Balsamic Goat Cheese Grilled Plums (Printable Version)

Grilled plums with goat cheese and balsamic glaze—bold, elegant, and ready in 18 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Plums

01 - 4 ripe but firm plums, halved and pitted
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Cheese & Garnish

03 - 3.5 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or basil, optional
05 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Balsamic Glaze

06 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon honey

# Directions:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
02 - Brush the cut sides of the plum halves with olive oil.
03 - Place the plums cut side down on the grill. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes until grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly. Flip and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - 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 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
05 - Arrange grilled plums on a platter, cut side up. Spoon or pipe a dollop of goat cheese onto each half.
06 - Drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with fresh mint or basil and a touch of black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns ripe summer fruit into something that feels fancy without any real effort.
  • The balance of smoky char, creamy tang, and sweet glaze hits every note at once.
  • You can serve it as an appetizer or dessert and no one will question your genius.
  • It only takes 18 minutes from start to finish, leaving you time to enjoy your guests.
02 -
  • If your plums are too ripe they'll turn to mush on the grill, so choose fruit that still has a little resistance when you press it.
  • The balsamic glaze will continue to thicken as it cools, so pull it off the heat when it's slightly thinner than you want.
  • Don't add the goat cheese until after grilling or it'll melt into a puddle and lose its creamy contrast.
03 -
  • Oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent sticking, especially if your grates are older or uneven.
  • Use a piping bag or a small spoon to dollop the goat cheese neatly, presentation matters more than you'd think with something this simple.
  • If the balsamic glaze seizes up or gets too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to bring it back to life.
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