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Home » Produce guides » 75+ peach recipes & flavor pairings

Modified: Sep 1, 2022 by Vee

75+ peach recipes & flavor pairings

dozens of fresh peaches ready

Some flavors enhance peaches, like salt making them taste sweeter. Other ingredients balance them, like spicy flavors keeping sweetness in check. This article explores flavors that compliment fresh peaches.

The seasonal recipes add dimension without overpowering their delicate flavor. Time to stop by your farmers market and pick up some peaches while they're in season.

Jump to:
  • Flavor: yellow vs white peaches
  • Basil
  • Ginger
  • Jalapenos & spicy peppers
  • Bacon & prosciutto
  • Peaches & cream
  • Homemade for flavor
  • 10 different Pies
  • Other peach desserts
  • Beverages
  • Breakfast
  • Salads
  • Appetizers
  • Dinner
  • Grilling
  • More summer fruit recipes & resources
  • Questions?

Flavor: yellow vs white peaches

Yellow peaches have more acidity, which can add complexity to their flavor. They also have higher concentrations of several flavonols (quercetin and kaempferol), which adds the slightest hint of bitterness. In general, yellow peaches also have firmer flesh that holds better when baked, canned, or subjected to heat.

White peaches have the same amount of sugar as yellow varieties, but they taste sweeter. This is due to their lower acidity (which essentially blocks some of the sweet flavor). Don't use white peaches for canning recipes, as their acidity can be too low for safe canning. Their flesh tends to be juicer (which can be bad for pies, but great for smoothies).

However, the biggest impact on sweetness and flavor isn't the color of the flesh, but rather when the peach was picked. The longer it was left to ripen on the tree, the sweeter it will be. Once harvested, they will soften and get more aromatic, but they won't get sweeter.

Hot and dry weather also make peaches sweeter, which is why the variety from the same grower can taste different from week to week, or from one year to the next.

Basil

Basil pairs with peaches so well because of its unique spicy, yet subtly sweet flavor profile. As described by Kimberly McGee, basil has "a spicy aroma, and the taste is pungent but leans toward a sweet, clove-like back end."

Look for sweet basil varieties like Genovese, Napoletano (lettuce-leaf), fino verde, Mammoth, Romanesco (strongest flavor). Note that almost any basil sold at the grocery store will be a sweet variety. Also give cinnamon basil a try for another interesting pairing.

3-cheese peach & prosciutto pizza with basil and honey balsamic reduction recipe by Cooking Classy
3-cheese peach & prosciutto pizza with basil and honey balsamic reduction
Grilled flank steak salad with peaches & basil vinaigrette recipe by Boulder Locavore
Grilled flank steak salad with peaches & basil vinaigrette
Savory peach & ricotta tarts with basil oil recipe by Brooklyn Supper
Savory peach & ricotta tarts with basil oil
Grilled chicken & peach salad with basil vinaigrette recipe by Brooklyn Supper
Grilled chicken & peach salad with basil vinaigrette
Grilled peach & burrata bruschetta with prosciutto recipe by Food Worth Feed
Grilled peach & burrata bruschetta with prosciutto
Caramelized peach caprese with smoked sea salt recipe by How Sweet Eats
Caramelized peach caprese with smoked sea salt
One pot peach basil chicken recipe by How Sweet Eats
One pot peach basil chicken
Grilled peach, brie, and basil sandwich recipe by Two Peas & Their Pod
Grilled peach, brie & basil sandwich with honey
Grilled peach, corn & zucchini quinoa salad with lemon-basil vinaigrette recipe by The Simple Veganista
Grilled peach, corn & zucchini quinoa salad with lemon-basil vinaigrette

Ginger

Ginger is both sweet and spicy, which is the underlying reason it compliments peaches so well (similar to basil). While it pairs well with excellent tasting peaches, I find ginger particularly useful when trying to enhance ones that lack flavor.

Candied ginger peach sherbert recipe by Snixy Kitchen
Candied ginger peach sherbert
Peach Moscow mule recipe by Heather Christo
Peach Moscow mule
Ginger peach pie recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction
Ginger peach pie
Ginger peach crumble recipe by Gimme Some Oven
Ginger peach crumble

Jalapenos & spicy peppers

We went from basil's sweet & aromatic, to ginger's sweet & spicy, to a pure pepper spice to complement fresh summer peaches. Spicy and sweet flavors balance each other.

It's why hot chocolate with cayenne is so tasty, or a margarita with a chili spiced rim. Give one of these recipes a try for something fun this summer.

Grilled peach pizza with corn & chili garlic sauce recipe by How Sweet EAts
Grilled peach pizza with corn & chili garlic sauce
Peach serrano margarita recipe by Heather Christo
Peach serrano margarita
Kale summer salad with peach-jalapeno dressing recipe by Heather Christo
Kale summer salad with peach-jalapeno dressing
Spicy grilled shrimp with coconut-lime rice & peach salsa recipe by Floating Kitchen
Spicy grilled shrimp with coconut-lime rice & peach salsa
Baby back ribs with fiery peach BBQ sauce recipe by Kitchen Confidante
Baby back ribs with fiery peach BBQ sauce
Cheese grilled peach jalapeno turkey burger recipe by Nutmeg Nanny
Cheese grilled peach jalapeno turkey burger
Green chile & peach pound cake recipe by A Spicy Perspective
Green chile & peach pound cake
Grilled chicken with peach jalapeno salsa recipe by The View from Great Island
Grilled chicken with peach jalapeno salsa
Run & peach cocktail with chili syrup recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary
Run & peach cocktail with chili syrup
BBQ chickpea flatbread with peaches & jalapeno-plum BBQ sauce. Recipe by Keepin It Kind
BBQ chickpea flatbread with peaches & jalapeno-plum BBQ sauce

Bacon & prosciutto

The acidity in peaches cuts through the fatty, rich flavors of meats like bacon and prosciutto. Yellow peaches have more acidity than white peaches, which can make them the best choice for this pairing.

In addition, salt enhances sweet flavors (and some taste receptors only activate when both salt & sugar are present). If you end up with peaches that aren't very sweet (likely from being picked too early), try pairing them with something salty.

Peach & bacon white pizza with ricotta recipe by Yes to Yolks
Peach & bacon white pizza with ricotta
Prosciutto-wrapped peach & arugula salad recipe by Floating Kitchen
Prosciutto-wrapped peach & arugula salad
3-cheese peach & prosciutto pizza with basil and honey balsamic reduction recipe by Cooking Classy
3-cheese peach & prosciutto pizza with basil and honey balsamic reduction
Grilled peach & burrata bruschetta with prosciutto recipe by Food Worth Feed
Grilled peach & burrata bruschetta with prosciutto
Peach caprese salad with toasted garlic naan recipe by Half Baked Harvest
Peach caprese salad with toasted garlic naan
Honey, peach & brie panini with bacon butter recipe by Half Baked Harvest
Honey, peach & brie panini with bacon butter
Peach jam on a charcuterie meat and cheese board
Peach boubron jam, small batch canning

Peaches & cream

A classic flavor pairing for good reason since peaches pair so well with most dairy from light cheeses to heavy cream. We can't 'taste' fat, but it does help distribute flavor around our mouths as we chew, getting a richer tasting experience.

In addition, many flavor compounds are fat-soluble, releasing more flavor (and aromas) than if fat wasn't present. The freshest, most in-season peaches are best with cream, as their flavor is front and center.

Peaches & cream pavlova recipe by Broma Bakery
Peaches & cream pavlova
Peaches & cream galette with sugared almond crust recipe by Yes To Yolks
Peaches & cream galette with sugared almond crust
Peaches & cream ice cream with cookie crumble recipe by Yes to Yolks
Peaches & cream ice cream with cookie crumble
Peaches & cream overnight oats recipe by Minimalist Baker
Peaches & cream overnight oats
Peaches & cream waffles recipe by Floating Kitchen
Peaches & cream waffles
Peaches & cream bars recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction
Peaches & cream bars
Peaches & cream swirl quick bread recipe by Yes To Yolks
Peaches & cream swirl quick bread
Peaches & cream doughnuts recipe by Keepin It Kind
Peaches & cream doughnuts

Homemade for flavor

Nothing beats the flavor of a homemade recipe instead of store-bought. Ideally, you have fantastic tasting peaches to use. But sometimes you need a good use for soft or not-so-flavorful peaches (that maybe your bought in bulk at the farmers market). Give your mediocre peaches a second life with any of these recipes. The results will still taste better than store-bought.

