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Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe

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4.7 from 122 reviews

A delightful and elegant goat cheese appetizer featuring creamy goat and cream cheese topped with sweet fig jam, tangy balsamic vinegar, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs. This warm, bubbly spread is perfect for serving with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables, making it an irresistible starter for any gathering or party.

Ingredients

Cheese Mixture

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

Topping

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheese mixture topped with jam.
  2. Prepare Cheese Base: In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth and well combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
  3. Add Fig Jam: Spoon the fig jam over the goat cheese mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
  4. Drizzle Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the fig jam layer to add a tangy depth of flavor.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the fig jam is bubbling and hot.
  6. Toast Nuts: While baking, toast the chopped pecans (or your preferred nuts) in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cheese from the oven. Sprinkle the toasted nuts and chopped fresh thyme and rosemary evenly over the top. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with an assortment of crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables like crudités.

Notes

  • Choose your preferred nuts for toasting: pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all work well for this appetizer.
  • Soften the cheeses ahead of time to make mixing easier and achieve a smoother texture.
  • Serve warm for the best flavor experience, as the cheese will be creamy and the jam bubbly.
  • This appetizer pairs beautifully with white wine or sparkling beverages.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add an aromatic freshness; feel free to adjust the herbs to your taste.

Find it online: https://crispcharm.com/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-fig-jam-and-pecans-recipe/