Sometimes the simplest things make us the happiest. And broiled grapefruit is one food that will absolutely always make me feel comforted. It might have something to do with the fact that my parents used to always make it for me. Or the fact that it's fruit with sugar on top (strawberries topped with sugar also have this effect on me). Or the fact that it involves a maraschino cherry. When are maraschino cherries ever appropriate unless you're making a Shirley Temple, which frankly, you probably don't make ever? But I think it also has something to do with putting fruit in the oven. Whether it's baked apples or peach crumble, there's just something about baking and broiling fruit.
I haven't had broiled grapefruit in ages, but I started thinking about it after I purchased a jar of maraschino cherries a couple weeks ago. I meant to top my Banana Split Vodka Milkshake with a cherry and actually went to a couple grocery stores to find a jar (what is with all these green cherries??). And then I completely forgot to use them when I made the milkshake. I'm not big on these red orbs of artificial flavor... Unless they're on broiled grapefruit. With brown sugar. So I made exactly that. And now I want to make it for every meal. Half out of laziness and half out of pure joy for my rediscovery of this treat.
Broiled Brown Sugar Grapefruit (serves 2):
Print this recipe!
- 1 grapefruit (pink grapefruit or whatever your favorite is!)
- 2 T light brown sugar
- 2 maraschino cherries
Seeing that this only involves three ingredients, I'm not even sure I would call it a recipe, but just humor me. The last few weeks have been beyond crazy and these are the kinds of "recipes" I've been making. They're quick and totally simple and 100% comforting. I could eat broiled grapefruit for dinner and probably be perfectly happy.
All you have to do is cut the grapefruit in half. And cut along the skin of the grapefruit around the entire thing. And cut each triangular section, along the membrane.
Now sprinkle halves with about 1 T of brown sugar on each.
And top with a cherry.
My theory about the maraschino cherry is that it has to be broiled along with the grapefruit. I promise they'll taste a whole lot better this way.
Now, place the grapefruit under the broiler for about 8 minutes. Until the sugar has caramelized, the grapefruit is the color you want, and your maraschino cherry hasn't yet lit on fire.
SO easy that I'm almost embarrassed to be posting about this. But not really. Because it's one of my favorite "dishes." And it's one recipe everyone should have in their back pocket for when they need a little comfort but not a ton of guilt.
You should never feel guilt over a little brown sugar. Or a maraschino cherry.
Not a grapefruit fan? Try it topped with some brown sugar and broiled and I think you might change your mind. Actually, scratch that. First just try a pink grapefruit and you might realize grapefruits aren't what you once thought they were. But then try it with brown sugar. Because oh my God, yes.
And then go to bed happy without a lick of guilt for not making a "traditional" dinner. You deserve a break. And some sleep. And the vitamin C you'll get from the grapefruit. And zzzzzz...
Yup, you really need sleep. Or maybe that's just me. Is it really only Monday?
I hope your week has gotten off to a fabulous start! And happy Valentine's Day week!! If you need me, I'll be in the corner eating broiled grapefruit and praying for Friday 🙂
Are you a fan of broiled grapefruit?
[Sues]
Katie says
Yum!! I looove broiled grapefruit, it's the best!
Penny says
You made me smile with this. It brought back memories of staying at the Charlotte Inn in Edgartown where I ordered this each morning with my breakfast.
Breakfast was only for guests and when they no longer accepted dogs and we had to stay elsewhere, I actually begged and exception and paid cash for my meal so I could have this again.
Yes, I can make it and have made it but the setting, the wonderful wait staff and being on the Vineyard are a part of the memory.
Culinary Cory says
Broiled grapefruit? How did I not know this? Sounds awesome.
Odetta says
I can't believe I've never had this.. Pretty sure that needs to change like today!!
Emily @ A Cambridge Story says
yum!! and, yes, so simple! I've been peeling grapefruits and eating them like oranges recently. They are so sweet this time of year - but clearly this looks like a more fun way to do it!
Eva says
This looks amazing!! I am a huge fan of broiled grapefruit, ti just brings our so much more flavor and makes it slightly sweeter. Delicious!
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
oh yum! i love grapefruit but have never fancied it up. awesome!
Gia Grossman says
I crave grapefruit allllll the time. This is super pretty prepared like this!!
Barbara says
I've had this for breakfast at a hotel when traveling and loved it. Never have tried it at home. Now I will!
Michelle Collins says
I've never had broiled grapefruit, but I've always heard great things! And now I want a Shirley Temple.....
Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen says
This is such a great idea! I've never heard of broiling grapefruit before, but I'm going to need to try it!
Monique says
its too pretty to eat! But i might just have to do it anyway!
Mary@One Perfect Bite says
What a festive way to start the day. Your grapefruit looks beautiful and it sounds delicious. I hope your week is off to a good start. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Pippa says
Mmm I love broiled grapefruit! I read an article this morning about how good grapefruit is for weight loss, not sure if the sugary version counts but it's so much tastier 😉
Shannon says
i still need to try this!!
Lin @BeantownEats says
I have never had this! Jon is on a huge grapefruit craze right now so I'm going to mention this to him.