Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans Recipe
This Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans is a delightful and elegant starter that combines creamy goat cheese with the sweet richness of fig jam, crunchy pecans, and aromatic thyme. Perfect for entertaining or a simple gourmet snack, it pairs beautifully with crostini or crackers.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake, stovetop warming
- Cuisine: American, Contemporary
- Diet: Vegetarian
Goat Cheese Base
- 300 g softened goat cheese (about 0.66 lb, 10 oz or 1 1/4 – 1 1/3 cups goat cheese)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Fig Jam Topping
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2–3 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed
- Pinch of sea salt
For Serving
- Prepare the goat cheese base: Spread the softened goat cheese evenly on a low bowl or plate and drizzle with olive oil to enhance the creaminess.
- Warm the fig jam mixture: In a small pot over medium heat, combine honey, fig jam, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk continuously and heat for about 5 minutes until the mixture is well blended and slightly thickened.
- Cool the mixture: Remove the pot from heat and let the fig jam mixture cool for about 5 minutes to avoid melting the goat cheese when applied.
- Assemble the appetizer: Drizzle or gently spread the slightly cooled fig jam mixture over the goat cheese layer evenly.
- Add garnish: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and chopped pecans over the top to add flavor and texture.
- Season and serve: Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and serve immediately with crostini or crackers for a delicious bite-sized appetizer.
Notes
- Use high-quality, softened goat cheese for best texture and flavor.
- The fig jam mixture can be prepared ahead and kept at room temperature before assembly.
- Fresh thyme leaves bring an aromatic freshness—do not substitute dried thyme.
- Serve immediately after assembly for the best texture contrast between creamy cheese and crunchy pecans.
- Pair with your favorite white wine or sparkling wine for a perfect appetizer experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: goat cheese appetizer, fig jam appetizer, easy appetizer, pecans, thyme, party snack, crostini topping