Description
This Goat Cheese Appetizer blends creamy, tangy goat cheese with sweet honey, savory thyme, crunchy walnuts, and dried cranberries or figs. It’s an easy-to-make, no-bake dish perfect for entertaining or casual snacking.
Ingredients
8 ounces goat cheese, softened
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
¼ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries or figs, chopped
Fresh baguette or crackers, for serving
Olive oil, for drizzling
Fresh greens (like arugula or spinach) for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: In a medium bowl, mix softened goat cheese with fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the Cheese: Form the cheese mixture into a log or ball, based on your preference.
- Toast the Walnuts: Toast chopped walnuts in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.
- Chop the Fruits: Chop dried cranberries or figs into small pieces.
- Assemble the Appetizer: Place the shaped goat cheese on a serving platter and drizzle honey generously over it.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and chopped dried fruits over the honey-covered cheese.
- Garnish: Add fresh greens like arugula or spinach around the cheese for extra color and flavor.
- Serve with Baguette: Serve with slices of fresh baguette or crackers on the side.
Notes
For added flavor, you can experiment with rosemary, basil, or oregano as alternative herbs.
Adjust the sweetness with more honey or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra sweet-tangy touch.
Use different nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for a unique texture.
For a vegan version, substitute the goat cheese with cashew cheese or a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
