely chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mix. If you like it spicy, include some diced jalapenos. Stir everything together in a big bowl.
Season with salt and a bit of chili powder to taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Peach salsa pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, chicken, or as a dip with tortilla chips. You can also add other fruits like pineapple or strawberries.
For extra crunch, toss in some fresh corn kernels. If you want it heartier, mix in cooked black beans. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
A peach galette is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh peaches.
To make a peach galette, start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Mix sliced peaches with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch or flour.
Roll out your pie dough on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Arrange the peach mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
Fold the edges of the dough over the peaches. This creates a rustic look and keeps the filling in place.
Brush the folded edges with a beaten egg or milk for a nice golden brown finish.
Bake the galette on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
A peach galette is best served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a lovely dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of peaches.
Peach Pie is a classic dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh peaches. For the best results, start with ripe, firm peaches. To make the filling, you will blend peaches with granulated sugar, cornstarch or flour, and a touch of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
First, prepare your pie crust. You can use a store-bought crust or make your own from scratch. Roll out the dough and fit it into your pie dish. Set it aside while you mix the filling.
In a large bowl, combine peach slices, sugar, and cornstarch or flour. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. Stir well until the mixture is coated evenly.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. If you like, create a lattice top with strips of pie dough or cover it with a full crust, leaving some vents for steam to escape.
Brush the top crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with a bit of sugar for extra crunch and shine. Bake in a preheated oven. Start at a higher temperature to set the crust, then reduce the heat to finish baking.
Once done, let the pie cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Peach Pie warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Peach sorbet is a refreshing and simple dessert you can make at home. You start by peeling and cutting the peaches into small chunks. Freeze them for about three hours until they are firm.
Once the peaches are ready, blend them with sugar and lemon juice in a high-powered blender or food processor. Pulse the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
If you prefer, you can make a simple syrup by boiling water and sugar. Let it cool, then blend it with the frozen peaches and lemon juice. This adds a bit more sweetness and smoothness to your sorbet.
Pour the mixture into an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours. If you have an ice cream maker, churn the mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If not, you can freeze the mixture, stirring occasionally to break up ice crystals.
Your peach sorbet is now ready to enjoy. It’s a light and delicious way to cool off on a hot day!
A Peach Bellini is a refreshing cocktail perfect for hot summer days. This drink combines sweet peach purée with sparkling prosecco for a crisp and fruity drink.
To start, you need ripe peaches. Peel and chop them into small pieces. Blend the pieces until smooth. If you want, you can add a splash of peach schnapps for extra flavor.
Next, pour the peach purée into champagne flutes. Add chilled prosecco to each glass. Stir gently to combine the mixture.
You can garnish your Peach Bellini with a slice of peach or a strawberry. Serve immediately to enjoy the lively bubbles and fresh peach taste.
A Peach Bellini offers a delightful combination of sweetness and zest. It’s an easy-to-make cocktail that’s sure to impress.
Peach pancakes combine the juicy, sweet flavor of peaches with the fluffy texture of pancakes. To start, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center and pour in milk, egg, and butter. Mix until smooth. Gently fold in diced peaches with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Preheat a griddle or skillet to medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
For a different twist, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients. This will give your pancakes a warm, spiced flavor.
Top your peach pancakes with fresh peach slices, syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious peach pancakes any time of the day!
Peach salad is a refreshing and versatile dish, perfect for summer. You can pair peaches with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious and nutritious salad.
One popular option is to mix baby spinach, ripe peaches, and pecans with poppyseed salad dressing. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is delightful.
Another great recipe includes arugula topped with grilled peaches, chicken, and a balsamic vinaigrette made with olive oil, shallot, and Dijon mustard. This adds a smoky, tangy twist to the salad.
For a bright and zesty salad, try combining sweet peaches, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds on a bed of vibrant arugula. Add a lemon dressing for extra zing.
You can also enjoy a mix of peaches, blueberries, avocado, red onion, pecans, mint, mozzarella balls, and chopped romaine lettuce, drizzled with a balsamic and olive oil dressing. This salad is packed with flavors and textures.
If you love toasted nuts, try toasting almonds in a dry skillet and adding them to your peach salad. The nuttiness complements the peaches beautifully.
For a unique twist, incorporate grilled peaches and pecans drizzled with a honey vinaigrette. It brings a sweet, warm flavor to the salad.
