Randy Chandler
Figs and goat cheese are a classic combination that can be served in a variety of ways, from appetizers to desserts. One popular method is to stuff fresh figs with soft goat cheese and drizzle them with honey, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile. This dish can be served as a starter or dessert and can be easily prepared without any cooking. For a more complex flavor, adding toppings such as maple-glazed walnuts, hazelnuts, or a balsamic glaze can take this simple dish to the next level. Alternatively, baking the stuffed figs with additional ingredients like walnuts, honey, and sage creates a warm and elegant appetizer. Goat cheese also pairs well with fig jam, and this combination can be served as a dip with crackers or crostini for a quick and easy holiday appetizer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, Dessert, Salad |
| Ingredients | Figs, Goat Cheese, Honey, Nuts, Salt, Blue Cheese, Balsamic Glaze, Olive Oil, Thyme, Bread, Crackers, Pecans, Pistachios, Chives, Arugula, Watercress, Prosciutto Ham, Balsamic Vinegar, Sage, Lemon Juice |
| Preparation | Wash and wipe figs, remove stems, cut figs, stuff with cheese, drizzle with honey, sprinkle nuts, add salt, bake, broil, coat in nuts, chill, serve |
| Time | 5-15 minutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Wine, Crackers, Bread, Crostini, Rosemary Crackers, Crunchy Vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a simple goat cheese dip with fig jam
This easy goat cheese dip with fig jam is a simple holiday appetizer that is sure to please all your guests. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and another 5 minutes to warm up the fig jam topping. You can prepare this ahead of time, and it can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To make this dip, you will need the following ingredients:
- Goat cheese
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Fig jam
- Balsamic vinegar
- Thyme
- Pecans or walnuts
- Sea salt
- Crackers or crostini
- Spread goat cheese in a low bowl or plate and drizzle with olive oil.
- In a small pot, warm honey, fig jam, and balsamic vinegar over medium heat, whisking to combine.
- Heat the mixture for about 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the fig jam mixture over the goat cheese.
- Top with fresh thyme leaves and pecan or walnut pieces.
- Add a pinch of sea salt and serve with crackers or crostini.
To make your own crostini, preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch-thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.
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Baked figs with goat cheese, walnuts, honey and sage
Baked figs with goat cheese, walnuts, honey, and sage is an elegant and easy appetizer that your guests will love. This simple dish highlights the unique flavor of figs in a beautiful way and pairs well with a glass of wine. Here is a detailed recipe for this delicious treat:
Ingredients:
- Figs
- Goat Cheese
- Honey
- Walnuts
- Sage
- Salt
- Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200 °C or 390 °F.
- Wash and wipe the figs gently.
- Cut off the stems of the figs and make an 'X' cut in the top of each fig, cutting halfway through.
- Using a teaspoon, gently stuff each fig with soft goat cheese.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts and sage over the stuffed figs.
- Drizzle honey over the figs.
- Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Place the figs in a baking dish, such as a Le Creuset rectangular baking dish, and broil for about 5 minutes, or until they look soft and release juice.
- Serve the baked figs warm or cold. They are delicious both ways and can be enjoyed as a sweet or savory dish.
This recipe is a wonderful way to showcase the versatility of figs and the perfect way to impress your guests at your next dinner party or gathering. Enjoy the combination of sweet and tangy flavors and the elegant, yet simple, presentation of this appetizer.
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Fresh figs stuffed with goat cheese and drizzled with honey
Ingredients:
- Fresh figs
- Soft goat cheese
- Honey (plain or lavender-infused)
- Walnuts (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions:
- Begin by gently washing and wiping the figs. Removing the stem with a sharp knife will make them easier to stuff.
- Cut the figs into quarters, ensuring you don't cut all the way through. You can also cut them in half if you prefer larger portions.
- Take a teaspoon of soft goat cheese and gently stuff it into the center of each fig. Use your fingers to roll the cheese into small balls that fit snugly into the figs.
- For an extra crunchy texture and flavor, you can top each fig with chopped and maple-glazed walnuts. To make the maple walnuts, toss chopped walnuts with maple syrup in a heated skillet. Cook until caramelized, then add a pinch of sea salt or smoked sea salt.
- Drizzle the stuffed figs with honey. You can warm the honey slightly so that it is pourable and easily drizzles over the figs. Lavender-infused honey adds a unique twist, or you could even try date honey.
- For a savory touch, sprinkle some salt over the figs. A tiny pinch of finishing salt or flaky sea salt will enhance the flavors.
- If you want to add some freshness and aroma, top the figs with chopped fresh thyme leaves.
- Plate the figs on a small plate with a fork and serve them as a starter or dessert. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, paired with a glass of wine.
This recipe is a delightful way to showcase the unique taste and texture of fresh figs, and the combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the simplicity of preparing this dish, and don't be surprised if your guests ask for seconds!
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Goat cheese appetizer with honey, fig and pistachios
This appetizer is a delightful combination of salty and sweet flavors and is incredibly easy to make. It takes just four simple ingredients and about 5 minutes to prepare. It is perfect for any time of the year but is especially loved during the fall and the holidays.
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese log
- Honey
- Fig preserves or fig spread/fig jam
- Chopped pistachios
- Water crackers, for serving
Optional Ingredients:
- Fresh rosemary
- Dried cranberries
- Apple slices
- Other fruits like grapes, pears, fresh figs, and dried apricots or cranberries
Instructions:
Take the goat cheese out of the refrigerator and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. Drizzle honey on a serving platter, place the thawed goat cheese on top, and drizzle more honey over the cheese. Immediately sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the cheese so they stick to it, and use your hands to place some pistachios on the sides. Gently spoon the fig preserves over the cheese and sprinkle the remaining pistachios on top. Serve immediately with water crackers.
Variations:
- For a holiday twist, add a few dried cranberries to the chopped pistachios before rolling the goat cheese log in them. Garnish the tray with fresh rosemary and cranberries.
- You can also serve this appetizer with apple slices or other fruits like grapes, pears, fresh figs, and dried apricots or cranberries.
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Figs with goat cheese and pecans
There are several ways to serve figs with goat cheese and pecans, and they all make for a great appetizer or dessert. Here is a simple recipe that you can make in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Fresh figs
- Goat cheese
- Pecans
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Thyme
- Salt
- Crackers or crostini
Instructions:
- Wash and wipe the figs and remove the stems.
- Cut the figs in half or lengthwise and place them on a large clean tray or plate.
- Cut the goat cheese into small pieces or crumble it.
- Roughly chop the pecans and, if using, the thyme sprigs.
- Top each fig half with a piece of goat cheese and a few chopped pecans. You can also add some thyme leaves and a drizzle of honey.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Serve with crackers or crostini.
Variations:
You can also try variations of this recipe by adding or substituting some ingredients. For example:
- Drizzle the goat cheese with warmed honey or lavender-infused honey before topping with the figs.
- Use maple-glazed pecans or walnuts instead of plain ones.
- Add a balsamic glaze to the final dish.
- Warm up some fig jam and drizzle it over the goat cheese before topping with the pecans.
- Substitute goat cheese with Brie or Camembert.
- Wrap the figs in prosciutto ham and bake them.
- Use almonds, pistachios, or pecans instead of walnuts.
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Frequently asked questions
This recipe can be made in under 10 minutes. First, spread goat cheese on a plate and drizzle with olive oil. Next, add honey, fig jam, and balsamic vinegar to a pot and heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool. Finally, drizzle the mixture over the goat cheese and serve with crackers or crostini.
First, cut fresh figs in half and remove the stems. Next, stuff each fig with a teaspoon of goat cheese. Then, drizzle the figs with honey or lavender-infused honey. Finally, top with maple-glazed walnuts and a pinch of finishing salt. Serve as finger food with napkins.
Cut figs in half and stuff each half with a teaspoon-sized ball of goat cheese. Then, drizzle the figs with balsamic vinegar. Finally, serve the figs over a bed of arugula or watercress.
