Balsamic Goat Cheese Grilled Plums (Print Version)

Grilled plums with goat cheese and balsamic glaze—a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.

# What You'll 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

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat until fully heated.
02 - Brush the cut sides of the plum halves evenly with olive oil.
03 - Place plums cut side down on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until caramelized grill marks appear and fruit softens slightly. Flip and grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a clean surface.
04 - Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture achieves a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
05 - Arrange grilled plums on a serving platter cut side up. Spoon or pipe a dollop of softened goat cheese onto each plum half.
06 - Drizzle plums with balsamic reduction. Garnish with fresh mint or basil and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes less than twenty minutes but looks like you planned it for days.
  • The balance of smoky fruit, creamy cheese, and sticky glaze hits every flavor note without overwhelming anything.
  • You can serve it as an elegant appetizer or a surprisingly light dessert, and nobody will question either choice.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting step for the glaze, it thickens more as it cools and you'll avoid a runny mess on the platter.
  • If your plums are too soft, they'll collapse on the grill, so choose fruit that's ripe but still holds its shape when you press gently.
03 -
  • Let the goat cheese come to room temperature before assembling so it spreads easily and melts just a little from the warmth of the grilled fruit.
  • Make extra balsamic glaze and keep it in the fridge, it's incredible drizzled over roasted vegetables, fresh mozzarella, or even vanilla ice cream.
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