Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums are the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them a unique and impressive dish to serve at your next gathering. The natural sweetness of grilled plums is enhanced by the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar and the creamy texture of crumbled goat cheese. This dish is easy to prepare yet delivers a sophisticated flavor combination that will wow your guests. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light dessert, these grilled plums are sure to be a favorite.

If you’re interested in more balsamic-inspired dishes, check out this Balsamic-Glazed Roasted Vegetables recipe or explore other delicious grilled fruit recipes on Delish’s guide.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

The recipe for Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums is simple, yet offers a complex and delightful flavor profile. Here’s how to make it:

Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums Recipe

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums are a unique and delicious appetizer or dessert that blends the sweetness of grilled plums with the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar and creamy goat cheese. This simple yet sophisticated dish features plums grilled to perfection and drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction, topped with crumbled goat cheese and a hint of lemon zest. It’s an ideal dish to impress your guests with minimal effort!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
4 medium firm plums, halved and pitted
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Balsamic Reduction:
In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by about half and has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Plums:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Slice the plums in half and remove the pits. Lightly brush the cut sides of the plums with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the Plums:
Place the plums cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes, until grill marks appear and the fruit has softened but is still holding its shape. Flip the plums over and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Assemble the Dish:
Arrange the grilled plums on a serving platter, cut-side up. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the plums. Top each half with a generous amount of crumbled goat cheese.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the grated lemon zest over the plums for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately as an appetizer, side dish, or dessert.

Notes

Make-Ahead: The balsamic reduction can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it slightly before serving.
Grilling Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, you can grill the plums in a grill pan on the stovetop or even broil them in the oven.
Optional Additions: For an extra flavor kick, you can add a sprinkle of fresh thyme, mint, or a dash of honey before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Dessert
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 plum halves
Calories: 140
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums Recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vinegar has reduced by about half and thickened into a syrupy consistency. Stir in the grated lemon zest and set aside to cool.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it on the stovetop.
Grill the Plums: Brush the cut sides of the plums with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the plums, cut-side down, on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the plums are tender but still firm. Flip the plums over and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Assemble the Dish: Once the plums are grilled, place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top of the plums, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the plums for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums warm as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light dessert. Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Advanced Techniques for Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums

While the basic recipe is delicious, there are a few advanced techniques to further elevate the flavor of Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums:

1. Add a Touch of Sweetness

If you prefer your plums a bit sweeter, drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup over the plums before grilling. This will caramelize as they cook, adding extra sweetness and a lovely golden hue.

2. Grill with Herbs

To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs to the grill. You can place sprigs of rosemary or thyme directly on the grill as you cook the plums. The herbs will infuse the plums with a fragrant, earthy note.

3. Experiment with Cheese

Goat cheese offers a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet plums, but you can also experiment with other cheeses. Try crumbled feta for a more savory note, or ricotta for a lighter, fluffier texture. Alternatively, a sprinkle of blue cheese would add a bold, tangy flavor.

4. Use a Smoker

For a more smoky flavor, try smoking the plums instead of grilling them. This method will infuse the fruit with a deep, smoky aroma that pairs beautifully with the balsamic vinegar and goat cheese.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

While Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums are best served fresh, you can store leftovers for later.

1. Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover grilled plums, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The plums may soften after storage, but they will still retain their flavor. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat before serving.

2. Freezing Grilled Plums

If you’d like to freeze the grilled plums, it’s best to store them without the goat cheese and balsamic reduction. Freeze the plums on a baking sheet for a few hours until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw the plums and prepare them with fresh goat cheese and balsamic vinegar.

3. Preparing in Advance

You can prepare the balsamic reduction in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Grill the plums just before serving to ensure they’re fresh and warm.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. Here are a few adaptations for different dietary preferences:

1. Vegan Option

To make this dish vegan, substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative, such as cashew cheese or almond-based cheese. The balsamic reduction and grilled plums are naturally vegan-friendly, making it an easy substitution.

2. Dairy-Free Option

For those avoiding dairy, you can use any dairy-free cheese that mimics the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, such as vegan cream cheese or even a coconut-based cheese alternative.

3. Low-Carb/Keto Option

This dish is already low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Just be mindful of the amount of balsamic vinegar used, as it contains a small amount of sugar. You can reduce the quantity or use a sugar-free version.

FAQs About Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums

1. Can I use other fruits for this recipe?

Yes! While plums work beautifully with the balsamic and goat cheese, you can also try other stone fruits like peaches or nectarines. Grilled pears or figs would also be delicious in this dish.

2. Can I prepare the balsamic reduction in advance?

Yes, the balsamic reduction can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply reheat it before drizzling over the plums.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to grill the plums just before serving to ensure they are warm and fresh. However, you can prepare the balsamic reduction and crumble the goat cheese in advance, making assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to serve.

4. Can I serve this dish as a dessert?

Yes, Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums can definitely be served as a light, elegant dessert. The sweetness of the plums combined with the tangy goat cheese and balsamic vinegar creates a lovely, sophisticated flavor profile perfect for a sweet ending to your meal.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums offer a unique and delicious combination of flavors that will impress your guests and elevate any meal. The sweet grilled plums, tangy balsamic reduction, and creamy goat cheese make for an unforgettable dish that is both easy to prepare and elegant to serve. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, side dish, or light dessert, these grilled plums are sure to delight. Try this simple yet refined recipe today and enjoy a flavor-packed treat!

Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums: Sweet & Savory Appetizer