The Best Goat Cheese Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe

Creamy goat cheese spread brings unexpected magic to your appetizer game.

Soft cheese mingles perfectly with sweet fig jam and crunchy pecans.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate with surprising harmony.

Elegant yet simple, this recipe requires minimal kitchen skills.

Small gatherings or solo snacking become delightful moments of culinary pleasure.

Crusty bread or crisp crackers make ideal companions for this indulgent spread.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible combination.

Easy Twists On Goat Cheese Spread With Fig Jam And Pecans

• Mediterranean Medley: Replace fig jam with olive tapenade and sprinkle crumbled feta instead of pecans for a savory Greek-inspired spread.
• Honey Lavender Remix: Swap fig jam with lavender-infused honey and top with sliced almonds for a floral and delicate appetizer.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Use pepper jelly instead of fig jam and garnish with roasted jalapeños and cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Apple Cinnamon Comfort: Substitute fig jam with homemade apple compote and add toasted walnuts for a warm, autumnal variation.

Best Pairings For Goat Cheese Spread With Fig Jam And Pecans

• Pair Creamy Goat Cheese Spread with Wines that Complement Its Rich Flavors
• – Select Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creaminess and matches the tangy goat cheese perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast.
• – Choose Elegant Rosé: Dry rosé wine balances the sweetness of fig jam and provides a light, summery backdrop to the warm cheese spread.
• Highlight Beverage Companions for Enhanced Enjoyment
• – Serve Sparkling Prosecco: Bubbling prosecco cleanses the palate between bites and adds a festive touch to the appetizer experience.

How To Store Goat Cheese Spread With Fig Jam And Pecans

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the spread covered tightly to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: Wrap the spread securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks, ensuring no air exposure.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F, place spread in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Reheat small portions on medium power for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.

Goat Cheese Spread With Fig Jam And Pecans Questions

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or feta for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• How do I know when the spread is properly baked?

The spread is ready when the fig jam starts bubbling and looks hot, typically after 10-15 minutes in the oven.

• Are there any alternatives to pecans for topping?

Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes if you don’t have pecans, providing a similar crunchy texture.

• Can I prepare this spread in advance?

You can mix the cheese and assemble the spread ahead of time, but it’s best baked and served warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Why Goat Cheese Spread With Fig Jam And Pecans Feels Fancy

• Unleash Gourmet Simplicity: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality appetizer with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Blend sweet fig jam, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans for a universally appealing flavor profile that delights guests.
• Quick Entertaining Hero: Prepare this sophisticated spread in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute party needs.
• Versatile Dipping Delight: Serve with multiple options like crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables, allowing guests to customize their snacking experience.

What Goes In Goat Cheese Spread With Fig Jam And Pecans

• Goat Cheese: Soft and tangy cheese that forms the creamy foundation of the spread.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth cheese that helps create a rich and velvety texture.

• Fig Jam: Sweet and fruity spread that adds a delightful layer of flavor to the cheese base.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the overall dish.

• Pecans: Toasted nuts that provide a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the spread.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish and enhances the overall presentation.

• Crostini, Crackers, Fresh Vegetables: Provide the perfect vehicle for enjoying the warm, creamy spread.

Steps To Make Goat Cheese Spread With Fig Jam And Pecans

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F to get ready for this delightful spread.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Cheeses

In a mixing bowl, combine goat cheese and cream cheese, stirring until they create a smooth, luxurious mixture.

Step 3: Create Cheese Base

Spread the velvety cheese blend evenly across the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish, creating a perfect canvas for the toppings.

Step 4: Layer With Sweet Fig Jam

Generously spoon fig jam over the cheese mixture, ensuring an even, mouth-watering coverage.

Step 5: Add Tangy Drizzle

Drizzle balsamic vinegar across the fig jam, adding a subtle zingy kick to the spread.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the jam becomes bubbly and heated through.

Step 7: Toast Nutty Crunch

While the spread bakes, toast chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat, releasing their rich, aromatic flavors.

Step 8: Finish With Herbal Garnish

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the toasted pecans and fresh herbs over the top, adding texture and freshness.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

• Crostini
• Crackers
• Fresh vegetables

Perfect for dipping and sharing with friends!

Tips To Improve Goat Cheese Spread With Fig Jam And Pecans

• Toast pecans carefully to prevent burning, watching them closely and stirring frequently for even golden color and maximum flavor.
• Select high-quality goat cheese with creamy texture for smooth spreading and rich taste profile.
• Experiment with different jam varieties like raspberry or apricot for unique flavor combinations that complement goat cheese.
• Balance balsamic vinegar drizzle by adding just enough to enhance without overwhelming the delicate cheese and fig jam flavors.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the warm, gooey texture and maintain optimal appetizer consistency.

Goat Cheese Spread with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe

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• Total Time: 20–25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy goat cheese spread dances with sweet fig jam and crunchy pecans, creating a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that sings with elegant simplicity. Guests will savor each delightful bite, discovering layers of rich flavor balanced between tangy cheese, fruity preserves, and nutty crunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) goat cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Toppings and Accompaniments:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fig jam
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing an oven-safe baking dish for the creamy cheese mixture.
2. Blend goat cheese and cream cheese thoroughly in a mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
3. Transfer the cheese blend into the baking dish, creating an even base layer across the bottom.
4. Carefully distribute fig jam over the cheese surface, ensuring consistent coverage.
5. Delicately drizzle balsamic vinegar across the jam layer to enhance flavor complexity.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until jam becomes bubbly and heated through.
7. While baking, gently toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, releasing their rich, nutty aroma.
8. Extract the baked spread from the oven and immediately garnish with fragrant toasted pecans and fresh herbs.
9. Allow the spread to rest for a few minutes, mellowing the intense heat and melding flavors.
10. Present the warm appetizer alongside crisp crostini, artisan crackers, or a colorful array of fresh vegetable dippers.

Notes

• Elevate the spread by using high-quality, creamy goat cheese for a richer, more luxurious flavor profile.
• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty essence without burning, watching the pan closely and stirring frequently.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or basil to customize the spread’s aromatic notes.
• Make it gluten-free by serving with gluten-free crackers or sliced vegetables for a diet-friendly appetizer option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg