Few fruits capture the essence of summer quite like ripe, juicy peaches. From timeless desserts to refreshing drinks and inventive savory dishes, peaches lend their sweet-tart, aromatic charm to a range of culinary creations. Whether you’re working with a basket of farmers’ market beauties or a few leftover peaches on your counter, these recipes and tips will inspire your next kitchen adventure.
Classic Peach Desserts
Peach Cobbler
There’s a reason this southern classic remains a favorite. Peach cobbler combines bubbly, lightly sweetened peaches with a golden, biscuit-like topping that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside.
How to make it:
- Prepare the filling: Slice 5 ripe peaches (peeling optional), toss with sugar and a pinch of salt, then briefly cook to release their juices.
- Create the batter: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a simple pourable batter.
- Assemble: Pour melted butter into a baking dish, add the batter, then spoon the peaches and juices over the top. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon.
- Bake until the topping is puffed and golden, and the fruit is bubbling.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible finish.
Peach Crisp
If you love a crunchy topping, peach crisp is a quick and satisfying dessert.
How to make it:
- Arrange sliced peaches in a baking dish.
- Mix a crumble: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
- Top the peaches with the oat mixture.
- Bake until the topping is deeply golden and the peaches are syrupy.
Fresh & Savory Peach Ideas
Peach Summer Salad
Celebrate peaches’ floral sweetness in a salad bursting with color and flavor.
- Pair peach slices with heirloom or cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and torn summer herbs like basil and mint.
- Drizzle with good olive oil and a splash of lemon juice.
- Finish with flaky salt and black pepper.
Peach Tostadas
Take your tastebuds on an adventure with bold sweet and spicy flavors.
- Toast corn tortillas until crisp.
- Spread with refried beans, then layer with sliced peaches.
- Spoon on a green chile sauce or salsa, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Grilled Peaches
A few minutes on the grill caramelizes the peaches’ sugars and amplifies their aroma.
- Halve peaches and remove pits.
- Lightly brush with oil and grill cut-side down until charred.
- Serve warm, topped with honey and crumbled goat cheese, or sprinkle with sea salt for a simple side or appetizer.
Quick Snacks & Creative Treats
Avocado Peach Summer Rolls
For a cool, bright snack:
- Layer peach slices and avocado in soaked rice paper rounds.
- Roll tightly and serve with a dipping sauce made from coconut milk, basil, lime juice, and chili.
Peach Pizza
A fun twist on flatbread or pizza:
- Use mini pizza bases or naan.
- Top with sliced peaches and feta or a vegan cheese alternative.
- Bake until crisp and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh thyme.
Refreshing Peach Drinks
Peach Sangria
An ultimate summer crowd-pleaser:
- Slice peaches and combine with white wine, thin slices of ginger, and handfuls of fresh herbs like mint.
- Chill until flavors meld, then serve over ice.
Peach Smoothie
For a quick, nourishing breakfast or snack:
- Blend peaches with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a handful of ice until smooth.
- Add a splash of almond milk or orange juice if desired.
Tips for Cooking with Peaches
- Chunk it up: Cut peaches into larger chunks (instead of thin slices) for baked goods; this helps them retain structure.
- Easy peeling: Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water; the skins slip off easily.
- Explore flavor pairings: Don’t be afraid to experiment—peaches pair beautifully with creamy (burrata, yogurt, cheese), spicy (chilies, ginger), salty (prosciutto, feta), and herbal (basil, thyme) flavors.
Whether you enjoy them in desserts, salads, on the grill, or blended into frosty beverages, peaches bring a sunny, fragrant sweetness to summer meals both classic and new. Let your creativity guide you and savor the season’s best!
