These peach recipes are exactly what you need when a box of ripe peaches shows up at the farmers market or on sale at the grocery store. Peach season only lasts a few short months, so I always want a solid list of ways to use them before they go soft on the counter.
This post is a guide to the best peach recipes for home cooks who want to make the most of peach season. It covers sweet and savory ways to use fresh peaches, from baking and grilling to salads and breakfast, along with tips on ripening, peeling, and storing them. It's written for readers who have a batch of ripe peaches and want real ideas instead of another basic cobbler recipe. Readers will come away with a full list of peach recipes and answers to the most common questions about buying, storing, and cooking with peaches.
You'll love these fresh peach recipes
Peaches are one of my favorite fruits to cook with once summer hits. They're sweet, juicy, and just tart enough to balance out a rich dessert or cut through something savory like pork or a salty cheese. A ripe peach barely needs anything done to it to taste good, but it also holds up well to heat, which is what makes it so easy to bake, grill, or roast.
The only tricky part is timing. Peaches go from under-ripe to overripe fast, so I try to use mine within a day or two of when they're ready. I keep mine on the counter until they give slightly when I press near the stem, then move them to the fridge if I'm not using them right away. That one habit has saved me more mushy peaches than I can count.
The Best Peach Recipes
Below are my favorite ways to use fresh peaches all summer long, from simple desserts to a few savory ideas that might surprise you. Some of these have a full recipe on the blog, and I've linked those. The rest are ideas I make often enough that they earned a spot on this list too.
This peach bourbon smash is such a refreshing summer cocktail recipe! Plus, it is so easy to make homemade peach tea, and this makes for the perfect cocktail recipe for your backyard cookout.
This frozen peach bellini is the perfect frozen prosecco cocktail! It is so easy to make and this is such a refreshing cocktail to make during peach season. Plus, who doesn't love a frozen twist on a traditional cocktail for your next summer party?
I love a good Aperol Spritz, especially in the summertime. But, to add a fun and summery twist to the traditional Aperol Spritz recipe, meet the Peach Aperol Spritz!
Fresh Peach Crumb Bars ~ there's nothing like juicy, sweet peaches baked in a simple crust! Adapt to any of your favorite summer fruits.
This peach salsa is juicy ripe peaches, herbs, and a bit of jalapeno- it's perfect with chips, on fish or chicken, or even on a sandwich!
My perfect peach pie recipe is a delightful summertime treat! Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This peach martini blends fresh peach puree with vodka, triple sec and lemon for a refreshing summer cocktail - no schnapps, just real peaches, in 5 minutes.
If you ask me, baked brie is a year round crowd pleaser. It pairs with almost any fruit and any seasonal ingredient and it's just the most buttery deliciousness that anyone could ask for, except
This tasty peach appetizer takes a new spin on caprese salad with a variety of flavors and textures -- and puts it all on a stick.
Grilled Pork Chops & Peaches Save Print Prep time 20 mins Cook time 9 mins Total time 29 mins I can’t even describe how delicious these pork chops are, but I’ll try! F…
FAQs
How do you know when a peach is ripe?
A ripe peach gives slightly when you press near the stem and smells sweet at the base. Color isn't the best indicator, since some varieties stay pale even when ripe, so let your nose and a gentle squeeze be your guide.
What is the easiest way to peel a peach?
Score an X on the bottom. I find that a small paring knife is easiest for this. Drop the peach into boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer it straight to an ice bath. The skin should slip right off with your fingers or a paring knife once it cools.
Do you need to peel peaches before baking with them?
Not always, but it's worth it for most baked goods since the skin can turn tough and slightly bitter once cooked. For anything raw, like a salad or salsa, the skin is fine to leave on if you prefer.
Can you freeze fresh peaches?
Yes. Slice them, toss with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag. They'll keep for up to a year and work well in baking or smoothies once thawed.
What pairs well with peaches?
Peaches pair well with basil, mint, burrata, prosciutto, honey, bourbon, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. That range is exactly why they work in both sweet and savory dishes.
Can you eat peach skin?
Yes, peach skin is completely edible and adds fiber and a little extra texture. It's mostly a matter of preference, though I usually leave it on for raw eating and peel it off for baking.
Want some more recipe inspiration?
- If you want an easy batched cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass, try this John Daly recipe!
- The bitterness of this Aperol margarita pairs so well with the sweetness of in-season peaches.
- I know this is the Wimbledon cocktail, but the Pimm's Cup is SUCH a good summer cocktail and would pair perfectly with so many of these recipes.
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