Grilled Nectarines with Gorgonzola and Hazelnuts Recipe
This recipe features juicy grilled nectarines paired with the creamy tang of gorgonzola cheese and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts. Drizzled with honey and garnished with fresh mint, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Ideal as a sophisticated appetizer or a unique dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruit
- 4 ripe but not too ripe freestone nectarines or peaches
Toppings
- 1/2 cup (70 g) toasted hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup (70 g) crumbled gorgonzola or another blue cheese
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh mint leaves
- Flaky salt, to taste
Other
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to ensure it’s hot enough to get nice grill marks on the nectarines without burning them.
- Prepare the Nectarines: Wash the nectarines and cut them in half, removing the pits. Lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil to prevent sticking to the grill.
- Grill the Nectarines: Place the nectarines cut-side down on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until grill marks form and the fruit softens slightly. Flip and grill the skin side for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.
- Arrange on Serving Plate: Transfer the grilled nectarines to a serving platter, cut side up.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola and toasted hazelnuts evenly over the warm nectarines.
- Drizzle with Honey: Generously drizzle honey over the nectarines and toppings to add sweetness and balance the flavors.
- Garnish with Mint and Season: Scatter fresh mint leaves on top and finish with a pinch of flaky salt to enhance the overall taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the nectarines are still warm for the best combination of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Choose nectarines or peaches that are ripe but firm to hold their shape on the grill.
- To toast hazelnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until fragrant, then rub off skins if desired.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan over the stove or broil the nectarines in the oven.
- Blue cheese alternatives like Roquefort or stilton can be used if gorgonzola is unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your taste preference for sweetness.
