Description
Creamy goat cheese appetizer spread brings Mediterranean flavors to elegant appetizer platters. Herbs, garlic, and olive oil combine with tangy cheese, creating a simple yet sophisticated starter you can enjoy with warm crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (120 mL) fig jam
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup (40 g) chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
- 2 tbsps (8 g) chopped fresh thyme and rosemary
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the appetizer.
- Cheese Blend: In a mixing bowl, whip goat cheese and cream cheese until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Base Formation: Smoothly transfer the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish, carefully distributing it to form an even layer that will serve as the foundation for the appetizer.
- Flavor Layering: Generously dot the cheese surface with fig jam, creating an artistic marbling effect that introduces sweet complexity to the creamy base.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Elegantly drizzle balsamic vinegar across the top, introducing a tangy dimension that will elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Baking Process: Place the dish in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes warm, slightly bubbly, and releases an enticing aroma.
- Nut Preparation: Simultaneously toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, carefully stirring to develop a rich, golden-brown color and release their inherent nutty essence without scorching.
- Final Assembly: Extract the baked cheese spread from the oven and immediately embellish with the freshly toasted pecans and finely chopped herbs, creating a visually appealing and texturally interesting appetizer.
- Serving Suggestion: Present the warm spread alongside crisp crostini or crackers, inviting guests to indulge in this luxurious and flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, soft goat cheese with creamy texture for the best flavor and smooth blending.
- Balsamic Drizzle Technique: Add balsamic vinegar sparingly to enhance flavor without overwhelming the delicate cheese and fig combination.
- Pecan Toasting Precision: Watch pecans closely while toasting to prevent burning; nutty flavor develops quickly over medium heat.
- Serving Temperature Critical: Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the warm, melted cheese and maximize appetizer’s sensory experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg