Introduction

Brûléed grapefruit is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy this citrus fruit with a caramelized, crunchy topping. The combination of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors makes it a refreshing breakfast or a light dessert. Adding a touch of yogurt or granola can turn it into a delightful treat.

Brûléed Grapefruit Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 grapefruit, sliced in half
2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar
Flaky sea salt, to taste
Optional toppings: plain Greek yogurt, granola, fresh mint

Instructions

Step 1: Arrange the oven rack to the top third position, usually the second notch down from the top, and preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat (avoid parchment paper, as it will burn).
Step 2: Slice off the top and bottom of each grapefruit so they can sit flat. Then, cut the grapefruit horizontally to expose the segments in a circular pattern. Place the halves face down on paper towels for 10 minutes to drain excess moisture. Use a paring knife to carefully loosen the segments, and pat dry any released juice.
Step 3: Place the grapefruit halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle ½ tablespoon of coarse sugar evenly over each half. Broil for 5 to 8 minutes, until the sugar caramelizes and turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a few flakes of sea salt. Serve immediately, optionally topped with Greek yogurt, granola, or fresh mint.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper with the sugar before broiling to add warmth or a subtle kick.
If you prefer a less tart flavor, choose pink or ruby red grapefruits which tend to be sweeter.
Add crunchy granola and a dollop of yogurt on top for a balanced breakfast with texture and creaminess.

Storage

Brûléed grapefruit is best enjoyed immediately while the sugar topping is crisp. If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to one day, but note the topping will lose its crunch. To reheat, briefly use a broiler or toaster oven to re-caramelize the sugar.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of turbinado sugar?

Yes, regular granulated sugar can work, but turbinado sugar adds a richer flavor and a bit more texture, which enhances the brûléed effect.

Is it necessary to loosen the grapefruit segments before broiling?

Loosening the segments helps release excess moisture, preventing the fruit from becoming soggy and allowing the sugar to caramelize properly on the surface.

Brûléed Grapefruit Recipe

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This Brûléed Grapefruit recipe transforms simple grapefruit halves into a caramelized, flavorful breakfast or dessert treat. The grapefruit segments are loosened, sprinkled with coarse turbinado sugar, and then broiled until the sugar caramelizes to create a sweet, slightly crunchy brûléed topping. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and optionally served with Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh mint, this dish offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet with a refreshing twist.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Broiling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

2 grapefruit, sliced in half

Toppings and Garnishes

2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar
flaky sea salt, to taste
optional: plain Greek yogurt
optional: granola
optional: fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Prepare the oven and baking sheet. Arrange the oven rack to the top third position (second notch down from the top) and preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat to protect it from the broiler’s high heat. Avoid using parchment paper as it can burn easily.
Prepare the grapefruit. Slice a thin layer off the top and bottom of each grapefruit half so they can sit flat on a surface. Then, cut each half horizontally to expose the grapefruit segments in a circular pattern. Place the grapefruit halves face down on several layers of paper towels for about 10 minutes to allow excess moisture to drain. Using a paring knife, carefully carve around and loosen each individual segment to make them easier to eat. Pat the surface dry with additional paper towels if needed to remove released moisture.
Caramelize the sugar. Place the prepared grapefruit halves face up on the baking sheet. Sprinkle each half evenly with ½ tablespoon of coarse turbinado sugar. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 5 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure the sugar caramelizes and turns a golden brown without burning.
Finish and serve. Once caramelized, remove the grapefruit from the oven. Sprinkle with a few flakes of sea salt to enhance the flavor. Serve immediately as is or topped with optional plain Greek yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh mint leaves for added texture and freshness.

Notes

Keep a close watch during broiling as the sugar can burn quickly.
Removing excess moisture from grapefruit helps the sugar adhere better and creates a crisp brûléed topping.
Use a sharp paring knife for carefully loosening segments without crushing the fruit.
Optional toppings like Greek yogurt and granola add creaminess and crunch, balancing the tartness of the grapefruit.
Flaky sea salt enhances the sweet and tart contrast but use sparingly.

Keywords: brûléed grapefruit, caramelized grapefruit, broiled grapefruit, healthy dessert, citrus dessert, Greek yogurt topping