Grilled Apples

If you make one thing on your grill, it should be these easy grilled apples. They are pure magic. It's like apple pie filling but with a touch of that delicious, smoky grill flavor. I can't even tell you how good these are. 

Lately, I have been grilling more and more fruit since the results are just so delicious. The combination of the caramelized fruit and slight smokiness of the grill is just hard to beat. Plus it means that there are no extra dishes. At the top of that list are these grilled apples. I could eat them every day. 

The first time I ever had these apples was years ago at a campfire and to be honest, I hadn't thought about them for years. Then I got the itch to grill some fruit, but I couldn't find any peaches, which was my initial plan. Staring at some apples in the kitchen, I suddenly remembered those incredible campfire grilled apples and knew I had to recreate them.

It starts with a foil packet. This ensures that the apples get cooked all the way through. To add flavor, the apples are tossed with the classic combination of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. I like to add some ginger as well, but it's completely optional.  Then everything is cooked until the apples are tender with the perfect amount of smoky flavor from the grill. Trust me, you need these ASAP.

How to Grill Apples

Grilling apples may seem complicated but it couldn't be easier. Simply slice them up, wrap them in foil, and they're ready to the grill.

1. Start by slicing the apples into smaller pieces - slices, diced, small wedges, any shape will work. 
2. Prepare the foil packet by doubling up two layers of heavy duty foil. You can make a larger family style portion or make my favorite option, individual packets.
3. Add the apples to the center of the foil. Toss with the cinnamon, brown sugar, and ginger. Then place the cubed butter on top.
4. Seal the foil. This helps the apples to cook all the way through. 
5. Grill on medium heat for about 15 minutes, rotating the packets a few times during cooking, until apples are cooked through to your liking. Carefully open and serve. 

Topping Ideas

• Ice cream or frozen yogurt: This may seem like a natural fit given that we are almost making apple pie, and you wouldn't be wrong. This is my absolute favorite way to eat these apples. The ice cream melts right into the apples and it couldn't be more delicious.
• Greek yogurt: For a little bit of healthier option, consider adding some regular or vanilla yogurt on the apples. In my opinion. this makes them healthy enough for breakfast and is my favorite thing to do with leftover grilled apples.
• Mascarpone: For a special treat, top with a dollop of mascarpone cheese and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. 
• Chopped nuts: For some texture and crunch, add some chopped nuts. Favorites include walnuts, pecans, and sliced almonds.
• Granola: Another delicious option for crunch is granola. With some yogurt, this is a perfect camping breakfast.
• Caramel or peanut butter drizzle: When we make this for parties, I like to drizzle some caramel, melted peanut butter, or both on top right before serving. It's hard to beat.
• Crispy bacon and maple syrup: If you love all things salty and sweet, add some crispy cooked bacon and a little drizzle of maple syrup. This is another popular option for guests.
• Whipped cream: Use classic, light, or coconut whipped cream and add some on top of the apples right before serving.

Can I grill apples cut in half or in slices?

If you want a faster solution, apples can also be grilled directly on the grill when sliced in half, wedges, or rounds.  Slices or wedges will need 3-5 minutes per side. Flip the when there are grill marks. They are ready when they begin to get tender. 

Apple halves can be grilled for about 5 minutes on the cut side down and then flip. Cook until softened to your liking, about 6-8 minutes more. The skin may burn slightly but the inside of the apple will cook through.

Recipe Ideas

• Add more fruit: This is one of those recipes that you can play with once you get the basics. One of my favorite ways to change up the flavor is by adding another fruit to the mix. Consider trying pears, plums, peaches, pineapple, blueberries, raspberries, dried cranberries, or raisins.
• Try different spices: Another great way to change up the flavor is by using different spices. Warm spices like cardamom, mace, allspice, and nutmeg are all great choices. You can also add a touch of black pepper, salt, or turmeric to try something different.
• Make them savory: Believe it or not, these work as a savory application as well. Think about sauteed apples. Usually, for this option, I add another savory vegetable like butternut squash or cabbage. Then add your favorite seasoning blends,  acids, and herbs.
• Sweet and salty: Go for a sweet and spicy application with a touch of center cut bacon or turkey bacon. You could also add sliced sausage. 

Ways to Use Grilled Apples

• Desserts: Naturally these make an amazing dessert on their own or with any of the toppings listed above. This is how we eat them 99% of the time because they are just that good.
• Salads: Cook these for about 8-10 minutes so that retain some of their texture. Then toss them in your favorite salad or slaw.
• Salsa, compote, and chutney: Chop up these grilled apples and turn them into a fruit salsa, compote, or chutney. Leave off the sugar for a more savory application.
• Cocktails: Muddle up some grilled apples to create really delicious fall cocktails and punches.