Culinary butane torches are so much fun! Okay, safety alert... You do have to use them responsibly. Is this Bruleed Grapefruit not the most beautiful thing you've ever seen? Caramelized sugar tops this citrusy, sweet grapefruit to bring you an elegant brunch idea for entertaining. Who wouldn't like a hard candy topping on their fruit?
What is bruleed grapefruit? Quite simply, it's a delicious caramelized sugar that tops this forbidden fruit and makes it all the more enticing.
Why we love this recipe:
- It's nostalgic - As a kid, I used to absolutely love grapefruit. My mom would cut it into sections, sprinkle it with sugar (I'm sure this played a big part), and I would get to use my favorite fancy grapefruit spoon to eat it.
- It's impressive - If you love to entertain, it is a great brunch idea to serve to guests. Fruit is often served with breakfast foods like scrambled eggs and bacon. A side of grapefruit brulee would add an exquisite touch.
- It's sweet - Give the hard caramelized topping a gentle tap, and it's like eating candy for breakfast. It's such an enjoyable treat, you could even eat it for dessert.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Grapefruit - We prefer the red variety because they are healthier and tend to be a bit sweeter.
- Sugar - We used white granulated sugar to make this recipe.
Optional
- Blackberries - Maraschino cherries also make a nice presentation!
- Mint - Fresh mint leaves
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Variations
- Fruit - Swap out your fruit for vegetables. For Thanksgiving, we made a beautiful Bruleed Butternut Squash.
Instructions
How to Make Bruleed Grapefruit
STEP ONE: 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 TWO: 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. Use the butane torch to caramelize the topping until it is hardened.
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.
STEP THREE: Serve
Remove and serve with a fresh mint leaf and blackberries for garnish.
Substitutions
- Sugar - Try different flavor combinations! Brown, cinnamon sugar, or gourmet flavors such as maple sugar would work well.
Variations
- Vegetables - We recently bruleed some butternut squash with brown sugar and it was a game changer!
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Grapefruit spoon
- Butane torch - (optional)
Top Tips
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.
Storage
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
This dish is not freezer friendly.
More Recipes
Need something to pair this with?
- Bruleed grapefruit would go really well with these Sous Vide Poached Eggs.
In the mood for a similar dish?
More breakfast and brunch recipes you will love:
FAQ
You can use the broil method instead, but it does come with its challenges. It takes a little longer and may need to be rotated while cooking. You would need to place the oven-safe dish on the top rack and watch it carefully.
Yes! Did you know that one grapefruit contains more Vitamin C than an orange? Grapefruits help boost immunity, aid in weight loss, are heart healthy, and are high in antioxidants. There are known drug interactions with grapefruit though, so be sure to do your research if taking prescription medication.
Red grapefruit is sweeter and contains more Vitamin A, while white grapefruit tends to be more tart.
Grapefruit is a hybrid fruit that is a cross between a pomelo and a sweet orange. Pomelo fruits are larger in size and have a very thick peel. Both varieties provide many health benefits and are high in antioxidants. US Citrus Ultimate Guide to Grapefruits.
📖 Recipe
Bruleed Grapefruit
Equipment
- 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.
Food Safety
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
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