Description
This easy 5-Ingredient Baked Goat Cheese with Apricot Jam is a quick and elegant appetizer perfect for any occasion. Creamy rounds of goat cheese are drizzled with olive oil, topped with sweet apricot jam and crunchy pistachios, then baked until warm and bubbly. Garnished with fresh thyme and served with crostini or crackers, this American-inspired dish is a simple yet impressive starter.
Ingredients
Baked Goat Cheese with Apricot Jam
- 300 grams (10 oz) goat cheese log, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup apricot jam or apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup chopped salted pistachios, divided
- Optional: fresh thyme for garnish
Variation: Baked Goat Cheese with Fig Jam
- 300 grams (10 oz) goat cheese log, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, divided
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Optional: fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the goat cheese slices.
- Prepare the goat cheese: Slice your goat cheese log into 1/2 inch rounds. If it crumbles, freeze it for 10-15 minutes beforehand to help it hold shape better.
- Arrange cheese in dish: Place the goat cheese rounds in a small baking dish or cast iron skillet in a single layer.
- Add oil and jam: Drizzle the rounds with extra-virgin olive oil and distribute spoonfuls of apricot jam into the gaps between the cheese slices.
- Add pistachios: Reserve 1 tablespoon of chopped pistachios for garnish, then sprinkle the remaining pistachios evenly over the cheese and jam.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until the goat cheese is warmed through and the jam is bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately with crostini or crackers.
- Variation (Fig Jam): Follow the same steps but drizzle olive oil and 1 tsp balsamic vinegar over the cheese rounds. Use fig jam instead of apricot jam, sprinkle chopped pecans instead of pistachios, and add 1 tsp orange zest before baking.
Notes
- For fall or winter variations, garnish with fresh rosemary instead of thyme for a warming aroma.
- To make your own crostini, slice a baguette into 1-inch slices, brush with olive oil, and toast in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes per side until golden.
- If using unsalted pistachios, add a pinch of salt over the baked cheese before serving to balance flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
