Goat Cheese Fig Jam Appetizer Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: If toasting baguette slices, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for crisping the bread.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Generously drizzle olive oil over the combined goat cheese and fig jam to add richness and a glossy finish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/goat-cheese-fig-jam-appetizer-recipe/
