Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans
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
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.
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
A Sparkling New Years Eve Party Menu
Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess
Made exactly as described. it was eaten before all my guests arrived it was that good!
Oh wow, what a review! So glad you enjoyed the recipe – it’s one of my absolute favourites!
What nuts can be substituted? Walnuts, Hazelnuts? Thanks,
You bet! I like walnuts or almonds as a substitute for pecans.
Took this to a family get together and it was a hit. Even those who claimed they did not really like figs loved it. Super easy to make.
I love to hear this Mary! It’s such a crowd-pleaser isn’t it!
Very good and very easy. Even people who said they didn’t like goat cheese, liked it! The fig jam makes all the difference…a combination of sweet and tart.
This is so wonderful to hear Pamela! So glad everyone enjoyed the recipe – one of my all-time favourite recipes too!
Yet another positive review. Everyone at the dinner party loved this. I made it exactly as described in the recipe. The fresh thyme was a surprisingly nice addition. I also kept the goats cheese out of the fridge for a few hours so it was very soft and spreadable. Made the fig jam ahead of time and just lightly reheated it in the microwave. Will definitely make again!
Thank you Scott! I’m so happy to hear you and your dinner party guests enjoyed the recipe! One of my favs to serve at a dinner party too 🙂
Want to make this but don’t like goat cheese. May try it with cream cheese.
Softened cream cheese is absolutely delicious with this recipe! Let me know if you try it 🙂
Jess,
I made this appetizer tonight for a dinner party, and my guests devoured it! I got so many compliments!! Thank you for this delicious recipe!!
Yayyyy! You’re so welcome! So happy to hear everyone loved it 🙂
This dip looks delicious. What size plate is best for this recipe? Thanks.
Thank you! Generally I’ve used a medium-sized plate, about 8-10 inches wide. I hope that helps!
I made this last night for a dinner with friends. Easy and quick to put together. Everyone loved it! I will add it to my list of favorites. Thanks for a great recipe!
This is so wonderful to hear! I’m so glad you all loved this recipe and will be making it again 🙂
Just wondering what the best crackers are to serve with this if you do not want to serve with crostini.
Great question! I like to use a more plain
Great question! I like to use more of a plain, sturdy cracker, something that has a bit of salt on it pairs lovely with the appetizer. I hope that helps!