Broiled Grapefruit
Broiled Grapefruit is one of those simple upgrades that makes breakfast. A quick trip under the broiler melts the brown sugar into a glossy topping and softens the fruit just enough to make every bite a little sweet and little sour.
The flavor of Broiled Grapefruit is bright and slightly tangy with a warm caramel note from the melted sugar. A tiny pinch of salt keeps the sweetness from feeling heavy and helps the citrus shine.
This is a great recipe when you want something fresh but feels old fashioned. Who didn’t grow up with their moms eating grapefruit every single day?
Broiled Grapefruit is perfect for breakfast or a brunch with friends and family. You can make it quickly for one or two people, or a for a table full of guests. Just use the slider in the recipe card and you can increase the amount of servings this makes.
Ingredients For Broiled Grapefruit
The ingredient list is short and sweet, see what I did there? You don’t need such to make grapefruit shine! Choose a firm, heavy grapefruit for the best results. Pink or regular grapefruits work equally as well.
- grapefruit
- salt
- brown sugar
Why Add Salt?
Adding just a pinch of salt to grapefruit helps balance and soften its natural bitterness. Grapefruit has strong bitter compounds, and salt works by slightly blocking the taste receptors on your tongue that detect bitterness.
If you add brown sugar, the pinch of salt still matters. The sugar brings sweetness and caramel notes, but grapefruit can still taste sharp or slightly bitter underneath.
How To Cut A Grapefruit Properly
Start by washing the fruit and slicing it cleanly in half across the middle so you reveal the segments. Use a small sharp knife to loosen each section before broiling so it’s easy to scoop later.
- Cut the grapefruit in half crosswise
- Run a paring knife along each side of every segment
- Cut gently between the fruit and the peel
- Keep the halves intact for broiling
If You Have Leftovers, No You Don’t
Broiled grapefruit is best served warm right after cooking. If you’re only serving one person just make one half of the grapefruit and put the other half in the fridge for another day.
If you do make both halves and have leftovers, cover and refrigerate them for up to one day. The sugar topping may soften, but the fruit can still be enjoyed chilled or gently reheated.
Broiled Grapefruit
Ingredients
- 1 grapefruit halved
- Pinch salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Set the oven to broil
- Cut the grapefruit in half
- Use a paring knife to cut along each segment for easier eating
- Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over each half
- Place the grapefruit halves on a baking sheet
- Divide the brown sugar evenly over each half
- Broil 4 to 6 inches from the heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the sugar is caramelized
- Serve immediately
Video
Notes
- Watch closely while broiling as the sugar can burn quickly
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor
