Description
This easy goat cheese appetizer combines creamy goat cheese with a luscious fig jam glaze, topped with crunchy pecans and fresh thyme. Perfect for entertaining, it pairs delightfully with crostini or crackers, offering a sweet and savory bite that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Appetizer
- 300 g softened goat cheese (about 0.66 lb, 10 oz or 1 1/4 – 1 1/3 cups goat cheese)
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2-3 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Crostini or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Goat Cheese: Spread the softened goat cheese evenly on a low bowl or plate and drizzle with olive oil to enhance its creamy texture and flavor.
- Warm Fig Jam Mixture: In a small pot over medium heat, combine honey, fig jam, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk continuously and heat for about 5 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Cool Mixture: Remove the pot from heat and let the fig jam mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes to thicken further and prevent the goat cheese from melting.
- Assemble Toppings: Drizzle or gently spread the warm fig jam mixture over the goat cheese layer evenly to achieve a flavorful glaze.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and chopped pecan pieces over the fig jam topping for aromatic freshness and crunch.
- Season and Serve: Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance all flavors and serve immediately with crostini or crackers.
Notes
- To make your own crostini, preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices, brush with olive oil on one side, and bake in a single layer on a baking sheet for 5 minutes. Flip and bake another 5 minutes until toasted and crisp.
- This appetizer can be prepared ahead by warming the fig jam mixture on the stove, allowing it to cool completely, then spreading it over the goat cheese just before serving. It won’t be warm but still delicious.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with chopped walnuts for a different nutty texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