Mix and match these ingredients and dressings to create your perfect peach salad. Enjoy the freshness and deliciousness that peaches bring to your meal!
Peach pizza offers a sweet and savory twist on traditional pizza. Start by preparing your dough. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
Roll out the dough and place it on a pizza tray. Brush it with olive oil. Next, sprinkle on mozzarella cheese. Add slices of fresh peach, prosciutto, and goat cheese.
Bake the pizza for about 10 minutes or until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts.
Once it’s done, drizzle the pizza with balsamic glaze. Top it with fresh arugula for an added layer of flavor. This combination of ingredients creates a delightful mix of sweet and savory.
Peach crumble is a classic dessert that combines sweet, juicy peaches with a crispy topping.
To get started, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Peel and slice your peaches, then layer them in the prepared dish. Sprinkle them with a mix of brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
For the topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the peaches.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the crumble is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in.
A peach tart is a delightful dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. To start, preheat your oven to around 425 degrees. You’ll need to prepare your crust by mixing flour, a bit of sugar, and a pinch of salt. The crust can be either a traditional pie crust or a rustic, free-form galette style.
Once your crust is ready, focus on the filling. Slice your peaches and mix them with sugar, a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg, and a bit of flour to help thicken the juices. If you like, you can add a small amount of almond or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Spread the peach mixture evenly over the prepared crust. If you’re making a galette, leave a small border to fold over the edges. Brush the crust edges with a little beaten egg or milk to help them brown nicely.
Bake the tart until the crust is golden and the peaches are tender and bubbly. This typically takes around 35-45 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving, so the filling sets a bit.
For a special touch, you can brush the peaches with a glaze made from melted jam. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Enjoy the sweet, juicy flavors of the peaches complemented by the buttery crust.
Peach BBQ sauce is a great way to add a sweet and tangy flavor to your grilling dishes. This sauce combines the natural sweetness of peaches with savory ingredients.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a medium saucepan until they become tender. Add peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar to the mix.
Spices like smoked paprika and chili flakes add a kick. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Use a blender to smooth out the sauce after it cools slightly. This creates a thick, rich texture. Store the sauce in a jar or bottle and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
This Peach BBQ sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, pork, and even grilled vegetables. It’s a versatile addition to your BBQ toolkit.
Peach mousse is a creamy and light dessert that’s perfect for any summer gathering. It combines the sweetness of peaches with a smooth, airy texture.
To start, you’ll need ripe peaches. Peel and chop them. In a saucepan, combine the chopped peaches with a bit of sugar and lemon juice. Heat this mixture until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.
Next, blend the peach mixture until smooth. In a separate bowl, prepare gelatin according to the package instructions and add it to the blended peaches. Stir well.
Allow this mixture to cool and thicken in the refrigerator. Once it’s ready, whip up some heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled peach mixture.
Spoon the mousse into serving bowls or glasses. You can garnish with mint leaves if you like. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
Peach lemonade is a refreshing summer drink that’s easy to make. You start by creating a peach syrup. Simmer water, sugar, and chopped peaches for about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove the peach pulp and skin.
Next, juice some fresh lemons. Combine the lemon juice with cold water in a pitcher. Add the peach syrup to the lemonade and stir well. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
For a unique twist, try sparkling water instead of still water. This will give your peach lemonade a fizzy touch. To serve, pour over ice and garnish with fresh peach slices or lemon wedges.
Making peach lemonade at home allows you to control the sweetness and flavor. It’s perfect for hot days and is sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy the natural flavors of peaches and lemons in this delightful drink!
Peach upside-down cake is a delightful summer treat that showcases the sweetness of ripe peaches.
Start by arranging sliced peaches in the bottom of a cake pan. Sprinkle brown sugar over the peaches to create a caramelized topping.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in an egg and some vanilla extract.
Combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add this to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter over the peaches and bake at 350°F. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually after about 40-50 minutes.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. The rich, golden peaches on top make for an eye-catching dessert.
Serve it warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This cake is perfect for gatherings or just a special treat at home.
Peach chutney is a versatile condiment that balances sweet and savory flavors. You start with ripe peaches. Blanch them in boiling water for about 20 seconds and then plunge them in an ice bath. This makes peeling easier.
Next, chop the peeled peaches into large chunks. In a large saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the peach chunks.
Add finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients add depth to the chutney. Raisins are optional, but they blend well with the sweetness of the peaches.
