Description
A delightful warm goat cheese appetizer featuring creamy goat and cream cheese base topped with sweet fig jam, tangy balsamic vinegar, aromatic toasted pecans, and fresh herbs. Perfect for serving with crostini, crackers, or crudités at gatherings or elegant starters.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
Topping
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme and rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the appetizer evenly and thoroughly.
- Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and cream cheese thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
- Add Fig Jam: Spoon the fig jam over the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the surface for a sweet topping.
- Drizzle Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top of the fig jam, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fig jam is bubbling and hot, signaling the appetizer is warmed through.
- Toast Nuts: While baking, toast the chopped pecans (or your choice of nuts) in a dry pan on the stovetop over medium heat until they become aromatic and slightly golden, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cheese appetizer from the oven, sprinkle with the freshly chopped thyme and rosemary, and toasted nuts. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving with crostini, crackers, or crudités for dipping.
Notes
- For nut variation, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios can be used instead of pecans.
- Ensure the cheeses are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on oven variations to avoid overbaking.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Can be made ahead by preparing the cheese mixture and topping separately; assemble and bake just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
