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:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Instructions
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- How Should You Store This?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- 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.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- 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.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Sugar - Try different flavor combinations! Brown, cinnamon sugar, or gourmet flavors such as maple sugar would work well.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Vegetables - We recently bruleed some butternut squash with brown sugar and it was a game changer!
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Grapefruit spoon
- Butane torch - (optional)
What Are Some Expert 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.
How Should You Store This?
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
This dish is not freezer-friendly.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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?
- Grapefruit and Avocado Salad
- Tropical Fruit Platter
- Creme brulee
More breakfast and brunch recipes you will love:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you caramelize without a butane torch?
Is grapefruit good for you?
White grapefruit vs. Red grapefruit. What is the difference?
Is a grapefruit also called a pomelo?
📖 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.
Important Food Safety Tips
- 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.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
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