Description
This Honey Fig Pistachio Goat Cheese Appetizer is a delightful combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, and rich fig spread, topped with crunchy roasted pistachios. Perfect for entertaining, it pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices or crackers, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Appetizer Ingredients
- 1 medium fresh goat cheese log (approx. 11 oz)
- ¼ cup roasted pistachios, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fig spread
- Crackers or bread for serving (e.g., 1 baguette)
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Serving Base: Slice bread or baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. For extra crispness, lightly toast them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-8 minutes until golden. Let cool. If using crackers, arrange them on a platter.
- Prepare Goat Cheese: Remove goat cheese from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before assembling to allow it to soften slightly. Slice the log into 1/4-inch rounds or gently crumble it.
- Assemble Appetizers: Spread or dollop a generous amount of goat cheese onto each cracker or toasted bread slice.
- Add Fig Spread and Honey: Top the goat cheese with a small amount of fig spread. Drizzle honey generously over the fig spread and goat cheese.
- Garnish and Season: Immediately sprinkle the chopped roasted pistachios over each appetizer (the honey helps them stick). Finish with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt and a very light grind of fresh black pepper. Optionally, garnish with small sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Serve: Serve the appetizers at or just slightly below room temperature for optimal flavor and texture. Assemble 15-30 minutes before serving for best results.
Notes
- Use fresh goat cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute fig spread with other fruit preserves such as apricot or raspberry if preferred.
- For extra crispness, toast bread slices thoroughly but avoid burning.
- The appetizer can be prepared up to 30 minutes in advance to maintain freshness.
- Consider using gluten-free crackers or bread to make this suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
