Baked Goat Cheese with Vanilla Fig Jam and Walnuts
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This baked goat cheese with fig jam is an easy, elegant appetizer that’s ideal for serving with crostini or adding to a cheese board. The goat cheese bakes until soft and pillowy, with sweet figs and jam melting into the top for a beautiful contrast of flavors. Finished with walnuts and fresh thyme, it’s simple to make and always disappears fast.
This warm goat cheese with fig jam is one of those recipes that feels quietly impressive without trying too hard. A log of goat cheese is sliced into rounds, topped with sweet fig preserves, a hint of vanilla, and a few figs. When baked, the fresh fruit turns jammy, and the goat cheese melts into a soft, cloud-like dip. The contrast between tangy goat cheese and rich, fruity sweetness is simple and beautiful — exactly the kind of appetizer that draws people back for “just one more bite.”
After baking, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts adds crunch, and fresh thyme brings a subtle savory note that balances everything out. Serve it straight from the dish as a baked goat cheese dip with crackers, or spoon it onto toasted bread for easy fig and goat cheese crostini. It works just as well on a casual cheese board as it does dressed up for a holiday spread.
This recipe is also easy to prep ahead, making it a great easy appetizer for guests. Assemble everything in advance, then slide it into the oven just before serving so it’s warm, melty, and at its very best when people arrive.
What to serve with baked goat cheese
This baked goat cheese dip is lovely served warm with plenty of dippers for scooping and spreading. Crackers or crostini are a classic choice, especially something crisp and not too salty so the flavors can shine. Sliced baguette, parmesan and black pepper grissini, or thin toasts all work beautifully.
It also pairs well with fresh fruit like sliced pears or apples, and a small bowl of olives or nuts makes it feel like a complete cheese board. Set it out family-style and let everyone dig in — it’s the kind of appetizer that invites lingering around the table.
Two other baked cheese dips that you may enjoy are my pomegranate baked brie and my hot honey baked brie, both bring the same warm, cheesy goodness to the table. For more dip options, consider adding my party-worth hummus. Or check out all of my appetizer recipes for even more ideas!
Baked Goat Cheese with Vanilla Fig Jam and Walnuts
Ingredients
- 10 ounces goat cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup fig preserves
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the goat cheese into 12 rounds – if it starts to crumble, put the cheese into the freezer for 15 minutes before trying again.10 ounces goat cheese
- Arrange the goat cheese rounds in a small baking dish, sprinkle with salt, and dot the fig preserves around and into the cracks between the cheese. Drizzle the vanilla over the fig preserves.¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup fig preserves, ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Cover the baking dish and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the preserves are bubbling. Sprinkle the walnuts and thyme over top and serve right away.¼ cup toasted walnuts, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
