Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers

Summer evenings in our backyard are synonymous with grilling, and this year, we’ve found a new obsession: Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers. From the moment the smoky sweetness of grilled peaches melds with the creamy, soft mozzarella, this appetizer has become a family favorite. Even my picky eaters, who usually shy away from fruit in savory dishes, devour these skewers with enthusiasm. The balsamic glaze adds a tangy depth that perfectly balances the sweetness, and the fresh basil brings a vibrant, herbaceous note. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s utterly delicious – the perfect summer appetizer that’s both elegant enough for guests and simple enough for a weeknight treat. If you’re looking for a dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite, look no further than these incredible skewers.

Ingredients for Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers

• Ripe Peaches: (About 4 large peaches) Choose peaches that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. Ripe peaches grill beautifully and offer the best balance of sweetness and slight tartness.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): (16 ounces) These small, egg-shaped mozzarella balls are perfect for skewers. Their mild, milky flavor complements the sweetness of the peaches without overpowering them.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) Used for brushing the peaches and mozzarella before grilling, preventing sticking and adding a subtle richness.
• Balsamic Glaze: (1/4 cup or to taste) A thick, syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar, providing a tangy and sweet counterpoint to the peaches and mozzarella. Store-bought or homemade works wonderfully.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: (1/4 cup, roughly chopped) Adds a bright, aromatic, and slightly peppery flavor that enhances the overall taste profile and provides a pop of fresh green color.
• Salt: (Pinch, or to taste) Enhances the flavors of the peaches and mozzarella.
• Black Pepper: (Pinch, freshly ground, to taste) Adds a touch of spice and depth to the skewers.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: (About 8-10 skewers) Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and also work well.

Instructions for Grilling Peach and Mozzarella Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Begin by washing your peaches thoroughly under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. The key to perfectly grilled peaches lies in the preparation. Carefully slice each peach in half, following the natural crease around the peach. Gently twist the halves to separate them and remove the pit. You can use a spoon or your fingers to scoop out the pit. Once pitted, cut each peach half into wedges. For larger peaches, you might get 4-6 wedges per half, ensuring they are a manageable size for skewering and grilling. The size should be roughly uniform so they cook evenly on the grill. Place the peach wedges in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Mozzarella

If you are using bocconcini mozzarella, they are usually ready to go straight from the package. If you have larger mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-sized pieces, roughly the same size as your peach wedges. This ensures a balanced skewer and consistent cooking. Gently pat the mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel. This will help them grill better and prevent excess moisture from steaming them on the grill. Add the mozzarella balls to the bowl with the peach wedges.

Step 3: Marinate (Optional but Recommended) and Season

While not strictly a marinade in the traditional sense, a light coating of olive oil and seasoning significantly enhances the flavor and grilling process. Drizzle approximately 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the peach wedges and mozzarella balls in the bowl. Season generously with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss everything together to ensure the peaches and mozzarella are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning. This light coating of oil will prevent sticking to the grill grates and encourage beautiful grill marks. The salt and pepper will subtly enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches and the creamy flavor of the mozzarella. You can also add a touch of dried herbs at this stage, like thyme or rosemary, for an extra layer of flavor if desired. Let the peaches and mozzarella sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Now it’s time to assemble your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning up on the grill. Take your skewers and begin threading the peach wedges and mozzarella balls alternately. A visually appealing and balanced skewer might include 2-3 peach wedges and 2-3 mozzarella balls per skewer, depending on their size and the length of your skewers. You can vary the order – peach, mozzarella, peach, mozzarella, or start and end with a peach wedge for a vibrant look. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even grilling and heat circulation. This also makes them easier to handle on the grill.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. For a gas grill, this is usually around 350-400°F (175-200°C). If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing red and covered with a light layer of ash. Clean your grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush. This is important to prevent sticking and ensure those beautiful grill marks. Lightly oil the grill grates with a bit of olive oil on a paper towel held with tongs. This extra step will further prevent the skewers from sticking.

Step 6: Grill the Skewers

Carefully place the assembled peach and mozzarella skewers directly onto the preheated grill grates. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the peaches are slightly softened, have visible grill marks, and are just beginning to caramelize around the edges. The mozzarella should be slightly softened and warmed through but not melted or runny. Keep a close eye on the skewers as they grill. Peaches can burn relatively quickly due to their sugar content, and mozzarella can melt if overheated. Rotate the skewers every few minutes to ensure even grilling on all sides and to achieve those desirable grill marks on both the peaches and mozzarella. You are looking for a gentle softening and slight char on the peaches and a warm, pliable texture for the mozzarella.

Step 7: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze and Garnish

Once the skewers are grilled to perfection, carefully remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Immediately drizzle generously with balsamic glaze. The heat from the grilled skewers will slightly warm the glaze, making it even more luscious and flavorful. Don’t be shy with the glaze – it’s a crucial element that ties all the flavors together. Finally, garnish the skewers with freshly chopped basil leaves. The bright green basil adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the peaches, the creaminess of the mozzarella, and the tanginess of the balsamic glaze.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers are best enjoyed immediately while they are still warm and the mozzarella is soft and slightly melted. Serve them as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish. They are incredibly versatile and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you have any leftover balsamic glaze, you can serve it on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts for Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers (per serving)

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: 2 skewers
• Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g

Preparation Time for Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes peach preparation, mozzarella prep, and skewering)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (grilling time)
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or a fast weeknight appetizer. Most of the time is spent in the simple preparation of the ingredients and the quick grilling process.

