Description

This elegant and easy-to-make recipe features grilled apricots topped with creamy whipped goat cheese and drizzled with a fragrant thyme-infused honey glaze. Toasted almonds and fresh thyme add a delightful crunch and aroma, making it a perfect appetizer or light dessert that bursts with fresh, summery flavors and a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grilled Apricots

4 ripe but firm apricots, halved and pitted
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of sea salt

For the Whipped Goat Cheese

150g (5 oz) soft goat cheese
2 tbsp cream or Greek yogurt
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Thyme-Honey Glaze

3 tbsp honey
3–4 sprigs fresh thyme

For Garnish

2 tbsp sliced almonds, toasted until golden
Extra thyme leaves or edible flowers (optional)

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Instructions

Grill the Apricots: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the apricot halves with olive oil and sprinkle them lightly with sea salt. Place them cut-side down on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until caramelized and grill marks appear. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Whipped Goat Cheese: In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine soft goat cheese, cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whip the mixture until smooth and fluffy. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Make Thyme-Honey Glaze: Warm the honey with fresh thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes to infuse the flavor. Remove from heat and allow it to steep and cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Dish: Spoon and swirl the whipped goat cheese onto a serving plate to create a base. Arrange the grilled apricot halves attractively on top of the cheese.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle the thyme-honey glaze evenly over the apricots and cheese. Scatter toasted sliced almonds over the dish and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or edible flowers if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the textures and flavors at their best.

Notes

Choose apricots that are ripe but still firm to hold their shape during grilling.
If cream or Greek yogurt is unavailable, a splash of milk can be used to help whip the goat cheese to a smooth consistency.
Honey can be replaced with agave syrup for a different sweetener option.
The thyme sprigs can be swapped with rosemary or lavender for a different herbal note.
For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use agave syrup instead of honey.
Serve this dish warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean