Grilled Peach Flatbreads
Each summer it feels like I am in a mad race against time trying to take advantage of as much of the great local fruits and vegetables while they are at their peak, before they are gone again until next summer.
Right now, I’m gorging on peaches! Plump, soft, sweet, impossibly juicy peaches are one of my favorite summertime treats. Lucky me, here in Toronto I can buy peaches at my local farmers market that were picked fresh that morning at an orchard in the Niagara region.
Peaches this fresh are delicious right out of the basket, eaten out-of-hand, added to some granola, or sliced onto a simple green salad with some walnuts and crumbled goat cheese.
But there are only so many peaches you can eat out-of-hand! To make the most of peach season I use them in a variety of simple recipes that allow their freshness to shine through.
This week I’m using peaches in simple Grilled Peach Flatbreads, but you could also make a refreshing Chilled Peach and Apricot Soup, Grilled Pork with Peach – Mustard Sauce, or maybe something a little spicy, Chipotle Chicken and Peach Slaw. Of course, you need a dessert! How about a no fuss Peaches and Cream Icebox Cake.
These Grilled Peach Flatbreads are summer eating at its simplest and best. They are perfect for a light lunch or cut them in half or quarters and serve as an appetizer.
Slices of sweet, grilled peach are paired with shavings of a nice aged Manchego cheese, topped with a little fresh herb, and finished with just the lightest splash of balsamic vinegar. Substitute parmesan or cheddar for the Manchego, or make them with brie, for a softer creamier variation.
So many herbs pair well with peaches that it was hard to decide which to use. Thyme and tarragon came in first and second, with basil and mint coming in a close third and fourth.
You can use your favorite store-bought flatbreads or try making my easy Grilled Yoghurt Flatbread. They can be made ahead or popped on the grill at the same time as the peaches.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 3 peaches medium to large size
- olive oil for brushing the peaches and flatbreads
- 6 flatbreads
- ¼ cup shaved manchego cheese ( substitute parmesan, cheddar or even brie)
- fresh herbs for garnish thyme, mint, basil, or tarragon
- splash of balsamic vinegar to finish
Instructions
- Preheat grill to 400Cut each peaches lengthwise into 8 pieces and lightly brush with oil.Grill the peach slices for 2-3 minutes a side. They should have light grill marks and be slightly soft, but still holding their shape.
- Brush the flatbreads with a little oil. Grill for one minute then flip. Quickly layer on the peach slices and the cheese and all let grill for one minute on the second side.
- Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with some of the fresh herb and a light splash of balsamic vinegar. Serve warm off the grill.