How to Serve Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers

Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Appetizer: The most classic way to serve them! Arrange the skewers attractively on a platter as a delightful appetizer for parties, barbecues, or any gathering. They are easy to eat standing up and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Light Lunch: Pair a few skewers with a fresh green salad or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and light lunch. The sweetness of the peaches and creaminess of mozzarella make a satisfying yet not-too-heavy meal.
• Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian burgers to add a touch of sweetness and freshness to your main course. They complement grilled proteins beautifully and provide a vibrant contrast.
• Part of a Summer Platter: Include these skewers as part of a larger summer platter with other grilled vegetables, olives, prosciutto, and crusty bread for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
• Dessert Skewers (Slight Variation): For a sweeter twist, you can grill the peaches slightly longer to caramelize them more and serve the skewers with a dollop of whipped ricotta or mascarpone cheese instead of mozzarella for a unique dessert option.
• Bruschetta Topping: Remove the grilled peaches and mozzarella from the skewers and chop them roughly. Use this mixture as a topping for toasted baguette slices or bruschetta for a delicious and unique bruschetta variation.

Additional Tips for Perfect Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers

1. Choose the Right Peaches: The key to amazing grilled peaches is selecting peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overripe peaches will become too soft and mushy on the grill. Look for peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not overly soft. Freestone peaches are generally easier to work with as the pit comes out cleanly.
2. Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, before grilling. This will prevent them from burning and potentially catching fire on the grill.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Grill the skewers in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the grill. Overcrowding can lower the grill temperature and lead to steaming instead of grilling, preventing those desirable grill marks and caramelized edges.
4. Control the Heat: Medium heat is ideal for grilling peaches and mozzarella. Too high of heat will burn the peaches before they soften and melt the mozzarella too quickly. Monitor the heat and adjust as needed.
5. Use Quality Balsamic Glaze: A good quality balsamic glaze makes a huge difference in the final flavor. Look for a glaze that is thick and syrupy, with a good balance of sweetness and tanginess. You can also easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens.
6. Add Other Herbs: While basil is classic, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs. Mint, rosemary, or thyme can also be delicious additions or substitutions for basil. Finely chopped herbs can be sprinkled over the skewers along with the balsamic glaze.
7. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can prepare the peaches and mozzarella and assemble the skewers ahead of time. Keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before grilling. However, it’s best to grill them fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
8. Experiment with Cheese: While fresh mozzarella is classic, you can also try other cheeses like halloumi (which grills beautifully and holds its shape), or even marinated mozzarella balls for a more flavorful twist. For a smoked flavor profile, consider lightly smoked mozzarella.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Skewers

Q1: Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

A: While fresh peaches are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen peaches in a pinch. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before grilling. Frozen peaches tend to release more moisture, so grilling time might need to be adjusted, and they may not achieve the same level of caramelization as fresh peaches.

Q2: Can I grill these skewers indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

A: Yes, absolutely! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or an indoor electric grill to make these skewers. Heat the grill pan or electric grill to medium heat and follow the grilling instructions as you would for an outdoor grill. A grill pan will provide those desirable grill marks, and an electric grill offers consistent heat.

Q3: How do I make homemade balsamic glaze?

A: Making balsamic glaze is incredibly easy! Simply pour balsamic vinegar into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half and thickened to a syrupy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it cool slightly, as it will thicken further as it cools.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to these skewers?

A: Yes, you can definitely get creative and add other vegetables! Red onion wedges, bell pepper pieces (especially red or orange for color), or cherry tomatoes would grill nicely and complement the peaches and mozzarella. Just be mindful of the cooking times of different vegetables and adjust accordingly.

Q5: How long do leftover grilled peach and mozzarella skewers last?

A: While best enjoyed immediately, leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the texture of the grilled peaches and mozzarella may change slightly upon refrigeration. The mozzarella can become a bit firmer, and the peaches might soften further. Reheating is not generally recommended as it can make the mozzarella rubbery and the peaches mushy. It’s best to consume them cold or at room temperature as a salad component the next day.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

A: Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses! Halloumi is a great grilling cheese that holds its shape well and offers a salty flavor. Burrata (added after grilling as it’s too soft to grill directly) can be a luxurious option. Feta cheese crumbles (sprinkled after grilling) would add a salty and tangy flavor profile. Consider cheeses that offer a good contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.

Q7: Can I make these skewers vegan?

A: To make these skewers vegan, you would need to substitute the mozzarella with a vegan mozzarella alternative. There are several plant-based mozzarella options available now that melt and grill reasonably well. Ensure your balsamic glaze is also vegan (most are, but double-check ingredients). The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly.

Q8: What are some other flavor variations I can try?

A: There are many ways to customize these skewers! Consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the peaches before grilling for extra sweetness. A sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a touch of heat. Infuse olive oil with herbs like rosemary or thyme for brushing the peaches. Marinate the mozzarella in pesto for added flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice after grilling can also brighten the flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and glazes to create your own signature version!

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