Print

Brûléed Grapefruit Recipe

4.6 from 133 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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