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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing an oven-safe baking dish for the creamy cheese mixture.
- Blend goat cheese and cream cheese thoroughly in a mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
- Transfer the cheese blend into the baking dish, creating an even base layer across the bottom.
- Carefully distribute fig jam over the cheese surface, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Delicately drizzle balsamic vinegar across the jam layer to enhance flavor complexity.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until jam becomes bubbly and heated through.
- While baking, gently toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, releasing their rich, nutty aroma.
- Extract the baked spread from the oven and immediately garnish with fragrant toasted pecans and fresh herbs.
- Allow the spread to rest for a few minutes, mellowing the intense heat and melding flavors.
- 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