Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe
This Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans is a delightful and elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining. Creamy goat cheese blended with smooth cream cheese forms a rich base, topped with sweet fig jam and tangy balsamic vinegar, then finished with fresh herbs and toasted pecans for crunch and flavor. Easy to prepare and baked to bubbly perfection, it pairs wonderfully with crostini, crackers, and fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the spread.
- Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until fully combined and smooth.
- Spread Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the combined cheese mixture into the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
- Add Fig Jam: Spoon the fig jam over the top of the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
- Drizzle Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar evenly over the layer of fig jam to add a tangy sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 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.
- Toast Nuts: While the spread bakes, toast the chopped pecans (or your chosen nuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat until aromatic and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the baked spread from the oven, sprinkle the top with the toasted nuts and fresh chopped thyme and rosemary. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving with crostini, crackers, or crudités.
Notes
- For nut variations, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios can be used instead of pecans.
- Allow the spread to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your guests.
- Serve with a variety of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Herb amounts can be adjusted depending on your taste preferences.
- Use softened cream cheese and goat cheese to facilitate easy mixing.
Keywords: goat cheese spread, fig jam appetizer, baked cheese dip, pecan cheese spread, party appetizer, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer
