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Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam and Pecans

Goat cheese appetizer with fig jam and pecans—melted butter-toasted pecans are lightly candied, then layered over a creamy goat cheese log with glossy jam and honey. Finished with rosemary and flaky sea salt for a sweet-savory 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: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Goat cheese appetizer components
  • 8 oz goat cheese log
  • 0.33 cup fig jam
  • 0.33 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 0.06 flaky sea salt pinch
  • 1 crackers and sliced pears for serving

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Toast the pecans
  1. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat, then add the pecans and brown sugar. Stir until glossy and evenly coated (about 10 seconds), watching for the sugar to start melting.
  2. Toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the pecans are fragrant and lightly candied. Spread onto parchment to cool, letting the coating set and turn slightly tacky.
Assemble the appetizer
  1. Place the goat cheese log on a serving board. Position it centered so the jam can run down the sides cleanly.
  2. Spoon the fig jam over the top, letting it run down the sides. Add a bit more until the entire top is covered and the edges are glossy.
  3. Scatter the candied pecans and chopped rosemary over the jam. Aim for even coverage so each bite gets toasted crunch plus herbal aroma.
  4. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve immediately with crackers and sliced pears so the jam stays shiny.

Notes

Pro tip: cool the pecans on parchment so the candied sugar doesn’t keep cooking and turn bitter. Store assembled leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days; keep crackers separate for best texture. Freezing isn’t recommended because goat cheese and jam can weep after thawing. For a dairy-light option, swap the goat cheese log for a plant-based goat-style cheese if you want it still creamy (texture may vary).