Name: Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 6 ripe apricots, halved and pitted; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 oz goat cheese (soft, room temperature); 2 oz cream cheese (soft, room temperature); 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish); pinch of salt; freshly ground black pepper to taste

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If you’re looking to dazzle your guests or just treat yourself to something a little out-of-the-ordinary, Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey is the recipe to try. Each bite is a joyful combination of smoky-sweet stone fruit, creamy tangy cheese, and fragrant, floral honey, brought to life by a sprinkle of fresh thyme. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive yet comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed summer appetizer or a light dessert that feels both rustic and refined.

Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey is refreshingly short, but each component has a purpose. Every item brings its own charisma—whether it’s burst-in-your-mouth freshness, creamy richness, or a hint of herbal sweetness. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Apricots: Choose ripe, fragrant apricots; their natural tartness and juiciness are the star here.
Olive oil: A quick brush prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruitiness that plays well with the apricots.
Goat cheese (soft, room temperature): For irresistible tangy creaminess—make sure it’s soft so it whips up smoothly.
Cream cheese (soft, room temperature): Blended with goat cheese, this makes the whipped topping more mellow and spreadable.
Heavy cream: Just a splash transforms the cheese into an airy, luscious cloud.
Honey: The sweetness to contrast the cheese and fruit—choose a floral honey for best effect.
Fresh thyme leaves: Thyme brings an herbal lift that’s both bright and earthy; save extra for a pretty garnish.
Salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Freshly ground black pepper: A surprising but oh-so-tasty finish; it gives the dish a gentle kick.

How to Make Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Grill

Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high; you want it hot enough to leave gorgeous marks but not so blistering it scorches the fruit. While it’s heating, halve and pit your apricots—a spoon helps pop out the pits without bruising the flesh. Brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil; this helps them caramelize and not stick.

Step 2: Grill the Apricots

Place your apricot halves cut-side down on the grill. Let them sizzle for about 2–3 minutes, just until those telltale char marks show up and the fruit softens but doesn’t collapse. This quick grill transforms the apricots—concentrating their flavor and creating a delicate smokiness that’s the foundation of Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey.

Step 3: Whip up the Goat Cheese

While the apricots are cooling slightly, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt in a food processor or medium mixing bowl. Blend until utterly smooth and fluffy—no lumps, just perfection. If you don’t have a food processor, a sturdy whisk and a little elbow grease will do the trick.

Step 4: Infuse the Thyme Honey

In a small saucepan or a microwave-safe dish, gently warm the honey with the fresh thyme leaves for about a minute. This lets the thyme’s aromatic oils perfume the honey, creating a drizzle that’s a true signature of Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey. Let it cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t melt the cheese later.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish

Spread the whipped goat cheese in swoops across a serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the warm grilled apricots on top. Drizzle the thyme-infused honey all over, then finish with freshly ground black pepper and extra thyme leaves. For a final touch, a scattering of toasted nuts brings color and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey

Garnishes

Fresh thyme sprigs add bright green flair and extra aroma, while a little extra black pepper creates visual interest and complexity. If you want crunch, try a handful of toasted pistachios or almonds for a Mediterranean-inspired flourish—these not only look pretty but add another layer of richness.

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing contrast, or arrange alongside crisp crostini for easy scooping if you’re serving Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey as part of a buffet. For a luxurious brunch, nestle these apricots beside creamy scrambled eggs and crusty bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the apricots in elegant spoons for passed appetizers, or assemble on individual plates for a plated dessert that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. For a picnic-ready twist, pack the whipped goat cheese and thyme honey separately, and grill the apricots on-site.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (good luck!), keep the grilled apricots, whipped goat cheese, and thyme honey in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors stay bright for 1–2 days; just assemble right before serving to keep maximum freshness and texture.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for the assembled dish, you can freeze the whipped goat cheese for up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and whip again before serving. Apricots can become mushy after freezing, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Reheating

To revive the grilled apricots, place them cut-side up under a broiler or in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes until just warm. The goat cheese doesn’t need reheating—just give it a good stir to restore its creamy texture, and rewarm the thyme honey gently if it’s solidified.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits in place of apricots?

Absolutely! Peaches and plums are fantastic alternatives—just adjust grilling time if they’re larger or juicier. The essence of Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey is all about juicy stone fruit paired with tangy cheese and honey, so feel free to get creative.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, you can swap out the goat cheese and cream cheese for vegan cheese alternatives and use a plant-based cream. Replace honey with agave or a similar vegan sweetener, and you’ll have a plant-friendly twist on Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey.

How can I make this dish kid-friendly?

If serving little ones, you can skip the black pepper for a milder version and use a milder cheese blend if goat cheese is too tangy for their taste. The natural sweetness and fun presentation of Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey are sure to win them over regardless!

What type Appetizer / Dessert

For maximum flavor, try a light, floral honey such as orange blossom or wildflower. These amplify the thyme and complement the apricots beautifully. The right honey makes all the difference in Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey.

Can I make Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey ahead of time?

You can whip the goat cheese and infuse the honey in advance, storing both in the fridge. Grill the apricots just before serving so they stay plump and juicy. This way, you can serve the dish at its absolute peak with minimal last-minute work.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey—the way every element comes together is pure summer on a plate. Whether you’re sharing it with friends under the sun or treating yourself on a quiet evening, I hope you’ll give this dish a try and discover just how unforgettable these flavors can be!

Grilled Apricots with Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Grilled Apricots topped with a luscious Whipped Goat Cheese and drizzled with fragrant Thyme Honey. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is ideal as an appetizer or light dessert for a summer gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For Grilled Apricots:

6 ripe apricots, halved and pitted
1 tablespoon olive oil

For Whipped Goat Cheese & Thyme Honey:

4 oz goat cheese (soft, room temperature)
2 oz cream cheese (soft, room temperature)
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
pinch of salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill Apricots: Brush apricot halves with olive oil and grill cut-side down for 2–3 minutes until grill marks appear.
Prepare Cheese: In a food processor, blend goat cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
Make Thyme Honey: Warm honey with thyme leaves until fragrant; let cool slightly.
Assemble: Spread whipped goat cheese on a platter, arrange grilled apricots, drizzle with thyme honey, sprinkle black pepper, and garnish with thyme leaves.
Serve: Enjoy immediately.