Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

Name: Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 300 g softened goat cheese ((about 0.66lb, 10oz or 1 1/4 – 1 1/3 cups goat cheese)); 1/2 cup fig jam; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 2-3 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed; 1 tbsp olive oil; crostini or crackers for serving

Published: November 9, 2022 | Updated: August 27, 2025 | By Jess | 83 Comments

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If you’re looking for a simple holiday appetizer then look no further than this easy goat cheese dip with fig jam and pecans!

This warmed goat cheese appetizer takes just 5 minutes to prepare and you can make it ahead of time.

Perfect for entertaining!

I love using creamy goat cheese all year round, like in this blueberry goat cheese crostini! So I knew I had to make a quick and easy version for the holidays.

To me, this goat cheese dip is perfect for when you’re entertaining and have guests over. It is ready in under 10 minutes and while it looks fancy, I promise it is so easy to make! How about pairing it with this apple cider bourbon cocktail?!

Why you’ll love this goat cheese appetizer:

You only need 7 ingredients to make this!
It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and then another 5 minutes to warm up the fig jam topping.
You can prepare this ahead of time so it’s a quick party food!
It pairs beautifully with crostini or crackers!

Ingredients Needed

Goat Cheese & Fresh Thyme: Goat cheese and thyme is one of my favorite flavor combinations, but you could swap it out for rosemary if you prefer.

Honey: If you don’t have honey in your pantry then you can substitute it for maple syrup.

Fig Jam: Not a fan of fig jam or don’t have any on hand? In a pinch you can swap it out for apricot jam, cranberry sauce or my pear-cranberry chia jam!

Pecans: Feel free to swap out pecans for chopped walnuts.

Balsamic Vinegar & Olive Oil: Gives a savoury note along with the balsamic vinegar.

Step by Step Process for this goat cheese appetizer

Step 1: Spread the softened goat cheese in a shallow bowl or plate and drizzle with olive oil.
Step 2: In a small pan, whisk the honey, fig jam and balsamic vinegar over medium heat. Heat for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Drizzle or spread this fig jam topping over the goat cheese.
Step 5: Sprinkle over your chopped pecans and thyme sprigs.
Step 6: Add a pinch of sea salt and serve with crostini or crackers. Enjoy!

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

4.88 from 96 votes

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: goat cheese

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

Servings:

Author: Jess

A simple holiday appetizer, this easy goat cheese dip with fig jam and pecans is sure to please all your guests! Make it in under 10 minutes!

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Ingredients

300 g softened goat cheese (about 0.66lb, 10oz or 1 1/4 – 1 1/3 cups goat cheese)
1/2 cup fig jam
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2-3 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed
1 tbsp olive oil
crostini or crackers for serving

Instructions

To a low bowl or plate, spread goat cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
In a small pot warm honey, fig jam, balsamic over medium heat, whisking to combine. Heat for about 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
Drizzle or gently spread the fig jam mixture over the goat cheese.
Top with fresh thyme leaves (remove the leaves from the sprigs) and pecan pieces.
Add a pinch of sea salt and then serve with crackers or crostini.

Notes

Want to make your own crostini? Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.
Want to make this goat cheese appetizer ahead of time? Warm up the fig jam mixture on the stove and then let it cool completely. Once you're ready to serve, gently spread the fig jam mixture over the goat cheese. It won’t be warm but it will still be delicious.
Feel free to swap out pecans for chopped walnuts.

Tried this recipe?Mention @cookinginmygenes or tag #cookinginmygenes!

FAQ

How do I make this ahead of time?

Want to make this goat cheese appetizer ahead of time? Warm up the fig jam mixture on the stove and then let it cool completely. Once you’re ready to serve, gently spread the fig jam mixture over the goat cheese. It won’t be warm but it will still be delicious.

How can I make crostini?

Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.

What else can I serve with this goat cheese dip?

I love having this appetizer with crackers or crostini, but you can also serve it with crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery or just serve with bread!

Expert Tips to make this goat cheese appetizer

If you’re making crostini in the oven, keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! You want it golden and toasted.
I recommend using fresh herbs rather than dried herbs for this dip, it makes all the difference!
The best thing about goat cheese is how versatile it is, it goes with so many flavors! So feel free to swap out the herbs, nuts and jam depending on your tastes or what you have in the pantry.

Storage

Keep the goat cheese drizzled with the fig jam in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

More holiday appetizers to love from the blog

Blueberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer

Festive Market Cheeseboard

A Sparkling New Years Eve Party Menu

Decadent Hot Chocolate Board

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

« Apple Cider Bourbon Fizz

Snickerdoodle Blondies »

Comments

4.88 from 96 votes (64 ratings without comment)