Name: Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey: Fall's Perfect Bite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Canola oil (Prevents sticking on the grill grates); 2 medium Honeycrisp apples (Can substitute with other firm apple varieties); 1 tablespoon Olive oil (Adds depth of flavor); 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (Enhances overall flavor); 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper (Freshly ground offers the best taste); 4 ounces Thinly sliced prosciutto (Can substitute with pancetta); 1 3-ounce log Goat cheese (Feta or ricotta can be used as alternatives); 1/4 cup Chopped salted pistachios (Adds crunch and nuttiness); 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh thyme (Use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available); 2 tablespoons Pure honey (Drizzled on top to enhance sweetness)

As I stood by the grill, the warm fall breeze playing tricks with the scent of caramelizing apples, I couldn’t help but smile. There’s something truly magical about the combination of grilled apples with prosciutto and honey that evokes the comforting spirit of autumn gatherings. This Grilled Honeycrisp Apples with Prosciutto and Goat Cheese recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory, ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for those impromptu get-togethers or cozy family evenings. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the delightful crunch of fresh Honeycrisp apples, the rich saltiness of prosciutto, and the creamy tang of goat cheese. So, are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible fall treat?

Why Are Grilled Apples Irresistible?

Sweet, Savory Delight: The combination of grilled Honeycrisp apples, prosciutto, and goat cheese creates a flavor profile that dances on your palate—sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying.
Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep, this fall appetizer is perfect for spontaneous gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served warm or as part of a charcuterie board, your friends will be raving about this dish for days! Pair it with a refreshing drink or a side of Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites for a delightful meal.
Seasonal Freshness: Utilizing in-season ingredients, this recipe celebrates the essence of autumn, making it a must-try as the leaves turn golden.
Texture Variety: Enjoy the satisfying contrast of warm, tender apples with the crispness of prosciutto and the creaminess of goat cheese—each bite is an explosion of texture!

Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey Ingredients

For the Grilled Apples

Canola oil – Prevents sticking on the grill grates; grilling oil can also be used.
Honeycrisp apple – The star of the dish, known for its sweetness and crunch; feel free to explore other firm apple varieties like Fuji.
Olive oil – Adds depth of flavor and assists in grilling; avocado oil is a great milder substitute.
Kosher salt – Elevates the overall flavor; sea salt works well as an alternative.
Ground black pepper – Provides a lovely hint of spice; freshly ground offers the best taste.

For Assembly

Thinly sliced prosciutto – Creates a savory contrast to the sweet apples; pancetta can also be a delightful substitute.
Goat cheese (3-ounce log) – Introduces creaminess and tanginess to the dish; feta or ricotta can be swapped for different flavors.

For Garnish

Chopped salted pistachios – Adds an irresistible crunch and nuttiness; walnuts or almonds are excellent alternatives.
Chopped fresh thyme – Infuses aromatic herbal notes; use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available, but reduce the amount.
Pure honey – Drizzled on top to enhance sweetness; maple syrup can introduce an exciting flavor twist.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey

Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). While it heats, use a paper towel to apply a light coat of canola oil to the grill grates, preventing the apple slices from sticking during the grilling process. Once the grill is ready, you’ll smell the inviting aroma of the oil warming up.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Wash and slice the Honeycrisp apple into 1/8-inch thick rounds, ensuring they maintain a uniform thickness for even grilling. In a small bowl, brush both sides of each apple slice with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This preparation enhances the natural sweetness and adds depth to the grilled apples with prosciutto and honey.

Step 3: Grill the Apple Slices
Place the prepared apple slices directly onto the grill grates and close the lid. Grill for approximately 5 minutes on one side until you see lovely grill marks forming and the apples start to soften. Carefully flip each slice and continue grilling for another 5 minutes, or until they’re tender but not mushy. The caramelization enhances their sweetness, making them a delightful part of your appetizer.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Once grilled, remove the apple slices from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Begin layering each slice with thinly sliced prosciutto, allowing the rich savory flavor to contrast beautifully with the sweet apples. Crumble the goat cheese over the top, adding a creamy and tangy element that perfectly complements the grilled apples with prosciutto and honey.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle pure honey generously over the assembled dish, giving it a glossy finish while enhancing the sweetness. Sprinkle the chopped salted pistachios and fresh thyme on top for crunch and aromatic flair. These garnishes not only elevate the dish visually but also add exciting flavor contrasts that bring the entire appetizer together.

Make Ahead Options

These Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey are a fantastic choice for meal prep, bringing ease to your cooking routine! You can slice and prepare the Honeycrisp apples up to 24 hours in advance; just brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their crispness and prevent browning, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the apples. The prosciutto and goat cheese can also be prepared ahead; simply crumble and slice as necessary. When you’re ready to serve, grill the apples fresh for about 10 minutes, layer them with prosciutto and goat cheese, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with pistachios and thyme for a delightful, hassle-free appetizer!

