If you’ve never tasted Grilled Peach Crostini, you’re in for a treat that’s equal parts elegant, sweet, salty, and summery. Between the smoky, caramelized peaches, creamy burrata, crispy pancetta, and the irresistible crunch of garlicky grilled baguette, every bite feels like a celebration. This appetizer is stunning enough to impress guests, yet simple enough for a relaxed evening on the patio—without a hint of fussiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Show-Stopping Presentation: With golden baguette, jewel-like peach slices, and creamy burrata, these crostini steal the spotlight at any gathering—no chef skills required!
- Unbeatable Flavor Combo: Smoky, sweet peaches pair beautifully with savory pancetta and tangy cheese for a layered bite you’ll crave all season long.
- Effortless Yet Impressive: Grilled Peach Crostini might look gourmet, but every step is simple and stress-free—easy enough for weeknights.
- Totally Customizable: From cheese swaps to vegetarian options, it’s easy to adapt this recipe to please any palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Peach Crostini recipe keeps things refreshingly straightforward, with each ingredient bringing something irreplaceable to the party. From the brightness of basil to the satisfying crunch of toasted bread, every bite is vibrant and full of contrast!
- Pancetta (3 ounces, diced): Adds salty, crispy perfection—substitute bacon if you can’t find pancetta.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, softened): Lends rich flavor and helps the bread get perfectly golden and crisp on the grill.
- Fresh basil (3 tablespoons, chopped; plus more for garnish): Basil is the aromatic hero here—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just a touch for crave-worthy, garlicky depth in every bite.
- Pinch of salt: Brings all the flavors together (don’t forget your bread and peaches deserve a little seasoning love, too).
- Baguette (1 large, sliced into rounds): The crunchy base for your crostini—choose a loaf with a hearty crust.
- Peaches (3, ripe, halved and pitted): Sweet, juicy, and just begging for a quick kiss on the grill.
- Burrata cheese (1 ball): The creamy centerpiece—sub in fresh mozzarella or ricotta for a twist.
- Olive oil spray, salt, and pepper (for peaches): A quick spritz ensures those peaches caramelize beautifully.
Variations
One of the best things about Grilled Peach Crostini is how effortlessly it can be tweaked to your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever’s hiding in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to mix things up—this appetizer loves a little creativity!
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the pancetta or swap in smoked almonds or roasted walnuts for that savory crunch.
- Creamy Cheese Swap: Swap burrata for whipped ricotta, tangy goat cheese, or even creamy feta for a delightful twist.
- Fruit Forward: Try substituting nectarines, plums, or even figs when peaches aren’t in season.
- Herby Adventure: Experiment with a sprinkle of fresh mint or tarragon alongside, or in place of, basil for a flavor reset.
How to Make Grilled Peach Crostini
Step 1: Crisp the Pancetta
Set a skillet over medium-low heat and toss in your diced pancetta. Stir as it cooks, watching it transform into irresistibly crispy golden bits. Once done, transfer with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel to drain – this keeps everything crisp, not greasy!
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter & Prep the Baguette
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped basil, minced garlic, and just a pinch of salt. Slice your baguette into rounds, then spread each with a lavish layer of that fragrant butter—one side is classic, but let’s be honest, both sides is divine!
Step 3: Prep and Grill the Peaches
Halve and pit your peaches, then give them a quick spray of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on the blazing hot grill. After 4–5 minutes, they’ll develop gorgeous grill lines and a caramelized aroma; flip for another minute or two if you love a little more char.
Step 4: Grill the Crostini
Lay your buttered baguette rounds on the grill (right alongside the peaches is perfect). Each side needs just 1–2 minutes for crisp, golden edges—keep an eye out and flip them as soon as they start browning for the ultimate crunch.
Step 5: Assemble the Crostini
Let the peaches cool just enough to handle, then slice them. Tear that dreamy ball of burrata and nestle a chunk on each toast. Top with a warm grilled peach slice (or two!), sprinkle with crispy pancetta, and shower everything with extra fresh basil. Serve immediately, and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Peach Crostini
- Choose Ripe, Firm Peaches: For easy grilling (and less sticking), select peaches that yield just slightly to gentle pressure—too soft and they’ll fall apart on the grill.
