Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe

Introduction

This Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans is a warm, creamy delight perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. Combining tangy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and crunchy toasted pecans, it offers a wonderful balance of flavors that guests will love. It’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces goat cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup fig jam
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme and rosemary

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until well combined and smooth.
3. Step 3: Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
4. Step 4: Spoon the fig jam over the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top of the fig jam.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fig jam is bubbling and the cheese is hot but not overly browned.
7. Step 7: While the spread bakes, toast the chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
8. Step 8: Remove the dish from the oven, then sprinkle the toasted pecans and chopped fresh herbs over the top.
9. Step 9: Allow the spread to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with crostini, crackers, or sliced baguette.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature cheeses to make spreading easier and ensure even baking.
• Substitute fig jam with raspberry jam or orange preserves if fig jam is not available.
• Try different nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios according to your preference.
• Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add brightness, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
• For a milder cheese flavor, replace goat cheese with all cream cheese or add some feta.
• Serve with a variety of dippers such as crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables for variety.

Storage

Store any leftover spread covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm before serving. This spread is best enjoyed warm, so avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than one hour.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute another cheese for goat cheese?

Yes, you can replace goat cheese with all cream cheese for a milder flavor, or mix in some feta. Brie or blue cheese are also good alternatives depending on your taste preference.

Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the spread in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake just before serving to enjoy it warm and bubbly.

Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

A warm and creamy goat cheese appetizer spread featuring the rich flavors of fig jam, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and toasted pecans, finished with fresh herbs. Perfect for holiday gatherings and parties, this easy-to-make baked dip combines smooth goat and cream cheeses and is served with crostini, crackers, or crudites for an irresistible festive bite.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 15-20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses

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

Flavorings and Toppings

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the goat cheese spread.
2. Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until well combined, creating a smooth and creamy base for the spread.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even baking.
4. Add Fig Jam: Spoon the fig jam over the goat cheese mixture and spread it evenly across the top to introduce a sweet contrast.
5. Drizzle Balsamic: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar gently over the fig jam, adding a tangy depth of flavor.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the fig jam is bubbling and heated through but not overly browned.
7. Toast Nuts: While the spread bakes, toast the chopped pecans (or your chosen nuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, taking care not to burn them.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the spread from the oven and immediately sprinkle the toasted nuts and chopped fresh thyme and rosemary over the top. Allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes to enhance spreadability.
9. Serve: Serve warm with an assortment of crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• Use high-quality goat cheese, fig jam, and balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
• Allow the cheeses to come to room temperature before mixing for easier spreading.
• Watch the baking time carefully to prevent overcooking or burning.
• Toast nuts to enhance flavor and add a crunchy texture to the dip.
• Fresh herbs add a bright, elegant finish – dried herbs can be used if fresh are unavailable.
• You can prepare this spread ahead of time and bake just before serving.
• If fig jam is unavailable, raspberry jam or orange preserves are good substitutes.
• For a dairy-free version, the recipe would need to be adapted to vegan cheeses and spreads.
• It can be reheated gently in a microwave but fresh baking is recommended for best texture.

Keywords: goat cheese appetizer, fig jam dip, baked cheese spread, holiday appetizer, creamy goat cheese dip, easy party appetizer