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Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 122 reviews

This Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans is a delightful warm appetizer combining creamy goat and cream cheese layered with sweet fig jam and a tangy balsamic drizzle. Toasted pecans and fresh herbs add a crunchy, aromatic finish. Perfect for entertaining, it pairs wonderfully with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

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

Layers and 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the spread.
  2. Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy base for the spread.
  3. Layer Cheese Mixture: Spread the combined cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish, forming a uniform layer.
  4. Add Fig Jam: Spoon the fig jam over the cheese mixture and use a spatula to spread it evenly for balanced sweetness in every bite.
  5. Drizzle Balsamic Vinegar: Pour the balsamic vinegar evenly over the fig jam layer to add 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 the spread is heated through.
  7. Toast Nuts: While the spread is baking, toast the chopped pecans (or your preferred nuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
  8. Garnish and Cool: Remove the spread from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the toasted nuts and chopped fresh thyme and rosemary. Let it cool for a few minutes to set slightly before serving.
  9. Serve: Serve the warm appetizer spread with crostini, crackers, or vegetable crudités for dipping and spreading.

Notes

  • Ensure cheeses are fully softened for easier mixing and a smoother spread texture.
  • Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning; stir frequently and watch for a fragrant aroma.
  • This spread is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and garnish with extra herbs.
  • Substitute fig jam with other fruit preserves like apricot or cherry for different flavor twists.

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

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