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Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam and Pecans

Goat Cheese Appetizer with fig jam and pecans features a warm, lightly candied pecan topping that contrasts with creamy goat cheese and sticky fig preserves. Spoon the jam over a goat cheese log, then finish with honey, rosemary, and flaky salt for a glossy, snack-ready bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Goat cheese log
  • 8 oz goat cheese log
Fig jam
  • 0.3333333333 cup fig jam
Pecans
  • 0.3333333333 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Butter
  • 1 tbsp butter
Brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
Honey
  • 1 tbsp honey
Fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Flaky sea salt
  • 1 flaky sea salt pinch
Crackers and pears for serving
  • 1 crackers and sliced pears for serving

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Toast the candied pecans
  1. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat, then add pecans and brown sugar. Stir to coat as the mixture warms, until it looks glossy.
  2. Toast for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring, until pecans are fragrant and lightly candied. Spread onto parchment to cool.
Assemble the goat cheese appetizer
  1. Place the goat cheese log on a serving board. Keep it centered so the topping runs down the sides.
  2. Spoon fig jam over the top, letting it run down the sides. Use enough to fully coat the rounded surface.
  3. Scatter candied pecans and rosemary over the jam. Press lightly so they adhere to the sticky surface.
  4. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, then serve. Arrange crackers and sliced pears around the board for dipping.

Notes

Pro tip: Cool the pecans briefly so the sugar set is firm, which helps them stay crunchy on top of the fig jam. Store assembled leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; re-toast pecans if needed for texture (note crackers may soften). Freezing is not recommended for the assembled appetizer. For a dairy-light swap, use low-fat goat cheese and reduce butter to 2 tsp while toasting the pecans.