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Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe

Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 9 reviews

This Goat Cheese Appetizer is a warm, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for entertaining. Combining soft goat cheese and cream cheese with sweet fig jam and tangy balsamic vinegar, then topped with toasted nuts and fresh herbs, it creates a rich and inviting spread that pairs wonderfully with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

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

Toppings

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the appetizer.
  2. Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and cream cheese thoroughly until smooth and uniform. This will provide the creamy base for the appetizer.
  3. Spread Cheese: Evenly spread the cheese mixture in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish, ensuring a flat and consistent layer.
  4. Add Fig Jam: Spoon the fig jam over the cheese layer and spread it evenly to create a sweet contrast to the tangy cheese.
  5. Drizzle Vinegar: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar evenly over the fig jam to add a sharp, acidic note that enhances the flavors.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the fig jam is bubbling and the cheese mixture is warm.
  7. Toast Nuts: While baking, toast the chopped pecans (or your choice of nuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat until aromatic and lightly browned to bring out their flavor.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the toasted nuts and fresh chopped thyme and rosemary over the top. Allow to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving with crostini, crackers, or fresh crudités.

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, omit nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
  • Ensure the cheeses are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can alter the taste and texture.
  • Serve warm with a variety of accompaniments such as sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/goat-cheese-appetizer-recipe/