Apricot cheese bites: Easy summer appetizer recipe

These last-minute apricot cheese bites make a simple and tasty appetizer or easy snack. Look no further–these sweet and spicy apricot bites can be made in 15 minutes and are perfect for your next party.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a delicious snack, these apricot cheese bites taste great and look appealing on the plate. I served them with tangy feta cheese on top, and the sweet and sour flavor combination just stood out.

I have been experimenting with grilling fruits like apples or pears. My husband is a meat eater and loves to grill over the weekends, but my daughter is vegetarian, so I always try to come up with new solutions for her. These apricot and goat cheese bites were perfect for her. 

What are apricot cheese bites?

They are an appetizer or snack made by grilling fresh apricot halves that have been glazed beforehand. They are then served with goat cheese or crumbled feta cheese on top. Combining the sweet and juicy apricot with the salty cheese creates a delicious and well-balanced flavor.

Ingredients to make delicious apricot bites

Best Apricots for grilling

Don’t choose overly ripe apricots, as they can become mushy and lose their shape during grilling. Opt for apricots that are still slightly firm to the touch and crunchy. These varieties are more suitable for grilling as they hold up well to the heat and retain their texture and flavor. Some of the best-grilled apricot varieties include Blenheim, Goldrich, Tilton, and Moorpark.

Cheese

These cheese bites can be made with feta, goat, or cream cheese.

Feta cheese pairs wonderfully with apricots. It has a tangy and salty flavor, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the apricots. I also like its crumbly texture, a distinct and bold taste. It also a great cheese for dips.

Goat cheese (also known as chèvre), on the other hand, is smooth, creamy, and milder in taste resulting in mild apricot goat cheese bites compared to bold feta cheese. 

Cream cheese offers a creamy and smooth texture with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. While cream cheese may not have the distinct tanginess of feta cheese or the characteristic taste of goat cheese, it provides a neutral and creamy base that allows the sweet and savory apricots to shine.

Ingredients for a glaze

Honey

A drizzle of honey gives a beautiful caramelized finish and a delicious depth of flavor.

Cinnamon

Touch of Cinnamon pairs well with grilled apricots, adding a warming and comforting aroma to their naturally sweet and sour taste. 

Dark Rum

Just a splash of dark rum (Jamaica or Barbados) to enhance the flavors rather than overpower them.

Lime Juice

Lime Juice adds a sour taste. If your apricots are sour in taste, you can omit the lime juice or use this cherry vinegar instead.

Apricot cheese bites recipe Instruction

First step – preparing apricots for grilling

Wash the apricots thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the pit with a paring knife. Follow the natural indentation and gently twist the two halves of the apricot in opposite directions, and they should separate easily. 

To prevent the apricot halves from sticking to the grill, brush them with oil on both sides. 

Second step – Preparation of the glaze.

Mix honey, dark rum, lime juice, cinnamon, and honey in a small bowl until well combined.

Third step – Grilling the apricots

Make sure the BBQ grill rack is clean and greased with oil or cooking spray. Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, which is around 400°F (200°C). Once the grill is hot, put them directly on the grill. Use a brush to apply the marinade on the top side. Grill them for about 4 minutes on each side until the slices have a slight char and are caramelized on the bottom. Flip them over and brush the other side with the glaze. Keep grilling until the fruits are soft and show grill marks. If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook them on a grill pan or in the oven, but they won’t have the same grill marks. Either way, they’ll still be delicious!

Fourth step – Serving goat cheese bites

Remove them from the grill and place them on a serving tray, sprinkle with cheese and serve warm. If you are using cream cheese, whip it before serving.

Next Variations

to omit alcohol, brush the fruits with honey mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice. This will add a natural sweetness and a touch of tanginess.

Sprinkle them with freshly chopped herbs like mint, basil, or thyme before grilling to add an herbal touch. 

Create a spice rub using a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Coat the fruits with the spice mixture before grilling to add warmth and a hint of spiciness to the flavor profile.

Instead of grilling the halves as they are, try stuffing them with a mixture of cheese, such as goat cheese or cream cheese, and grill them until the cheese is melty and the fruits soften.

Garnish with chopped dried nuts like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts before serving.

Why you will love these apricot goat cheese bites

These Bites are a perfect and easy snack that doesn’t require much time. With just a few steps, you can have delicious grilled apricots ready in no time and an impressive appetizer for your next holiday lunch party.

Grilling and the caramelization on the bottom of the apricots intensify their natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky flavor. We had a similar effect when we roasted these marinated Brussels sprouts in the oven.

Whether you prefer grilling outdoors, using a grill pan indoors, or even baking in the oven, you can still make the perfect easy snack.

Apricots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber and offer a healthy alternative to traditional desserts.

Grilled apricot halves with their caramelized exterior and beautiful grill marks make for an eye-catching presentation. Whether served as a standalone dessert or as part of a larger dish, they will entertain your family and guests.

They are also a great way to use leftover fruits during the season, especially if you have an apricot tree in your garden.

Can you make these grilled apricots in the oven?

Sure, the same way as on the outside grill. They may have slightly different textures and flavors than those made on the grill, but they are still delicious. Don’t forget to use a baking sheet underneath.

Can I use dried apricots in this recipe?

Dried fruits have different textures and tastes. While it might be possible to grill them, it will give you a completely different experience.