Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans
Dazzle Your Holiday Guests with this Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread! It’s made with warm and creamy goat cheese topped with fig jam, balsamic vinegar, herbs and chopped pecans for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
This appetizer checks all the boxes for a stress-free gathering! The creamy goat cheese pairs so well with the sweet fig jam and the balsamic vinegar drizzle just takes it to a whole new level!
Is it a spread? Is it a dip? Both! It’s a warm and creamy spread but easy to serve as a dip also. I suggest serving with a spreader for guests to use, however.
Why this Goat Cheese Spread Appetizer is a Show-Stopper
- VERSATILE – Serve this goat cheese and fig jam appetizer spread with your choice of dippers – whether it’s crispy crostini, sturdy crackers, or even fresh veggies for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!
- EFFORTLESSLY ELEGANT – This goat cheese appetizer comes together in just 5 minutes plus a few minutes baked in the oven.
- DELICIOUS – The aroma of bubbling goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and toasty pecans will wow your guests! It’s an absolutely delicious combination!
Ingredients You’ll Need
GOAT CHEESE: I suggest an original goat cheese rather than flavored since you’ll be adding lots of flavor from fig jam, balsamic, etc. I suggest about 8 ounces of goat cheese. I often buy two of the smaller log-size goat cheeses.
CREAM CHEESE: I love to blend together the goat cheese with about 4 ounces of cream cheese to make it creamier and even easier to spread.
FIG JAM: Use any variety you can find, and if you cannot find fig jam, you can substitute a nice raspberry jam or even orange preserves!
BALSAMIC VINEGAR: Just a drizzle is needed. You can also use balsamic glaze if that’s what you have on hand, this appetizer is not a fussy one!
CHOPPED NUTS: I suggest pecans, but if you love walnuts, almonds or pistachios, go for it! Make it your own!
HERBS: I love a touch of green on a dip, especially during the holidays. Plus, that extra boost of flavor is always welcome! I love a blend of fresh thyme and rosemary, diced or finely chopped.
–>> Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
So, get ready to be the holiday host with the most. Whip up this Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread, and watch as your guests savor every festive bite!
Tips for Making this Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Appetizer
Quality Ingredients Matter: Choose high-quality goat cheese, fig jam, and balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. Fresh, premium ingredients will elevate the overall taste of your appetizer.
Room Temperature Cheese: Allow the goat cheese and cream cheese to come to room temperature before stirring together. This will make it easier to spread them into the bottom of your baking dish.
Timing is Key: Keep a close eye on the baking time. You want the goat cheese to be bubbly and slightly golden but not overcooked. Check it periodically to avoid any burning or excessive browning.
Toast Pecans Just Right: Toast the pecans until they become fragrant, being careful not to burn them. This extra step enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the finished dish.
Fresh Herbs for a Burst of Flavor: Opt for fresh herbs when possible (but dried can be used in a pinch). A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme adds a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Serve with Complementary Dippers: Choose dippers that complement the flavors of the spread. Crostini, crackers, and sliced baguette work well, but feel free to get creative with your choices.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare this goat cheese appetizer ahead of time and bake just before serving. Just keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
More Party Appetizers to Try
- Pear, Prosciutto and Blue Cheese Appetizer
- Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- Garlic and Herb Cheese Appetizer
- Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam and Pecans
Ingredients
- 8 ounces goat cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans ((or walnuts, almonds or pistachios))
- 2 tbsp chopped thyme and rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F
- In a mixing bowl, stir together goat cheese and cream cheese until combined. Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
- Spoon the fig jam over the goat cheese, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top of the fig jam.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the fig jam is bubbling and hot.
- While the spread bakes, toast the chopped pecans (or walnuts if you prefer) in a dry pan until aromatic.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh, chopped herbs and toasted pecans.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with an assortment of crostini, crackers, crudites, etc.
This is a great and easy recipe. I normally cook the recipe as written the first time and then make adjustments. This one was different. I couldn’t find Fig Jam so instead Trader Joe’s had Cranberry/Orange spread. IF WAS FABULOUS!
Cindi, I’m SO glad you loved it and the cranberry/orange sounds absolutely amazing!
What size baking dish do you use? Looking forward to trying this, thanks!
Mine was an 8×5, but truly any small casserole or oven-safe baking dish will work. It can be spread thinner for a larger dish or thicker if you use a smaller dish.
Hey Courtney, this is absolutely delish! I’ve made it two years in row. Random question… where did you get the serving dish you used? Love the sturdy handles.
Hi Ally!! It was a Homegoods find. I know that isn’t much help, but I feel like I often see similar styles over in their baking dishes section.
I am not a big fan of goat cheese. Do you know of any other cheese that could be substituted?
Hi Kim! My recommendation would be to substitue the goat cheese for all cream cheese, but you could add it some feta if you like it!
Could you leave out the cream cheese?
Allison, You could yes, it might be slightly less creamy/spreadable but it would work fine, just increase the amount of goat cheese.
Just checking if you sprinkle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze?
Hi Christine! I use Balsamic Vinegar, however, Balsamic glaze would also work with this recipe.
I really don’t like goat cheese, can Brie be used?
Hi Linda! You could certainly use brie, I’d cut into small pieces and place it around the baking dish (or you could alternatively leave it in a round and use the same toppings).
How long does this stay tasty after it comes out of the oven? I would be including it on a buffet appetizer table, so it would be at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Hi Pat, I think I would probably only want it to be room temperature about 1 hour. It might not last 2 hours since it’s so delicious!
This was absolutely delicious exactly as written! I used toasted walnuts….thanks for a great recipe!
Can blue cheese be substituted?
Yes, definitely!
All I have is balsamic vinaigrette – will that work?
Yes!
I make this all the time…used orange fig preserves and i never cook it. Make ahead and let it sit out 10 minutes or so to soften the cheeses. My family will eat it right out of the frig….fabulous
I fixed this (halved for 3 of us) for an “appetizer dinner.” Oh my gosh, it was absolutely delicious!!! The cream cheese gave it a smoothness and the balsamic vinegar added a zing.
I’m planning to make this to take to a Thanksgiving dinner. I need to know if the 2tbs of rosemary & thyme listed means 2tbs of each or 1tbs of each equaling 2tbs?
Thanks
Hi! I can see how that is confusing. It’s 2 tablespoons total of chopped herbs. You can use any combination of 2 tbs you like. 🙂
Easy to make and it was delicious.
Can the appetizer be heated in the microwave instead of the oven?
I haven’t done it personally but I think it would work fine!
Made this yesterday was a big hit with my family and friends .
Would definitely make it again. I did leave out the thyme and rosemary just in case didn’t like. I did put a sprig of each for decorating. Thank you Joanne
This dip is absolutely delicious! My husband was skeptical of the ingredients, but we absolutely loved it! I left out the nuts and herbs because I served it alongside rosemary cashews, and it was still amazing.
Made this and it was a great appetizer! It went over so perfectly that I am making it again for a gift treat for another friend. I will say I am not a goat cheese lover so I added a little more cream cheese and addition of the thyme and rosemary were delish in it.
It was a favorite at a cocktail party . I have made it many times to rave reviews
Used fig pepper jelly and it was delicious!
Easiest app to make and absolutely delicious. I used a pepper fig preserve which added just a little heat.
I’m SO glad you loved it!
Made as directed the first time except for balsamic glaze instead of balsamic vinegar.
Thought it was good.
Making again tonight.
Not sure why you need the extra step of toasting pecans when they will brown in the oven.