Balsamic Goat Cheese Grilled Plums (Printable)

Caramelized grilled plums with creamy goat cheese and tangy balsamic glaze. 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

# Steps:

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 takes less than 20 minutes but tastes like you spent an hour planning each flavor.
  • The balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy hits all the right notes without feeling heavy.
  • You can serve it as a starter or a dessert, and no one will question your genius either way.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, so it works for almost any guest list.
02 -
  • Don't walk away from the grill—plums can go from perfectly charred to burnt in under a minute.
  • Let the balsamic glaze cool for a minute or two before drizzling; if it's too hot, it will run right off the fruit.
  • If your plums are very ripe, reduce the grilling time by a minute per side or they'll turn to mush.
03 -
  • Oil the grill grates lightly before placing the plums to prevent any chance of sticking, even if you've brushed the fruit.
  • Make a double batch of balsamic glaze—it keeps in the fridge for weeks and is incredible drizzled over roasted vegetables or burrata.
  • If you don't have a grill, a cast-iron skillet over high heat gives you similar caramelization and char.
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