Creamy baked goat cheese topped with sweet fig jam and crunchy walnuts creates an elegant appetizer that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and textural elements.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French baguette, sliced diagonally into 2cm (3/4 inch) slices
- 200g soft goat cheese, at room temperature
- 60g cream cheese, softened
- 120ml fig jam or preserves
- 80g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 45ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic clove, halved
- 10ml fresh thyme leaves
- 15ml honey
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- to taste flaky sea salt
- 15ml fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange 1 loaf French baguette slices on a large baking sheet and brush both sides with 45ml extra virgin olive oil. Toast for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
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While still warm, rub one side of each toast with the cut 1 clove garlic clove for subtle garlic flavor.
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In a small bowl, mix 200g soft goat cheese and 60g cream cheese until smooth and well combined. Season with to taste freshly ground black pepper.
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In a small baking dish, spread the goat cheese mixture evenly. Drizzle 15ml honey over the top and sprinkle with 10ml fresh thyme leaves. Bake for 12-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly golden on top.
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Meanwhile, toast 80g walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
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Remove the warm goat cheese from the oven and dollop 120ml fig jam or preserves over the surface. Sprinkle with toasted 80g walnuts and garnish with 15ml fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) for garnish.
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Arrange the garlic-rubbed toasts around the baked goat cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of to taste flaky sea salt and serve immediately while the cheese is warm.
Tips
Bread Selection: Choose a crusty baguette with good structure that won't become soggy. Day-old bread actually works better for toasting.
Cheese Temperature: Let goat cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing and spreading. If it's too cold, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Fig Jam Alternatives: Substitute with apricot preserves, quince paste, or even a good quality grape jelly if fig jam isn't available.
Make Ahead: Toast the bread up to a day ahead and store in an airtight container. The goat cheese mixture can be prepared several hours in advance.
Serving Style: For individual portions, spread the cheese mixture directly on each toast before baking for 8-10 minutes.