Goat Cheese Appetizers: Simple, Yet Sophisticated Ideas

what are some easy goat cheese appetizers

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in appetizers, mains, and desserts. It has a tangy, earthy flavor and a creamy yet stable texture, making it a great addition to any dish. When it comes to easy goat cheese appetizers, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as crostini, dips, pizzas, and more. These recipes typically involve a few simple ingredients and can be prepared in just a few minutes, making them perfect for last-minute get-togethers or holiday parties.

Characteristics Values
Preparation Time 5-10 minutes
Ingredients Goat cheese, fig jam, honey, pecans, thyme, sea salt, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, crostini, crackers, baguette, pistachios, rosemary crackers, cranberry nut crackers, apple slices, grapes, pears, fresh figs, dried fruit, bread, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, sea salt, chopped parsley, basil, rosemary, cured meats, veggies, balsamic glaze, black pepper, ricotta, cream cheese, candied tomatoes, shallots, root veggies, wine, spices, cream, feta, cauliflower, tarts, galettes, quesadillas, pesto, bacon, red onions, morel mushrooms, persimmons, toast, English muffins, yogurt, ice cream, bagel, brie, almonds
Recipe Spread goat cheese on a plate and drizzle with olive oil. Warm honey, fig jam, and balsamic vinegar over medium heat, and drizzle over the goat cheese. Top with thyme, sea salt, pecans, pistachios, honey, or herbs. Serve with crostini, crackers, or bread.

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Goat cheese with honey, fig and pistachios

Goat cheese with honey, fig, and pistachios is a simple yet elegant appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that will be a hit with your guests. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • Goat cheese log
  • Honey (preferably local or raw)
  • Fig jam or fig spread
  • Pistachios (roasted and chopped, or raw if preferred)
  • Optional: dried cranberries, rosemary, basil, or thyme for garnish

Instructions:

  • Take the goat cheese log out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will make it easier to work with and allow the flavors to blend.
  • Chop the pistachios into small pieces. If you prefer a finer texture, you can pulse them in a food processor.
  • Spread the chopped pistachios onto a small plate.
  • Roll the goat cheese log on the pistachios to coat the top and sides. You can also sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top of the goat cheese log if you prefer.
  • Drizzle the honey over the goat cheese log. You can warm the honey in the microwave or on the stovetop first to make it easier to drizzle.
  • Spoon the fig jam or spread over the goat cheese. You can also warm the fig jam along with the honey to make it more fluid.
  • Garnish with fresh rosemary, basil, or thyme for a pop of color and flavor (optional).
  • Serve with crackers, crostini, apple slices, or your favorite dippers!

This appetizer can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving so that the goat cheese is soft and spreadable. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this easy and elegant goat cheese appetizer!

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Goat cheese crostini with honey

To make this appetizer, preheat your oven to 350–375°F (190°C). Slice a baguette at an angle into 12–14 pieces and arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake the toasts for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway. The edges of the bread should be a nice golden brown. Remove the crostini toasts from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes while preparing the crostini toppings. In a small bowl, mix the goat cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. This will make it a bit lighter and easier to spread onto the toasts. Spread the goat cheese mixture on the toasted bread while it's still warm. Top with a sprinkle of pecans, fresh thyme leaves, sea salt, and ground black pepper, if desired. Before serving, drizzle each crostini with honey.

You can experiment with various toppings, including balsamic vinegar, fresh fruit, cured meats, or veggies. For example, you can add a layer of caramelized onions for a sweet and savory twist, or mushrooms for an umami burst of flavor. You can also top it with fresh figs or fig preserves for a burst of fruity flavor.

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Goat cheese with fig jam and pecans

Ingredients

  • Goat cheese
  • Fig jam
  • Honey
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Pecans
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Crostini or crackers

Instructions

  • Spread the softened goat cheese in a shallow bowl or plate and drizzle with olive oil.
  • In a small pan, whisk the honey, fig jam, and balsamic vinegar over medium heat. Heat for about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for another 5 minutes.
  • Drizzle the fig jam mixture over the goat cheese.
  • Top with fresh thyme leaves and pecan pieces.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt and serve with crackers or crostini.

