If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer or a unique light dessert that encapsulates the very best of summer, let me introduce you to Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey. This dish strikes a beautiful balance between sweet, tangy, creamy, and herbaceous—think caramelized apricots, airy goat cheese, and a drizzle of fragrant honey laced with thyme. Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner party or just want to treat yourself on a sunny afternoon, this recipe truly celebrates the magic of simple, seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey lies in a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role: juicy apricots bring sunshine and color, while the creamy cheese and aromatic honey elevate the flavors to new heights.
- Fresh Apricots: Ripe but still slightly firm apricots are perfect, as they’ll hold up beautifully on the grill and offer that signature sweet-tart flavor.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch helps the apricots caramelize and keeps them from sticking to the grill.
- Goat Cheese: The tangy, creamy base for your whipped topping—make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a luxurious smoothness and helps balance the boldness of the goat cheese.
- Honey: A golden drizzle brings out the fruit’s sweetness and infuses every bite with floral notes.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: Earthy and aromatic, thyme gives the honey a subtle herbal lift that ties everything together.
- Pinch of Salt: Just enough to amplify all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (optional): A little pepper can provide an unexpected pop of contrast.
- Toasted Baguette Slices or Crackers (optional): Perfect for scooping up every last bit of the luscious cheese and apricots.
How to Make Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey
Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Apricots
Start by halving and pitting your apricots—don’t worry if they aren’t picture-perfect, grilling brings out their inner beauty! Brush them lightly with olive oil on the cut side, then place them cut-side down on a preheated grill or grill pan. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes, just until you see those gorgeous grill marks and the fruit softens ever so slightly. The heat wakes up their juicy sweetness and gives them that irresistible caramelized edge.
Step 2: Whip the Goat Cheese Mixture
While the apricots cool a bit, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Grab a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon and beat until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and creamy—this takes just a couple of minutes. The result is a cloud-like cheese spread that tastes like sunshine and herbs.
Step 3: Fill and Assemble
Now for the fun part: spoon or pipe generous dollops of the whipped goat cheese mixture right into the center of each grilled apricot half, or spread it across a serving platter and nestle the apricots on top. Drizzle everything with a little more honey, scatter on fresh thyme leaves, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a few cracks of black pepper for a surprising finish.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey while they’re still slightly warm or at room temperature. Add toasted baguette slices or crisp crackers on the side for scooping and savoring. Every bite is a celebration of summer’s best flavors, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo.
How to Serve Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, drizzle the assembled apricots with an extra swirl of honey and sprinkle more fresh thyme leaves over the top. A pinch of flaky sea salt or a few grinds of black pepper can make the flavors pop. You could also add a handful of chopped pistachios for crunch and color—totally optional, but a lovely upgrade!
Side Dishes
Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, a simple arugula and walnut mix, or even alongside a platter of cured meats and olives. For brunch, serve them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. As a dessert, they shine next to a glass of chilled Moscato or a scoop of vanilla gelato.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cocktail party, try threading the apricots and cheese onto small skewers for a fun, bite-sized treat. If you’re feeling elegant, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers and extra honeycomb. Mini tartlet shells or phyllo cups also make a delightful vessel for the whipped goat cheese and grilled apricots.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, though the apricots may soften further. Keep the cheese mixture separate if you can, and assemble just before serving for best texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as the texture of both the apricots and the whipped cheese changes significantly once thawed. If you must, you can freeze the whipped goat cheese mixture on its own, but always use fresh apricots for grilling and assembling later.
Reheating
If you’d like to gently rewarm the apricots, place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them mushy. The whipped goat cheese is best served at room temperature, so let it sit out for 20 minutes before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use peaches or plums instead of apricots?
Absolutely! Peaches and plums are wonderful substitutes in Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey. Just adjust grilling time if needed, as the fruit sizes may vary.
Is it possible to make the whipped goat cheese in advance?
Yes, you can whip up the goat cheese mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before assembling your Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey for the fluffiest texture.
What’s the best way to infuse honey with thyme?
To make thyme-infused honey, gently warm your honey with a few sprigs of fresh thyme for about 10 minutes, then cool and strain. This step adds a deeper herbal dimension to your Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey.
Can I grill the apricots ahead of time?
You can grill the apricots a few hours ahead and let them cool to room temperature. Store them covered until you’re ready to assemble your Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey is completely vegetarian, making it a wonderful choice for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light dessert.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll fall in love with Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey as much as I have. It’s a dish that feels both effortless and elegant, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something special. Give it a try and let the flavors of summer shine on your table!
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Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with these Grilled Apricots topped with Whipped Goat Cheese and Thyme Honey. This elegant appetizer or dessert combines the natural caramelization of grilled apricots with a creamy, herb-infused cheese topping and a drizzle of honey for a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 6 fresh ripe apricots, halved and pitted
For Grilling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
Serving
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for perfect caramelization and softening of the apricots.
- Prepare Apricots: Lightly brush the cut sides of the halved apricots with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance grilling.
- Grill Apricots: Place apricots cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 2–3 minutes until you see grill marks and the apricots soften slightly, then remove and allow them to cool slightly.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble: Spoon or pipe the whipped goat cheese mixture onto a serving plate or directly onto the grilled apricot halves for a visually appealing presentation.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle additional honey over the apricots and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Optionally add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper for a slight contrast in flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside toasted baguette slices or crackers if desired.
Notes
- This recipe works excellently as an appetizer, a brunch feature, or even an elegant dessert.
- Feel free to substitute peaches or plums if apricots are not in season for a similar taste experience.
- For enhanced flavor, try warming honey with fresh thyme leaves gently before using it for drizzling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 apricot halves with cheese
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
