Description
This Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam and Pecans is a delightful and elegant starter featuring a creamy blend of goat and cream cheese topped with sweet and tangy fig jam, balsamic vinegar, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection, it’s perfect for entertaining or a special snack served with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 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: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the appetizer.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth and fully combined. Spread this cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
- Add fig jam: Spoon the fig jam evenly over the surface of the goat cheese layer, ensuring full coverage for balanced flavor.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar: Pour the balsamic vinegar evenly over the fig jam for a tangy accent that enhances the sweetness.
- Bake the appetizer: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the fig jam is bubbling and heated through.
- Toast the nuts: While the dish is baking, toast the chopped pecans (or your choice of nuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become aromatic and slightly golden, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the appetizer from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped thyme and rosemary, followed by the toasted pecans. Allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Pair with crostini, crackers, or fresh crudités for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios based on your preference or availability.
- For a more intense herbal flavor, you can increase the amount of fresh thyme and rosemary.
- This appetizer is best served warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
- To soften the cheeses quickly, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Try using different fruit jams like apricot or raspberry if fig jam is not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 1/3 cup)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
