Goat Cheese Fig Jam Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

Experience the luscious blend of creamy goat cheese paired with sweet fig jam and crunchy walnuts in this simple yet elegant appetizer. Perfect for lunch or entertaining guests, it’s delightfully served with crispy baguette slices or crackers.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup fig jam
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 baguette or crackers, for serving
• Optional: fresh figs and additional thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to toast the baguette slices.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with the toasted walnuts and chopped thyme leaves. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: On a serving platter, spread the fig jam evenly in the center.
4. Step 4: Scoop the goat cheese mixture and either roll into small balls or leave as a spreadable mound. Place it directly on top of the fig jam on the platter.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the olive oil generously over the goat cheese and fig jam combination.
6. Step 6: If using a baguette, slice it into 1/2-inch rounds. Lightly brush with olive oil if desired, then bake on a baking sheet for 5–7 minutes until crisp and golden.
7. Step 7: Serve the appetizer at room temperature with the toasted baguette slices or crackers. Garnish with fresh figs and thyme sprigs for an elegant touch if you like.
8. Step 8: Enjoy spreading the flavorful goat cheese and fig jam mixture onto the bread for a delightful bite!

Tips & Variations

• Prepare the goat cheese mixture and fig jam separately ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep flavors fresh.
• Try substituting walnuts with pistachios or pecans for a different texture and taste.
• Pair this appetizer with a light white wine or a sparkling beverage to enhance the flavors.

Storage

Store the goat cheese mixture and fig jam separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toast the baguette slices fresh before serving for best texture. To reheat baguette slices, warm them in the oven for a few minutes until crisp again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this appetizer vegan?

You can try a vegan cream cheese substitute in place of goat cheese, but the flavor and texture will differ from the original recipe.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Serve the goat cheese and fig jam mixture alongside toasted baguette slices or crackers, allowing guests to spread it themselves. Toasting the bread just before serving also helps keep it crisp.

Goat Cheese Fig Jam Appetizer Recipe

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Delight in a simple yet elegant appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese combined with toasted walnuts and fresh thyme, layered over sweet fig jam. Served with crispy toasted baguette slices or crackers, this dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures ideal for lunch or entertaining guests.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 7 mins
• Total Time: 22 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jam and Garnish

• 1/2 cup fig jam
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for brushing baguette slices
• Optional: fresh figs and additional thyme sprigs for garnish

Serving

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, or crackers

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: If toasting baguette slices, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for crisping the bread.
2. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with the toasted, chopped walnuts and chopped fresh thyme leaves. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
3. Arrange Fig Jam: Spread the fig jam evenly in the center of a serving platter to create a sweet base layer for the cheese mixture.
4. Form and Place Cheese: Scoop the goat cheese mixture and either form it into small balls or leave it as a spreadable mound, then place it directly atop the fig jam on the platter.
5. Drizzle Olive Oil: Generously drizzle olive oil over the combined goat cheese and fig jam to add richness and a glossy finish.
6. Toast Baguette Slices: Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds, optionally brush lightly with olive oil, then arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the slices are crisp and golden brown.
7. Serve: Present the appetizer at room temperature with toasted baguette slices or crackers on the side. Optionally garnish with fresh figs and additional thyme sprigs for a refined presentation.
8. Enjoy: Encourage guests to spread the goat cheese and fig jam mixture onto the bread for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Notes

• This appetizer can be prepared ahead of time by storing the goat cheese mixture and fig jam separately until ready to assemble and serve.
• Pair with a light white wine or sparkling beverage to enhance the overall tasting experience.
• Experiment with different nuts like pistachios or pecans instead of walnuts for variety and unique flavor twists.

Keywords: goat cheese appetizer, fig jam appetizer, walnut cheese spread, easy lunch recipes, elegant finger foods