Description
An irresistibly simple and elegant appetizer combining creamy, tangy goat cheese with sweet apricot jam, baked to perfection with honey, sliced almonds, and fresh thyme. Perfect for gatherings, snacks, or a cozy night in, this 5-ingredient baked goat cheese offers a balanced sweet and savory flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 4 ounces fresh, creamy goat cheese
- 3 tablespoons natural, slightly chunky apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the fresh goat cheese into a small round or place it in a small baking dish to maintain its shape during baking.
- Add Apricot Jam and Honey: Generously spoon the apricot jam over the goat cheese, spreading it gently and thoroughly. Drizzle honey on top to add natural sweetness and to help caramelize during baking.
- Sprinkle Sliced Almonds and Fresh Thyme: Evenly scatter sliced almonds over the jam and cheese, then finish by sprinkling fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant herbal touch.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and soft, the jam is bubbling, and the almonds are lightly toasted.
- Serve Warm: Allow the baked goat cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh fruit slices for scooping.
Notes
- Allow goat cheese to soften at room temperature before assembling for even baking and creaminess.
- Add fresh thyme right before baking to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
- Do not overbake to avoid over-melting and losing cheese texture.
- Use natural jams with fewer additives for a cleaner, authentic flavor.
- Lightly toast sliced almonds beforehand to enhance crunch and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg