Grilled apples recipe with cinnamon and honey

These grilled apples make a perfect dessert for a barbecue or a flavorful side dish to accompany savory meats like pork chops or roasted chicken.

These grilled apples are brushed with a buttery cinnamon and honey glaze, then cooked until tender and lightly caramelized. Ready in about 20 minutes, they make an easy dessert for a summer barbecue or a flavorful side dish for pork chops or roasted chicken.

I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chopped pecans and an extra drizzle of honey. Grilling intensifies the apples’ natural sweetness while adding beautiful grill marks and a slightly smoky flavor.

When warmer weather arrives, grilling fruit is one of my favorite ways to prepare dessert. Apples are particularly easy because they hold their shape well and cook quickly. If you enjoy this recipe, try my grilled pears next.

Best apples for grilling

Choose firm apples that can withstand the heat of the BBQ without becoming mushy. The best apples for grilling include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Jonathan, Braeburn, Fuji, Rome and Pink Lady.

Each variety brings a slightly different flavor. Tart apples such as Granny Smith become sweeter as they cook, while still providing a pleasant contrast to the cinnamon and honey glaze. Sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp and Fuji develop a rich, caramelized flavor on the grill.

Granny Smith is one of my favorite varieties for grilling because it holds its shape particularly well. I also use it to make apple fritters and fresh apple juice.

Discover creative ways to preserve fruits.

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Honey Glaze

Honey

Honey adds natural sweetness and creates a sticky, caramelized coating on the apples. The result is similar to these stovetop caramelized apples, but with a lightly smoky flavor from the grill.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon spice brings warmth and enhances the apples’ natural sweetness. It is a classic pairing that I also use in my homemade apple puree.

Butter

Melted butter adds richness and helps the apple slices develop a golden, caramelized surface. If you enjoy this combination, try this Texas Roadhouse cinnamon honey butter, which also pairs beautifully with warm apples.

How to make grilled apples

First Step – Prepare the apples

Wash the apples and pat them dry. Remove the cores, seeds and stems, then cut the apples into 1/2 to 3/4-inch-thick slices or wedges. An apple corer makes this quick and easy. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with oil to prevent sticking.

Second step – Make the cinnamon honey glaze

Combine the melted butter, honey, cinnamon and optional rum in a small bowl. Stir until well blended.

Third step – Grill the apple slices

Clean the grill grates and preheat the grill to medium heat, approximately 375–400°F (190–200°C).

Place the apple slices on the grill and brush the tops with the cinnamon honey glaze. Grill for approximately 4 minutes, then flip the slices and brush the other side with more glaze. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the apples have visible grill marks and are tender but still hold their shape.

You can also prepare the apples on a grill pan or a Blackstone griddle.

Fourth step – Serve

Serve the grilled apples warm with an extra drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For added crunch, top them with chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds.

Can you make grilled apples in the oven?

Yes. Although they will not have the smoky flavor or grill marks, baked apple slices will still become tender and caramelized.

Arrange the prepared slices on a lined baking sheet and brush them with the cinnamon honey glaze. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning them halfway through. Watch them toward the end, as the exact cooking time depends on the apple variety and slice thickness.

Grilled apples in foil

You can also cook the apples in foil packets on the grill. Place the slices in the center of a large piece of foil, add the cinnamon honey glaze and fold the edges together to seal the packet. Grill over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, turning the packet once, until the apples are tender.

For another easy way to enjoy seasonal apples, try this creamy apple curd recipe.

Can you grill apples cut in half or in slices?

You can grill apples either in slices or halves. Thick slices cook more quickly and develop caramelized edges in approximately 6–8 minutes, making them ideal for this recipe.

Apple halves take longer but are perfect for adding a sweet or savory filling. Remove the core, then place the halves cut side down over medium heat. Grill for 5–7 minutes, flip and add your filling. Close the lid and cook for another 5–10 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.

How to serve grilled apples

These warm grilled apples have the comforting cinnamon flavor of a classic Dutch Apple Pie, but they are much quicker to prepare. Serve them with vanilla ice cream or pair them with this creamy Caramel Apple Dip for an easy barbecue dessert.

You can also try these serving ideas:

• Add chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Top with Greek yogurt and granola for breakfast or a satisfying snack.
• Serve with a scoop of ice cream or a spoonful of homemade vanilla butter.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce, hot honey sauce or peach syrup.
• Add maple syrup, nutmeg and crumbled bacon for a sweet and savory combination.
• Pair with sharp cheddar or feta and fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a savory side dish.
• Grilled apples make a great side dish for grilled meats, such as this pork steak recipe or grilled chicken quarters.
• Use them as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or waffles. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
• Serve them as a standalone dessert or part of other desserts such as puff pastry apple galette, or these apple cinnamon muffins.
• Add sweet and savory apple slices to this baked apple french toast or sandwich. Add them to a turkey and cheese sandwich or grilled cheese for a unique twist.
• I love to add them to a bowl of oatmeal or a cup of yogurt for a sweet and satisfying breakfast.
• They make a great addition to savory dishes, such as a grilled apple and brie quesadilla or a grilled apple and cheddar sandwich.
• Add them to a cheese platter alongside a selection of cheeses.
• Add them to a spinach or arugula salad with goat cheese and toasted pecans.

Tips for grilling apples

Serve the grilled apples warm for the best flavor and texture.

Choose firm apples that will soften without falling apart, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.

Cut the apples into evenly sized slices, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from falling through the grates.

Clean and lightly oil the grill grates before adding the apples.

Use medium heat and avoid placing the slices over large flames or very hot spots. Honey can burn quickly.

Turn the apples carefully with tongs and remove them while they are tender but still hold their shape.

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