If you want 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.

You can also try baking the goat cheese with fig jam and pecans. Simply freeze your goat cheese for 15 minutes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds, and place them in a small cast iron skillet or baking pan. Drizzle olive oil on top, add spoonfuls of fig jam, sprinkle with chopped pecans and thyme, and bake for 15-18 minutes. Serve with crackers or bread.

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Goat cheese with garlicky dressing

To make this appetizer, you will need a log of goat cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and chopped parsley. You can also add some dill and flat-leaf parsley for extra flavour. The first step is to whisk up the dressing by mixing the olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and parsley. You can also add some dill if you like.

Next, place the goat cheese log on a serving plate and score it lengthwise and then a few times crosswise to open it up. Pour the whisked dressing over the goat cheese. It is best to prepare this 30 minutes before serving so that the goat cheese softens and absorbs the flavours of the dressing. You can serve this appetizer with baguette slices or crackers. If you want to make it fancier, you can decorate the plate with some parsley sprigs.

This goat cheese appetizer is a great option for entertaining as it is simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time. It is also versatile and can be served as a spread, dip, or topping on various dishes. You can spread it on crusty artisan sourdough bread, grilled vegetables, or crackers. It also pairs well with eggs, pasta, or sandwiches. So, get creative and enjoy the delicious flavours of goat cheese with garlicky dressing!

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Goat cheese dip

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in appetizers, dips, and spreads. Here is a simple and quick recipe for a goat cheese dip that can be served as an appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • Goat cheese (a log or plain goat cheese)
  • Olive oil
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Garlic cloves
  • Fresh herbs (such as thyme, basil, or parsley)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, or roasted nuts

Instructions:

  • Crumble the goat cheese into a food processor or blender. A food processor will create a smoother and creamier texture.
  • Add in heavy whipping cream and garlic cloves. You can also add a small amount of cream cheese for a richer dip.
  • Process the ingredients until the mixture is whipped and creamy.
  • Transfer the dip to a small bowl and gently fold in the chopped herbs. You can also add roasted nuts to the mixture if desired.
  • Chill the dip in an airtight container until ready to serve. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Before serving, top the dip with additional chopped fresh herbs for garnish.
  • Serve the goat cheese dip with crackers, crostini, sturdy crackers, or vegetables for dipping. You can also serve it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Variations:

You can customize this goat cheese dip by adding different ingredients:

  • Drizzle with honey, fig jam, and balsamic vinegar, and top with pecans and thyme sprigs.
  • Add shredded Parmesan cheese and cream cheese for a baked goat cheese dip.
  • Use shredded cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan for a hot cheddar goat cheese dip.
  • Spread the dip on toast and top with roasted vegetables, such as butternut squash and cranberry jam.

Frequently asked questions

There are many easy goat cheese appetizers to choose from, including:

- Goat cheese with honey, fig and pistachios

- Goat cheese with fig jam and pecans

- Goat cheese crostini with honey

- Goat cheese with garlicky dressing

This recipe only requires four ingredients and takes five minutes to make. Chop the pistachios and place them on a plate. Roll a goat cheese log in the pistachios to coat the top and sides. Place on a serving tray and drizzle with honey. Heat fig spread in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and drizzle over the goat cheese. Serve with crackers or bread.

Spread goat cheese on a plate or bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Warm honey, fig jam and balsamic over medium heat, whisking to combine. Drizzle the mixture over the goat cheese. Top with thyme leaves and pecan pieces. Add a pinch of sea salt and serve with crackers or crostini.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Toast slices of baguette drizzled with olive oil. Spread half a tablespoon of goat cheese onto each slice and sprinkle with thyme. Drizzle with honey and serve.

Put a goat cheese log on a serving plate and score it lengthwise and a few times crosswise. Whisk the dressing ingredients (extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt and chopped parsley) and pour over the goat cheese. Prepare 30 minutes before serving so it softens and absorbs the flavours. Serve with baguette slices or crackers.

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