- Don’t Walk Away From the Grill: Bread toasts quickly—stand by and start flipping as soon as you see golden edges to avoid accidental crostini “charcoal.”
- Assemble Just Before Serving: For the dreamiest contrast—hot crostini, melty cheese, and cool, juicy peaches—build your Grilled Peach Crostini right at serving time.
- Go Big on Fresh Herbs: Generously garnishing with basil (or mint!) adds a fresh pop and beautiful color, making each bite even more irresistible.
How to Serve Grilled Peach Crostini
Garnishes
Finish your crostini with a flourish! A scatter of torn fresh basil brings fragrance and a pop of color, while a light drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of black pepper elevates every bite. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes these over the top.
Side Dishes
Grilled Peach Crostini pairs wonderfully with a bright green salad (arugula with lemon vinaigrette is a favorite), a crisp chilled rosé, or alongside a trio of light grilled veggies. For a heartier spread, add nuts, olives, and a simple charcuterie board.
Creative Ways to Present
Drape your Grilled Peach Crostini on a wooden board for a rustic look, or serve stacked high on a platter for eye-catching height at parties. For a tasting menu, slice bread into mini rounds for adorable bite-sized versions—ideal for mingling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
It’s best to store the individual components separately: grilled peaches and pancetta can be kept in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the herb butter can last a week. Only assemble the crostini when you’re ready to eat for peak crunch and freshness.
Freezing
While the assembled crostini don’t freeze well, you can freeze the baguette slices after grilling—just cool, then place in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw and re-toast to restore crispness before topping.
Reheating
To revive leftover grilled bread, a quick toast in a hot oven or toaster brings back its crunch. Warm the peaches gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then assemble with cheese and pancetta just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use canned or frozen peaches for Grilled Peach Crostini?
Fresh peaches are definitely best for grilling—canned ones are too soft and sweet, while frozen slices tend to release excess moisture and can become mushy. If you must use frozen, thaw and pat them very dry before grilling.
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Do I need a fancy grill, or can I use a grill pan?
You don’t need a big outdoor grill! A stove-top grill pan works beautifully, and even a cast iron pan can do the job, though you’ll miss those classic grill marks. Broiling peaches also delivers a similar caramelized flavor in a pinch.
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What’s a good substitute for burrata in this recipe?
Fresh mozzarella, whipped ricotta, or tangy goat cheese all work well and bring their own delicious character to Grilled Peach Crostini. Each will melt slightly over the warm bread and offer creamy balance to the sweet peaches.
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Can I make Grilled Peach Crostini ahead of time for a party?
Prep all the components ahead—grill the bread and peaches, cook pancetta, and make the herb butter. Simply store them separately and assemble right before serving so each crostini stays perfectly crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Grilled Peach Crostini inspires you to savor the best flavors of the season in every satisfying, savory-sweet bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or treating yourself, these crostini are guaranteed to delight—so don’t wait, fire up that grill and enjoy!
PrintGrilled Peach Crostini Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
Description
These Grilled Peach Crostini are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring grilled peaches, crispy pancetta, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh basil on toasted baguette slices.
Ingredients
Pancetta:
- 3 ounces pancetta, diced
Herb Butter:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of salt
Other Ingredients:
- 1 large baguette, sliced into rounds
- 3 peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat the grill to the highest setting.
- Cook Pancetta: Cook diced pancetta in a skillet until crisp; drain on a paper towel.
- Prepare Herb Butter: Combine softened butter, fresh basil, garlic, and salt. Spread on baguette slices.
- Grill Peaches: Spray halved peaches with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill cut-side down for 4-5 minutes.
- Grill Bread: Grill buttered baguette slices for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble Crostini: Top grilled bread with burrata, grilled peach slices, crispy pancetta, and fresh basil.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg