Fig Jam + Goat Cheese Appetizer

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6–8

Why I Love This Recipe

This appetizer feels elevated but takes almost zero effort. Creamy goat cheese gets topped with warm fig jam, honey, balsamic, thyme, and crunchy pecans for a sweet-savory bite that’s perfect with crostini or crackers. It’s one of those dishes that looks like you spent way more time on it than you did — great for holiday grazing boards or casual hosting.

Ingredients

• 10 oz soft goat cheese, room temp (~300 g)

• 1/2 cup fig jam

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped

• Crostini or crackers, for serving

• Optional: flaky sea salt, fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Spread the base. Spread the softened goat cheese on a shallow serving plate or small board. Drizzle the olive oil over the top.

2. Warm the jam. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the fig jam, honey, and balsamic vinegar until glossy and combined (about 3–5 min). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Layer the flavor. Drizzle the warm fig jam mixture over the goat cheese.

4. Add crunch & herbs. Sprinkle chopped pecans and thyme leaves over the top. Add flaky sea salt and cracked pepper if you like.

5. Serve. Bring to the table with crostini or crackers and let guests help themselves.

Notes

• Make-ahead: Warm the fig jam topping earlier in the day, let cool, then store separately. When ready to serve, spread goat cheese and top with cooled jam and pecans.

• Swap ideas: Toast pecans for extra crunch. If you don’t have fig jam, apricot or cranberry jam works too.

• Serving: This pairs beautifully with sliced apples or pears on the board.