Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dish that seamlessly blends the natural sweetness of ripe plums with the bold, creamy punch of blue cheese! This unexpected culinary masterpiece transforms ordinary fruit into an extraordinary experience that will leave your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping appetizer or an elegant dessert, these baked plums are about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that bridges the gap between sweet and savory in the most delicious way possible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe plums, halved and pitted
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the plums thoroughly under cool running water. Carefully slice each plum in half and remove the pit using a small spoon or knife, creating a slight hollow in the center of each plum half.
- Place the plum halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush each plum half with olive oil, ensuring even coverage to help them caramelize during baking.
- Season the plum halves with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and balance the flavors.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese generously into the center of each plum half, filling the hollow created by removing the pit.
- Chop the walnuts into small, uniform pieces and sprinkle them over the blue cheese-filled plums, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle honey evenly over the plums, allowing it to cascade over the blue cheese and walnuts, creating a glossy and sweet finish.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the plums are soft and slightly caramelized, and the blue cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the plums cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent burning.
- Transfer the baked plums to a serving plate, garnish with additional chopped walnuts if desired, and serve warm as an appetizer or light dessert.
Tips
- Choose perfectly ripe plums that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy - they'll caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Use high-quality blue cheese for the most intense flavor; a creamy Roquefort or Gorgonzola works wonderfully.
- Toast the walnuts briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- For a more complex flavor, try adding a tiny pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary alongside the salt and pepper.
- Watch the plums carefully during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning - you want a golden caramelization, not charred fruit.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty for the best texture and flavor experience.
- If you're watching calories, you can use a lighter blue cheese or reduce the amount of honey and olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
