Name: Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces goat cheese (softened to room temperature); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature); 1/2 cup fig jam; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/3 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds, or pistachios); 2 tablespoons fresh thyme and rosemary, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for an appetizer that screams “effortlessly elegant” but is secretly quick and easy, this Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread is about to become your go-to. It’s creamy, tangy, beautifully sweet, and always a hit at gatherings. The luscious combination of soft goat cheese, sweet fig jam, fresh herbs, and crunchy nuts is swoon-worthy and so inviting. Whether you’re entertaining friends, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply elevating your snack game at home, this savory-sweet spread never fails to shine.

Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this spread shine is how each ingredient layers in flavor or texture, and you honestly don’t need anything fancy. Together, these essentials create a colorful and crowd-pleasing dish that’s just as perfect for special occasions as lazy weekends with a glass of wine.

Goat Cheese: Brings tanginess and a creamy texture that serves as the flavorful base for the spread.
Cream Cheese: Softens the goat cheese’s sharpness and adds a velvety consistency that’s easy to scoop.
Fig Jam: Infuses the dish with sweetness and a hint of fruitiness; store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang and depth; its acidity balances the creamy and sweet components perfectly.
Chopped Pecans: Delivers crunch and a nutty warmth; you can also swap for walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs bring a burst of color and earthiness that lifts every bite.

How to Make Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let your goat cheese and cream cheese sit out for a bit until they’re wonderfully soft and easy to mix. This smooth spreadable base is key for dreamy texture later on.

Step 2: Combine the Cheeses

In a medium mixing bowl, mash together the goat cheese and cream cheese until you have a creamy, lump-free blend. Mixing by hand works, but a hand mixer makes it extra silky if you want to put in a little extra love.

Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish

Spread the blended cheese evenly into the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish. You want a nice, even layer so the flavors meld together perfectly with every scoop.

Step 4: Add the Fig Jam

Gently layer the fig jam over the cheese mixture with a spatula, smoothing it all the way to the edges. That glossy layer will bubble up and infuse the cheese with a sweet, delicate flavor as it bakes.

Step 5: Balsamic Drizzle

Drizzle the balsamic vinegar right over the jam. As it bakes, this gives the spread just the right tangy depth, balancing out all the creamy sweetness below.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until you spot gentle bubbling around the edges and the jam looks hot and inviting. The aroma will let you know it’s just about ready!

Step 7: Toast the Nuts

Meanwhile, while the cheese and jam are baking, toast your chopped nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and pull them off the heat once they’re fragrant and just golden—this step brings out their sweetness and crunch.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once your Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread is done baking, sprinkle it with the toasted nuts and fresh herbs for color and that bright herbal aroma. Let it cool for a minute or two, then get ready to dive in with crostini, crackers, or crunchy veggies.

How to Serve Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread

Garnishes

Don’t skip out on garnishing! A dusting of finely chopped rosemary and thyme gives the dish its rustic charm, while those golden toasted pecans make each bite extra satisfying. For a festive look, scatter on a few edible flowers or pomegranate seeds if you have them handy. Your guests will swear you had this catered.

Side Dishes

This spread plays so well with a whole board of goodies. Think crisp crostini, hearty crackers, or baguette slices, plus an array of crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or fennel. For a holiday party, add salty prosciutto or charcuterie for a next-level grazing table. The creamy tang of the spread is incredible with briny olives or pickled veggies too.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it your own: swirl extra fig jam on top before serving, or shape the cheese spread into a fun round or rectangle for a more polished look. Individual ramekins make for adorable single-servings at brunches or showers. Or go rustic and let guests help themselves straight from the baking dish—no judgment, just rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply cover the dish or transfer the spread to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and tasty for up to three days, and the flavors become even richer over time—a real treat for next-day snacking.

Freezing

The texture of creamy cheeses can change after freezing, so it’s best to enjoy this spread fresh or from the fridge. If you absolutely need to freeze, wrap tightly (without nuts and herbs), and plan to refresh the garnishes after thawing. Defrost in the fridge overnight and stir before serving.

Reheating

Your Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread is just as lovely served warm or at room temperature. To reheat, pop it back into a 300°F oven until gently warmed through, about 10 minutes. Add fresh herbs and extra toasted nuts right before bringing it back to the table for the best flavor and crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t like goat cheese?

Absolutely! Cream cheese alone makes a mild, creamy base, or try ricotta for a lighter twist. If you still want a bit of tang without strong goat flavor, a mix of feta and cream cheese also works beautifully.

What kind of fig jam works best?

Any good-quality fig jam will shine in this recipe. Look for one with minimal added sugar and lots of fruit content—you can even use homemade jam if you’ve got it. Other fruit jams, like pear or apricot, play surprisingly well in a pinch.

Can I make Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread ahead of time?

You can assemble the cheese mixture and fig jam layers in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days before your event. Wait to add the balsamic drizzle and fresh toppings until just before baking for maximum freshness.

What are the best nuts to use for topping?

Pecans are classic here thanks to their buttery crunch, but walnuts, almonds, or pistachios are all delicious choices. Feel free to toast the nuts with a touch of honey or spice for an extra pop of flavor.

Is this spread gluten-free?

The spread itself is naturally gluten-free, so just pair it with gluten-free crackers or veggies if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions. Always double-check your fig jam and cheeses for additives, just to be safe.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing how a handful of ingredients can transform into the show-stealer at any party. Next time you need a memorable starter or a special nibble, try this Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread—it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your home just like it is in mine!

Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Spread is a delightful combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and crunchy nuts, perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

8 ounces goat cheese (softened to room temperature)
4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
1/2 cup fig jam
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
2 tablespoons fresh thyme and rosemary, finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth. Spread evenly into the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
Layer Fig Jam: Layer the fig jam over the cheese mixture, spreading it to cover evenly.
Add Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle balsamic vinegar on top of the fig jam.
Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the jam is bubbling and hot.
Toast Nuts: While the spread bakes, toast the chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant.
Finish and Serve: Remove the spread from the oven, then sprinkle it with fresh herbs and toasted pecans. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American