Spices are key for that chutney kick. Common choices include mustard seeds, chili powder, and curry powder. Wrap pickling spices in a cheesecloth bag and add it to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until you get your preferred consistency. This usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Cool the chutney before storing it in glass jars. Peach chutney pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, cheese boards, and even as a topping for sandwiches. Making your own gives you control over flavor and texture. Enjoy this simple, homemade treat year-round.
Peach bread is a tasty treat you can enjoy any time of the year.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and oil. Beat until creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in fresh or canned peaches. Be gentle to avoid mashing the fruit.
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your peach bread plain or with a peach glaze on top. This sweet treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Nutritional Benefits of Peaches
Peaches are an excellent source of several key vitamins and minerals. They also offer powerful antioxidants that help your body function at its best.
Vitamins and Minerals
Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, which are crucial for your health. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy vision and supports proper immune function. Vitamin C is important for skin health, enhancing the production of collagen and acting as an antioxidant.
You’ll also get vitamin E and several B vitamins from peaches. These vitamins support cellular health and energy production. In terms of minerals, peaches contain potassium, which is vital for heart health and muscle function, and magnesium, essential for muscle relaxation and nerve function.
Each medium peach has about 58 calories and 14 grams of carbs, making it a nutritious and low-calorie snack. The fruit also contains about 2 grams of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeping you full longer.
Antioxidants
Peaches are packed with antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids. These compounds help protect your body from free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases.
The beta-carotene found in peaches is a type of carotenoid that the body can convert into vitamin A. This antioxidant plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin and eyes. Catechins, another type of antioxidant present in peaches, have been found to improve brain function and cardiovascular health.
Additionally, peaches contain chlorogenic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Eating peaches regularly can help boost your body’s overall antioxidant defenses. The combination of these powerful substances not only supports your health but also can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Tips for Selecting and Storing Peaches
Selecting and storing peaches properly ensures they stay fresh and tasty. You’ll learn how to pick the best peaches and store them to keep them from spoiling too quickly.
How to Choose Ripe Peaches
When choosing peaches, color and feel are key. Look for peaches with vibrant, golden-reddish skin and a deep yellow flesh, particularly around the stem. Avoid peaches with green spots, flat areas, or bruises, as these indicate they aren’t fully ripe.
Gently squeeze the fruit. It should give slightly under pressure, indicating ripeness. If it’s too firm, it needs more time to mature. Additionally, check for a sweet, fragrant aroma, which is another sign of ripeness. Wrinkly skin can mean the peach was over-chilled, leading to a mealy texture.
Proper Storage Techniques
To store peaches, first decide whether you plan to eat them soon or preserve them for longer. If they need to ripen, place them in a single layer on the counter, out of direct sunlight. For quicker ripening, store them in a brown paper bag, which concentrates ethylene gas.
Fully ripe peaches should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a week to maintain their quality. For long-term storage, consider freezing. Peel and slice the peaches, then lay them on a wax-paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to zip-top bags. This prevents clumping and makes future use more convenient.
Cooking Methods for Peach Recipes
Cooking fresh peaches can be a delightful experience. You have many methods at your disposal, each highlighting the flavor of this summer fruit in unique ways.
Baking and Grilling Techniques
Baking and grilling peaches bring out their natural sweetness and add a hint of smoky flavor. For baking, you can make peach cobblers, pies, or muffins. Cut peaches into slices and sprinkle with sugar and a touch of cinnamon before baking.
For grilling, halve the peaches and remove the pit. Brush them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Grill for 3-5 minutes on each side until you see grill marks. Grilled peaches are perfect for salads or as a standalone dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tip: Mixing grilled peaches with greens and feta cheese can create a refreshing summer salad.
Preserving Peaches
Preserving peaches extends their shelf life and gives you the ability to enjoy their flavor year-round. You can use canning, freezing, or making jams and jellies.
For canning, blanch your peaches to remove the skins. Slice them and place in sterilized jars with a simple syrup. Process them in a boiling water bath to ensure they are safely preserved.
Freezing peaches involves peeling, slicing, and coating them with sugar or a syrup solution. Pack them in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
When making jams or jellies, cook peeled and pitted peaches with sugar and pectin. This mixture thickens as it cools and provides a delicious spread for bread and pastries.
Note: Always label your preserved peaches with the date to keep track of their freshness.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
