Name: Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces goat cheese (softened to room temperature); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature); 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

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Introduction

This Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans is a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors. It’s easy to prepare and makes a beautiful appetizer for any gathering. Serve it warm with crackers or fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing treat.

A round white bowl filled with three clear layers is placed on a gray cloth over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is creamy white soft cheese spread smoothly, the middle layer is a glistening amber-colored sauce with a sticky texture, and the top layer holds shiny brown caramelized pecan nuts scattered generously and garnished with small green thyme leaves. A tarnished silver spoon is stuck into the bowl from the left side. Around the bowl, there are slices of toasted white baguette with golden-brown crusts on a dark wooden board in the background and a few scattered on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, stir together the goat cheese and cream cheese until fully combined. Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
Step 3: Spoon the fig jam over the goat cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Step 4: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top of the fig jam.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the fig jam is bubbling and hot.
Step 6: While the spread bakes, toast the chopped pecans (or your choice of nuts) in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the spread from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the fresh chopped herbs and toasted nuts.
Step 8: Let the spread cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with crostini, crackers, or fresh crudités.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing the cheeses for a subtle kick.
Swap out fig jam for apricot or raspberry jam for a different fruity twist.
Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano if you don’t have thyme and rosemary on hand.
For a vegan alternative, try using plant-based cream cheese and goat cheese substitutes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving to restore the gooey texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a slice of bread topped with four glossy, brown pecans, white creamy cheese with a slightly crumbly texture, small green herb leaves, and a shiny layer of golden honey spread on top. The background shows a white bowl filled with the same mixture and several slices of bread on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth underneath. There are blurred green herb sprigs in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this spread ahead of time?

You can assemble the spread up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with this goat cheese spread?

This spread pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, or raw vegetables like carrots and celery for dipping.