Balsamic Goat Cheese Grilled Plums

The first time I made these, I was rushing to pull something together for last-minute guests and had plums that were sitting on the counter just begging to be used. The grill was already hot from dinner, and I thought, why not? Five minutes later, my kitchen smelled like caramelized sunshine, and my friends were hovering around the platter before I could even get the glaze finished.

I served these at a dinner party last summer, and honestly, they disappeared faster than the main course. Someone asked for the recipe before they even finished their first bite, which is always the sign of a winner. Now they are my go-to when I want to look impressive without actually trying that hard.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe but firm plums, halved and pitted: You want plums that give slightly when squeezed but are not mushy, or they will fall apart on the grill
• 1 tbsp olive oil: This helps the sugars caramelize and prevents sticking
• 100 g fresh goat cheese, softened: Room temperature cheese spreads so much easier and feels more luxurious
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint or basil: Fresh herbs cut through the richness and add a pop of color
• Freshly ground black pepper: Just a pinch adds this surprising savory note that wakes everything up
• 60 ml balsamic vinegar: Good quality balsamic makes a difference here since it is the star of the glaze
• 1 tbsp honey: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and helps the glaze coat beautifully

Instructions

Heat things up:

Get your grill or grill pan to medium-high, letting it come to full temperature so you get those gorgeous grill marks right away

Prep the plums:

Brush the cut sides with olive oil, making sure each half gets a light, even coating

Get the grill marks going:

Place plums cut side down and let them sizzle for 3-4 minutes until they have nice char lines and start softening

Flip and finish:

Turn them over and grill another 2-3 minutes, then move to a plate while you make the glaze

Make the magic glaze:

Simmer balsamic and honey for 3-4 minutes until it thickens into something syrupy and gorgeous

Assemble and serve:

Spoon goat cheese onto each plum half, drizzle with that balsamic, add herbs and pepper, then watch them vanish

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My sister now makes these every time she hosts brunch, and she tells me people still talk about them weeks later. There is something about the combination that just works on every level, sweet and tangy, warm and cool, simple but special.

Choosing the Best Plums

I have learned that not all plums grill the same way. Dark red or black plums tend to hold their shape better than yellow varieties, and they develop this gorgeous deep color that looks stunning on the platter. If you can find them at the farmers market, grab whatever looks best, but give them a gentle squeeze first.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can grill the plums and make the glaze hours before serving, then just bring everything to room temperature and assemble when guests arrive. The cheese actually tastes better if it has been sitting out for a bit, and the plums reheat gently in a low oven if you prefer them warm.

Serving Ideas

These work beautifully as an appetizer or a light dessert, and they pair surprisingly well with a crisp white wine or even prosecco if you are feeling fancy. I have also served them alongside a salad for a unique starter course that feels elegant without being heavy.

• Try crumbling some pistachios or walnuts on top for extra texture
• A drizzle of good honey over the cheese before the glaze adds another layer of sweetness
• If you do not have a grill, a hot cast-iron skillet works almost as well

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Hope these become your new favorite way to use up summer fruit. Happy grilling.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of plums are best for grilling?

Choose ripe but firm plums. Varieties like Santa Rosa, Black Plums, or Red Beaut work well as they hold their shape on the grill and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness when cooked.

→ Can I prepare the balsamic glaze in advance?

Yes, the balsamic glaze can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Gently warm it before serving if it's too thick.

→ What are some alternatives to plums for this dish?

Peaches or apricots are excellent substitutes. Grill them similarly until tender and slightly charred, then proceed with the cheese and glaze.

→ How can I make this suitable for vegans?

For a vegan version, simply swap the goat cheese for a high-quality plant-based cream cheese or cashew-based spread that offers a similar tangy, creamy texture.

→ What's the best way to serve these grilled plums?

Serve immediately after assembling while the plums are still warm and the goat cheese is slightly softened. They make a fantastic standalone appetizer or a light, elegant dessert.

→ Can I use a regular pan instead of a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan works perfectly to achieve those appealing grill marks and caramelization. Alternatively, a heavy-bottomed skillet can be used, though it might not produce the distinct grill lines.