Grilling up a batch of Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini always takes me back to that warm summer evening a few years ago. I can still picture myself on the back patio, fire crackling, a glass of chilled white wine in hand. My best friend had just arrived, and I couldn’t wait to share this new recipe I’d been dying to try.
As soon as she caught a whiff of the sweet, caramelized apricots and tangy goat cheese, her eyes lit up. “This smells absolutely heavenly! What’s the occasion?” she asked. I just smiled and said, “No occasion – just enjoying the beautiful weather and wanted to try something new.”
We spent the next hour chatting, laughing, and devouring plate after plate of those Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini. The juicy, charred apricots paired so perfectly with the creamy goat cheese, all nestled on top of crisp, golden-brown crostini. It was the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of crunch. Needless to say, that recipe quickly became a summertime staple in both of our homes.
Why This Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini
What makes this Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini recipe so special is the simple yet ingenious method of grilling the apricots. By caramelizing the natural sugars in the fruit over the flame, you end up with a delightful smoky-sweet flavor that complements the creamy, tangy goat cheese like nobody’s business. And the crostini? Well, that’s just the perfect vehicle to showcase all that flavor goodness.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Ripe, juicy apricots
Fresh, high-quality goat cheese
Baguette or crusty bread
Honey
Balsamic glaze
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini Instructions
Preparing Your Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini
This Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini recipe comes together quickly, making it the perfect appetizer or light meal for any occasion. With just a handful of simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a showstopping dish that’s sure to impress.
1- Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While that’s heating up, slice your baguette or bread into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
2- Halve the apricots and remove the pits. Brush the apricot halves lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3- Once the grill is hot, place the oiled and seasoned apricot halves cut-side down. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until you’ve got nice char marks and the fruit is starting to soften.
4- Remove the grilled apricots from the grill and let them cool slightly. Then, slice each half into 3-4 smaller wedges.
5- Spread a generous amount of goat cheese onto each crostini round, then top with the grilled apricot wedges.
6- Drizzle the entire platter with a bit of honey and balsamic glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini is to use ripe, in-season apricots. Avoid rock-hard, unripe fruit, as it won’t grill up nearly as nicely.
Be sure to keep a close eye on the apricots while they’re on the grill – they can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in the blink of an eye!
And don’t be afraid to get creative with flavor variations. Try adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar for an extra pop of flavor.
Serving and Storing Your Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini
Perfect Pairings for Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini
These Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini make for a fantastic appetizer, but they’re also hearty enough to serve as a light main dish. I love pairing them with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc for a simple yet elegant meal.
They also work wonderfully as part of a larger spread, complementing other summer-inspired bites like bruschetta, caprese skewers, or even a cheese and charcuterie board.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini are best enjoyed fresh, straight off the grill. However, you can certainly prep some of the components ahead of time.
The grilled apricot wedges can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them briefly on the grill or in a skillet before assembling.
The crostini rounds can be toasted and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. And the goat cheese can be spread onto the crostini up to 2 days in advance, stored covered in the fridge.
When you’re ready to serve, simply top the prepared crostini with the warm apricot wedges, drizzle with honey and balsamic, and you’re good to go!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini
Creative Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini Variations
The great thing about this Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini recipe is how easy it is to customize and change up.
Try swapping out the apricots for other seasonal stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, or plums. Or go for a more savory spin by grilling figs or even halved cherry tomatoes instead.
You could also experiment with different cheese pairings – crumbled feta, shaved Parmesan, or a sprinkle of grated Manchego would all be delicious alternatives to the goat cheese.
Making Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the baguette for gluten-free bread or crackers.
For a dairy-free version, use a vegan or nut-based cheese in place of the goat cheese. And to keep things low-carb, skip the crostini altogether and serve the grilled apricots and “cheese” on top of lettuce cups or cucumber slices instead.
The versatility of this Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini recipe means you can easily adapt it to fit your dietary needs or preferences. The key flavors will still shine through no matter which substitutions you make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned or frozen apricots instead of fresh?
A: I wouldn’t recommend using canned or frozen apricots for this recipe. The key to the incredible flavor is grilling fresh, ripe apricots, which brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely char and smoky note. Canned or frozen fruit just won’t achieve the same result.
Q: How long do I need to grill the apricots for?
A: I find that 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat is the sweet spot for perfectly grilled apricots. You want them to develop a nice caramelized crust on the outside while still retaining a bit of firmness on the inside. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from beautifully grilled to burnt quickly.
Q: Can I make the Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini in advance?
A: Absolutely! The crostini rounds can be toasted and the goat cheese can be spread on them up to 2 days in advance. Just store everything separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and serve. The grilled apricot wedges can also be made a few days ahead and reheated briefly before using.
Q: How many Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 18-20 crostini, depending on the size of your bread slices. It’s a great shareable appetizer, but you may want to double the batch if serving it as a light main course.
Q: Help! My crostini are getting soggy. What can I do?
A: To prevent soggy crostini, be sure to grill or toast them until they’re nice and crisp before topping with the apricots and cheese. You can also try lightly brushing the crostini with olive oil or melted butter before the initial toasting to help them stay crisp for longer. And avoid letting the assembled crostini sit out for too long before serving.
Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 12 crostini
Description
Elevate your appetizer game with these Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini – a flavor-packed, 10-minute treat that’s sure to impress your guests. The sweet, tangy, and creamy combination of grilled apricot, creamy goat cheese, and crisp crostini is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
– 6 fresh apricots, halved and pitted
– 4 oz goat cheese, softened
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 2 tbsp honey, for drizzling
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. – Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. – Brush the apricot halves with olive oil and season with salt.
3. – Grill the apricots, cut-side down, for 2-3 minutes until charred and softened.
4. – Remove apricots from grill and let cool slightly.
5. – Spread a layer of goat cheese on each crostini round.
6. – Top each crostini with a grilled apricot half.
7. – Drizzle the crostini with honey and sprinkle with chopped thyme.
8. – Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– For a sweeter twist, try using a flavored goat cheese, such as herb or honey.
– Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a balsamic glaze for added flavor.
– These crostini can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it – my go-to recipe for irresistible Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini! This simple yet elegant appetizer is the perfect way to celebrate the bounty of summer produce. The sweet, caramelized apricots paired with tangy goat cheese on crisp crostini is a flavor combination that never disappoints.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, looking for a light lunch, or just want to treat yourself to something special. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! And be sure to share your photos – I can’t wait to see your beautiful Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini creations.