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.
If you’re looking for a perfect and easy summer dessert, whip up a batch of strawberry ice cream sauce to drizzle over your apricot bites.
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.
If I have some extra, I like to whip up this easy-to-make Cranberry Cheesecake.
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.
