Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums

Bold, elegant, and delightfully simple, these grilled plums are caramelized over flame and finished with creamy goat cheese and a tangy balsamic glaze—perfect for an appetizer or a light dessert. This dish captures the essence of summer by combining the smoky sweetness of stone fruit with the sophisticated richness of fresh goat cheese.

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Using simple, high-quality ingredients allows the natural flavors of the fruit to shine. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening, these grilled plums offer a refreshing and light culinary experience.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe but firm plums, halved and pitted
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 100 g (about 3.5 oz) fresh goat cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint or basil (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Prepare the Heat

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. Oil the Fruit

Brush the cut sides of the plum halves with olive oil.

3. Grill the Plums

Place the plums cut side down on the grill. Grill for 3–4 minutes until grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly. Flip and grill for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Reduce the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

5. Add the Cheese

Arrange grilled plums on a platter, cut side up. Spoon or pipe a dollop of goat cheese onto each half.

6. Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with fresh mint or basil and a touch of black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the best results, ensure you use a basting brush to coat the plums evenly with olive oil. Utilizing a small saucepan for the balsamic reduction ensures even heating, and a piping bag can be used for the goat cheese to create a more polished look on your serving platter.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily experiment with this recipe by using peaches or apricots as an alternative to plums. For those following a vegan diet, simply substitute the goat cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative to enjoy the same delicious experience.

Serviervorschläge

Pair this elegant dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Prosecco to complement the tangy cheese and sweet fruit. Note that this recipe contains dairy (goat cheese) and provides approximately 140 calories, 6g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein per serving.

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With its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavor profile, this Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plum recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the best of modern American seasonal cooking.

Recipe Help & Answers

→ What kind of plums are best for grilling?

Choose ripe but firm plums. This ensures they have good flavor and hold their shape well on the grill without becoming too mushy.

→ Can I use a different fruit instead of plums?

Absolutely! Peaches or apricots are excellent substitutes and will grill beautifully, offering a similar sweet and tangy profile.

→ How do I achieve the perfect balsamic glaze consistency?

Simmer balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat until it reduces by about half and coats the back of a spoon. It will thicken further as it cools.

→ What is the purpose of the goat cheese in this dish?

The creamy, tangy goat cheese provides a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to the sweet, smoky grilled plums and the rich, acidic balsamic glaze.

→ Can this be made suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, for a vegan version, simply substitute the goat cheese with a high-quality plant-based cream cheese or soft vegan cheese alternative.

→ Is this served hot or cold?

This dish is best served immediately after grilling the plums and assembling, when the plums are still warm and the cheese slightly softened, providing a delightful temperature contrast.