One of the best parts about summer is the abundance of perfectly sweet peaches, which are nearly impossible to find the rest of the year—and all the classic summery dishes you can make with them. The moment we see the stone fruit appear at the farmers’ market, we’re startled into action and compelled to cook and eat it in as many ways as possible. We love both the yellow and white-fleshed varieties, plus the super-sweet and slightly flattened Saturns, more commonly known as doughnut peaches. From peach pies and cobblers to savory peach salads and even grilled-peach pizzas, the stone fruit is a luscious addition to all kinds of summer recipes. Don’t let summer fade away without getting your peach fix (once autumn arrives, be sure to check out our favorite ways to enjoy peaches out of season).
Tree-ripe stone fruit shines when paired with rich prosciutto, salty young pecorino, and peppery fresh arugula atop a well-charred crust. Get the recipe for Grilled Pizza with Peaches, Prosciutto, and Arugula »
In this quick and easy side dish, everything is cooked in the same skillet in batches: first the bacon, followed by the onions and green beans, and finally the peaches.
Peach Cobbler
In this salad red wine vinegar balances the sweetness of ripe fruit, while cilantro and basil add a floral note. Get the recipe for Peach and Plum Salad »
Anna Watson Carl relies on sweetened condensed milk to add richness to this frozen dessert flavored with coconut milk, lime zest, and toasty pistachios. Simply macerated peaches provide a fresh, fruity counterpart.
A teaspoon of yogurt adds a subtle tang to this summery peach drink from Alexis Soler and Ben Clemons of Bar 308 in Nashville, Tennessee. Get the recipe for 308 Peaches »
At once rustic and refined, this technique amplifies the inherent sweetness of the fruit. The mascarpone-mint leaf combo brings a rich yet uplifting twist. The more ripe your fruit, the better it will caramelize. Look for freestone peaches that will let you remove the pits easily. Mallmann says: “Let them burn a bit without touching them. Don’t flip and flop.” Get the Recipe for Burnt Peaches and Plums with Mascarpone and Hazelnuts »
These crêpes stuffed with fromage blanc and maple syrup and are topped with stewed blueberries, strawberries, and peaches. Get the recipe for Crazy Day Crêpes »
Heaven Hill Distillery‘s brand abassador, Lynn House, enjoyed nothing more as a child than picking peaches and other fresh produce on her grandparents’ farm in Tennessee. She continues the tradition as an adult, incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into her cocktails whenever she can—hence her nickname, “The Garden Girl.” This summery drink combines peach purée, cucumber, and whiskey. Get the recipe for Evening Shade »
“When I introduce this dish to my friends for the first time, they are confused and a little hesitant to eat it. Once they try it, though, they fall in love.” – Leah Cohen of Pig & Khao. Get the recipe for Phillippine Fruit Salad »