What to Serve with Grilled Honeycrisp Apples with Prosciutto and Goat Cheese

Looking to create a delightful spread that perfectly complements the sweet and savory notes of your grilled apples?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness creates a sumptuous base that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of grilled apples.
Arugula Salad: The peppery greens add freshness and a hint of bitterness, making the overall meal vibrant and exciting.
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: The acidic burst of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil brings a refreshing touch, balancing the dish’s heavier elements.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn offers a fun finger-food option that adds another layer of summer-to-fall transition in your meal.
Herb Roasted Chicken: Juicy chicken complements the flavors of the apples and prosciutto while providing a satisfying protein option for your feast.
Sparkling Cider: A lightly sweet, sparkling drink enhances the flavors without overwhelming the palate, making it a perfect pairing.

Indulging in these side combinations will elevate your dining experience, turning a simple appetizer into a memorable feast that embraces the spirit of the season!

Tips for the Best Grilled Apples

Choose the Right Apple: Honeycrisp apples are perfect for this dish, but firm varieties like Fuji work well too. Avoid mealy apples for the best texture.
Grill Temperature Matters: Ensure your grill is at medium heat (around 350°F) before adding the apple slices. A preheated grill achieves that desirable caramelization without burning.
Oil the Grates: Prevent sticking by oiling the grill grates with canola oil. A paper towel can help spread a light coat effectively.
Layer Wisely: When assembling, balance the apple slices with prosciutto and goat cheese. Make sure each element shines through to enhance the flavor of your grilled apples with prosciutto and honey.
Watch the Timing: Grill the apple slices about 5 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking; they should be tender yet maintain their structure.
Garnish with Care: Don’t skimp on the honey, pistachios, and thyme. These garnishes add crucial flavor and texture that elevate your dish to perfection.

How to Store and Freeze Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey

Room Temperature: Enjoy grilled apples warm right after preparation; they are best at peak freshness. If left out, consume within 2 hours.

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavors of the grilled apples with prosciutto and honey.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the grilled apples will lose their crispness and texture.

Reheating: To reheat, place the chilled apple slices on a grill or in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through. This technique will help revive the delightful caramelization.

Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey Variations

Feel free to play around with this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs—let your creativity shine!

Cheese Swap: Replace goat cheese with blue cheese for a stronger, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet apples.
Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil instead of thyme. Their unique flavors will lift the dish to new heights!
Nut Alternative: If pistachios aren’t your preference, try using crunchy walnuts or sweet almonds for a different nutty texture.
Balsamic Kick: Drizzle a rich balsamic reduction over the assembled apples for a tangy contrast to the honey sweetness.
Heat It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples and honey.
Vegan Version: Use avocado oil and substitute prosciutto with marinated tofu or tempeh for a delightful plant-based alternative.
Fruit Variations: Try grilling other fruits like pears or peaches for a unique sweet twist that still offers that amazing grilled flavor.
Maple Sweetness: Swap out the honey for pure maple syrup to give a warm, earthy sweetness that enhances the autumn vibe of the dish.

For those moments when you’re craving a sophisticated bite, these variations allow you to customize your grilled apples just the way you like! You might even find inspiration to create another crowd-pleaser, like Caramelised Soy Chicken or a sweet treat like Salted Honey Pie. Enjoy the process of tweaking your recipe and savoring each delightful bite!

Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey Recipe FAQs

What kind of apples should I use for grilling?
Absolutely! Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this recipe due to their sweetness and firm texture. If you can’t find them, Fuji apples can work beautifully too. Just avoid using mealy apples, as they won’t hold up well under grilling.

How should I store leftover grilled apples?
After enjoying this delicious dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat them on a grill or in a skillet over low heat to maintain their delightful texture and flavor. They’ll taste almost as good as when they were freshly made!

Can I freeze grilled apples with prosciutto and honey?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish. The texture of grilled apples doesn’t hold up well after thawing, and they may become mushy. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!

What can I do if my apples get too soft on the grill?
Don’t fret! If your apple slices soften more than desired while grilling, simply take them off the heat as soon as you notice. Aim for a tender texture, but they should still retain some firmness to avoid being mushy. If they do become too soft, try layering them with more prosciutto and goat cheese to mask any textural issues.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! This recipe contains dairy from the goat cheese and prosciutto, which may not suit those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. If you’re looking for alternatives, feta cheese can be a good swap for a similar taste, and those avoiding pork can substitute prosciutto with turkey bacon or a vegetarian meat alternative.

How can I choose the freshest ingredients?
When selecting apples, look for firm, shiny ones with no dark spots all over—this indicates freshness. Smell the apples; they should have a sweet aroma. For prosciutto, opt for slices that look vibrant and slightly translucent without excessive fat. Fresh thyme should smell aromatic and have bright green leaves!