Why You’ll Love These Grilled Apricots

Quick preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, these grilled apricots make for a fast, impressive appetizer or dessert.
Simple ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Perfect balance of flavors: The tangy goat cheese pairs beautifully with sweet honey and juicy apricots, while pine nuts add a nice crunch and mint brings freshness.
Year-round versatility: Great as a summer grilling dessert or an elegant indoor appetizer when using a grill pan.

Ingredients

For the filling:

1/3 cup goat cheese
1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for topping
2 large apricots
Butter for brushing the apricots

For the garnish:

1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Ground cardamom for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sweetened Goat Cheese:

In a small bowl, fold together the goat cheese and honey until smooth and creamy. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.

2. Prepare the Apricots:

Cut the apricots in half and remove the pits. Brush the cut sides with melted butter to ensure they don’t stick to the grill and to enhance their flavor while cooking.

3. Grill the Apricots:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the apricot halves, cut side down, directly onto the grill. Grill for 3-5 minutes until grill marks appear and the fruit begins to caramelize, enhancing its natural sweetness.

4. Fill with Goat Cheese Mixture:

Once the apricots are grilled, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Using a spoon, generously fill each apricot half with the sweetened goat cheese mixture.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle the filled apricots with toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh mint. For extra sweetness, drizzle with additional honey and finish with a light sprinkle of ground cardamom.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings (2 apricot halves per serving)
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes
Total Time: 13-20 minutes

Variations

Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone, cream cheese, or ricotta for a milder flavor.
Fruit Substitutes: When apricots aren’t in season, you can swap them with peaches, nectarines, or even plums. Just adjust the grilling time if necessary.
Nuts: Pine nuts are great for this recipe, but feel free to substitute with chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts for a different crunch.
Herbs: If you don’t have fresh mint, you can use basil or skip the herbs entirely for a simpler flavor.

Storage Instructions

Prepare: The goat cheese mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Keep: If you have leftovers, store the grilled apricots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apricots may soften a little over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Serve Again: When you’re ready to eat leftovers, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make these apricots ahead of time?

While the grilled apricots are best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the goat cheese filling up to a day in advance. Grill the apricots fresh before serving.

Can I use other fruits instead of apricots?

Yes, peaches, nectarines, or plums are great alternatives. Just adjust the grilling time based on the size of the fruit.

How do I prevent the apricots from sticking to the grill?

Brushing both the apricots and the grill with butter will help prevent sticking. Also, only flip the apricots once during grilling to preserve their structure.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover grilled apricots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Can I use frozen apricots?

While fresh apricots work best, frozen apricots can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that frozen apricots may have a slightly different texture and will need to be grilled for a slightly longer time.

Can I skip the pine nuts?

Yes, you can skip the pine nuts or replace them with another nut of your choice, such as chopped almonds or walnuts. You could also leave the nuts out entirely for a lighter version of the dish.

What’s the best way to grill the apricots indoors?

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can use a grill pan or a broiler. Just make sure to preheat the pan or broiler, and follow the same grilling time (around 3-5 minutes per side).

How do I know when the apricots are perfectly grilled?

Look for grill marks on the apricots and a slight caramelization on the cut side. The fruit should be tender but still hold its shape.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar are good substitutes for honey and will provide a similar sweetness.

Conclusion

Sweet Grilled Apricots with Goat Cheese are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy, making them a show-stopping appetizer or dessert. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a quick grilling time, this recipe is ideal for summer entertaining or any occasion when you want something that looks fancy but is easy to make. Whether served on their own or as part of a larger meal, these grilled apricots are sure to impress!