Peach chutney recipe by Savory Spin
Peach chutney
Peach syrup recipe by Food Worth Feed
Peach syrup
Homemade peach mustard recipe by Love & Olive Oil
Homemade peach mustard
Vanilla honey peach butter recipe by Nutmeg Nanny
Vanilla honey peach butter
Peach Earl Grey jam recipe by Gimme Some Oven
Peach Earl Grey jam
Peach jam on a charcuterie meat and cheese board
Peach boubron jam, small batch canning

10 different Pies

For the best peach pie, stir sugar together with peaches and let sit for 20-30 minutes, as demonstrated in this Food Wishes video. That draws out some of the juices, which can be reduced to a thicker consistency, preventing a watery pie while preserving all of the flavor. (I've tried this and it works as promised).

To further prevent a soggy pie, try using a lattice crust or another type of open-form topping so extra moisture can evaporate.

Mango peach pie recipe by Food Worth Feed
Mango peach pie
Peaches & cream galette with sugared almond crust recipe by Yes To Yolks
Peaches & cream galette with sugared almond crust
Ginger peach pie recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction
Ginger peach pie
Peach crisp recipe by Jessica Gavin
Peach crisp
Ginger peach crumble recipe by Gimme Some Oven
Ginger peach crumble
Brown sugar peach crumble pie recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction
Brown sugar peach crumble pie
Peach pie (no top crust) recipe by House of Nash Eats
Peach pie (no top crust)
Raspberry peach pie recipe by House of Nash Eats
Raspberry peach pie
Peach, blueberry, and raspberry pie recipe by The Wooden Skillet
Peach, blueberry, and raspberry pie
Strawberry peach galette recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction
Rustic strawberry peach galette

Other peach desserts

These desserts use many of the flavors we've discussed already: ginger, peppers, and cream. A few more flavors pop up here:

  • Brown sugar's slight molasses flavor enhances some of the caramel notes in ripe yellow peaches
  • Bourbon also increases the caramel flavor
  • Lavender and vanilla both bring out the floral notes, which are more pronounced in white peaches (and nectarines)
Candied ginger peach sherbert recipe by Snixy Kitchen
Candied ginger peach sherbert
Old fashioned peach ice cream recipe by Beyond the Chicken Coop
Old fashioned peach ice cream
Boozy sweet tea peach popsicles recipe by Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
Boozy sweet tea peach popsicles
Peaches & cream pavlova recipe by Broma Bakery
Peaches & cream pavlova
Granola peach yogurt popsicles by Recipe Runner
Granola peach yogurt popsicles
Green chile & peach pound cake recipe by A Spicy Perspective
Green chile & peach pound cake
Grilled peaches with bourbon caramel sauce recipe by Gimme Some Oven
Grilled peaches with bourbon caramel sauce
Peaches & cream bars recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction
Peaches & cream bars
Peach quick bread recipe by Sallys Baking Addiction
Peach quick bread
Lavender peach strudel recipe by Broma Bakery
Lavender peach strudel
Peach vanilla bundt cake with peach soaking syrup recipe by Broma Bakery
Peach vanilla bundt cake with peach soaking syrup
Brown sugar peach shortcakes recipe by Half Baked Harvest
Brown sugar peach shortcakes
Grilled peaches with vanilla bean mascarpone, honey & granola
Grilled peaches with vanilla bean mascarpone, honey & granola

Beverages

The floral notes of peaches are enhanced when paired with slightly floral tea or champagne. Peach cocktails are also a great way to use up a lot of peaches, especially if they are too soft or overripe to slice up. Muddle or puree them into a cocktail for a refreshing summer drink.

Grilled peach mojito recipe by Caroline's Cooking
Grilled peach mojito
Peach sangria recipe by Love & Lemons
Peach sangria
Peach & lemon verbena soda recipe by Love & Olive Oil
Peach & lemon verbena soda
Peach gin & tonics recipe by How Sweet Eats
Peach gin & tonics
Peach serrano margarita recipe by Heather Christo
Peach serrano margarita
Peach Moscow mule recipe by Heather Christo
Peach Moscow mule
Peach iced tea recipe by Minimalist Baker
Peach iced tea
Peach bellini recipe by Cookie + Kate
Peach bellini
Run & peach cocktail with chili syrup recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary
Run & peach cocktail with chili syrup
Peach strawberry fizz recipe by Use Your Noodles
Peach strawberry fizz

Breakfast

Soft peaches can be used up in cocktails, compotes, or syrups. Firm peaches are better in baked goods like muffins, or when they need to hold their shape after being cooked.

Poppy seed almond flour muffins with peaches recipe by Snixy Kitchen
Poppy seed almond flour muffins with peaches
Peaches & cream overnight oats recipe by Minimalist Baker
Peaches & cream overnight oats
Peaches & cream waffles recipe by Floating Kitchen
Peaches & cream waffles
Peach zucchini crumb muffins recipe by Baking a Moment
Peach zucchini crumb muffins
Spiced peach muffins recipe by The View From Great Island
Spiced peach muffins
Bourbon peach pancakes recipe by Broma
Bourbon peach pancakes
Grilled peach breakfast parfait recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary
Grilled peach breakfast parfait
Peaches & cream doughnuts recipe by Keepin It Kind
Peaches & cream doughnuts

Salads

These salads are full of flavor as they span many of the complementary pairings: basil, jalapenos, prosciutto, and creamy cheeses. Some also add a bitter element with arugula, kale, and other bitter green. Bitterness balances out the sweet peach flavor, making the sum better than the parts.

Prosciutto-wrapped peach & arugula salad recipe by Floating Kitchen
Prosciutto-wrapped peach & arugula salad
Grilled flank steak salad with peaches & basil vinaigrette recipe by Boulder Locavore
Grilled flank steak salad with peaches & basil vinaigrette
Grilled chicken & peach salad with basil vinaigrette recipe by Brooklyn Supper
Grilled chicken & peach salad with basil vinaigrette
Peach chipotle chicken quinoa salad bowl recipe by Cotter Crunch
Peach chipotle chicken quinoa salad bowl
Watermelon peach panzanella salad by Recipe Runner
Watermelon peach panzanella salad
Kale summer salad with peach-jalapeno dressing recipe by Heather Christo
Kale summer salad with peach-jalapeno dressing
Peach dressing for a spinach-fruit salad recipe by Jessica Gavin
Peach poppy seed dressing for a spinach-fruit salad
Grilled peach & arugula salad with goat cheese recipe by Feasting At Home
Grilled peach & arugula salad with goat cheese
Grilled peach, corn & zucchini quinoa salad with lemon-basil vinaigrette recipe by The Simple Veganista
Grilled peach, corn & zucchini quinoa salad with lemon-basil vinaigrette
Peach caprese salad with toasted garlic naan recipe by Half Baked Harvest
Peach caprese salad with toasted garlic naan
Grilled halloumi, peach, and asparagus salad with lemon pesto recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary
Grilled halloumi, peach, and asparagus salad with lemon pesto

Appetizers

Peach & cheese appetizers are always a crowd pleaser, just beware of the melting point if serving them on a hot summer day. Alternatively, give the chipotle peach salsa or the refreshing summer rolls a try.

Peach & bacon white pizza with ricotta recipe by Yes to Yolks
Peach & bacon white pizza with ricotta
Savory peach & ricotta tarts with basil oil recipe by Brooklyn Supper
Savory peach & ricotta tarts with basil oil
Grilled peach & burrata bruschetta with prosciutto recipe by Food Worth Feed
Grilled peach & burrata bruschetta with prosciutto
Chipotle peach salsa recipe by Cotter Crunch
Chipotle peach salsa
Caramelized peach caprese with smoked sea salt recipe by How Sweet Eats
Caramelized peach caprese with smoked sea salt
Summer rolls with avocado, peach, and radish. Recipe by Love & Lemons
Summer rolls

Dinner

Peaches work well with any meat, honestly. They sweeten up fatty cuts of meat like ribs, and add their delicate sweet-floral flavor to chicken or fish. I included a couple spicy vegetarian options as well.

