Culinary butane torches are so much fun! Okay, safety alert... You do have to use them responsibly. Is this Brûléed Grapefruit not the most beautiful thing you've ever seen? Caramelized sugar tops this citrusy, sweet grapefruit to bring you a great dish idea for entertaining.
We love to serve this dish with a side of Sous Vide Poached Eggs for an elegant brunch.
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Feeling extra fruity? Try our Grapefruit and Avocado Salad or our Troical Fruit Platter.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Treat: Brings back childhood memories of sweetened grapefruit with a fancy spoon.
- Perfect for Entertaining: An elegant brunch side that pairs beautifully with eggs and bacon.
- Sweet & Crunchy: Crack the caramelized topping for a candy-like breakfast or a light dessert.
Brûléed Grapefruit Ingredients
- Grapefruit: We prefer the red variety because they tend to be a bit sweeter.
- Sugar: We used white granulated sugar to make this recipe.
- Blackberries: Maraschino cherries also make a nice presentation!
- Mint: Fresh mint leaves
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sugar: Try different flavor combinations! Brown, cinnamon sugar, or gourmet flavors such as maple sugar would work well.
- Variation: Try our Maple Roasted Butternut Squash!
How to Make Brûléed Grapefruit
STEP 1: Cut the Grapefruit
Begin by cutting the unpeeled grapefruit in half. Using a knife, loosen each section by first cutting around the inside peel and then along the membrane all the way to the pith. Each segment should be loosened so the pulpy flesh can be removed easily.
STEP 2: Brulee the Grapefruit
Sprinkle sugar generously over the top of each half. If you want to make sure the grapefruit is anchored in place, you can cut off a small part of the outer peel (on the bottom) so that it sits on a flat surface.
STEP 3: Brulee the Grapefruit
Use the butane torch to caramelize the topping until it is hardened.
STEP 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove and serve with a fresh mint leaf and blackberries for garnish.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use a grapefruit spoon to remove the inner segments between the membrane.
✔️ DO Cut the grapefruit into sections before caramelizing the sugar.
✔️ DO Serve immediately so the hard candy topping will remain crunchy.
✔️ DO Follow all safety requirements carefully when using a culinary butane torch.
Storage
Store brûléed grapefruit in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the topping may soften. Freezing isn’t recommended due to its high water content. To re-crisp the sugar, broil for 1–2 minutes or use a kitchen torch before serving.
How to Make Brûléed Grapefruit without a Torch
To make bruleed grapefruit without a butane torch, simply place grapefruit halves on a rimmed baking sheet in the top rack of your oven and broil them for approximately 5-10 minutes. Be sure to watch the fruit carefully so it doesn't burn. You may need to rotate the grapefruit while cooking.
Recipe FAQs
Fruits with natural sugars, like bananas, peaches, pineapple, and grapefruit, caramelize well under a torch or broiler. Adding a thin layer of sugar helps create a crisp, golden crust.
Sprinkling grapefruit with sugar, honey, or maple syrup can cut bitterness. Roasting or brûléeing it enhances its natural sweetness and reduces tartness.
Brûléed grapefruit, fruit parfaits, grilled peaches, or baked apples make elegant and flavorful additions to any breakfast spread.
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📖 Recipe
Brûléed Grapefruit
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Grapefruit spoon
Ingredients
Bruleed Grapefruit
- 1 large Red grapefruit
- 2 teaspoon Sugar
Garnish
- 5 qty Blackberries
- 1 qty Mint leave
Instructions
- Cut the grapefruit in half crosswise. Using a knife, loosen each section.
- Sprinkle sugar generously over the top of each half. Make sure the grapefruit is stable (See *notes below).
- Following package instructions and safety guidelines, use a culinary butane torch to caramelize the topping until it is hardened. Alternatively, you can use the broil method (see instructions above).
- Serve immediately. Garnish with a mint leaf and blackberries (optional).
Notes
- Cutting the grapefruit into sections prior to caramelizing the sugar is optional, but it does make it easier to eat.
- The grapefruit can be chilled, but the hard candy topping will be crunchier if served immediately.
- A grapefruit spoon should be used to remove the inner segments between the membrane.
- Be sure to read all of the safety requirements carefully if using a culinary butane torch. It is a fun tool, but it can be a fire hazard if not used properly.
- If using a butane torch, cut off a small part of the outer peel (on the bottom) so that it sits on a flat surface.
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