Description

This Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam and Pecans is a delightful and elegant starter that’s perfect for entertaining. Creamy goat cheese blended with smooth cream cheese forms a luscious base, topped with sweet fig jam and a tangy drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Toasted pecans and fresh herbs add a wonderful crunch and aromatic finish. Serve warm with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

8 ounces goat cheese, softened to room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

Toppings

1/2 cup fig jam
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme and rosemary

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the appetizer.
Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until fully combined and smooth.
Spread Cheese Base: Evenly spread the cheese mixture in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
Add Fig Jam: Spoon the fig jam over the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly across the top.
Drizzle Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar evenly over the fig jam layer to add tangy depth.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the fig jam is bubbling hot and warmed through.
Toast Nuts: While the cheese mixture bakes, toast the chopped pecans (or your preferred nuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Garnish and Cool: Remove the baked cheese from the oven, sprinkle the toasted nuts and chopped fresh thyme and rosemary over the top, and allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve: Serve warm with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables such as crudités for dipping and spreading.

Notes

Softening the cheeses to room temperature makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth texture.
You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios based on your preference.
Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the dish.
This appetizer is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Use a good quality fig jam and balsamic vinegar for best flavor results.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: goat cheese appetizer, fig jam, baked cheese dip, toasted pecans, easy party appetizer, cheese spread