Peach whiskey chili recipe by Life as a Strawberry
Peach whiskey chili
Grilled peach pizza with corn & chili garlic sauce recipe by How Sweet EAts
Grilled peach pizza with corn & chili garlic sauce
One pot peach basil chicken recipe by How Sweet Eats
One pot peach basil chicken
Baby back ribs with fiery peach BBQ sauce recipe by Kitchen Confidante
Baby back ribs with fiery peach BBQ sauce
Cheese grilled peach jalapeno turkey burger recipe by Nutmeg Nanny
Cheese grilled peach jalapeno turkey burger
Grilled chicken with peach jalapeno salsa recipe by The View from Great Island
Grilled chicken with peach jalapeno salsa
Grilled Jamaican jerk chicken & peach skewers recipe by Feasting At Home
Grilled Jamaican jerk chicken & peach skewers
Grilled chipotle fish tacos with peach salsa recipe by Feasting at Home
Grilled chipotle fish tacos with peach salsa
Peach barbecue sauce recipe by Wonky Wonderful
Peach barbecue sauce
Baked salmon with chipotle peach salsa recipe by Cotter Crunch
Baked salmon with chipotle peach salsa
Rosemary peach chicken in a white wine pan sauce recipe by Half Baked Harvest
Rosemary peach chicken in a white wine pan sauce
Honey, peach & brie panini with bacon butter recipe by Half Baked Harvest
Honey, peach & brie panini with bacon butter
Grilled pork tenderloin with peach-cherry salsa recipe by Floating Kitchen
Grilled pork tenderloin with peach-cherry salsa
BBQ chickpea flatbread with peaches & jalapeno-plum BBQ sauce. Recipe by Keepin It Kind
BBQ chickpea flatbread with peaches & jalapeno-plum BBQ sauce

Grilling

Peaches are excellent when grilled, adding a smoky dimension to the flavor as well as some potential caramelization. Be sure to use peaches on the firmer end of the spectrum or they will fall apart under the high heat.

Grilled flank steak salad with peaches & basil vinaigrette recipe by Boulder Locavore
Grilled flank steak salad with peaches & basil vinaigrette
Grilled chicken & peach salad with basil vinaigrette recipe by Brooklyn Supper
Grilled chicken & peach salad with basil vinaigrette
Grilled peach & burrata bruschetta with prosciutto recipe by Food Worth Feed
Grilled peach & burrata bruschetta with prosciutto
Grilled peach mojito recipe by Caroline's Cooking
Grilled peach mojito
Cheese grilled peach jalapeno turkey burger recipe by Nutmeg Nanny
Cheese grilled peach jalapeno turkey burger
Grilled peaches with bourbon caramel sauce recipe by Gimme Some Oven
Grilled peaches with bourbon caramel sauce
Grilled peach & arugula salad with goat cheese recipe by Feasting At Home
Grilled peach & arugula salad with goat cheese
Grilled peach, corn & zucchini quinoa salad with lemon-basil vinaigrette recipe by The Simple Veganista
Grilled peach, corn & zucchini quinoa salad with lemon-basil vinaigrette
Grilled peach breakfast parfait recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary
Grilled peach breakfast parfait
Grilled peaches with vanilla bean mascarpone, honey & granola
Grilled peaches with vanilla bean mascarpone, honey & granola

More summer fruit recipes & resources

See what fruit and vegetables are currently in season. Or check out these related guides & recipe collections:

  • Nectarine guide & recipes
  • Substituting nectarines & peaches
  • Plums: guide & recipes (from pies to chicken wings)
  • Plumcots & pluots (what are they?)
  • Cherries: guide & recipes
  • Blueberries: guide & 75 recipes

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