This Goat Cheese Appetizer with fig jam is an easy, elegant snack that always hits the mark. Creamy goat cheese is spread onto a plate and topped with a warm fig jam and tangy balsamic mixture for the ultimate sweet and savory combo. A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a light and fresh finish that makes it feel extra special.
Served with crostini on the side for spreading, this is quick to put together and perfect for holiday parties, casual wine nights, or anytime you need a no-fuss appetizer that still feels a little fancy.
If you are looking for more appetizer recipes, check out our: Burrata and Prosciutto Appetizer, Ahi Tuna Tartare or Beet Carpaccio.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick: This appetizer comes together in about 15 minutes. Just spread the tangy goat cheese, warm the fig and balsamic topping, and serve with crusty bread for dipping or spreading. It's fast, easy, and still feels impressive.
- Simple: With just a few ingredients and no special tools required, this is the kind of recipe you can pull off even at the last minute. It's elegant without being fussy.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Served with crostini on the side, this appetizer is great for sharing and always disappears quickly. It looks beautiful on a platter and works for everything from holiday season gatherings to wine night with friends.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy appetizer:
- Goat cheese: I recommend sticking with plain goat cheese for this recipe, but if you've got an herbed version on hand, that'll work just fine too.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Fig jam: You can use any brand of fig jam or fig preserves.
- White balsamic vinegar
- Pistachios
- Honey
- Thyme: Use fresh thyme leaves for the best flavor. You can also use other fresh herbs like rosemary or fresh basil.
- Crostini
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Let's make this impressive appetizer together!
- Step 1: Spread the goat cheese onto a serving plate or shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fig jam and white balsamic vinegar. Stir and heat until smooth and warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Spoon the warm fig mixture over the goat cheese.
- Step 4: Top with chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Serve with crostini and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this delicious appetizer.
- Fig jam: Try apricot, raspberry, cherry, or even a pepper jelly for a little heat.
- White balsamic vinegar: If you don't have white balsamic vinegar, use regular balsamic or apple cider vinegar. Just note that regular balsamic will make the topping darker and slightly tangier.
- Pistachios: Pistachios add a nice crunch, but chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds work just as well.
Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this easy snack. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Serving Plate: Choose a small ceramic or marble platter that gives your appetizer a polished, elegant presentation. It doesn't have to be fancy-just something that makes the goat cheese feel like a centerpiece.
- A Good Cheese Knife: A small cheese knife makes serving easier and is beautiful! If you don't have one, a butter knife works in a pinch, but a cheese knife makes things feel just a bit more special.
- High-Quality Fig Jam: Don't skip this! A good fig jam adds richness and depth. Look for one with minimal ingredients and no added fillers. It should taste like concentrated sunshine. If you can find a locally made version, even better.
Storage
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this appetizer.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: This recipe isn't ideal for freezing, as the texture of goat cheese and jam can change once thawed.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the fig and balsamic mixture in a small saucepan or microwave before spooning over the goat cheese again.
Top Tip
Here are some expert tips to make this simple appetizer:
- Let the goat cheese soften: Take the goat cheese out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before assembling so it spreads more easily and evenly.
- Use a shallow dish or plate: Spreading the goat cheese on a flat or slightly shallow plate gives more surface area for the toppings to shine and makes scooping with crostini easier.
- Serve at room temperature: This appetizer tastes best when the goat cheese is soft and the topping is still slightly warm or at room temp. If prepping ahead, assemble the base and reheat the topping right before serving.
FAQ
Yes! You can spread the goat cheese on the serving dish and keep it covered in the fridge for a day or two. Wait to warm the fig jam mixture and add the toppings until just before serving so everything stays fresh and vibrant. This makes it a great option for dinner parties when you want something you can prep early and serve without stress.
This appetizer is best served with the goat cheese at room temperature and the fig topping slightly warm. That contrast in temperature makes it easier to spread and enhances the flavor and texture.
Plain goat cheese works best for this recipe because it lets the sweetness of the jam and tang of the balsamic shine. If you prefer a little extra flavor, herbed goat cheese is a good option too.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe:
The Best Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup fig jam
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
- Honey for serving
- Fresh thyme for serving
- Crostini for serving
Instructions
- Assemble the base: Spread the goat cheese on a serving plate or shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Warm the topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fig jam and white balsamic vinegar. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring until smooth and warmed through.
- Finish and serve: Spoon the warm fig mixture over the goat cheese. Top with chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Serve with crostini.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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